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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
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 17
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No Rest for the Wary

“I apologize for interfering, but I couldn’t just sit by and not help,” said the Chantry sister as she walked up to Zelda.
Zelda stared at her confused. She wasn’t sure what to think of the sister. “I appreciate what you did, but I wish you hadn’t. I wouldn’t want you getting hurt.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, I can take care of myself,” she said. “Let me introduce myself. I am Leliana, one of the lay sisters of the chantry here in Lothering. Or I was.”
Zelda was even more confused. “You were?”
“I joined the Chantry to live a life of religious contemplation, but I am no priest, not even an initiate. I’m not in the Chantry anymore... because, well... I was waiting for you, I guess.”
“You were waiting for me?”
“Well, not you specifically. Oh, how do I say this? Those men said you’re a Grey Warden. You will be battling the darkspawn, yes? That is what Grey Wardens do? I know after what happened, you’ll need all the help you can get. That’s why I want to come along. I have been wanting to leave Lothering for some time now, but I didn’t just want to jump up and leave. So I thought I would wait until someone came along first.”
“Okay, but that doesn’t explain why you want to leave,” said Zelda. “I don’t know many lay sisters, but I wouldn’t think they would just want to leave the Chantry.”
Leliana’s face twitched as she tried to determine the best way to tell her the reason. “It’s because the Maker told me to,” she finally said.
Now Zelda was really confused and a little freaked out. “Can you... elaborate?”
“I-I know that sounds... absolutely insane—but it’s true!” Leliana stuttered. “I had a dream... a vision.”
“Ha!” Alistair laughed. “Can you say crazy?”
Leliana ignored Alistair and only stared at Zelda, her eyes pleading. “Look at the people here. They are lost in their despair, and this darkness, this chaos... will spread. The Maker doesn’t want this. That’s why I believe he gave me the vision. Let me help.”
Zelda tapped her fingers on her arm as she stared back at the sister. She turned to Alistair. “What do you think?” she asked him.
“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “But I can tell you what Arawin and Morrigan will more than likely say.”
“I already know what they’ll say. They’ll think she’s crazy and leave her here. I want your opinion.”
Alistair squinted his eyebrows in desperation before he turned to Leliana. “Are you sure you want to fight darkspawn? They’re not anything like what you’ve faced I’m sure.”
“And what do you think I’ve faced?” she asked him. She didn’t wait for an answer. “I only want to help. I know darkspawn are dangerous, but I’m willing to be put in harms way. You won’t have to worry about me.”
Zelda sighed as she relented. “Then welcome to our group, Leliana. My name is Zelda and this is Alistair and my dog Rupee.”
“Thank you!” she squealed. “I appreciate being given this chance. I will not let you down. And it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“We also have two other companions, and another dog,” said Zelda. “You’ll meet them later, but first I want to ask you a few questions.”
“Sure, you may ask whatever you like.”
“Excuse me, my lady!” Zelda turned around at the voice before she could ask Leliana anything. The barkeep was gesturing towards her. She made her way over to him with the others right behind her. “I just wanted to thank you for getting those damn soldiers off my back,” he said. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn't've been here.”
“You’re welcome,” said Zelda. “And we’re sorry if we caused any unnecessary messes in here.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He then become quiet, and hesitated before speaking again. “Meet me in the back of the tavern outside in about ten minutes,” he whispered. “You can have whatever you want.”
Zelda nodded to him, then gestured for the others to follow her.
They walked outside, finally able to take in some fresh air. “Boy, it was cramped in there,” said Alistair as he stretched. “I’m glad to be out.”
They made their way around the tavern and towards the back where they didn’t find anything that might have looked like a storage area or anything of the sort. But Zelda, at the moment, was more interested in Leliana than anything. She turned to the sister to question her. “So... this vision of yours...”
Leliana seemed scared as she pondered at Zelda but then she sighed. “I knew you would ask about it, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be this soon.” She sighed again. “I don’t know how to explain, but I had a dream... In it there was an impenetrable darkness... it was so dense, so real. And there was a noise, a terrible, ungodly noise... I stood on a peak and watched as the darkness consumed everything... and when the storm swallowed the last of the sun’s light, I... I fell, and the darkness drew me in...”
“So it was a dream?” asked Zelda. “Why say it’s a vision?”
“Well...” she hesitated. “I have had dreams, but this was different... It felt so real. But even if it was just a dream, I knew it had to mean something more. When I woke, I went to the chantry’s gardens, as I always do. But that day there was something different in the garden. There was a rosebush in the corner that was dead. It was gray and twisted and gnarled, but that day, it had a single, beautiful rose growing out of it. And I knew that what I had dreamt was something more than just a dream.”
“A dead rosebush come to life made you think this?” Alistair asked.
“Yes,” Leliana said nodding her head. “It was a true miracle. For years that rosebush did nothing but sit in the corner, not once blooming or anything. In a way, I kind of saw that rosebush as me. I was sitting in a corner doing nothing when I knew I should be out there doing something to help with the Blight... or anything. I know that sounds stupid, but I don’t know how to fully explain it to either of you.”
“I understand what you mean,” sighed Zelda. “I can’t just sit by either if something like this was happening.”
“That is why you are a Grey Warden,” said Leliana. “It’s because of that which is why I know my vision or dream was not just something my mind made up.”
The barkeep made his way out to them. He stumbled out of the back door, quickly locking it back up before addressing them. “Sorry, that took so long. It was a lot harder for me to get away than I thought.”
“It’s understandable,” said Zelda. “Now what did you want to have us meet back here for?”
“Follow me,” he said gesturing for them to follow. The tavern was right next to the forest. He lead them down a small worn path in the ground before they came up to a large open area in the woods. The barkeep bent down and wiped away the dirt to reveal a latch and wooden planks. Using a key, he undid the lock and lifted the hatch to reveal stairs. He then lead them down the stairs into a large room full of supplies. “You were right,” he said. “I was lying, but can you blame me?”
Zelda looked around the large underground room before she fixed a stern gaze on him. “Why are you showing us this?”
“Because of what you did for me,” he said. “I figure I owe you that, at least. Look, you said you had coin, so I know you’ll pay at least. Those men of Loghain’s were just going to take whatever they wanted without paying, and because of you, that’s not going to happen. So here you go, I got everything from rations to weapons and armor. Take what you need, and I’ll give you a good discount.”
“You should be giving this stuff to the refugees,” said Leliana. “They are in need of it more than we are.”
“It’s true,” Zelda added. “What makes you think I’m not just going to take it all and hand it out?”
The barkeep went pale and swallowed hard. “I... I was...” He sighed deeply. “I’ll let the refugees have a look as well, don’t worry.”
“And you’ll give them this discount just as you did us?”
“Yes, yes. Just please, don’t tell anyone where this is. I promise I’ll give them what they need.”
Zelda nodded. “Thank you.” She then turned and began examining the things on the many shelves that lined the walls. “Leliana, you go ahead and pick out some armor and a weapon. You won’t last very long fighting darkspawn in Chantry robes.”
***
When the four of them left the barkeep’s hidden stock room, they came up with quite a bit. They had bought a good amount of food that would hopefully last a while. Leliana was equipped with a set of leather armor that was fairly worn, but because of her weapon of choice, would be good enough. To Zelda’s surprise, Leliana had chosen a longbow made of ashwood as her main weapon.
“I’m better with bows and crossbows than I am with blades,” she said seeing Zelda’s face.
“You certainly looked like you could handle a blade pretty well to me when you helped us in the tavern,” said Zelda.
“I never said I was bad. I just prefer bows is all. Besides, from what you told me about yourself and the others, I’d say you could use a good ranged attacker.”
Zelda couldn’t argue with her on that. Even though they did have Morrigan for such attacks, archers did have their uses.
When they left, they were all packed and ready to get moving and to find Arawin and Morrigan. The only problem was that they didn’t know how to find them. They had not set up a true rendezvous point when they first parted.
“It shouldn’t be too hard to find them,” said Alistair. “Lothering isn’t that big.”
Rupee began sniffing the ground, dirt flinging up in the air from her nostrils. Before long, she began barking and took off running.
“I guess we don’t have to look after all,” Zelda said. “Looks like Rupee’s got a scent.” She ran after her, the others following. When they caught up with Rupee, they found her leaping and playing with Kunjo. The two dogs circled each other, barking and wagging their tails. Next to the playing hounds, Zelda noticed Arawin with two men next to her. The one behind her was very tall, with dark skin and white hair. He stood behind her with a mute expression and forward eyes. The other man Arawin appeared to be arguing with. He looked gangly and rough, no doubt a refugee. As Zelda and them got closer, they could hear what they were arguing about.
“You don’t need that sword,” shouted Arawin. “Otherwise you wouldn’t be trying to selling it.”
“I’ve changed my mind,” he said. “I might need it to defend myself. That’s why I picked it up off the road in the first place.”
Arawin scuffed. “It’s a greatsword. I bet you can’t even lift that thing.”
The man narrowed his eyes at her and snorted. “Sure I can. It’s not that heavy.”
“Then prove it.”
The man bent down to grab the hilt of the sword that was placed by his feet. He heaved, appearing to be straining as he pulled. The blade came up but it only reached to about his chest before it made it’s way back down. It made a heavy clunk when it hit, almost taking the man with it.
“I thought so,” Arawin said crossing her arms.
“So I can’t lift it, fine,” said the man. “Then I’ll sell it to you for five sovereigns.”
“What!” Arawin exclaimed. “Are you nuts? That sword is made of iron, and it’s old! It’s not even worth fifty silver!”
“Five sovereigns is my offer. Take it or leave it.”
“Is this really necessary?” The question came from the large man behind her. He had a very deep, booming voice with a strange and mysterious accent.
“Yes is it,” said Arawin. “You need a weapon. I’m sure you could get by pretty well with just your hands, but darkspawn aren’t easy to take down.”
“Parshaara,” the dark man said. He turned his head. “Just get it done.”
“Wait, is that...” the other man said pointing at him. “Is that the man who was in the cage?”
“Yes,” said Arawin annoyed.
“How did he get out? He’s a murderer!”
“I let him out, and unless you want to be his next victim, I suggest you give him that sword.”
The man’s eyes went wide and he stood up straight. “Fine, take it!” he choked. “You can have the bloody thing. Just don’t let him get near me.” The man then began to back away.
“Thank you,” said Arawin. “And here is the twenty silver I offered to you in the first place.” She handed him the coins but he didn’t take them. Instead he ran from her as fast as he could, almost tripping as he went past Zelda and the others.
“There you go, Sten,” Arawin said turning to the dark man. “A sword, and you said you’re armor was thrown somewhere in the field? We’ll go look for it next.”
“What was that all about?” Zelda asked as she walked over to them.
“Oh, there you are,” said Arawin. “I was wondering when you would show up. I was just trying to get Sten here a sword so that he could be more useful to us. Otherwise he would just be a pack mule.” The dark man growled slightly as he picked up the greatsword. He didn’t seem to have any difficultly picking it up like the other man did. “Sorry Sten, but it’s true.”
“I heard what that man said,” Zelda stated. “That he’s a murderer. What are you doing with him?”
“Yes, I would very much like to know why you let him out,” said Leliana.
“And who are you?” Arawin asked looking at her.
“Oh, I am sorry, allow me to introduce myself. I am Leliana, and Zelda here has let me accompany you on your journey.”
“She has, has she?” Arawin said eying Zelda.
“Don’t look at me like that,” said Zelda. “I’m still trying to figure out why you let out a murderer.” She turned to Leliana. “You seem to know something. What did he do?”
“The revered mother said he slaughtered an entire family. Even the children,” Leliana explained. “When the soldiers found him, he was covered in their blood. He went with them willingly, and then he actually put himself in the cage. The revered mother was so stunned by his actions, that she didn’t really know what to do with him. She said she would put his fate in the Maker’s hands.”
“It is as she says,” Sten said. He looked down at the ground, and Zelda could see the shame in his eyes as well as his guilt and remorse.
“He killed an entire family and confessed,” Zelda whispered to herself.
“I let him out because I couldn’t stand watching the people of this village torture him like they were,” said Arawin. “They threw stones and called him foul names. He was just going to be left in that cage until he died of who knew what.”
“To be left to starve,” said Leliana. “Or to be taken by the darkspawn... no one deserves that, not even a murderer.”
Zelda sighed. “As long as he can prove himself, then I guess he can come with us.”
“I’m so glad we have your approval,” Arawin said sarcastically.
Zelda ignored Arawin’s tone and walked up to Sten. “Sten, is it?” she asked him. “Are you a Qunari?” Sten nodded his head to both questions. “Well, Sten,” she continued. “You’ll need armor. Peasant clothes are really only good for keeping one's dignity. But I don’t know where we’re going to find a set big enough for you.”
“I had a set,” he said. “I saw the soldiers throw it in the field. I know where it is.”
“Then let us go and get it,” said Zelda. She then looked around and noticed something was missing. “Where’s Morrigan?”
“She’s still in the forest, gathering a few more things,” said Arawin. She opened her pack and showed Zelda the contents. “Since we couldn’t get much from these people we were forced to search the woods. You’d be surprised to see how much stuff you can get from nature that’s free. Morrigan knows exactly what to look for and Sten’s pretty good at spotting useful materials as well.”
“Good,” Zelda nodded. “It’s good to know we have people who know what they’re doing. We gathered quite a few things ourselves, but they aren’t going to last forever, especially now that our number just went up.”
***
The group made their way to the field Sten had pointed out in order to search for his armor. The field was located on the other side of Lothering, just outside of the main area, but still within the village boundaries. When asked why the soldiers had thrown Sten’s armor out here, he only replied that he didn’t know. Perhaps his armor was too large to fit any of the soldiers. Either way, there was actually a lot of thrown out junk in the field. It made it hard to look for his full set. All of the junk was useless. It consisted of rusted through swords and shields, severally worn out leathers, moth-eaten clothes, and all sorts of broken things such as dishware, weapons, and other unrecognizable junk. Morrigan eventually found and joined them. Soon, they were able to find all of Sten’s armor, and he gladly put it on. It was dirty and needed to be cleaned, but he didn’t really care much about it. He was just happy, or at least they believed him to be happy since Sten was not a very emotional person, to have it back.
They also thought it best to set up their camp in the field. It was still near Lothering, but it was also away from the refugee camps that were packed in the front of the village. Zelda wondered why no one was camped out here. It might have been due to the fact that the field was seen more as a dumping ground than anything, but it would do for just one night. Eventually, refugees would start camping out this way if more kept coming.
They had enough tents for everyone to have their own, except for Sten. Zelda had apologized to him for not having one since she didn’t know that he was apart of their group until later. Sten accepted her apologize but said he would have denied a tent anyway. He preferred to sleep under the stars.
That night Arawin took the first watch. She sat on a log next to the fire they had created and stared out at the glow being emitted from Lothering. It was an illuminating glow from the many campfires burning from the center of the village. She wondered how many people were up and about right now, how they were going to get through all this. How was she and her companions going to get through all this? There were many things to consider and many things that needed to be done in such a short period of time.
Arawin heard footsteps behind her as she thought. She didn’t become startled or move because she knew who it was. Zelda sat next to her on the log. It was her turn to take the watch, but Arawin didn’t really feel much like sleeping at the moment.
“Arawin,” she heard Zelda whisper as the human began poking at the fire. “Do you mind if we talk before you go to your tent?”
Arawin sighed, knowing this was going to happen, but it wasn’t an annoyed sigh. She looked over into Zelda’s eyes. She could tell they were sleep deprived. Had she not gotten any sleep tonight? “Depends on what you want to talk about,” she said in a calm tone. “I am pretty tired,” she lied.
“I just want to know something.” Zelda paused, waiting for Arawin to object to her, but it never came. “When I could feel your emotions. I... felt your hatred toward humans. It was so strong. And I felt something within it. Tell me, and if you don’t want to that’s fine, but... I’m not sure how to ask this. It’s about your cousin... the one Vaughan raped.”
Arawin winced at both the name and the last word that Zelda spoke. “If you want to know why I killed him, then yes, that was the reason.”
“I did know that,” said Zelda. “I heard you say it to Cailan, but it felt like it was stemming from something else. I’m sorry for what happened to her. I could feel your love for her and your regret for not getting to her in time, but I just wanted to ask why you hate me so much? I’m not quite sure what I did to you to have you feel this way towards me. I don’t think it has to do with me wanting to make you a servant just to free you. You know I would never do that to you if you didn’t want it.”
“So what would you have done with me if it worked?” Arawin asked her. “Would you have let me go? Or would you have tried to keep me with you?”
“I would've let you go if that was your wish. But what would you have done?”
Arawin stretched her back. “I would have run to my family, of course. You saw how they were. They would have hidden me to keep me from being taken again. That’s how we are. I would do anything for them and they would do anything for me.”
Zelda smiled. “I know. That’s how it was with my family.”
They stayed silent for a moment before Arawin spoke. “I don’t know why I hate you, or at least hated you then. I’m not saying I like you now though, so don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just getting used to you is all. I just have hated humans for so long it’s almost second nature to me. I especially hate nobles. Mostly because of how they treat us elves. They see us only as servants, that’s why when you wanted to help me in that way, you just hit a sore spot. And I’m a person who tends to hold grudges.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“There’s also the way my mother died.” Arawin stopped for a moment and looked towards the sky. The stars were out and shined within the blackness. “I think that’s when it truly began. I told you that story, so you know what happened.” Zelda nodded. “The fire I have for humans is starting to dwindle, though. Since I’ve started traveling with you and everyone, I’ve gotten better. I’ve gotten used to Alistair, and Morrigan, and even Leliana, but it’s something I still need to work on. A fire that’s been burning for a long time will not go out in just one night. It takes time and patience.”
“Yes, I understand,” said Zelda. “I just hope we can get along better now. Maybe this bond we share can help with that. I understand you a little better, and I hope you understand me as well.”
Arawin focused her gaze back on Zelda. “I do, and there’s something I want to know about you, too.”
Zelda looked at her, fixed on her face. “What is that?”
“You have a grief inside you that you haven’t let out yet,” said Arawin. “I didn’t know what it was at first, but after hearing what happened to your family, I now know it’s a grief for them. Why don’t you do something with it?”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know,” Arawin sighed. “Either let it out, or use it. I don’t know how you can just stand to let it smolder within you like it was. I’m sure it hasn’t gone away either. I can’t feel it anymore because of the potion, but I know it’s there. I can see it in your eyes. But there was also something else. You lost a loved one as well, didn’t you? And not just a loved one like a family member but something different.”
Zelda turned from her.
“Do you want to discuss that?” Arawin asked.
“I think you should be getting to bed,” said Zelda still turned from her.
“Now who’s the one who doesn’t want to talk?” Arawin chuckled. “Fine, I won’t force you, but seriously... If you don’t do something with that grief it will eat you alive. I kid you not. I had the same problem, but I use my grief to fuel my fighting. Anger can be a pretty powerful weapon if you can use it correctly during a fight.”
“I see that within you when you fight,” said Zelda turning towards the fire. “But it can also be a weakness.”
“Just think about it,” said Arawin as she stood. “You know, you’re starting to change my perception of you. When we first met, I didn’t see you as the warrior you are now.”
“And how did you see me, hmm?”
“Well, I did see you as a pretty princess, as my nickname for you still stands. But I saw you as a princess of a far off kingdom, trapped in your castle by an evil dark man. And you have to wait to be saved by a young boy in a green tunic.”
Zelda looked at her like she was insane. “Why does he have to wear green?”
“I don’t know,” Arawin laughed. “That was the first color that came to me. He could also wear red, or blue, or a suit of armor that uses up money in order to make the wearer invincible.”
“You have the weirdest imagination I have ever heard,” said Zelda, but she couldn’t help but to laugh along with the elf.
“But instead, you are the warrior princess, not the one stuck in a tower.”
“I was never that type of princess.”
“And I don’t think you ever will be.”
Arawin began walking towards her tent. Both women feeling good about their talk. The fact that they could talk without arguing was a good sign of things to come. There were still many issues that they had to deal with, but tonight was a good start.
As Arawin was about to enter her tent, she looked back at the village again. It made her stop as she noticed something. The glow that was there before seemed to be bigger and brighter than it was. She stared at it and realized that not only was the glow brighter but it was also coming towards them. “Zelda, do you see that?” she shouted to her.
Zelda looked up from tending the fire. “See what?”
Arawin came back over to her and pointed at the village. “That glow! I think something's wrong.”
“Do you think Lothering is being attacked?” Zelda asked as she stood.
“I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s coming right for us.”
“Quick, wake the others!”
Both women ran behind them to the tents. Zelda ran over to Sten who looked more like he was in a meditative state than asleep. She quickly roused him, which was easy enough. He shot open his eyes and seemed to immediately know what was happening as he stood and grabbed his sword.
Arawin began beating on the tents, and shouting for the others to wake. Alistair popped out of his tent, all confused and worked up as he stared at Arawin. “What is it?” he asked. “Why are you--” But he stopped when he saw her staring at him with wide eyes.
“Wow, Alis,” she said. “Now I know more about you than I wanted.”
Alistair realized from a cold breeze he had just come out of his tent in nothing but his smallclothes. His checks turned a bright red and he slide back into the tent.
Arawin laughed as he went in. “Don’t be such a chicken! Anyway, get dressed, we think the village is under attack and it’s coming right for us!” She told this to everyone as they all suddenly awoke and tried desperately to get ready for battle. It wasn’t until she was done that Arawin noticed the glow was now right on them. Zelda and Sten stared within it, and to Arawin’s surprise, she saw that the glow was made by a bunch of torches, and holding those torches were villagers. “What’s going on?” she asked as she came up to Zelda.
Zelda didn’t say anything as she glared at the people in front of her. There were a lot and all had malice in their eyes.
“We heard what was said in the tavern,” said one of the villagers. “We heard that you’re Wardens and we know what you did at Ostagar.”
“Whatever you heard was a lie,” said Zelda. “The Wardens did not betray King Cailan.”
There was an angry murmur amongst the mob. “That might be so,” the man huffed. “Or you’re just saying that in order to save your own skins, but that doesn’t matter. That bounty on your heads could feed a lot of hungry bellies.”
They looked at the mob. It was only made up of villagers, farmers, and refugees. The only weapons they seemed to have were farming equipment or just their own hands. Were these people so desperate that they would attack Grey Wardens just for some food?
“What is it that you all need?” Zelda asked. “I was able to open the tavern back up for you, and the barkeep has promised to give all of you a discount.”
“But that won’t last for long,” shouted one of the villagers.
“And no one is coming to trade in Lothering at the moment,” said the man. “No merchants are willing to come down this far with darkspawn lurking.”
“Then move,” said Arawin irritated. “Get out of Lothering. You all know that the darkspawn are coming eventually. Don’t be stupid and wait here for them.”
This brought another, louder angry murmur to the crowd. “That would be possible if we had the money. But if we took care of you Grey Wardens, then that would be easy enough.”
“So they plan on killing us just for some coin?” said Morrigan. “My, how quick people will turn on you when money is involved.”
Arawin pulled out her swords, ready to attack, but Zelda stopped her. “No, we can’t attack them,” she said.
“Why not?” Arawin cried. “They’re planning on killing us! I say we make the first move.”
“But they are not darkspawn. They are people who are being misguided and are only trying to get by. They do not know what they're doing.”
“We could easily kill them,” said Morrigan. “It would be very simple.”
“And I’m sure they’ve taken that into consideration, which is why they are here in a large mob in the middle of the night, hoping to catch us off guard.”
“No more talk!” shouted the man. “I don’t know if you killed King Cailan, and Maker forgive me, I don’t care. But my wife is pregnant and we have no food for her, so I'm here to make sure she gets something. Attack!”
With his last word, the mod fell upon them. Zelda only pulled out her shield and swung it at the people who got close to her. They fell to the ground, causing the ones behind them to trip and fall backwards, causing a chain reaction. Alistair had made his way beside her with only his shield out as well. Together they were able to keep the mob at bay while Arawin stood on the other side of Alistair, swords out and ready to strike. Leliana was positioned to Zelda’s other side, bow drawn and ready to fire. Sten and Morrigan were behind them, ready as well. Rupee and Kunjo stood next to their mistresses, growling and showing their teeth.
Zelda looked at everyone in turn before she met with Alistair’s gaze. His eyes showed the same thing as hers. They didn’t want to fight this mob and potentially kill these innocent people. It was at that point Zelda noticed Alistair was in nothing but a pair of pants. He had no shirt on and the fire behind them and the glow of the one in front bounced off his torso giving it a illuminating shine. Funny how she would happen to notice something like that right now. She blushed a little, hoping that it was not noticeable.
“What’s going on here?” came a voice from behind the mob. Everyone turned to look and then the mob parted. Coming through the middle Zelda saw the revered mother along with several templars. It was she who had spoken.
“Revered Mother,” Leliana said bowing to her.
“Leliana? What is going on?” the revered mother asked. “I’m suddenly awaken to find half the village out here.”
“They planned on attacking us,” said Zelda.
“Ah, yes, I see now,” she said. “Is it because you are Grey Wardens?”
“Yes.”
The revered mother sighed. “And what do you have to say for yourselves?” she asked turning to the mob.
“We need the money,” said the man who had been speaking for the mob. He was backed up by several other shouts. “They killed the king! They deserve nothing less.” More shouts and more accusations.
“Enough!” the revered mother cried. “I don’t want to hear anymore. All of you back to your homes or tents. I will not be having any type of slaughter in Lothering. We are not like that.”
The mob murmured again, but soon they began to dissolve and made their way back to the village. The revered mother watched as all of them went before turning to the group behind her.
“Thank you, your Reverence, for helping us,” said Zelda.
The revered mother faced her. “I only did not want to have any blood shed, and I don’t believe the rumors that are going around about you. I just hope I can keep the peace while the bann is away. He didn’t seem to have left anyone in charge.”
“As we’ve noticed.”
“I do wish to ask you something, however,” said the revered mother with a sigh. “I wish that you would leave Lothering immediately, or at least camp outside of the village perimeter. I don’t know if I will be able to help you again.”
“That is understood and a wise decision,” Zelda nodded. “And thank you again.”
“You are quite welcome, and may the Maker watch over you.” The revered mother along with her templars then turned and left them.
Zelda faced everyone in a circle. “I say we go ahead and get packed now, since everyone is already awake and find a place outside of Lothering. Do you all agree?”
They all nodded and began to make their way to collect their supplies.
Arawin stood next to Zelda. “Then what are we going to do?” she asked. “We didn’t plan on staying here long, anyway.”
“No, we didn’t, but now a few things have changed. We have to be more careful. If those villagers were willing to attack us, then that’s probably how it’s going to be where ever we go. I don’t think we can say we’re Grey Wardens to just anybody anymore.”
“It wouldn’t be wise to say it at least.”
“Once we're set up somewhere else, then we’ll discuss where we will be heading next and what we’re going to do.”
Zelda and Arawin then departed and set out to role up their own tents.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond