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Blood Bond	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4278 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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Chapter List
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The Joining

It was late when they finally made it back to camp. Zelda had wanted to thank Morrigan for showing them the way, but when she went to say it, Morrigan had disappeared. There was no sign of the mage anywhere. Nor any sign that she had left. It was as if she had vanished into the sky.
Once they entered camp, everyone they passed looked on at them with awe. They were the only group to enter the Wilds and came back with all their numbers, and with no one seriously injured. Alistair took the lead as he lead them back to Duncan. The bonfire was smaller than it had been when they first left. Laying down next to it was Rupee, but as soon as she heard the Wardens coming, she immediately jumped and ran to her mistress. Zelda held up her arms to try and keep the large hound from jumping on her, but it was no use. Rupee leaped into Zelda’s arms, knocking her on the ground. The hound licked Zelda’s face as Zelda tried to push her off.
“Yes, yes!” Zelda spat. “It’s good to see you too, Rupee. Now get off!”
The hound did as she was told and barked wildly.
“I see someone was missed,” said Alistair as he helped Zelda to her feet.
“Yes, apparently.” Zelda wiped herself off. “We must have been gone for quite awhile for her to act like that.”
Duncan made his way around the bonfire. The commotion Rupee made had caught his attention. “So you return from the Wilds,” he said sounding relieved. “Good. I was beginning to worry. You’ve been gone for quite some time.”
“How long have we been gone?” Zelda asked. “We had no sense of time.”
“Almost two days. King Cailan wanted to send in a search party, but I told him if you took any longer I would go in myself. I’m glad to see all of you are all right. Have you been successful?”
Two days? Zelda thought. It didn’t seem that long... but then again...
“We have,” Arawin said as she made her way to the front. She reached into her pack and handed the treaties to Duncan. He took and unrolled them, skimming through the words before rolling them back up.
“And we also got the blood,” Alistair said giving Duncan the four vials.
Duncan peered at the vials, shining them in the light of the fire. “Good,” he said pocketing the vials. “I’ve had the Circle mages preparing. With the blood you’ve retrieved, we can begin the Joining immediately.”
Zelda made her way and stood on the opposite side of Alistair. She wondered if mentioning what had happened would be wise. “Maybe we should tell you about Morrigan and her mother,” she said to Duncan.
“There was a woman at the tower and her mother had the scrolls” added Alistair. “They were both very... odd.”
“Were they wilder folk?” Duncan asked concerned.
“I don’t think so,” said Alistair. “They might be apostates.”
Duncan shook his head. “I know you were once a templar, Alistair, but Chantry business is not ours. We have the scrolls; let us focus on the Joining.”
Arawin made her way closer to the fire, using it to warm her frozen skin. “Now will you tell us what this ritual is about?” she asked rubbing her hands together.
Duncan sighed, knowing that he couldn’t hide the truth from them much longer. He only hoped that when they did learn the truth, none of them would act rash. He did not wish to deal with it if he had a choice. “I will not lie; we Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now rather than later.”
Zelda joined Arawin next to the fire, rubbing her arms and face, bringing feeling back to them. “Is that why the Joining is so secret?”
“If only such secrecy were unnecessary and all understood the necessity of such sacrifice. Sadly, that will never be so.” Duncan took the treaties and handed them back to Arawin. “Here, I have no place to put them at the moment. If you don’t mind hanging onto them for right now.”
“Sure,” said Arawin. “I'll make sure nothing happens to them.”
“As I knew to be true. Now, I must bring the blood to the mages. Alistair, take them to the old temple. I will join with you shortly.”
“As you wish, Duncan.”
Duncan made his way across the camp toward the Circle tower tents. Zelda watched him disappear into one that was lighted with a bluish glow.
“Let’s go, then,” she heard Daveth say. “I’m anxious to see this Joining now.”
“I agree,” said Ser Jory. “Let’s have it done.”
“Then if you’re all ready, I will take you to the temple,” Alistair said as he lead the way. They followed behind him, reluctant to leave the fire, but anxious to begin the Joining. It frightened all of them, but there was no going back now. They would learn soon enough.
As they walked, they passed the kennels, and Arawin stopped. “You guys go ahead,” she yelled at them.
“What are you doing?” Alistair asked.
