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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1633 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Issues of Conflict

Zelda went down the hall in a hurry, wanting to get out of Denerim as soon as possible. Arawin was out there and she needed to find her. She had felt when Arawin had been captured, but it didn't really hit her until she saw several guards carry her brother to the healers. He was half dead with a giant bruise on his back. He kept muttering “they took her!” before Zelda realized what he was talking about. Darkspawn had taken her. When she asked the guards, they told her they found him on the side of the road next to a burning carriage. There was no one else around with no signs of Arawin.
“Zelda, stop! Please... you need to think about this!” Both Teagan and Alistair chased behind her, trying to convince her to go to the Landsmeet that had already begun.
“No!” she cried without turning to look at them. She couldn't believe the Landsmeet had not been canceled. She had put in a request to have it rescheduled, along with several other nobles, but Lady Dina was not going to let that happen. Not after waiting so long for this very moment. The world could have been ending with fire and brimstone, and she still would have made sure the Landsmeet met as scheduled.
“Zelda! Please, you can't do this.” Teagan caught up with her and grabbed her shoulder. He forced her to stop in the middle of the hall and turn around. “Come on, Zelda. You know you can't just abandon all those nobles who have supported you throughout all of this.”
Zelda glared at Teagan, wanting to hit him so he would let her go. She then looked over to see Alistair's saddened expression.
“You can't let her win, love,” he said. “Lady Dina cannot win this.”
“I'm not letting her win!” Zelda yelled. Teagan let go of her as she turned fully around. “She's going to win no matter if I'm there or not. Do you really think I want to go in there and see her smug face?”
“Do you seriously think the nobles of this country are that stupid?” Teagan asked.
“I don't think they're stupid, I just know they're going to do what's right for Ferelden. I can't give Ferelden what it needs!”
“But you've been giving it what it needs!”
“Not in the long run. I'm sorry... but finding Arawin right now is more important. If I'm no longer going to be queen, I might as well get a head start on it.” She went to turn around again.
“Zelda, no!” Alistair said. “Look, I'm worried about Arawin too-”
“Really? You are?” Zelda glared at him. “If you are then why don't you have the entire army looking for her right now?”
“Zelda, I know you're upset, but this is something that needs to be taken care of. You can't just ignore it and hope it goes away. Trust me, I've tried that several times throughout my whole life. Now please, come to the Landsmeet. No matter what happens, when it's done, we'll both leave together to find Arawin.”
Zelda looked from Alistair to Teagan, realizing they both were right. Even if finding Arawin was more important, she needed to take care of this first. She had been putting it off for too long.
“Come on, Zelda,” Teagan said softly. “The Landsmeet it waiting.”
“Alright,” Zelda finally said. “I'll go, but I'm not staying the whole time.”
“That's fine. Let's just get you there before Lady Dina says you forfeit.”
Zelda would have said it herself, but what Teagan had said before was true. She couldn't let down all the nobles who had been supporting her. She needed to be there and she needed to at least try and make an argument to stay on the throne.
They made their way back down the hall to the throne room where the Landsmeet was waiting. When they got to the main door, Teagan bowed before going down an adjacent hall that would lead him to the balcony. Alistair and Zelda stood before the door for a moment in silence.
“Please don't make me go in there,” Zelda said softly.
“Don't tell me you're afraid?”
“But I am.” Zelda looked into Alistair's eyes. “I'm more afraid of this Landsmeet than I was of the archdemon. I... I don't want to go in there and have to face her. I don't want to lose you.”
“That, I swear, is not going to happen,” Alistair said as he hugged her. “You know I love you too much to let that happen.”
“But you need to stay as king, even if Lady Dina becomes queen.”
Alistair shook his head on her shoulder. “There is no way I'm going to be married to her. I'm married to you, and it's going to stay that way, whether we're king and queen or not.”
“Alistair...”
“Zelda,” Alistair said sincerely as he looked in her eyes. “We're in this together, to the end. Right?” He smiled down at her which made her smile back.
“You always know how to make me feel better,” she said. “Thank you, Alistair.”
“I love you, Zelda.” He kissed her softly on the lips. “Are you ready?”
