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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Experiments

“Stop that, Shianni! Why must you always touch my stomach?” Arawin shifted her body away from her cousin, who upon greeting her made to move straight for her protruding belly.
“Oh, Arawin,” Shianni said rolling her eyes. “Valora wasn't nearly as touchy as you are. Besides, I want to feel when my niece is kicking. What's wrong with that?”
“Because you didn't ask my permission first. Do you know how annoying it is for people to just come up to you and start feeling your belly? They go 'Oh, you're pregnant! May I?', although by the time they ask their hand is already invading my personal space.”
“Alright, alright, I can understand complete strangers,” Shianni sighed. “But I'm family.”
“Which means you should understand it better than anyone else! And what do you mean niece? I never said anything about it being a girl.”
“Hopeful thinking, I guess. Assan is a dear little boy and all, but I'm ready for a little girl now.”
“So either wait for Valora to provide you one or go out there and get a man so you can have your own. Then I'll come up to you and rub your belly every time I see you.”
“Come on, Arawin!”
“No!” Arawin made her way down the hall where her cousin had caught her. She had been on her way to the throne room to find Zelda who was entertaining a few nobles who had arrived for the Landsmeet. Most of the nobles there were undecided and Zelda needed to know how best to engage them.
“So, it really isn't a girl?” Shianni asked following her.
“I don't know, it could be,” Arawin said slowing down.
“Are mages able to check such things? I didn't think they could.”
“I don't think they can, but I haven't been checked by a mage. Lisha's the one who's been taking care of me. But... this is something hard to explain. It feels like a boy, is the best I can say.”
“Really? Well... drat. There goes all my fun. And here I thought I was going to get a niece to spoil with pretty dresses.”
Arawin gagged. “Even if I was having a girl, I would never let you dress her. Your fashion sense is way off. Look at what you're wearing now!”
“What's wrong with this?” Shianni said as she looked down at her dress. It was green with light green sleeves and silk hems. It was an expensive garment worn by nobles. “I think I look good, especially when you compare me to those human nobles.”
“You're right, you look good, but you're still not buying little dresses. Especially if I'm having a boy.”
“Don't think I'm not going to play an active part, at least. Even if you are in Amaranthine.”
“Yes, yes. Just don't--” Arawin stopped walking, nearly making Shianni run into her. When her cousin went to ask what the problem was, she soon saw why and shut her mouth. Down the hall, walking toward them was Lady Dina.
“Greetings, Commander,” Lady Dina said when she reached them. She bowed lightly, only nodding her head. “I have been looking for you.”
“Really?” Arawin said surprised. “Why would you be looking for me?”
“It's nice to see you, too, Lady Dina,” Shianni said harsh. The human had not acknowledged her at all, not even looking at her when she said something.
“It's actually something I would like to discuss with you in private,” Lady Dina said, her eyes only on Arawin, never even glancing at Shianni.
“You're already acting as if she's not here, so what's the problem?” Arawin asked crossing her arms.
Lady Dina finally looked in Shianni's direction, but only for a second before staring back at Arawin. “Better? Now, may we speak privately?”
“You're pushing me, you know,” Arawin growled. “I might be pregnant, but I can still kick your ass!”
“Alright, Arawin,” Shianni said stopping her from advancing. “Calm yourself before you force yourself into labor. I'll go ahead and leave.”
“You don't need to. Whatever she has to say to me, she can say to you as well.”
“No, I need to get going anyway. I still have a few things I need to deal with in the alienage. I'll see you tonight, though.” Shianni hugged Arawin before leaving, giving Lady Dina an evil glare before walking down the hall.
“Would you like to sit down?” the human asked. She seemed to be trying to act nice, but Arawin could see right through it.
“I'm fine. Now what do you want?”
“I just wanted to know what the Grey Warden's intentions were in Amaranthine. Are you planning on staying there long?”
“What are you talking about? Of course we're going to be there for a long time! King Alistair granted the arling to the Grey Wardens. It's ours and will serve as our base here in Ferelden.”
“Oh, because I was under the impression your order would be leaving after you dealt with the darkspawn. Why would you stay if there are no darkspawn to fight?”
Arawin had to stare at the human, wondering what was going through her mind. “Darkspawn don't just go away. They will still be here, they were here even before the Blight. They were just underground most of the time. If you think we're going to leave just because the Blight is over, then you're mistaken.”
“Oh no, I'm not mistaken,” she said. “Once you deal with the darkspawn on the surface and once this Landsmeet has concluded itself, you will be leaving Ferelden. For good.”
“Excuse me?” Arawin said bewildered. “You can't possible think--”
“Don't flatter yourself,” Lady Dina cut her off. “If you think Zelda is going to stay queen, then you don't know the Landsmeet very well. If you also think I'm going to let your order stay in Amaranthine to mess things up, then you don't know me.”
“No, you shouldn't flatter yourself,” Arawin spat. “Don't go thinking the Landsmeet is going to make you queen just because you started this bullshit. Zelda is respected with a lot of friends who would do anything to keep her queen and you from taking the throne. Shianni for one--”
“Oh, and about her, too,” Lady Dina cut Arawin off again. “Your cousin has done a fine job cleaning up the alienage and all, but elves really have no place in court. Not unless they're servants. So once I do became queen—and I will—then her position as bann of the alienage will be nullified.”
“How dare you threaten my cousin like that!” Arawin yelled. “And what makes you think you're going to be queen anyway? Even if Zelda is taken off the throne, Alistair has already declared he would resign as well. Which means Ferelden will be thrown into chaos as they fight over who will be king. That's not exactly going to work in your favor, Lady Dina.”
“Actually,” Lady Dina said getting closer to her. “That's what I'm counting on. You see, I don't care who's king, as long as I'm queen, everything will be set right.”
“Set right...? Are you talking about Anora?”
“Your fellow Grey Wardens had my friend executed under false pretenses. Then they give the Hero of River Dane's teyrn to a commoner, one who has no business ruling. So yes, I very much intend to become queen and set things right.”
Arawin couldn't believe what she was hearing, and the fact Lady Dina would just right up and tell her. She knew the human had been bad news from the start. Anyone who claimed to be Anora's friend had to have some type of evil streak within them.
“So why are you telling me this? You know I can easily go to Zelda right now and tell her everything you said.”
“Of course you can,” said Lady Dina. “I won't stop you. You can go warn her, if you wish. I guarantee though, she probably already knows. And if so, means she also knows there's nothing she can do about it. No matter how many nobles she has on her side, the Landsmeet will still vote in my favor. She and Alistair are on borrowed time. And so are you. Commander.” She smiled at Arawin with that same sinister smile she remembered Anora having. Arawin then watched her turn around and walk back down the hall, feeling angry and confused.
Arawin stood where she was for a moment, her fists clinched tight. She released them when she saw Lady Dina disappear around a corner. Once she was out of sight, Arawin made her own way down the hall and toward the throne room. There she found Zelda, along with other nobles. Jowan and a few others dressed as he was, stood in the background.
“Whoa, Arawin, what's the rush?” he said seeing her make her way into the room.
“I need to talk to Zelda,” she said. “Me and Lady Dina just had a very interesting chat.”
“Really? Well you should be able to here soon. I think they're almost done.”
“Well they're done now.”
Arawin made her way to Zelda, forcing her way through the crowd. She spotted a few nobles she recognized. There was Bann Alfstanna from the Waking Seas, a supporter of Zelda after she saved her brother from Howe's dungeons. There was also Arl Bryland of South Reach, and Lady Isolde, Arl Eamon's wife from Redcliffe. They all stood in a group, talking.
“I know the situation is bad, your Majesty,” said Alfstanna. “But there is no way we're going to let Lady Dina take you off the throne.”
“Alfstanna,” said Zelda. “I appreciate all that you are doing for me, all that you all are doing. I just hope it's enough.”
“It will be,” said Arl Bryland. “There is nothing Lady Dina can bring that will persuade us from keeping you as queen. Both you and the king have done far too much for Ferelden to lose you both as our rulers. We are in a time of peace now. Even if there are still darkspawn around, Ferelden is getting back on its feet.”
“Zelda! Excuse me,” Arawin said as she made her way through. “Zelda! Do you think we could have a moment, please?”
“What? Oh, Arawin,” Zelda said seeing her. “What do you need?”
“Just please come with me.” Arawin took her by the arm and pulled her from the nobles. “Don't worry, I'll bring her right back,” Arawin said to them. She pulled Zelda to a corner of the room, away from the crowd. “Lady Dina just came up to me,” Arawin started. “And told me some very interesting things.”
“Really?” Zelda said surprised. “What did she have to talk to you about?”
“She wanted to know how long the Grey Wardens planned on staying in Amaranthine. Apparently she thinks the Order is leaving right after we deal with the darkspawn. I told her we were here permanently, then she said that wouldn't be the case. She said once she becomes queen, not only is she going to kick the Grey Wardens out, but she's also going to get rid of my cousin's position. Can you believe that?”
“Actually, I can,” said Zelda. “I figure it's because she wants to get rid of Alistair and I permanently. Once we are no longer king and queen, we do plan on going back to the Grey Wardens.”
“You still don't think you're going to lose, do you? Because you're not! You can't let her win!”
“Arawin... I've already told you it would be best if I wasn't queen. I can't give Ferelden an heir. It's that simple.”
“You do realize Lady Dina plans on becoming queen no matter what happens and will more than likely do worse than just exile the Grey Wardens!”
“I have a feeling she may call for both Alistair's and my executions for treason or something like that.”
“And you're just going to let that happen?” Arawin asked surprised.
“No, but... she will have the right if she desires.”
Arawin shook her head. “I can't believe you. After all we've been through to get here, you're just going to up and give-in? That's not the Zelda I know! And what about what you're saying out there with the nobles?”
“I don't want to just... tell them thanks but no thanks. They're doing all they can for me, but in the end it won't matter. And they know that as well.”
Arawin sighed, knowing it was no use talking any sense into her. “Look, I'm leaving in the next day or so, and then the Landsmeet will start. When it's over, I want you to come visit me in Amaranthine, and it better be as queen of Ferelden.” Arawin stormed away, her swollen legs only able to take her so fast away from the throne room and the sadness that she could feel radiating off from Zelda.
***
“Lisha... Lisha... wake up, please.”
Something was shaking her gently, forcing her out of a deep sleep and into a blurry world of dark colors. Lisha opened her eyes to find herself on the floor of a cell, Nathaniel right over her with Anders next to him.
“She's fine,” said the mage. “Just like everyone else. It was just a very powerful sleeping spell. Got me too, even when I tried to block it.”
“Lisha?” Nathaniel said seeing she was finally awake. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah... I think,” she said pushing herself up to her knees. Her head felt heavy, like she had been asleep for days. “What happened? Where are we?”
“In a dungeon, I think,” Nathaniel answered. “The rest of us just woke a few minutes ago.”
Lisha rubbed the blurriness from her eyes to see Sigrun and Velanna standing to the side. Sigrun was at the door of their cell, looking as if she was trying to pick the lock.
“Damn it!” Sigrun cursed. “This thing is too old and rusted. I can't get it to budge!”
“Let me give it a try,” Nathaniel said as he stood and went to her.
“Be my guest.” The dwarf moved out of the way to let him at the lock. Nathaniel tinkered with it for several minutes before getting frustrated as well and backing away.
“I can't get it either! They took my lock picking kit away, so there's little I can do.”
As Lisha stood, she noticed that the darkspawn had taken everything. All of them were wearing commoner clothing, their armor and weapons striped. Anders didn't even have his robes or satchel that contained all his herbs and healing potions. It wasn't a good feeling to realize that darkspawn had taken all their things.
“Do any of you have any plans on how we're going to get out of here?” Lisha asked.
“Well, one plan was to pick the lock,” said Sigrun. “But that plan is an obvious failure.”
“We need to think of something. I would rather not be here when that darkspawn decides to have that little chat he was talking about.”
“What do you mean, Commander?” said Anders. “What darkspawn?”
“Did neither of you wake before now?” They all shook their heads. “Well, before waking here, I found myself in a room lying on a table with a strange darkspawn looking over me. He was... different, even from the talking ones we've already encountered. Intelligent, and talking to me with respect. I believe he was the same darkspawn I saw on the platform before getting caught in his spell.”
“So he woke you and the two of you had a little chat?” Nathaniel asked.
“Sort of, I mean, I couldn't talk, and maybe I woke myself, but he said we would have a longer discussion later. I don't know about the rest of you, but I would rather not have that discussion. We need to find a way out of here.”
“I would agree with you on that,” said Sigrun. “But first we need to get out of this cell.”
Velanna had been quiet the whole time, leaning against the bars and staring out. She suddenly came out of her stupor when footsteps could be heard coming around the corner. “Seranni! Oh, Creators, Seranni! Is that you?”
Everyone, hearing Velanna's cries, looked over to see an elf walking down the hall cautiously. She came to their cell and stood in front of Velanna. “Velanna...”
“Seranni, I... What have they done to you?” Velanna stared at her sister, seeing the dark patches on her skin and the milkiness of her eyes.
“Listen, Velanna,” Seranni said quietly. “I... I'm fine. It's not me he wants. I have to get you out of here before anything bad happens. I don't want anyone else to get hurt.”
“Yes, all right. Let me out and I'll take you home.”
“No,” Seranni said shaking her head. “You need to get out of here, all of you. I can let you out, but you need to be careful. The darkspawn are coming to check on you, so you'll need to act fast.”
“Seranni, you're coming with me,” said Velanna. “Just let us out and we'll go together.”
“I can't come with you, Velanna. Just go, and forget about me.”
“What? No!”
“I'm sorry.” Seranni handed Sigrun a key through the cell bars and ran off back down the hall.
“Wait! Seranni!” Velanna yelled.
“I'm sorry, Velanna,” said Lisha. “But she's right. She's corrupted. Maybe it's best if she stays with the darkspawn, since they have accepted her.”
“Really, you think that's the best plan?” Velanna growled. “That's my sister you're talking about! I thought you said you were going to help me get her back!”
“Yes, I know, but she's... I could feel she was corrupted. There's nothing we can do for her now.”
“Come on, Velanna,” Sigrun said softly. “Let's just get out of this cell first, then we'll see if there's anything we can do.”
“I won't give up if there is a chance to help her,” Lisha put in.
Velanna nodded and backed off. “Alright. Let's move, then.”
Sigrun used the key to open the cell. When they all walked out, Lisha stood in the middle of the room and looked around. There were other cells around, but they had no one else within them. There were doors on either side of her, and to her right, she could feel the presence of darkspawn approaching.
“We've got company,” she said.
Immediately the doors on the right flew open and several darkspawn poured into the room. They startled when they say the Grey Wardens out of their cell. The lead hurlock roared, and pointed for the others to apprehend them.
Lisha didn't have to say anything as everyone worked fast, taking their positions and going straight for the darkspawn. Even with no armor and weapons, taking them out was not difficult. Nathaniel and Sigrun charged forward, ramming into the darkspawn before they could unsheath their weapons. Sigrun smashed into a hurlock's abdomen, sending it flying to the ground. There she stomped her foot on its helmet, caving it in and crushing its skull. Nathaniel balled up his fists, connecting them with a genlock and sending the darkspawn into a whirl. He pounded on it, not giving the creature a chance to recover.
Velanna stayed back. She summoned vines that shot out of the stone, grabbing the hurlock leader. The vines wrapped around its body, choking off its limbs and neck before ripping it to pieces.
Anders had gone forward as well, running with Sigrun and Nathaniel. He slammed his own fists into a darkspawn's teeth, knocking a few out and into his hand. “Oh! Shit, that hurt!” he yelled.
“Anders, you're a mage,” said Lisha. “Why don't you use magic instead of your fists!”
“Oh, right.” He then cast ice from his hands, freezing the darkspawn he was fighting in place. Lisha then grabbed a large stone from the floor and threw it at the frozen darkspawn, shattering the thing on impact. “Well... that wasn't so hard,” Anders said as he healed his hand.
“No, but I wish I hadn't done that,” said Lisha as she looked down at the frozen chunks.
“Why? I thought that was a great throw.”
“We could have used the armor it was wearing. Can either of you fit the armor the others are wearing? Take also any weapons you may need.”
Seeing what she was getting at, everyone nodded and began striping the darkspawn of their armor. There wasn't enough for everybody. Sigrun was really the only one to receive a full set along with an axe and dagger. Nathaniel took some gauntlets made for archers and a shortbow that was cracked in the middle. Lisha just put on a breastplate over her commoner clothing and took two daggers since there was no more bows to be found. Velanna and Anders took neither armor or weapons since there really wasn't anything left for them and they figured the two who would be fighting hand to hand needed the armor more.
When they were done, Lisha placed the two daggers on her back and peered through the door the darkspawn had come from. There was a set of stairs that lead up to a room that looked very familiar to her. As she ascended, curious about the room, it became clear this was the room she had awakened in. It was a laboratory of sorts. The walls filled with shelves of books and notes. Tables piled with vials and strange looking instruments for experimentation. Lisha wasn't sure if she should be horrified by what she saw or more curious.
“What is this place?” Nathaniel said as he looked around the room. “What does all of this mean?” He started looking through a pile of papers on the desk, scanning each one. “Lisha, I think you should see this,” he said handing her one of the papers.
“What is it?” Lisha took the paper and began to read. “'The Seeker collected two elves, male and female. The rest died defending their camp. Unfortunate, but a small price to pay. The male has since dashed his head on the wall. Odd. Don't all living beings strive for survival?'”
“Wait, what is that you're reading?” Velanna said snatching the paper from Lisha's hand.
“If you wanted to see, you could have asked, Velanna,” said Lisha.
“Sorry, it's just... If this is about my clan, I want to know!” Velanna continued to read where Lisha left off. “'The Seeker confessed that he did more than simply collect the elves. He found the elves and humans at odds, then exacerbated the conflict by making the humans look responsible for the two elves disappearance. He said he wanted to see how the elf leader would react. Odd again.'
“So you were right,” Velanna said softly. “The darkspawn really did stage everything. They killed my clan, the humans... all to see how I would react? How dare they!”
“They're darkspawn,” said Sigrun. “Even if they can talk, they still only know cruelty.”
“Is there anything more?” Lisha asked.
“Yeah, a few more lines,” Velanna continued. “'The female elf has developed a... bond of sorts with her guard. Many of the other disciples seem drawn to her as well. The Seeker says her name is Seranni. Perhaps I should speak to her. Maybe she will understand.'” Velanna placed down the paper back on the desk and shook her head. “I can't believe this. How could I be so stupid?”
“It's not your fault, Velanna,” said Lisha. “You didn't know the darkspawn were here.”
“I might not have known about the darkspawn, but it's still my fault!” The Dalish mage looked away from the others. “I lead my own people astray.”
Even though she couldn't see her face, Lisha could still hear the hurt in Velanna's voice. She wasn't exactly sure of the events that lead to her fellow Dalish's situation, but she knew she wanted to help however she could. “Seranni may be corrupted, but we'll find a way to get her back,” said Lisha. “I promise we will.”
“Hey, Commander,” said Anders. He, along with Nathaniel had started looking through the papers again after Velanna had finished reading. “What do you make of this? They look like notes. 'What happens if the Old Gods perish? Does the song die with them?'
“'The blood is the key. The blood is always the key. Especially the blood of the Heroes. I must obtain a sample to see if I am right.'
“'The female elf is accommodating, allowing me to take her blood for my work. Perhaps she thinks I'll release her if she cooperates.'
“'My disciples report that another elf is rampaging through the woods, killing humans. Revenge for what we did to her kind, only she hasn't seen through the Seeker's ruse. We'll keep this from Seranni. If she is upset, she may stop cooperating.'
“'The Grey Warden from the keep has been cooperating quite nicely. Maybe he thinks he won't be killed if he does. His blood does interest me, how he is able to hide from the weakest of us. This is really the only reason why I am glad he lives, though none of his fellow Grey Wardens were killed by our hands, but by their own.'
“Wow, what's that all suppose to mean?”
“It means zey're doing experiments on Grey Wardens.”
Everyone startled at the new voice, turning to the stairs to see a man standing there, wearing hurlock armor. Lisha gasped.
“Damien!” She went over to him and smiled up in his face. “I'm so glad to see you alive! Tell me, did you escape or did you join the darkspawn?”
“No, I did not join with ze Architect,” he said. “I was able to escape with ze 'elp of a friend.”
“The Architect?” Lisha questioned. “I've heard that name before. What is he?”
“The darkspawn leader. A very powerful emissary who 'as intelligence I 'ave never seen before in a darkspawn. Not only can 'e talk, but 'e also is very cultured.”
“So that was the Architect,” Lisha said softly. “Before waking in our cell, I woke to find a very strange darkspawn talking to me. He was there, along with a dwarf who I think might have been a Grey Warden.”
“Zat would be Utha. She was a Grey Warden, at one point. But not anymore. I don't know why she is with ze Architect, or why 'e is experimenting on Grey Wardens, but we can discuss more about it later. Right now I say we get out of 'ere.”
“I agree. Damien, let me at least introduce you to my recruits. This is Sigrun, Nathaniel, and Anders. And then the elven mage is Velanna.”
“A pleasure to meet you all,” Damien bowed. “But we can do a more formal introduction when we're no longer in danger. I zink if we work together, we should be able to find our way out and get back our zings.”
***
It didn't take long before they left the laboratory. Damien lead them down the stairs and out of the dungeon area to an adjacent room where he had placed Keenan. Lisha was happy to see at least two of the original Grey Wardens from Orlais had survived. The others having either been killed by the darkspawn or by their own hands.
They set off, making their way through the tunnels of the mines. On the way, Damien explained a few things to them, telling them more about the Architect and Utha, and telling Velanna about how Seranni had helped him to escape from his cell. Keenan also helped to explain the assault at the Vigil. The darkspawn had literally come up from underneath them, pouring out of the basement with no warning. The Grey Wardens had been taken by surprise and were unable to stop the darkspawn. Both Damien and Keenan remembered being dragged into the basement and through several tunnels to the Deep Roads before being knocked unconscious and waking to find themselves in the mines. When they were done, Lisha and the others explained to them what they had missed: Lisha arriving at the keep to stop the darkspawn, the Joinings, finding Kal'Hirol and learning about the Mother, all the way up to entering the Wending Woods.
“Then we entered the mines and stepped into the Architect's spell,” said Lisha. “We woke up here and you know the rest.”
“Yes,” Damien said as he pushed Keenan's cart. “It all... sort of makes sense.”
“Not really,” said Sigrun. “Nothing at all about this makes sense. Why is the Architect experimenting on Grey Wardens? Where did he come from? And what happened to our stuff? I really want my original armor back.”
“I would really like my staff back,” Anders pouted. “It takes so much more mana without it.”
“I don't really know any of ze answers to zose questions, Sigrun,” said Damien. “I'm not even sure we'll be able to find out.”
“As long as we get my sister back, I don't really care,” Velanna snorted. “This Grey Warden business has nothing to do with me—Hey!” Entering a new part of the mines, Velanna spotted at the end of the tunnel a creature hunched over. It glanced over from her yell and growled before limping away from them. “That... that ghoul has my things!” Velanna yelled. “It has it all! I'm going to get it back!” She began running after the ghoul.
“Velanna, wait!” Lisha ran behind her, the others following as fast as they could with both Damien and Nathaniel pushing Keenan's cart.
When Velanna caught up with the ghoul, she trapped its foot with vines springing from the ground. The ghoul fell one its face, clawing at the ground to try and get away.
“Not so fast,” Velanna said as she grabbed the ghoul's hair and snapped back its head. “That's my things you have--” She gasped and released its hair, letting the head fall back to the ground when she saw its face.
“Kill it!” Damien yelled. “Kill it before it summons more!”
Lisha took one of the daggers and pulled the head back up, slicing it across the ghoul's neck. The ghoul choked before lying still. “Velanna, what's wrong?” Lisha said seeing how she had reacted.
“I... knew her,” Velanna whispered. “She was one of my clanmates. Did the darkspawn really do that to her? Make her a ghoul, then gave her my stuff? What is the meaning of that?”
“An experiment, I'd say,” said Damien. “Not exactly sure what it means, zough.”
“Ah, I don't care!” Velanna screamed. She began taking off the robe around the ghouls body along with some rings and a belt. Her staff as well was on the ghoul's back, which she quickly relieved it from. “Alright, all of you look away,” Velanna said as she held up her robe. “Since I can't see any good place to change, I'm going to have to do it right here.”
“Really?” Anders said intrigued. “Would you like for me to help you?”
“What? No! I don't need your help, nor do I want your filthy human hands all over me! Now look away. And if I catch any of you peeking, there will be hell to pay!”
Anders pouted but Lisha grabbed him and turned him around. She kept close to make sure he didn't try to peek, occasionally having to redirect his gaze when she saw it beginning to linger. She knew it was only because he was playing around. She could tell that if this was a more serious situation then he wouldn't be joking as much.
“Ah, that's better,” Velanna said when she was done. “It feels good to have my own things back. That human clothing was just ridiculous.”
“Tell me about it,” said Anders. “I definitely like you better in that. More shows.”
“Do you know how irritating you are? I swear by the Creators, if it wasn't for Lisha, I would have killed you by now for your ignorance, human!”
“Mm, keep making threats, it just makes you more sexy.”
Velanna scuffed, ready to grab her staff and point it at him.
“Relax, Velanna,” Lisha said, defusing her anger. “Anders is just playing with you. He likes seeing you get all riled and anger. Whether he's doing it because he really does like it or not is still to be determined, however.” Lisha glared over at Anders who only smirked at her.
“Whatever,” Velanna heaved. “If we're ready, should we keep moving?”
As they went on, they eventually ran into other ghouls who were wearing their armor and using their weapons. Some they had to fight, while others they chased down like they did with Velanna's ghoul. Soon everyone had their armor and weapons back except for Lisha, who's ghoul still had yet to be found.
“See look, Velanna,” said Anders. “I'll strip in front of everybody. You can see my chest if you want. I'll even let you feel it.”
“No thanks,” Velanna said crossing her arms and turning away from him. “You're not very impressive anyway.”
“I don't know,” said Damien as he looked at Anders. “I'd 'ave to say 'e has a very good body... for a mage at least.”
“Thank you, Damien,” Anders smiled. “Though, I hope that's just a nice comment, and not... something else.”
“No, just a nice comment. You're not my type.”
“Oh... well good. Because I'm only about the women. I like boobies.”
“We know, you constantly talk about them,” said Nathaniel. “Now could you please put your robes on so we can get out of here.”
“Why? Jealous, Nate?”
“No, I've just learned way too much about you from this trip. Now please, cover yourself.”
“You know, Anders,” said Lisha. “I don't know much about the human male anatomy, but something tells me you're not as 'well endowed' as you say you are.”
“What? Hey!” Anders said frowning at her. “It's cold in here.”
“Sure it is,” Sigrun giggled. “And you know what Oghren would say if he were here.” She cleared her throat and lowered her voice to sound more like Oghren. “'Sparkle-fingers, you really are compensating with that staff of yours! Ha!'”
“Definitely not my type,” Damien muttered, which made everyone laugh.
“Okay, you guys are officially mean,” Anders said as he turned around and put on his robe.
“We're just dishing out what you give us,” Lisha smiled. “Now let's--” An arrow went past her head, hitting the wall. Lisha sighed and shook her head. “Such bad technique.”
Behind her, down the passage they were traveling stood another ghoul, wearing her armor and holding Sulhigil and preparing to fire another arrow. Lisha sighed again and grabbed the daggers and ran straight for it. The ghoul fired the arrow, but Lisha was able to duck it easy. She jumped and sliced one of the daggers across the ghoul's belly, making it spin. She then plunged the other dagger in the ghoul's back. It fell, dead.
“Zat was incredible,” said Damien as the others joined her. “Ow did you know ze ghoul wasn't going to kill you?”
“It's because you know your own weapon, right?” Nathaniel asked.
“Exactly. I told you that my bow only works for one who knows how to use it. And my armor will only protect one who know its secrets.”
“Well, if you need a minute...” Nathaniel said, turning around.
“Yes, I'll dress quickly.”
As Lisha dressed, she began to feel something. It was close, very close, trying to draw her in. It felt odd, but familiar at the same time. Ever since escaping from their cell, she had wondered why there had been no darkspawn to stop them. The only things they had ran into were the ghouls. Now that everyone had their things back, this presence started touching her mind, telling her to go a certain way. “Damien, do you feel that?” Lisha asked.
“No, feel what?”
“I think... it's the Architect. Telling us to go... this way.” Armor and weapons in place, Lisha made her way down the tunnel, the others looking at her strange.
“I don't think we should be following where the Architect wants us to go,” said Anders. “This doesn't feel right.”
“No, we need to go this way,” said Lisha. “It's the way out.”
“Yeah, that's what he wants you to think.”
Lisha lead them into a large room, one that looked like an arena. Stopping in the middle of it, Lisha looked over to see the Architect staring down at them from a balcony. Next to him was the dwarven woman, bald head and blackened skin. Utha.
“Seranni!” Velanna screamed. On the other side of the Architect stood her sister, looking down at everyone as well. The Architect turned to her and she nodded. Accepting this, the Architect then raised his hands.
A loud roar vibrated around the room. The flap of wings made everyone turn to the other end of the arena. Two dragons landed before them, growling and clawing at the ground. Lisha's eyes widened at the creatures. They were thralls, dragons corrupted by taint, which explained why they were down there.
“Those aren't regular dragons, are they?” Anders asked, sounding a little frightened.
“No, zey aren't, now move!” Damien yelled as he pushed Keenan's cart out of the way. Veillée and Victoire back in his hands, he ran to the closest thrall screaming at the top of his lungs. He swung the two blades together, hitting only air as the thrall moved away. It snapped its jaws, clamping down on Victoire, but Damien brought Veillée around and smacked the thrall on the head. It roared and let go, flapping its wings and sending Damien to the ground.
An arrow from Nathaniel's bow found its way into the thrall's neck, keeping it from clawing Damien apart. The dragon roared and scratched at its neck to get the arrow out. Vines started curling up its limbs. A large rock went flying in the air, hitting the thrall in the face. Nathaniel continued firing arrows while Damien regained himself and renewed his attack.
The second thrall was occupied with Sigrun. The dwarf ducked and rolled under the thrall's wings and claws. Her twin daggers slicing across the dragon's scales every chance she got. Lisha and Anders focused their attacks on the thrall's head and wings, trying to keep it distracted and away from Sigrun.
The dwarf had managed to get behind the dragon and stick one of her daggers in its back. The dragon reared, flinging its tail and hitting her, sending Sigrun flying into the wall. Free of its nuisance, the thrall then focused its attention on Anders. It arched its back, fanned out its wings and shot a jet of fire at the mage. Anders jumped out of the way, barely having time to put up a force field to protect himself from the fire.
On the other side, Damien screamed as the thrall he was fighting clamped down on his arm. It flung its head, taking him with it. Damien grabbed on to its head spike to keep from losing his arm. When his feet hit the ground, he planted them and pulled on the spike as hard as he could. The thrall let go and reared, wings flapping wildly. Damien released his grip and grabbed his swords from the ground. With a quick thrust, Veillée cut through the wing's membrane, slicing all the way back. More vines came from the dirt, grabbing the thrall all over and forcing it down. Several arrows embedded themselves, pinning the thrall even more. It roared but its cry was cut off when Damien chopped off its head.
Lisha moved as Anders jumped out of the way of the fire. She notched Sulhigil and aimed at the thrall. The dragon roared from missing its prey. It began advancing on Anders, mouth wide open. Anders stood and went to summon another spell, but the thrall was too fast for him. It leaped in the air, pouncing on him but was knocked off course when Lisha's arrow hit its eye. The dragon roared, another arrow finding its way through the thrall's jaw.
Scurrying to his feet, Anders hit the confused thrall with an ice spell, covering its entire body. A crackle then surrounded his hands and lightning flashed out, hitting and shattering the thrall to pieces.
When both thralls were dead, Lisha looked back up at the balcony to see the Architect still watching them. Seeing they had killed the two thralls, he gestured for Utha and Seranni to move back and through an opening in the wall. He was the last to pass through where he summoned a powerful spell that shook the entire arena. Rocks collapsed and closed the opening.
“No!” Velanna screamed as she saw her sister disappear. “Why is she going with that monster? We must go after her!”
“I... I don't know, Velanna,” Lisha said slowly. “It's almost as if... she wants to go with him.”
“No, she doesn't. She's just going with him because she's afraid! If we got her back then she'd be fine.”
“Velanna...”
“Where are they going, would you say? The Deep Roads? Yes, I believe that's where these mines lead. They say Wardens can sense darkspawn even deep beneath the ground. I would join the Grey Wardens. Give me the ability to hunt down these monsters so I can get my sister back.”
“Really?” Lisha said surprised. “You do know the Joining could kill you.”
“I'm not afraid of death! Give me whatever I need to defeat them!”
Lisha sighed. “Even if you don't die, you won't be able to sense the darkspawn right away. It takes time. Anders is the oldest of the three recruits here and he still can't sense them.”
“It's true,” said Anders as he helped Sigrun over to where everyone was. “Course I have only been a Grey Warden for a few days. Still can't get that blighted taste out of my mouth. Even with all the food I eat. Speaking of which, Commander...”
“Let me guess, you're hungry?” said Lisha. “Do you think you can make it until we reach the surface at least?”
“I don't know, but I'll try.”
“Look,” Lisha said turning to Velanna. “If you want to become a Grey Warden, then I'll let you take the Joining. But don't expect to be able to go straight into the Deep Roads and start kicking some darkspawn ass. You'll need to follow my orders and help me with the current situation.”
“Fine, but will you help me with my sister when this is over?” Velanna asked.
“Im gwesta,” Lisha bowed.
“Ma serannas, Caun,” Velanna bowed back. “I pledge my service to you and your order.”
“Good. Now, Damien, is Keenan able to be moved? Are we all ready to get out of here?”
“We are, Commander,” said Damien. “I just hope we're not too late for Keenan's sake.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
All Sindarin belongs to JRR Tolkien.
Sindarin Translation:
Im gwesta – I promise
Caun - Commander
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