“I just have some business to attend to. I won’t be long. Don’t start the Joining without me.”
“Fine.” He waved her off.
Arawin found the kennel master once again hanging over the fence tending to the same sick hound. Good, he’s still alive. It’s not too late... I hope.
“Oh, there you are,” he said seeing Arawin. He righted himself and smiled at her. “I was afraid you went into the Wilds and was taken by the darkspawn. I would have felt horrible if you had been killed just to find me a flower.”
“No,” said Arawin. “Darkspawn are nothing. And I didn’t go into the Wilds just for a flower. It was a test for my Grey Warden Joining, which I need to get to. I just wanted to bring you the flower before then. Is he doing okay?”
“The mabari is stable for now, but not improving. Fortunately, if you have the flower then I can make an ointment and he’ll recover in no time.”
“Then it’s a good thing I found it, right?” Arawin handed him the flower and his faced lighted up.
“Yes, that’s exactly it, wonderful! I’ll get right to work making the ointment.”
The kennel master turned and sat on a stool. He took out a mortar and pastel and began grinding up the flower. Arawin lend over the fence and stared down at the dog. The poor thing still looked weak. She lowered her hand and stroked the dog’s head. The collar around his neck was made of worn black leather with several steel spikes. Some of the spikes were missing, while others were broken or dulled. A tag hung loosely next to the hounds face, and when Arawin examined it, she read the name: Kunjo.
“It’s okay, Kunjo,” Arawin said in a soft voice. “The medicine is being made. You’ll feel better real soon.”
The dog lazily opened his eyes and stared up at her. She could see a little light coming back to them, and it made her smile. The dog wagged his tail, but it was a weak gesture. He soon stopped, as it seemed to pain him. He then closed his eyes and breathed out deeply.
Arawin straightened and stood before the kennel master who was adding ingredients to the mortar and mixing them together. “How long before there’s an improvement?”
“A day, maybe two,” he said not looking at her. “There’s enough here for him to make a full recovery.” He stopped what he was doing and looked up at her. “Why not come back after the battle? Perhaps we can see about imprinting him on you then.”
“You think that’s possible?”
“Maybe. From the way I just saw him react to you, it’s likely he understands you’re responsible for curing him. Mabari are at least as smart as your average tax collector. Come back after the battle and we’ll just give it a try.”
Arawin smiled again, broadly. She was excited to know she might soon have a dog of her own. “I will then. Just make sure he gets better.”
“Thanks to you, he will.” The kennel master went back to grinding the mixture. Intense concentration showing on his face.
Arawin made her way from the kennels. She headed to the temple where the others were waiting for her. Now all she needed to do was get through the Joining and the battle.
***
The four recruits waited patiently in the crumpled ruin for Duncan to appear. They all were nervous, wanting to get the Joining over with, and to know what it was exactly. Alistair stood with them, but his silence made them unaware of his presence.
“The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it,” said Ser Jory as he paced about. His constant moving back and forth was beginning to wear on Arawin’s nerves.
“Are you blubbering again?” said Daveth.
“Why all these damned tests?” Ser Jory continued. “Have I not earned my place?”
“Maybe it’s tradition. Maybe they’re just trying to annoy you.”
“Like you’re annoying me,” whispered Arawin as she rubbed her temples.
“I don’t like this any more than you do,” said Zelda. She was sitting on a broken altar, listening to Ser Jory and Daveth, and contemplating the Joining herself.
“Are all humans such cowards?” said Arawin. She was leaning on a pillar, arms crossed and head against the cold stone.
“I only know that my wife is in Redcliffe with a child on the way,” said Ser Jory, continuing his pacing. “If they had warned me... it just doesn’t seem fair.”
“Would you have come if they’d warned you?” asked Daveth. “Maybe that’s why they don’t. The Wardens do what they must, right?”
“Including sacrificing us?”
“I’d sacrifice a lot more if I knew it would end the Blight.”
“But what if a sacrifice does nothing?” said Zelda. “We don’t know anything.”
“Don’t we?” asked Daveth. “The Grey Wardens have saved the world from darkspawn before. I’d say they know better than anyone what it takes. You saw those darkspawn, ser knight. Wouldn’t you die to protect your pretty wife from them?”
“I...” Ser Jory seemed speechless at Daveth’s words.
“Maybe you’ll die,” Daveth continued. “Maybe we’ll all die. If nobody stops the darkspawn, we’ll die for sure.”
“I’ve just never faced a foe I could not engage with my blade.” Ser Jory stopped his pacing and sighed. “I just don’t see why they couldn’t give us some type of hint.”
“They did,” said Zelda. Everyone turned to look at her. Zelda did not stare at any of them, only kept her head down and stared at the ground. “Duncan mentioned something about the mages preparing.”
“So?” said Arawin.
“The only thing I can think of that would require mages is lyrium. What if we have to drink something, such as lyrium, like the templars do?”
“If I have to drink lyrium, they can forget it,” said Arawin. “I’ve seen it’s withdrawal affects first hand. It’s not a pretty sight.”
“Where have you seen lyrium withdrawal?” asked Daveth.
“Hello? I lived in an alienage! The lowest place in society according to humans. I’ve seen plenty there to know much about certain things. Such as don’t ever mix deep mushroom, deathroot, and ale. It will kill you.”
Zelda placed her hand on her chin. She still stared at the ground, at a particular spot that didn’t really have any significance. Just to allow her to contemplate. “I wonder what it’s like to drink lyrium.”
“Why don’t you go ask Alice,” said Arawin.
“It’s Alistair,” said Alistair. His voice brought Zelda back. She hadn’t realized he was standing there. Neither of them did.
“I wasn’t really referring to you,” said Arawin. “But hey, it works! I think I found a nickname for you.”
“Right, call me that again and see how fast I throw you into the Wilds, leaving you to the mercy of the darkspawn.”
“I would love to see you try... Alis.” Alistair stood where he was and glared at her. “As I thought. Filled with nothing but empty threats. I am disappointed.”
“If you two are done,” Zelda said standing. “I think we're about to start. I see Duncan coming this way.”
Everyone froze as they realized that the Joining was finally about to begin. As they saw Duncan walking up the ramp to the ruin, they noticed a tray in his hands. On the tray were four chalices. Filled with what, they couldn’t see, and almost didn’t want to know.
“At last we come to the Joining,” said Duncan as he passed them by and placed the tray on a table. He turned to face them. “The Grey Wardens were founded during the first Blight, when humanity stood on the verge of annihilation. So it was that the first Grey Wardens drank of darkspawn blood and mastered their taint.”
Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise and fear.
“I can’t believe you were right about something,” Arawin said to Zelda.
“I said we might be drinking lyrium, not blood! But it makes sense now. Why didn’t I think of the blood?”
Ser Jory shook his head. He was in disbelief. “We’re... going to drink the blood of those... those creatures?”
“But isn’t darkspawn blood poison?” asked Zelda. “Men, animals, all have died from it.”
“It is, but we have specially prepared it. As the first Grey Wardens did before us, as we did before you,” said Duncan. “This is the source of our power and our victory.”
“Those who survive the Joining become immune to the taint,” said Alistair. “We can sense it in the darkspawn and use it to slay the archdemon.”
“Th-those who survive?” said Arawin nervously.
“Not all who drink the blood will survive,” said Duncan looking at all of them gravely. “And those who do are forever changed. This is why the Joining is a secret. It is the price we pay.”
“Heavy price,” Zelda spoke softly.
Duncan went on. “We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?”
Alistair cleared his throat and bowed his head. “Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand, vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you.”
Once Alistair was done, Duncan made his way to the table and grabbed one of the chalices. He faced forward and raised the cup. “Let us begin. Daveth, step forward.”
Daveth hesitated for a moment before he finally took the steps and stood before Duncan. He took the chalice and eyed the contents within. Swallowing hard, and looking behind him at the others, he soon drank down the blood.
Immediately, something began to happen. Daveth started shaking, and he recoiled, screaming in pain. Duncan backed away from him, giving him room as Daveth began flaring about. He pulled at his hair, falling to his knees and howling with fierce agony.
“Maker’s breath!” cried Ser Jory.
Daveth let out a last, agonizing scream. He soon fell to the ground, and laid still.
“I am sorry, Daveth,” said Duncan. He knelt next to his body and closed Daveth’s eyes. Duncan then went back to the table and took another chalice. “Step forward Ser Jory.”
“But... I have a wife. A child! Had I known...” Ser Jory began stepping away from Duncan.