“I guess so.” Zelda sighed heavily. “Let's get in there.”
She faced the door, Alistair right behind her. When she opened it, the doors opened wide, revealing the throne room and all the nobles within. There had been what sounded like a heated conversation going on but it stopped when Zelda walked in. All the nobles grew quiet and turned to see as she and Alistair made their way to the middle of the room.
Zelda looked around and saw all her friends and supporters on the balcony. She saw her brother Fergus with Shianni along side him. Next to them was Isolde and Teagan. The grand cleric sat in the middle of the balcony. On either side of the room Zelda also spotted Bann Sighard, Bann Alfstanna, and Arl Bryland, along with many other of her supporters. She noticed all nobles in Ferelden were present. Expect for the ones from Amaranthine, of course.
In a corner next to the door stood her honor guard. They all looked relieved that she had finally arrived. Jowan looking the most relieved as she saw him let out a long sigh.
“Well... it looks like our dear queen decided to show after all.” Lady Dina stood in the middle of the room. She stared over at Zelda with a piercing gaze. Zelda knew she was disappointed she had actually come to the Landsmeet, but Lady Dina wouldn't show it. Zelda walked over to her, never relenting in her own gaze. The game had started and Zelda wasn't going to back down.
Zelda noticed Lady Dina's attire was very formal and maybe a little too showy. She wore one of the most expensive dresses from Orlais: a white and gold silk dress with embroidered flowers and vines. It shined in the touch light, making her almost like a beacon. It was hard not to notice her, and it was definitely more appropriate for the Landsmeet than what Zelda was wearing.
Upon hearing about Arawin, and wanting to go find her as fast as she could, Zelda abandoned her dresses and went straight to her armor. It was something she hadn't worn since the Blight. A set of leather armor that was made from the hide of a high dragon. It was the strongest, but also lightest type of leather known in Thedas. Also being one of the hardest to obtain and the most expensive to make. Alistair had given it to her as a wedding present.
She also had upon her back Silverbrand, her family sword she had used during the Blight, and what she had killed the archdemon with. Right now the sword was in its sheath, the leather casing being coated with ice as the enchantment on the sword leaked through. Small flecks of condensation fell from the end of the sword to the floor. The shield she had was not the shield of Highever, however. That she had given back to her brother, who she believed should have it since it was the family shield. Zelda had also tried to give him back Silverbrand, but Fergus refused, saying the sword was hers now since she had slain the archdemon with it. Now, along with Silverbrand, Zelda had a shield with the Theirin family herald. Two lions, reared on their hind legs facing each other on a white background. Cousland was still her family, but she was a Theirin now.
“Don't be so disappointed, Lady Dina,” said Zelda. “You know the reason why I'm late. I, along with others, tried to have this Landsmeet postponed due to the situation with the warden-commander. As you know, she has gone missing, and I would like to find her.”
“I am quite aware of that, your Majesty,” Lady Dina sneered. “And though I do fear for the commander, this Landsmeet is more important at the moment. Besides, I'm sure the Wardens in Amaranthine are aware of the situation and are looking for her right now.”
“Then if this Landsmeet must occur, let us get it over with.”
“Now that you are here, we can get started. There is a certain issue that we must deal with.”
“I agree. I propose that we go ahead and get on with the vote.” Zelda looked to the nobles on the balcony. “The vote that will decide on whether to keep me as queen or not. I-”
“Excuse me, your Majesty,” Lady Dina interrupted. “But unlike the last Landsmeet, you are not in charge.”
Zelda cocked an eyebrow at her. “Isn't that the issue you've been trying to resolve?”
“It's one of them, but I'm talking about another issue that needs to be dealt with first before we deal with that one.” Lady Dina then turned to the nobles. “The issue that I'm talking about is the one concerning our queen's mage guard, Jowan. And his so-called 'pardon'.”
Zelda turned to see Jowan grow extremely pale from Lady Dina's words. She also heard the entire Landsmeet moan. This wasn't the first time Lady Dina had brought up this issue. In fact, she had brought it up at every Landsmeet, trying to prove the grand cleric's signature was a fake. Never had she been able to prove it was, and the Landsmeet was starting to get sick of her bringing it up all the time.
“You can't be serious?” Teagan shouted down at her. “How many times do you need to try and prove the signature is a fraud?”
“Until the truth finally comes out, Bann Teagan,” said Lady Dina. “I'm sure most of you would rather just sweep this under the rug, let it be. But we cannot! The queen has defiled our late grand cleric's name, and this time I have proof!”
“You told us you had proof all the other times, Lady Dina,” Bann Alfstanna said. “And all those times proved nothing. What makes you think this time will do any better?”
“Because I have a copy of the actual signature from the grand cleric.” Lady Dina peered over at Zelda, a wicked smile on her face. Zelda kept her neutral face, not daring to show any fear or weakness to her.
“Here, in my hands is the evidence that the signature was forged,” Lady Dina said as she took two pieces of paper from one of her own mage guards. “This here is the pardon, while this one is the promise signed by Grand Cleric Rosa when she became grand cleric over twenty years ago.” She then handed them back to her guard who started passing them around the room. “When you look at them and compare the signatures, you will see that they do not match!”
Zelda kept her stance, trying to stay as neutral as possible. She wasn't afraid that Lady Dina would win, but when she looked back at Jowan, she saw he was on the brink of tears. Zelda wanted to lash out at Lady Dina for making him go through this. Lily, after hearing what was going on, had ran over to Jowan. Together they stood in each others arms, looking terrified.
“Lady Dina, may I ask you something?” Alistair asked after he looked at the two pieces of paper and passed them on.
“Of course you may, your Majesty.”
“Why is it you've never questioned my signature on that pardon?”
“Your Majesty... are you seriously asking that?” Lady Dina looked somewhat taken aback.
“I am.”
“No one would question your signature, your Majesty. It's obviously yours, plus the queen was your betrothed at the time, so why would you say no to her? Why do you ask? Is it not your signature?”
“That's the first time you've asked me that.”
“Then what is your answer?”
Alistair stared at her for a moment. “Of course it's mine.”
“Then there's no point in investigating yours any further.” She turned from Alistair and stared up at the nobles as the papers continued to go around.
There were murmurs amongst the nobles. Some of them looking shocked to see the signatures really didn't match, while others rolled their eyes and shook their heads. Zelda waited quietly while Lady Dina's smile grew larger as time went by.
“This is ridiculous,” said Fergus as he stared at the papers.
“Why is it ridiculous, Teyrn Cousland?” Lady Dina asked. “Is it because you can't possible think your sister could do such a thing?”
“No.”
“Or is it because you're afraid this may mean you will lose your privileges?”
“What privileges are you talking about?”
“The ones you get for being brother to the queen. I'm sure there's some type of bonus.”
Fergus glared down at her. “I'm saying it's ridiculous because you can't possible expect this twenty year old signature to match! If you were to go and find one of my signatures from twenty years ago and compared it to one today, they wouldn't match either. Signatures change as time goes by. It would be the same for anyone. So this is hardly proof.”
A lot of the nobles agreed with him, even some of the ones who had been shocked at first. Lady Dina stared at him, not happy as she thought. “That might be so,” she said slowly. “But I would like to ask the grand cleric what her opinion on the matter is.”
Grand Cleric Greta sat up from her seat and looked down at Lady Dina peculiarly. “Lady Dina, you know I cannot get involved. I am only here for observation and settling matters that may need it.”
“And this is a matter that needs settling, your Grace. Please. The last year of our late grand cleric's life, you followed her as her successor, yes?”
“I did.”
“So could you please look at the two signatures and tell us whether or not they are the Grand Cleric Rosa's or not? It would settle this debate most effectively.”
Greta sighed. “Alright, I shall take a look. Although I'm not sure how much help I shall be.” The papers were handed to her, and she looked over them for a moment before looking back at Lady Dina. “I cannot say for sure if this is Grand Cleric Rosa's signature or not.”
“And why is that, your Grace?” Lady Dina asked with a smile.
“Why? Because I never witnessed her sign anything.”
“So there is proof then, that is not her signature!” Lady Dina looked about the room with a huge smile. She stared over at Zelda who still kept her neutral look. “Ladies and gentlemen, the signature is a-”
“Lady Dina, I am not finished,” the grand cleric interrupted her, making Dina stop and stare at her odd.
“Yes, your Grace? Did you have something more to add?”
“I did. Just because I never witnessed Grand Cleric Rosa sign this, or anything, does not mean she didn't.”
“But... you followed her everywhere, didn't you?”
“I followed her around most of the time, but not to everything. She could have easily signed this when I was absent.”
Lady Dina lost her smile, but she still kept her cool. “I appreciate your help, your Grace. I suppose I need to look further into the situation.”
“No,” the grand cleric said shaking her head. “I'm putting an end to this once and for all.” She stood and went to the railing and looked down from the balcony. “Jowan, would you please step forward.”
Jowan stiffened and looked to Zelda with complete fear. Zelda nodded and gestured for him to go to the grand cleric. Lily looked frightened as well, but let him go and pushed him forward slightly. Finally taking a deep breath, Jowan made his way in front of the grand cleric.
“It'll be all right,” Zelda whispered as he walked past her.
“I hope so,” he whispered back.
“Jowan,” the grand cleric said when he was in front of her. Lady Dina moved aside, glaring at him. “You are here before me because you have been accused of performing blood magic in order to escape the Circle. Is that correct?”
“Yes it is, your Grace.”
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I'd have to say... that I regret every moment of it.” Jowan stared up at the grand cleric with serenity. “If I could take it all back, then I would. That one mistake I made ruined my whole life. I lost everything.”
“From what I see, you haven't lost much,” said the grand cleric. “The queen has helped you out quite a bit. She made you one of her honor guard, along with getting you back with your wife, and giving you a home. You seem happy.”
“I am,” said Jowan. “But I thought I would never have something like this. Queen Zelda has done more for me than I could possibly ask for or even what I thought I deserved. When I was on the run, and when I was locked in the dungeons, I never thought I'd be happy again.”
The grand cleric nodded. “You are facing some serious charges, Jowan. But you have done good too. I heard about what you did in Redcliffe, saving Connor from a demon. That was very heroic.”
“With all due respect, your Grace. If it wasn't for me, what happened in Redcliffe would never have occurred. I was the one who poisoned the arl, after all.”
“Yes, but from what I understand, you were misled. And the arl has forgiven you for your actions. Am I correct, Lady Isolde?”
“You are, your Grace,” Isolde nodded.
“So the only thing I can really take into consideration about Redcliffe is your heroic action in saving Connor. Which brings me to asking you one question, Jowan. You have not used blood magic since escaping. Do you ever plan on using it again?”
Jowan didn't hesitate with his answer. “No. If I did, then I know I would lose everything again, and I never want to go through that again. There will be no one to save me next time. I don't plan on making the same mistake twice.”
“And that is your word?”
“I swear it on my life, my wonderful wife, Lily, and any children we may have in the future.”
The grand cleric smiled down at him. “Then with the power vested in me, and by all the witnesses in this Landsmeet, I, Grand Cleric Greta of Ferelden, pardon you, Jowan, of the use of blood magic. I will sign this pardon, below Grand Cleric Rosa's signature. From now on, this pardon will no longer be questioned. Do I make myself clear, Lady Dina?”
Lady Dina had began to lose her demeanor as the grand cleric pardoned Jowan. She quickly regained herself when she was asked the question. “Of course, your Grace. I will leave the matter be.”
“Good.” The grand cleric then signed the pardon and allowed Jowan to step down. He ran over to Lily and hugged her, tears were in both their eyes from happiness.
“I'm done now,” the grand cleric said as she sat back down. “You may proceed, Lady Dina.”
“Thank you, your Grace,” Lady Dina said seething. Zelda couldn't help but to smile a little. “As there is no further issues to deal with, we can go ahead and begin the vote. Your Majesty, you may proceed with your argument, if you wish.”
“Thank you.” Zelda went to the center and looked around at the nobles. “I thank all of you for being here. I thank all of you for supporting me who have. This is a tough situation, a tough choice to make. Because it comes down to more than am I a good queen, but am I what is good for Ferelden. Am I? The issue of the heir is a serious one, and unfortunately Alistair and I are unable to produce one together. But would he be able to produce one with an untainted woman? It is hard for Grey Wardens to have children in any circumstance. There is no guarantee it will happen with another woman. So the choice is what does Ferelden need? Yes it needs an heir, we all know that. But what else does it need? Decide for yourselves what is best.”
“Very nice, your Majesty,” Lady Dina sneered. “Are you prepared to begin?”
“I am, but I'm not staying.”
“Really?”
“I'm sorry, but I must go. I've already been here too long. I need to find my friend. I can't delay any longer. Farewell, my friends.”
“Go on, Zelda!” said Shianni. “Go find Arawin. We'll do what we can here.”
“Yes. Thank you.” Zelda bowed as she turned to leave.
“Hold on,” said Alistair. “Lady Dina, you can't start the vote without me.”
“Yes, your Majesty,” Lady Dina said rolling her eyes. “Please be quick.”
“Sure.” He followed Zelda out of the throne room, catching up to her in the middle of the hall. “Zelda, hang on!”
“Alistair, you know I need to go,” she said.
“I know, and I'm not going to stop you. But do you want someone to go with you?”
“No. I'll be faster if I go alone. Tell Jowan and the others they're with you now. Or... they're out of a job. They can always come to Amaranthine, if they wish.”
“You're still going to be queen.”
“Alistair, I love you, but I can't think like that. Right now I have to focus on Arawin. She's not doing very well, and I need to find her before something bad happens.”
“Alright, go. And after this Landsmeet is done, I'll be right behind you.”
“Thank you.”
“Just... one question before you go, Zelda.”
Zelda stared at him, questioning.
“I saw you forged my signature, which I'm not sure why you did...”
“You were busy at the time. I didn't want to disturb you, plus I needed to get to Jowan as soon as I could before Greagior had him executed.”
“Alright... but if my signature was forged, then was the grand cleric's as well?”
Zelda stared at him for a moment. “Let's just say I was lucky she died when she did. May the Maker guide her soul.”
This made Alistair laugh. “I suppose so.”
“Now, if you're done, I must go.”
“Of course.”
They kissed and Alistair squeezed her hand before she made her way back down the hall. He stood there for a moment watching her, sighing before he turned around and nearly ran into the guard standing behind him.
“Oh, I'm sorry,” he said. The guard appeared to have not moved. His face was blank, staring at a fixed point behind Alistair. Alistair stared at him confused, not sure what the guard was doing.
“Your Majesty,” the guard said in a monotone voice.
“Yes...?”
“For you.” The guard's hand rose while his face still stayed straight. In his hand he held up a small vial with some type of clear liquid inside. Alistair took the vial and examined it, not sure what it could be. “Make sure she drinks it all,” the guard spoke.
Alistair looked back at the guard. He looked into his eyes, seeing how lifeless and empty they were. Something then sparkled behind them. A flash of yellow. Alistair startled. “Morrigan?”
The guard shook his head. “Your Majesty?” he said surprised. “Oh! Your Majesty! I'm so sorry! I-I should be at my post. I don't even know why I'm here.”
“You don't remember coming to me?” Alistair asked.
“N-No, I don't, your Majesty. I should be getting back.”
“Hold on. Did anyone come up to you? Did anyone give you this to give to me?” He showed the guard the vial.
“No, your Majesty. No one came up to me. I've never see that before. All I remember is standing at my post on the wall and then... I was here. Is... is that something important, your Majesty?”
“No,” Alistair said taking the vial and putting it in his pocket. “I suggest you go and get some rest.”
“Yes, your Majesty. I think I shall do that.” The guard walked down the hall, shaking his head slowly. “That's the last time I stay up all night playing drinking games.”
Alistair waited for him to turn the corner before he took out the vial again and stared at it. If this was what he thought it was, then it would solve all their problems. He just wished he had gotten it sooner. Either way, they had to get past this Landsmeet first. Slowly he put the vial back in his pocket and made his way into the throne room.
“No, no! That is outrageous!” Lady Dina scolded. “There is no way I am going to let you do that!”
“Why, is it because I'm an elf?” said Shianni. “Because I'm an elf I can't be queen?”
“No where in history has Ferelden ever had an elf on the throne,” Lady Dina spat.
“Well no where in history has Ferelden ever had an elf in the Landsmeet, yet here I am! I'm a noble, just like you, so I can put myself up as queen if I wanted.”
Lady Dina scolded. “No...”
“But she's right,” Fergus said with a smile. “Shianni can put herself up as queen. It's her right, and you can't take that away from her.”
“I still say no,” Lady Dina said narrowing her eyes at him.
“Wait, Shianni as my new queen?” said Alistair as he smiled up at the elf. “I could think of no other honor.”
“Your too kind, your Majesty,” Shianni smiled back.
“Your Majesty,” Lady Dina said stern. “If you are back, then we can begin.”
“Yes, go ahead and start the voting if you must.”
“Of course, your Majesty.” Lady Dina turned and faced the Landsmeet, still steaming.
“Alistair?” Jowan whispered to him. “Where did Zelda go?”
“She left,” Alistair whispered back. “She wants to go alone. After this is over, I plan on going myself. You can come if you wish.”
“I would. I hate the thought of having to stay here while Arawin might be suffering. Poor Keiven.”
“How's he doing?”
“Better, but he's beating himself up for it. He feels he should've done more.”
“If he did, he might be dead.” Alistair sighed. “In any case, let's just get through this first. The voting has begun, and I have no idea how it's going to turn out.”
***
She was sat down on something squishy and warm. Arawin opened her eyes, feeling as if she had blacked out. There was no memory of how she had gotten here. Only that of the explosion, Keiven getting hurt, and the talking emissary carrying her into the forest.
Arawin stared down at the purple mush on the floor. Her hands squeezing it between her fingers, releasing an all too familiar and foul aroma. She had to fight hard to keep her stomach contents from escaping. It didn't work, as everything spewed out, adding to the filth.
Something then wrapped itself around her chest, pulling her off the ground. Arawin found herself face to face with a grotesque monster. Dull, sick eyes that drained black fluid stared into hers. A mouth full of sharp teeth smiled at her, and the thin stalk that served as a torso wiggled with excitement.
“The song...” it purred. “The Herald has done it. Has found the song for the Mother.”
Arawin had to turn her head away from the creature's foul breath to keep herself from hurling again. She could feel the creature through the taint, an alien sense, and one she didn't like.
“The Mother is pleased?” The Herald asked. He stood behind Arawin, giving his own toothy grin.
“Oh yes, pleased,” the Mother cooed. “The Mother is very pleased.” Getting as close to Arawin as she could, the Mother took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She then let out the air, making Arawin cringe. “The song is mine. Beautiful, wonderful, lovely.” The Mother swayed as if listening to something only she could hear. Arawin soon noticed as her eyes followed down the Mother's torso that it was coming out a mass of flesh. Tentacles sticking out from the many folds swayed along with her. One of them was holding Arawin off the ground. It was then that she realized the Mother was a broodmother.
“What does the Mother wish to do with the song?” said the Herald timidly, not sure if he should interrupt the Mother's swaying.
The Mother stopped and her eyes opened into angry slits. “She will keep it!” she screamed. “The Father will not have the song. No. He will not take the song away from the Mother. Not again.”
“There's no way I'm staying here!” Arawin said, trying to loosen the tentacle around her chest.
The Mother shifted her eyes, becoming softer. “But you will,” she said kindly. “The song shall stay with the Mother. It will be safe, protected. It shall be feed and loved. The song will make more, adding to the Mother's army. She will then be able to crush the Father! And when the other song is added, the Mother will become unstoppable.” The Mother smiled wickedly from the thought, her eyes drifting away from Arawin.
“If you think that's going to happen, you can forget it,” Arawin said as she struggled to get free. No matter how hard she tried, the tentacle would not loosen. “Other Grey Wardens will come for me, and they will kill you!”
“But that is what the Mother anticipates.” The creature cocked her head and looked at Arawin sweetly like a mother looking at a child. “There is no need for the song to fear, it will not be harmed. The Mother sees it is already swollen. Oh yes, the Mother understands. She has children of her own. Children who love her. Children who protect her. The song will also have many children. Many, many... and more.” Gently she placed Arawin down on the ground. “The Herald will take the song to some place comfortable while the Mother prepares it's bed.”
“Yes, Mother,” the Herald bowed. He then picked Arawin up, cradling her in his arms. She would have fought back, but was stopped when a sharp pain triggered.
“Protect it,” the Mother flared. “Do not let any others near the song. If it is harmed by any, they will have to answer to the Mother! Including the Herald!”
He nodded his head. “The song will not be harmed.” He then turned and walked through the large cavern the Mother was housed in.
As the pain died, Arawin could start to sense the surroundings. Everything felt alien to her, although it still felt like the taint. Almost like the Deep Roads, but she couldn't be sure. Darkspawn were all over the place, including strange darkspawn that felt like the Mother and the Herald. She even got a glimpse of one as the Herald carried her. It was almost grub-like in appearance. Scuttling little legs, pinchers at its mouth, and beady little black eyes. Many came out of shadows and cracks in the walls, following the Herald as he passed by. All of them possibly attracted to her, and whatever it was that made them call her 'the song.'
The Herald came to a darkened area. Opening a door, he stepped into a dark room and placed Arawin on the floor. “The song will stay here until the Mother is ready,” he said to her. He then left the room, closing the door behind him.
Arawin stood and went to the door, finding it was locked. This was not a good situation. They were going to make her a broodmother, one of Arawin's worst fears. And there was nothing she could do about it.
“No, I'm not going to let them do this to me,” she said out loud. “Okay, Arawin. You can do this. Once that door opens, dash out as fast as you can and don't look back. Damn it, I wish I had Fang!” With Fang she might have had a chance. She had lost Zevran's Crow dagger, and had no other weapons on her.
The sharp pain came back, and Arawin had to sit on the floor to keep from falling over. She took in deep, slow breaths until it went away.
“Maker, please, not now. Just a little longer.” Zelda, please hurry!
Arawin wasn't sure if Zelda could even hear her. She could have contacted her through the void, but Arawin didn't know what going into the void would do to her. The darkspawn could come back while she was unconscious and take her. Or she may not even wake back up. She could feel her weakness, and knew it was getting worse. She would still stick to her plan, though. No matter what, she was going to run, run as hard and as fast as she could.
***
“Ah! Why is this so hard?” Zevran held up the two daggers side by side. They didn't look right together, nor did they feel right. He put down the one and picked up another to compare to Fang. The Dalish blade, which belonged to Arawin, was a decent weapon, and finding another dagger to pair with it was going to be harder than Zevran thought.
It wasn't his dagger, which was probably the reason why. Although the sword had saved him several times from being killed, it didn't feel right in his hands. Like he was using someone else's arm. He also couldn't seem to get the flames of the enchantment to burn as brightly. Or at least not like Arawin could make them. At the moment, as he examined the daggers on the table, the flames smoldered on the blade, only lightly licking the air.
“Having trouble?” Dayno asked.
“I was hoping to find a dagger that might work well with Fang,” Zevran answered. “Bring Arawin a gift that might not make her want to kill me.”
“You're going to have to do better than a dagger,” Dayno chuckled.
“Like what?”
“I'm not sure. Would jewelry work? What about a pair of earrings?”
“No, she already has one earring. And finding something to match that would be harder than finding a dagger to go with Fang.”
“Okay.” Dayno looked around the bazaar. “How about a necklace? Bracelet? A ring?”
“No, no. She's not really a jewelry woman.” Zevran sighed. “This is hard.”
“How about you just show up alive? That would be a wonderful gift.”
“I would like to stay alive, though.” Zevran went to another stall, looking at more daggers but also at the jewelry. Nothing he saw screamed at him.
Something then caught his eye in the far corner of the bazaar. He went over to investigate, seeing that it was a small, wooden-carved griffon. It was a child's toy, and the moment he picked it up, he knew he wanted it. “This'll work.”
“For Arawin?” Dayno asked looking at the griffon over Zevran's shoulder.
“No, for... my son... daughter? Do you think this will work for either?”
“I think it will.”
Zevran smiled and went over to the man running the bazaar to pay for it. Once he was done, he pocketed the griffon and together, he and Dayno headed out of the Denerim market. Before they could leave, however, they saw a large crowd gathering, causing a commotion.
“Excuse me,” Dayno said to one of the elves standing at the edge of the crowd. “Might I ask what is going on?”
“What, you mean you didn't hear?” said the elf.
“We just now arrived in Denerim.”
“It's all over the place! There's a Landsmeet going on right now to decide whether or not the queen'll stay.”
“Really? Why?”
“Something about an heir. We're here waiting to hear the decision. But the strangest thing, the queen just left! She rode right through the gate without stopping. And the Landsmeet isn't even done yet!”
“Why did she leave?” Zevran asked. This was strange to him. Zelda wasn't the type to just leave a serious situation like this.
“I believe she went to go find the warden-commander. She was snatched by darkspawn on her way to Amaranthine.”
Zevran froze. “Which warden-commander?”
“What do you mean, 'which warden-commander?'” the elf said, looking at him strange. “I only know of one, the Hero of Ferelden.”
Zevran's heart nearly stopped. Without saying anything, he then began pushing his way through the crowd, not caring as people yelled at him.
“Zev, wait!” Dayno shouted as he tried to keep up with him.
There was no time for waiting, Zevran had to know what was going on. Did Zelda really leave in such a rush to save Arawin? If she did, then what was he doing here?
“Zevran, we need to know what's going on first,” said Dayno.
“That's what I'm doing!”
Zevran found the back alleys. He followed them all the way to the palace district where there was another crowd outside the palace main doors. Both he and Dayno went around the crowd, to the back where he forced his way in through a servant's entrance. From there, they both ran through the palace until they arrived at the throne room. The doors were open and nobles were pouring out. Quickly Zevran searched before finding who he was looking for.
“Alistair!” Zevran shouted.
Alistair, who had been talking with Jowan, looked over and became surprised when he saw them. “Zevran? Dayno? Holy Maker, it's good to see you two again.”
“Where is she?” Zevran demanded as he got closer. Several guards came between him and Alistair.
“Step down,” said Alistair. “He's a friend.” The guards did so, but still kept close.
“Where is she?” Zevran asked again.
“So you've heard?” said Alistair. “I'm not sure, but Zelda did head off to Amaranthine to look.”
“Why was she taken? Why didn't she have more guards, or... or...” Zevran was so angry he could barely speak.
“She did have protection,” Jowan answered. “Keiven was with her. He tried to defend her, but he was over powered.”
“I know, we should've sent more with her,” said Alistair. “But she didn't want them.”
“Hijo de puta!” Zevran yelled. “I can't believe this! How could you let her go alone like that?”
“It's not like I wanted to, Zevran. But you know how stubborn she is. Plus, Lisha had the Pilgrim's Path cleared, so we didn't think there was any danger.”
“Where is Lisha?” Dayno asked.
“In Amaranthine, serving as the commander until Arawin can take up the duty.”
“Oh... I was wondering who they would choose for that.”
“So Zelda's on her way there now?” Zevran asked.
“Yes,” said Alistair. “And I'm about ready to follow. I just have to take care of this mess first.”
“Mierda!” Zevran proclaimed as he turned and left Alistair and Jowan standing there. Dayno bowed to them before leaving to follow Zevran.
Zevran couldn't understand it. He was hating himself now. “I should never have left. I could have been there to defend her.”
“You could've, but you also could be dead,” said Dayno, not really sure if Zevran was talking to him or just out loud. “You don't know exactly what happened.”
“I know that one boy mage isn't going to be enough to protect her! I should've been there! Sod! Why did I have to postpone coming here? She was here, I could've gone with her!” Zevran was so mad that he stopped and punched the wall. It broke the skin on his knuckles, but he didn't remove his hand.
“Zevran,” Dayno said calmly. “We're going to find her. Zelda's already on it, and I'm sure Lisha is too.”
“We need to be there,” Zevran said as he watched drops of his blood slide down the wall. “I'm never leaving her again.”
“Then let's go find her.”
Zevran took his hand from the wall and both he and Dayno made their way back out of the palace and to their horses waiting at the gate.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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