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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
- 15
- 16
- 17
Journey Forward

Together the two of them cleared the bodies out of the campsite. There had been more of them than previously thought, but were easy enough to dispatch. Zevran made his way over to the smoldering fire pit and began overturning the encircling stones. As he did, he found several coins and jewels placed underneath. It was a common hiding place for Crows to stick their valuables.
Dayno made his way around the pit after having dragged away the last body into the woods. He stopped opposite of Zevran as the assassin looked under the last stone. “Find anything?”
“Oh, lots,” Zevran said as he stood. “Enough coins to perhaps get us to Amaranthine.”
“I thought we already had enough? We're only a few days away.”
“There's nothing wrong with having a little more. Besides, I thought to stop in Denerim first. Stop in the market. Maybe get something for Arawin and the...um, say hello to the king and queen as well.”
Dayno raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, that sounds good.” He then made his way fully around the dwindling fire. “So, where do you think this little murder of Crows was headed?”
“Not sure. Being this far into Ferelden, I'd assume maybe they were headed to Denerim, but I couldn't really tell you for sure without their contract.”
“Would this be it?” Dayno asked pulling out a piece of paper. “I found it on one of the bodies. It looks like shipping supplies, but I know how you Crows are with your hidden contracts.”
“Let me see.” Zevran took the paper from Dayno and began reading it over. “Ah, it very much is the contract. It's not hard to read if you know what to look for. But here,” he said pointing to a few things on the paper for Dayno to see. “Can you see it now?”
Dayno peered at the paper. “Not really. I still only see a shipping list.”
“Well it basically reads like this: By order of Bann Esmerelle of Amaranthine and Lady Dina of Gwaren, that an associate be assigned to eliminate the warden-commander in Amaranthine and all Grey Wardens within Ferelden. Said associate can deal with matter in anyway seen fit.”
“Really? There's a contract out there to take care of all Grey Wardens in Ferelden now? If you count Zelda and Alistair, that makes five. Then there's also Damien and the eleven Wardens that came with him from Orlais. Not to mention any Wardens that might have been recruited while we've been gone.”
“I know!” Zevran laughed. “Any Crow willing to take this job is probably a fledgling just leaving the nest, which might explain why we were able to take this group out so easily.”
It had been easy, there had been at least ten of them. Dayno and Zevran had come across them by accident. Seeing the Crows hadn't noticed them yet, the two elves thought it best to take them out. It was best to get rid of them before they could notice they were there.
“So if these Crows were going to Amaranthine,” Dayno said. “Why did we think they were coming after you, Zevran?”
“I never said they were, but I did assume it. It's best to assume they could be coming after me and deal with them now rather than wait until they really do.”
“Of course, and trying to stall from arriving at Amaranthine had nothing to do with it.”
Zevran stared over at Dayno. “What do you mean? I'm not trying to stall.”
“Are you sure? This is the fourth unscheduled stop we've made ever since we crossed the Ferelden border. There was also the fact we were in Antiva longer than you original said we would be.”
“Things came up,” Zevran said turning away from him. He made his way and sat down on a log next to the dying fire. Taking a long stick and a few pieces of wood, he poked the embers to get the fire going again.
“You didn't have to kill that guild master, you know,” Dayno said sitting on the other side of the log.
“Of course I did,” said Zevran keeping to his work. “I had a chance and I took it. If I hadn't killed him, then neither of us would've made it out of Antiva.”
“I don't really believe that. But I would have to agree, getting him out of the way makes him one guild master down. It's a little safer for you and Arawin now.”
Zevran stopped. “Yes. But I wish I could've stayed a little longer. I might've been able to kill more. What we did was almost not worth it, maybe even making it worse. They'll still come for me. I'm notorious now. My head will be worth a lot of money and respect. And as long as she's by my side, then she'll be in danger too.” Zevran sat quietly as he gazed into the fire. “Maybe we shouldn't go back.”
“You really think so?” Dayno said taking the stick from Zevran and resuming building the fire. “I think you're not scared of the Crows coming after you and potentially hurting Arawin. I think you're scared of what's waiting for you in Amaranthine.”
“Yeah,” Zevran laughed nervously. “A very angry Grey Warden. I know she is. I haven't... spoken to her in a while.” He pulled out the little golden sparrow he had been keeping in his pocket ever since they started heading back. He stared at it for a moment, not being able to remember if he had placed a message on it or not, intending to tell Arawin they were coming home.
“It's okay to be scared, Zevran,” Dayno said seeing the uncertainty in his eyes. “It's only natural.”
“How's it natural?” Zevran asked taking his eyes from the sparrow. “She's a Grey Warden.”
Dayno placed down the stick and gave Zevran his full attention. “I know, but it's not impossible. Do you remember what the commander in Orlais said? That several decades ago there was an elven mage Warden who gave birth. Maybe it has something to do with elves.”
Zevran stood fast from the log and looked away from the steadily growing fire. “I don't know what to do. I don't know how to feel! I grew up with no father. With no type of father figure at all! How am I suppose to be a father when I don't even think I'll make a good one?” He turned back to face Dayno, confusion all over his face.
Dayno also stood from the log, more slowly. “What you're feeling is natural,” he said kindly. “Every father has gone through it. They question themselves. Question whether or not they can do the job. I went through it myself.”
“How? You and Lisha wanted a child. You tried for so long. It was expected.”
“That didn't mean I still wasn't sure if I was worthy of the position. But yes, wanting a child and not expecting it are different, but all fathers go through the same thing when they find out. You'll be fine, Zevran. You have me to help you.”
Zevran seemed to calm down from Dayno's words. He looked around a little before focusing on Dayno again. “How long did you go through it?”
“For some time. Heh, to tell you the truth, it was actually throughout Lisha's whole pregnancy. I was excited when I heard the news. We had been trying for so long, but after awhile, after seeing so many other fathers with their children, I began to wonder. I began to look at my own father, wondering if I could ever live up to him. I began wondering if I could just do it, be a good dad and a good husband at the same time. It frightened me. Would I be able to love her? Would I be able to teach her, protect... protect her from anything.” Dayno became saddened, slowly lowering his eyes.
“I'm... sorry,” Zevran said sitting back on the log. “I didn't mean for you to bring up bad memories.”
“It's okay,” said Dayno, sitting back down as well. “Ariel was my treasure. And even though she's gone, not remembering her would be worse. It's best to remember her how she was, rather than how she died. She lives on that way.”
“Of course.” Zevran crossed his arms and kicked one of the stones. “So you felt that way the whole pregnancy? When did it finally go away?”
“When I first saw her.” Dayno smiled as he remembered. “That day is forever etched in my mind as both the most scared I ever was, and the happiest. Not even my wedding day, or the day I first met Lisha could compare.”
“Not even your Joining?”
“No, not even that. You see, for the Dalish at least, when a woman goes into labor, her husband does nothing to help. It's not like he doesn't want to, it's just because he's not allowed. Tradition. The only males allowed to help with a delivery are either the Keeper or the First, depending on if they're men. Otherwise, it's all women who help the laboring mother.
“Not being able to do anything was what scared me. All I could do was stand outside the aravel, listening to Lisha scream, wondering when it would be over, hoping everything would go smoothly. All the while also realizing that this was it. There was no more waiting, she was coming, and if I wasn't ready now, then I never would be. It's a frightening place to be in, I won't lie to you. No man would ever wish to go back to it again. But when it was over, when I finally heard her cry for the first time, when they brought her out to me and I was able to hold her... it all came beautifully together. I was able to look into her eyes, to see her fully. That's when I felt it. That's when I knew what I was doing was right. I loved her, wanted to do anything I could for her. I knew I was going to be all right.”
“Well... that's all good for you, but what about me?” Zevran said standing up again. “I mean, what if I hold my child and when I look in his or her eyes I don't think that way? What if I feel nothing?”
“I'm afraid it does happen, Zevran,” Dayno said tenderly. “But I don't think it'll happen to you.”
“Why? How could you possibly know that?”
“Tell me: what was the very first emotion you felt when Arawin told you?”
Zevran had been pacing about the campsite, beginning to become nervous again. He stopped to think when Dayno asked the question. “I... I was happy.”
“Then you'll be fine.”
“I was happy,” Zevran said as he pondered on it more. “But why was I happy? This was something I never wanted. If I hadn't felt the way I do for Arawin, then I would've been trying to find a way to get out of it. I would've ran away to a place not even Lisha could find me.”
This made Dayno laugh. “I think you just answered your own question, Zev. It's because you love Arawin. There's nothing better in the world than creating a new life with the woman you love. It's nothing to be ashamed of.”
“But I feel like I should be ashamed. I ran off on her anyway.”
“You did what you thought was best. I'm sure if the Crows hadn't attacked us on our way back, you would be with Arawin right now in Amaranthine, helping her recruit new Wardens and fending off the Crows coming to kill her because she pissed off some noble. Which I can believe might be the cause for this.” Dayno held up the shipping list.
“Yeah... that's right,” Zevran said, his face becoming hard as he stared at the paper. “We should probably get there. Even though it's a contract against an almost seemingly infinite amount of Grey Wardens, as you can tell from this camp, there are still Crows willing to take it.”
“Incompetent ones, but yes, even one idiot can be dangerous if left unchecked. But tell you what, since we've got this fire going pretty good... how about we stop and have some lunch, courteous of your former Crows, and then head out afterwards and try and make it to Denerim by tomorrow. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Zevran as he made his way around the fire to grab the salted meat they found in one of the tents. He stopped midway going into the tent before turning to Dayno. “Oh, and Dayno... thank you.”
“You're welcome, Zevran.”
“Not just for talking to me, but for also coming as well. I don't think I would've returned if you hadn't.”
“No, I think you would've.”
“You have too much faith in me.”
“Maybe, but in all the time I've spent with you, I've learned that there's really nothing that's going to keep you away from Arawin for very long. You would've come back, and it would've been before the baby was born.”
Zevran smiled a little, knowing Dayno spoke the truth. He did love Arawin, and was able to admit it without hesitation. He found the situation scary, but after talking with Dayno, was now finding it exciting. It would be a good thing, and he wouldn't be alone either. Dayno would be there, Arawin of course, and Lisha. Their little family, his family. Something he never thought he'd have.
Quickly he made his way into the tent to collect the meat. He wanted to hurry and eat so he could get going and see Arawin again. To be there for the birth of their child.
***
The Blackmarsh loomed before them, dark and deary, the air cold and still. It was a place of death, a place of dark magic and even darker secrets.
“This is an unnatural place,” Velanna whispered as she followed close to Lisha. “The Veil is thin, and spirits abound. We must be wary.”
They walked through the bog slowly, hearing the eerie calls of animals unseen, the bubbling of the black water on either side of them, and the ghastly smells of decay and rot. It was a place that even made Oghren cautious.
“You know,” Nathaniel spoke as they walked. “My father used to tell me stories about this place when I was young.” Lisha looked over at him interested. Not just because of what he said, but also because he seemed to be the only one who didn't seem wary to be in the marsh.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. He told me there used to be a village in this marsh, but an evil magic killed everyone here. It was a great mystery at the time.”
“I'm sure. I wonder what kind of evil magic could've caused this.”
“They never found out,” Nathaniel continued. “Once the monsters appeared, the marsh was abandoned.” He then looked at the ground and began to chuckle. “This used to be one of my little boy fantasies. Coming here and setting things right. Finding the cause and curing it.”
“Well...” Lisha smiled. “Maybe that's what we'll do now. We're here, might as well investigate, right?”
“If you want to call it investigating. But you are right. Never would I have come here alone, not even when I was a teenager. This place gave me nightmares. Now I get my nightmares from something else.”
They continued through the marsh, careful and watching in all directions as they heard the call of wolves and other creatures. When they reached the village, Lisha found it sad. The buildings had been completely swallowed by the bog. Roofs were collapsed, walls crumbled to the ground, plants and animals took over the floors, calling them home. The only building in the village that seemed untouched by the elements was the larger, gloomy fortress in the middle. It was surrounded by a stone wall and an iron gate.
“This was the baroness's fortress,” said Nathaniel as everyone looked at it. “She was the ruler of the Blackmarsh when the villagers disappeared. She disappeared as well.”
“And nobody knows what happened?” Velanna asked.
“There are rumors. It was said the baroness was a cruel ruler, using her subjects as sacrifices in her blood magic rituals.”
“She was a mage?” Lisha said stunned.
“Yeah, but only because she took the position by force,” said Nathaniel. “The village hated her, and one rumor says that one day the villagers become fed up and burned her fortress with her in it. But I don't really know if that rumor is true. As you can see, the fortress is still intact with no scorch marks. I do think, though, that the villagers did kill her somehow. But what happened to them, is still anyone's guess.”
“Hey, Lisha, look at this,” said Oghren. He was crouched over a corpse, one that was a dead hurlock as Lisha went to investigate. “This might be Kristoff's doin'.”
“It proves darkspawn were here,” said Lisha. “Although I'm not sure how old this corpse is.”
“It's hard to tell, but I'd say several days.” Velanna examined the corpse, peering and poking at it. “This marsh makes things decay faster than they originally would, making it hard to determine when it was really killed.”
They continued on, going around the fortress, they came to a large closed gate that kept them from going any further. Beyond it, they say a lake with rotting docks and overturned boats still clinging to the shore with their fraying ropes. The other side of the village was less boggy than when they first entered. It still had shallow swamps, but was more rocky. They continued past the village into the new area when Lisha caught sight of something in the distance. As they got closer they found it to be a tent.
“Do you think this might've been Kristoff's camp?” Nathaniel asked.
Lisha looked around. “It's possible.”
“Yeah, this was Kristoff's,” said Oghren. “I recognize his wife's name... Aura.” He had been searching through a worn leather satchel and pulled out a piece of paper.
“What is that, Oghren?”
“Looks like a letter he was writin' to her. Love letter of sorts.”
“Okay, I don't think you should be reading that.” Lisha took the letter from him. “That's private. And how do you know the name of Kristoff's wife?”
“I might've... gone through his room when you guys were away,” Oghren said slowly. “To get information... since we were going to look for him later.”
“Alright...” Lisha folded the letter and placed it in her pack. She then began to look around some more. It was dark, making it hard to determine what time of day it was. They had left early when the sun was still high in the sky. It hadn't taken them that long to arrive, all the while the light dying and Lisha wasn't sure if it had to do with the marsh or because the sun was going down. Either way, she figured now would be a good time to rest.
“We'll stay here for a bit before going any further,” she said. “Maybe Kristoff will come back here.”
They all began spacing out, Oghren and Nathaniel going together to look for something to burn while Lisha and Velanna took out food from their packs to prepare.
“Are you at all curious?” Velanna asked spontaneously.
“Hm? Curious about what?” Lisha said confused by the mage's sudden question.
“About my exile.”
“Oh, well... I am a little. But I'm not going to make you tell me about it if it makes you uncomfortable, Velanna.”
“It started when we first came to this horrible shemlen arling,” Velanna started. “We found a place that was far from the humans so we could stop and rest our halla. We weren't going to stay long, but of course, when the humans found we were there, they tried everything to get us to leave. At first we resisted, but when they decided to use fire to burn us out, Ilshae gave in. She told us we were going to leave, even though we had a right to be there! We argued. I called her a coward. She then told me if I wanted to fight the humans, I would do it on my own and banished me from the clan.” Velanna's hard expression from the whole time she was talking started to soften and Lisha could start to see her true feelings.
“The ones that came with me wanted the same thing I did. Seranni... Seranni only came because she thought she could try and talk some reason into me. Heh, it didn't work, never did. Ever since we were children she's tried to do that and never gave up.”
“So you took them to the Woods?” Lisha asked. “There you planned on making your stand?”
“Yeah... but then the darkspawn came, I guess. I was away, taking care of some humans who happened to stumble across us. Apparently that's when the darkspawn killed them all and planted the weapons. Grr! I feel like such a fool for what I did!” Velanna heaved. “I guess it proves how horrible of a Keeper I would have made.”
“I don't think that. I think if it came down to it, you would've left the arling just as Ilshae was going to.”
“Seriously? You think that? I killed my clan! I practically gave them to the darkspawn!”
“Then answer this: If you knew there were darkspawn in the area, would you have taken them there?”
Velanna stared over at Lisha. “Of course not. I know to avoid darkspawn.”
“But you didn't know they were there. So you can't blame yourself.”
“I can still blame myself for being an idiot. I should've listen to Ilshae, and not argued with her like I always did.” Velanna curled up her legs and placed her chin on her knees. “I know she's disappointed in me. I just wish I could apologize to her. But it's too late.”
“Not necessarily,” Lisha said looking at the sky. “I've lost people who I wished I could've said more to before they passed. I felt as if I disappointed them as well, but I found I really didn't. What you should do is go to her tree, apologize, tell her how sorry you were. And if the Elvhen Numin bloom, then you know she forgives you.”
Velanna looked up at the sky as well. “That is true. I think I'll do that, once all of this is taken care of. I just hope she does.”
“She will. I know she loved you, even if you think she didn't. Oh, and also I wanted to give you this.” Lisha fished through her pack before pulling out the blank book and giving it to Velanna.
“What is this?” Velanna flipped through the pages. “This is a blank book. Why have you given me this useless object?”
“You're going to bring it to Ilshae's tree when you go and once you're done apologizing, you'll then tell her you're going to fill that book with stories.”
“What? That's ridiculous!” Velanna slammed the book closed. “That's so...” She stopped her angry rant then looked at the book again. “It's a silly idea, but... I guess you have a point. We aren't going to recover our past, are we? We need to start creating it again. The elves of old had to start somewhere, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then maybe we should too.” This time Velanna took the book in both hands and hugged it to her chest. “Thank you, Caun. I know sometimes I can be difficult, so thank you for putting up with me.”
“It's nothing I haven't had to put up with before. Believe me, when you meet Arawin, you'll know.”
By that time Nathaniel and Oghren returned with what little wood they could find.
“That's it?” Velanna said looking at the small amount they carried.
“Do you know how hard it is to find dry wood in a swamp?” said Oghren. “If you think you can do any better, then you go and look.”
“No, that's okay. I guess you have a point.”
“Hey, is that a book? That would make good kindling. Give it here.”
“Don't you dare, dwarf!” Velanna shouted keeping the book away from him. “This is more than just a book, and I will not let you use it for kindling!”
“Alright, don't get your knickers get in a twist. Maybe you can start the fire, then.”
“Fine.”
Oghren took the wood and placed it in the fire ring left by Kristoff. Velanna produced a small fireball and placed it in the ring catching the wood.
“Now step aside, woman, and let Oghren make you his ol' famous stew.”
“You know how to cook?”
“Of course I do! You think my old wife Branka knew how to do such a thing? Pff, that woman may have become a crazy Paragon, but she didn't do it from cookin'. Now step aside and let me do my magic.”
Velanna did so but reluctant, not sure if she could really trust the dwarf. Oghren went straight to work, taking the cauldron they found at the camp and beginning to place water and a few ingredients. Lisha sat where she was, watching him get to work. It was a surprise herself that the dwarf knew how to cook. She had never thought about it before or even tried his food. She knew he brewed his own beer from time to time, but that usually didn't go along with cooking.
“So that was who you were going to give the book to?” Nathaniel sat beside Lisha next to the fire.
“Yeah,” Lisha sighed. “She was upset we may never recover our history, which is common amongst us Dalish. But we need to learn that even though our ancient history may be lost, we shouldn't also lose our present one either.”
Nathaniel nodded. “I can understand that. Would you like to look at mine?”
Lisha looked over at him and saw he already had the book out, handing it to her. “You already have something written?”
“Sort of. This is the book I took before going to the Free Marches. I... dabbled in it from time to time.”
Lisha took the book and opened it to find there were no words in it but pictures. Drawings of places, people, and things. Very good drawings. “These are remarkable, Nathaniel,” she said as she went through the book.
“I was never very good telling a story with words,” he said. “This was the same thing I would do for my mother. She still loved reading it, though.”
“One picture can tell a whole story. And you seem to have a lot of them.” The beginning of the book mostly had drawings of the Vigil along with portraits. Most of them consisted of Delilah. There was also a recurring young man that Lisha assumed was his younger brother Thomas. She then came to a portrait of an older woman, one who she recognized from a larger portrait hanging in the Vigil throne room. “Is this your mother?”
“Yeah. She was never that pretty in real life.”
“What a horrible thing to say about your mother.”
“But it's true. My father didn't marry her for her looks, but for connections. She even admitted it to me once. She said I was the only one who could make her look beautiful.”
Lisha sighed and continued on through the book, not sure how to respond. As she went, seeing more familiar things such as the market in Amaranthine and even the Wending Woods, she soon came to pictures that were very different. One of a market street that looked dirty with torn canopies overhead and small, open windows in the buildings that lined the street.
“That would be Lowtown in Kirkwall,” Nathaniel explained. “It's where I stayed when I was there. It wasn't the best place, but it also wasn't the worst.”
“It's actually quite beautiful in a way,” Lisha said as she flipped through the pictures. She saw more of the street, people who lived in Kirkwall, and even the countryside that consisted of a lone mountain in the background. “You're very good, Nate. These are very impressive.”
“I... wouldn't say that...”
“But it's true.” As she got closer to the back of the book, she came to a portrait of an elven woman that looked very much like her. She paused for a moment and stared at it. The woman in the drawing had on Dalish armor, had a very long bow upon her back, and had a tattoo going down the right side of her face near perfect to her own. As she went on, she found many other portraits of her in different positions, with different expressions. Her happy, her sad, her content. Lisha wasn't sure what to think.
“I don't think I've done you justice,” said Nathaniel.
Lisha stared down at the drawings. She found herself speechless.
“I... tried to capture you the way I see you,” Nathaniel continued. “But I don't think I was able to achieve it.”
“I... they're beautiful... Nathaniel,” Lisha said slowly. “I don't... excuse me.” She closed the book and handed it back to him and stood. Lisha had to get away at that moment. At first she thought what Anders and Sigrun were teasing Nathaniel about was just something small, but apparently it wasn't. If he was really falling in love with her, or had feelings for her, then she needed to stop him before things became too serious.
Lisha walked away from their camp, Velanna and Oghren watching her leave, but they didn't say anything. She went out into the bog, feeling her heart aching. She missed Dayno so much, and had no idea what was going on with him. She wished he would send her something, or just show up at anytime in her doorway. She had dreamed about it, finding herself crying at night because she wanted him close, but never finding him near. It was making her sick, and frightening her. But what scared her the most was if Dayno didn't come back to her soon, then she may find herself falling for Nathaniel.
Something in the distance caught her sight. Lisha looked over at it to see it almost looked like a body laying on the ground. Her heart skipped a beat as she feared what or who it could be. She quickly turned around and went back to the camp. “Everyone, hurry! I think I might've found Kristoff.”
“Really?” said Oghren. “Where is he?”
“This way.” All three stood and followed her to the place she had seen the body. As they got closer they noticed in fact it was a body. It was armor clad and when they saw the shield lying next to it, the Grey Warden herald it bore told them this really was Kristoff.
“Sweet Creators,” Lisha breathed as she fell to her knees next to the corpse. “We're too late.”
“Yeah, he's been dead for some time,” said Velanna as she examined the body. “But just with that darkspawn corpse we found, I can't really tell how long.”
Lisha felt horrible for deciding coming to find Kristoff was the last thing she would do. If it had been the first, then he might not be dead right now, but instead helping them with their dilemma. Then again, Keenan and Damien might be dead. There were many things that could have gone wrong.
As Lisha sat in the soggy soil of the marsh staring at Kristoff's body, she began to feel the surroundings. She had been distracted before, not sensing it until now. Pods were growing, the very same pods they found in Kal'Hirol that sprouted Children. A presence then made itself known and Lisha stood to greet it as the talking darkspawn came out of the shadows, followed by Children.
“The Mother was right,” it said, making everyone jump and turn to it. Lisha was the only one that didn't. She stared at the creature, unblinking. “The Mother told it to me that if he was lured to this place, and slain, that in time you would come.”
“Really?” said Lisha. “So you thought to bait us?”
“This was a trap?” Velanna exclaimed. “By the dread wolf! And we were all fools for falling for it.”
“No, this darkspawn here is a fool for thinking he can kill a Grey Warden and get away with it,” Lisha said stern. “Did the Mother tell you that?”
“The Mother, she is no prophet,” said the darkspawn. “But she is most clever. Oh yes, that she is. I, here before you is the First, and I am bringing to you a message. The Mother, she is not permitting you to further his plan. She will not let him have the song. She instead, will have it for herself.”
“There you guys go with that bleedin' song again!” Oghren bellowed. “What nug-shit are you talking about?”
“The song in the blood.”
“Yeah, I've heard that one before.”
“If you think I'm going to let you get your hands on Arawin, then you are sadly mistaken!” Lisha said grabbing Sulhigil and aiming an arrow at the First's head.
“I will not be touching her,” the First spoke. “That is not the First's job. My job is to deal with the warden-commander—You. In which, the Mother sends a gift.”
“I don't need any gift from her!” Lisha went to release the arrow but then everything around her slowed, nearly stopping.
The First pulled from behind his back what looked to be a ball of light. It pulsated, slowing everything down. Lisha found herself trapped, unable to move. The others were the same. The light grew, swirling around them, growing brighter. Lisha closed her eyes, but could feel herself swirling with the light. Everything felt backwards, her mind screamed for it to stop, but it never did. She felt as if she was being pulled away before finally hitting something cold and hard.
***
It was close to the evening when the carriage to take Arawin to Amaranthine was ready. She and Zelda stood out in front of the castle, Jowan staying at the top of the steps and Alistair making his way next to Zelda. Keiven was also there, as he would be going with Arawin to Vigil's Keep.
“Arawin, are you sure you don't want to stay?” Zelda asked, although she already knew the answer.
“I'm sure,” Arawin answered. “I've lingered too long already. Besides, you have the Landsmeet tomorrow, and I really don't want to be around for that. There's also the fact that... I've been getting pains, and would really like Lisha to be nearby.”
Zelda nodded her head, understanding. She could feel the pains through their bond at times. “Do you think you might have stayed if Wynne hadn't gone to Cumberland?”
“I doubt it, but it would've been nice to have her here. I miss the old bat.”
“And I'm sure she misses you, too,” Zelda chuckled. “Alright, if I can't convince you to stay, then I guess you better get going. No use stalling any longer.” She hugged Arawin tightly, already beginning to miss her.
“You take care, Ary, all right?” Alistair said, taking Zelda's place.
“Sure thing, Alis. You just make sure to take care of Zelda. Don't let that Lady Dina walk all over her.”
“Believe me, I'm trying.” He took her in a hug as well, kissing her check before letting go. Jowan as well came down from the stairs and said his good-byes, bowing to her.
As Arawin entered the carriage, with the help of Alistair, Keiven stood to the side, waiting to get in himself.
“I don't want you giving her any trouble, Keiven,” Zelda said stern. At first she had been against Keiven going, knowing it was probably just an excuse to become a Grey Warden much faster. But she realized that Arawin did need an escort to Amaranthine. Lisha wouldn't have been happy to find Arawin coming to her all alone. Keiven was the best choice, since all of Zelda's honor guards needed to stay in Denerim due to the Landsmeet. Otherwise she would have gladly sent one of them.
“Come on, Sis, we've already discussed this,” said Keiven. “I'm not going to try and get Arawin to make me a Grey Warden while I'm there. I know I need to wait until I'm eighteen.”
“I know, I'm just... scared, for the both of you.”
Keiven stared at his sister, questioning. “Why?”
“We've been getting reports of darkspawn all over Amaranthine. They've even started coming into Denerim. I want you two to be careful, okay?”
“Pff, I can handle darkspawn,” Keiven fanned. “After an archdemon, everything's easy.”
That was exactly the thing Zelda feared he would say. He might have faced an archdemon, but he wasn't actually the one who took it down. Either way, she knew he was a good mage. She had seen it on the battlefield, and he had to have some talent to pass the Harrowing at a young age.
“Alright, Keiven. Just be careful, and I love you.” She bent down and kissed him on the check. He cringed away from her at first, but then hugged her before getting on the carriage himself.
When everything was packed and Arawin and Keiven were situated in the carriage, they began riding off, away from the palace and their friends and out of Denerim. Arawin spent some time, trying to make herself comfortable, moving her bright red traveling dress around, but didn't seem to be getting anywhere.
“Could you please relax,” said Keiven as he stared out the window. “Amaranthine isn't that far away.”
“Easy for you to say,” Arawin glared. “You don't have all this extra weight to carry around. It hurts, you know. And sitting for long periods of time with bumps in the road doesn't make it any better.” Arawin then grimaced and held her stomach. She breathed out slowly as the cramp began to go away.
“You aren't going to go into labor on me, are you?” Keiven said staring at her scared. “Because I don't think I'll be able to do anything.”
“Well maybe you should've thought about that before volunteering to come with me. Besides, you're a mage. Don't all mages know how to heal?”
“Yes. All mages are taught basic healing spells, but it's only if a mage decides they want to be a spirit healer do they get to learn the more complicated healing spells. And how to do such things as delivering babies.”
“Well that's nice to know,” said Arawin. “So if I should start going into labor right now, I'm basically screwed.”
“Hey, I'll do what I can, but at least I warned you. Just try and keep that kid inside ya until we get there.”
“Oh, sure, I'll try and not inconvenience you, Keiven.” Arawin went back to shifting her weight.
They sat in silence for awhile as the clacking of horse hooves and the occasional call of the driver were the only sounds heard. Keiven kept his gaze out the window while Arawin looked out the opposite one. They watched as the country side shifted and trees began taking over the scene, meaning they were entering the woods.
“So how long before you ask me to make you a Grey Warden?” Arawin asked, breaking the silence.
“Until I'm eighteen, I promise I won't ask,” he said still looking out the window. “I know better. Obviously if I do ask, you'd of course say no, then go running to my sister about my blood magic.”
“I would not go running to your sister,” Arawin said staring at him. “I said I wouldn't tell her as long as you didn't do it again. You asking to become a Grey Warden is a different matter.”
“Well, I will admit this,” he said looking at her. “I did want to come to at least see the Wardens in action. I mean, during the Blight, all I really got to see was my sister, you, and Alistair. But now, I'll actually get to see older Wardens such as Damien and the ones from Orlais. I really do want to become a Grey Warden, but seeing how everything works, seeing real Grey Wardens in action, would be very beneficial. And who knows, maybe I'll be useful at the keep. Lisha might not have recruited a mage yet.”
Arawin laughed. “I'm sure she has, but you are right. Maybe you will be-” She paused, stiffening in her seat.
“Arawin?” Keiven said seeing her eyes widen. “Are you...?”
“They're here,” she whispered.
“Who's here?”
“Dark-”
There was a large bang, and they went flying. Something had hit the side of the carriage, sending them tumbling in all directions. When they finally stopped, the carriage landed on its side. Both Arawin and Keiven fell to the door at the bottom.
Keiven could feel his head spinning, still tumbling even when the carriage had stopped. He forced his arms to push him up as he shook his head to get it to clear. “What was that?” he said, coughing as he flipped himself over and sat. Arawin was next to him, still laying and unconscious. “Shit. Arawin, can you hear me?” He gently shook her shoulder. She moaned, indicating she was still alive, but he wasn't sure how badly hurt she was. Her red dress and hair made it nearly impossible to see if she was bleeding anywhere.
Keiven went to check her but an awful smell assaulted his nose. It smelled of charred meat and leather. Realizing what used to be the floor of the carriage was warm to the touch, Keiven knew he had to get Arawin out as soon as possible. He climbed the seats and opened the door on top. When he did, the smell grew worse and black smoke obscured his vision. He coughed and retreated back into the carriage and waited for the smoke to clear. Before going back to the door, he located the shield he preferred to carry with his longsword and made his way back up.
Keiven could see the smoke billowing to the side, close to the carriage. As he slowly poked his head out, he could finally see what had happened. The path the carriage had been on was far away, grooves in the dirt where the carriage had rolled showed just how far away they were. Fire was burning at the bottom of the carriage, which told Keiven what he had feared. They had been hit with a fireball, and a very powerful one at that. Keiven could also see pieces of the horses all over, burning. The driver was also no where to be seen, even in parts.
As he scanned the area, a sense of magic caught his attention and he placed up his shield. An arcane bolt hit it, nearly taking off his head and forcing him back into the carriage. When he looked around, he saw a darkspawn standing next to the path. It was an emissary, and one Keiven had never seen before. He also began to notice other darkspawn coming out from behind the trees, surrounding them. It was a bad situation. Keiven knew he needed to get Arawin out of the carriage before the fire could get to her, but he also needed to take care of the darkspawn. He wasn't sure what he should do.
“Oh... Keiven?” Arawin slowly began to open her eyes. She sounded weak, but at least she was waking back up.
“Hang on, Arawin,” he yelled to her. “Stay down there. I'll take care of the darkspawn.”
“Wha...?”
He climbed out of the carriage and stood on its side. Both his sword and shield were in hand and he held them up, waiting for the emissary to make another move.
“So the little human wishes to fight, does it?” the creature said.
“What? It talks!” Keiven exclaimed, surprised.
“Is the little human the protector? The Herald will take care of him!” The emissary growled and shot out another arcane bolt. Keiven wasted no time, jumping from the carriage, the bolt passing over his head harmlessly.
The emissary stayed where he was while the other darkspawn ran after Keiven, meeting him in the middle of the clearing. Keiven struck a hurlock with his shield then sliced a genlock open with his sword. Another hurlock came behind him. Keiven turned and shot an ice blast from his hands, stopping the hurlock cold. He then bashed the darkspawn with his shield, shattering it to pieces.
“Stop!” All the darkspawn who had been fighting him stopped and backed away. The emissary came off the path and right over to Keiven, his staff positioned for attack. “This one's mine.”
Keiven backed away, holding up his shield. This darkspawn was different somehow, and not just because he could talk. He was also very powerful. Keiven could feel his magic as he prepared to release another spell. Knowing what it would be, he flung himself away just as the fireball hit where he had been standing. He ran back to the carriage and climbed on top and faced the emissary. The darkspawn along with its subordinates came closer.
“Keiven!” Arawin yelled from within the carriage. “What's going on? I can feel them all over the place!”
“Just stay in there, Arawin,” he said. “I'll take care of them.”
“Keiven, no! He's too powerful!”
Even if he had thought he could take them on, Keiven knew Arawin spoke the truth. This emissary was too powerful for him. At that moment, Keiven knew his main priority was getting Arawin out of there. He wasn't sure exactly how far away they were from Amaranthine, or from Denerim, but as soon as he saw the chance, he would grab Arawin and run in any direction. Where ever he would go, he would not stop running until he got somewhere. The only problem was the emissary. He could get past the other darkspawn, but something told him this darkspawn wasn't going to let him get away so easily.
He had to take care of him, and he only had one option.
“Arawin... I'm sorry.”
“Keiven... what? Wait, no!”
He didn't hesitate but took his sword and slashed it across his wrist. Instantly he felt the power within his blood, awakening and flowing around him. He felt the blood flowing in the darkspawn around him. He grabbed onto it, feeling the strength it gave him and pushed the spell upon them.
He felt their blood begin to boil, felt as their life started to drain away. He concentrated on that, focusing all his force on their agony, making the spell stronger. He could start to feel his own strength waning. Never had he preformed this spell on such a massive level, but he stuck to it, pushed himself farther as the smell of boiling darkspawn mixed with that of charred horse. He could now feel as their life flickered out, as their blood evaporated into the air. He was exhausted, but he kept going, not wanting to relent until every darkspawn was dead.
He didn't sense the spell until it was too late.
A stone fist collided with Keiven's abdomen, sending him flying. He struck a tree several yards away, actually splintering the trunk from where he hit. Keiven fell to the ground and didn't get back up.
Arawin screamed when she saw the stone hit him. She gasped when she heard him hit the tree. As quickly as she could, she climbed the seats and poked her head out the door. She coughed as smoke choked her, obscuring her vision for a time before she could finally see the situation. She saw Keiven laying far away next to a dented tree, laying on his stomach and not moving. Arawin went to get out of the carriage and go to him when a hand caught the back of her collar and pulled her out roughly. She found herself face to face with the strong emissary she had been sensing.
He stared at her with bloodshot eyes. A toothy, decayed grin crossing his face as he took in everything about her. He smelled her, getting very close and taking a huge, satisfying deep breath. “The song,” he purred. “The Mother spoke the truth. The Hero of Ferelden does posses it.”
“Song? What song?” Arawin said choked. She was hanging in mid-air by her collar, feeling more scared than she ever had before.
“The song in your blood,” he growled. “The Herald has done good. The Mother will be pleased. She has been waiting for you.”
“Well... sorry, but she's going to have to keep waiting!” The Herald buckled over and released her as Arawin jammed Zevran's Crow dagger into his gut. Her feet hit the ground, but they didn't catch her and she still fell to her side. Getting up as fast as her bulk would let her, Arawin began to run from the Herald, going straight toward Keiven. A genlock jumped in her way, hissing at her and forcing her to stop. It advanced on her, acting as if it was ready to pounce.
“No, you must not hurt the song!” the Herald shouted at it. The genlock immediately stopped its pursuit and stood fixed in its place. Its eyes still staring at her with a longing to kill.
Arawin turned to run again, but was grabbed by the Herald once more. He had already removed the Crow dagger and had thrown it on the ground. “You will not go anywhere,” he growled at her. “The Mother wishes for you, and so she shall have you. Do not be frightened. The Mother does not wish you harm. She would not bring harm to the song. It is too precious to her.”
Arawin stared at him, horrified. For the very first time in her life, being mortally afraid. She was helpless, with no one there to stop the Herald from taking her.
Flinging her over his shoulder, Arawin was forced to cooperate as a stinging pain went across her abdomen. She had been having false labor pains for awhile now, but something about this one was different. It scared her more than anything for she had no idea what was going to happen.
Zelda! Zelda, please! Where are you? Lisha! Zevran! Please...

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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Blood Song