“There is no turning back,” said Duncan as he pursued him.
“No! You ask too much! There is no glory in this!” Ser Jory pulled out his sword and held it in front of him.
“Ser Jory, no!” yelled Zelda. She went to stop him, but was held back by Alistair. He shook his head, and Zelda understood, if reluctantly.
Duncan pulled out a dagger from his belt. Ser Jory swung at him, his large sword hitting Duncan’s arm, causing him to drop the chalice. The cup fell to the floor, and it’s contents spilled all over the ground. Ser Jory swung again, but Duncan was able to deflect the blow. Their blades clashed as Ser Jory desperately tried to get away. Duncan backed him up to the table, pinning him. The knight made one last attempt to free himself, but with a quick step to the left, Duncan was able to elude the swing and embed the dagger into Ser Jory’s abdomen.
“I am sorry,” he said as he pulled the dagger out.
Ser Jory coughed and fell. He landed on the table, and with a convulsion, fell to the ground, but not without taking with him another chalice.
Zelda and Arawin looked on at the scene stunned. None of them able to say a word. There was only one chalice left now. Duncan replaced his dagger and stared at it sighing. He picked it up and turned on the women.
“There’s only one left,” whispered Zelda. “What's to be done?”
“I'm not dying for you,” Arawin growled. “I'm not going to fight Duncan, either. Did you see that? He was able to defeat Ser Jory, who had a great sword, with a dagger! I don’t even think I could do that!”
“Well, I’m sure not going to give my life for you!”
Duncan stood before them and they both stopped and stared to him with blinking eyes. Their hearts beating, ready to leap from their chests. “The Joining is not yet complete,” he said. “If both of you are willing, then you may both drink from the same chalice.”
“Really?” said Alistair. “They can do that?”
“We don’t have much of a choice,” Duncan sighed. He presented the chalice to both of them. “You are called upon to submit yourself to the taint for the greater good.”
The two women looked at each other. Neither one willing to take the first drink.
“Oh, sod it,” said Arawin. She took the chalice from Duncan and drank. She handed it to Zelda, who took the chalice just as Arawin began shaking. Zelda watched as Arawin grabbed her head and began screaming, just like Daveth had done.
Looking into the chalice, the liquid inside was a blackish void. It smelled of a foul stench Zelda couldn’t place. She breathed in deeply and drank.
The liquid ran down her throat like fire. She felt it burn, spreading through her whole body. Her own convulsions began. The pain seeping through her veins, into her limbs and once it reached her head, the real nightmare began.
Zelda saw nothing but white. It felt like she was in an inferno. Searing and burning pain. She screamed, but nothing seemed to be coming from her mouth. She could hear nothing, except, there was something. A humming sound. It was faint at first, but then started to grow louder. It became so loud it turned into a roar and threatened to overwhelm her. Then, within her sight, a creature appeared. It was fierce and terrifying. A dragon, but not a dragon. The humming sound was coming from the creature. It spread it’s wings and let out a deafening roar. Dark fire erupted from it’s mouth, enveloping the entire area. It looked at her with large, dark eyes. Then all went black.
***
Zelda opened her eyes to find Alistair and Duncan in her view, her vision blurry. They stared down at her, as she realized she was lying on the ground.
“From this moment forth, you are a Grey Warden,” said Duncan.
Zelda blinked, trying to regain her full sight. Her head pounded, and when she looked to the side, she saw Arawin sitting up, shaking her head and trying to stand. Duncan went over to her and helped her up. Alistair helped Zelda stand, and the two women stood where they were, wondering if they were dreaming.
“It is finished,” Duncan nodded. “Welcome.”
Arawin and Zelda nodded to him as best they could. The reality that they were still alive and were now Grey Wardens was sinking into their skulls. But they weren’t sure what having the taint meant. Besides the fact they felt horrible, nothing else felt different to them.
“Two more deaths,” Alistair sighed. He faced the bodies of Daveth and Ser Jory. The bloody mess shining in the moonlight. “In my Joining, only one of us died, but it was... horrible. I’m glad both of you made it through.”
“How do you feel?” asked Duncan.
Arawin moaned and stumbled about. “I feel like I just drank an entire tankard of dwarven ale. Nothing you said prepared me for that.”
“The pain...” Zelda shuddered. She held herself close. “That was unbelievable...”
“Such is what it takes to be a Grey Warden,” said Duncan, giving them both reassuring glances. “The worst of it is finished, but there are still unpleasant things.”
“Did you have dreams?” Alistair chimed in. “I had terrible dreams during my Joining.”
“Dreams?” said Zelda. “You mean... the dragon?”
“You saw it too?” asked Arawin. “I thought that meant I was dead. It’s song... Did you hear it?”
“I heard it, but I don’t understand what any of it means.”
“Such dreams will continue when you begin to sense the darkspawn, as we all do,” Duncan explained. “That and many other things can be explained in the months to come.”
Alistair stepped forward and handed Zelda and Arawin both a necklace with a pendent dangling from them. “ Before I forget,” he said. “There is one last part to your Joining. We take some of the blood you drank and put it in a pendent. Something to remind us... of those who didn’t make it this far.” The pendents were the same black color that the blood was. It swirled within it’s glass containment, giving it an eerie glow. One could get lost in that swirl if they stared too long. Both Arawin and Zelda placed the pendents around their necks and under their armor.
Once the pendent was tucked away, Zelda then fixed her gaze on Daveth’s body. It laid there motionless, cold. She thought how that could have been easily her. “Why did Daveth die? Why did we live?”
“The taint response to everyone differently,” said Duncan. “Even among the Grey Wardens, none of us seem to experience it in the same way. You will learn in time how it has affected you.” He looked at the two women and saw how tired they were. “Take some time. You both will need it. When you are ready, I’d like you to accompany me to a meeting with the king. He has asked that the two of you join in the discussion.”
“What kind of meeting?” asked Zelda.
“And why would he want to see us?” said Arawin.
“The king is discussing strategy for the upcoming battle. I am not sure why he has requested your presence. The meeting is to the west, down the stairs. Please attend as soon as you are able.” Bowing to them, Duncan then took his leave. Alistair stayed where he was, watching Duncan go. He seemed disappointed.
“What’s wrong, Alis?” Arawin asked seeing the hurt in his face. “You look as if you want to come to the meeting with us.”
“Huh?” Alistair glanced over at her, the question bringing him out of his stupor. “It’s... nothing. Now I should go, and you two need to get to that meeting. Don’t want to upset the king.” He made to take his own leave, but not before he was stopped by Zelda.
“I’m sure there's a reason the king didn’t invite you, if that’s what you're upset about,” she said. “I believe he just wants to see the newest members of the Grey Wardens.”
“Yeah, then we’ll be treated just as you are, perhaps even worse since we’re greenhorns,” Arawin sneered.
“It’s not that,” said Alistair. “It’s...” He almost seemed to want to tell them something, but he hesitated and shook his head. “It’s nothing. Now please go ahead to the meeting and don’t worry about me. I’ll be next to the fire at camp when you're finished.”
“If Rupee is still there, could you tell her that I’m still alive and I’ll be back soon,” said Zelda. “I don’t want her to worry or anything.”
“Sure, is there anything else I should do?”
“Yes, I need my armor oiled, and my swords polished, and let’s see...” Arawin thought for a moment. “And having dinner ready when we get back would be awesome.”
“Ha, ha,” said Alistair. “You know, it just occurred to me that I'm no longer the junior member. You two are, so be prepared to be treated as such. Now if you would excuse me, I must go attend to my senior duties, I suppose.” Alistair left, leaving the two women alone in the ruins. Neither of them looking at each other or making an attempt to talk. It stayed silent until Zelda took the initiative.
“So, should we go to the meeting, then? It's probably already started.”
“Why does the king want to see us?” said Arawin. “I mean, he’s already met us, and he didn’t seem to be too impressed by me.”
“You did just blurt out you killed an arl’s son, you know. That’s not really something to be bolstering about, even if it was Vaughan. Do you know how much trouble your action is going to cause, and what Cailan has to go through in order to tame it?”
“No, and I don’t care.”
“Of course you don’t.” Zelda sighed. “But I think why he wants to see us is because he just wants to see anyone who survived. If... Daveth and Ser Jory were still alive... they would be coming too.” Both of them made an attempt to not look behind them at the grisly scene. “Shall we?” Zelda gestured forward.
“If we must,” said Arawin. “Let’s get this over with.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond