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

The sun beat down, hot on her back. The leather armor she wore felt heavy and rough against her skin. Sweat beaded down from her forehead as she circled slowly around the warrior in front of her. She lifted her shield, just to her eyes so she could still see, and pointed her sword, alining it with her shoulder. She could only see the eyes of her opponent. The helmet on his head kept her from seeing anything else.
“Steady, Zelda. Do not strike until you see an opening,” he spoke.
It had been what she was doing, looking for an opening in her opponent's defenses. He held a small metal shield, just as she did. They both had longswords of iron, dulled for training, but still deadly. Rough leather armor covered their torsos, with the same type of boots and gloves. The only thing that separated them, besides years, was the metal helmet on his head. Zelda hated helmets. They obscured her vision and made her head too heavy. She preferred the ability to see and move her head than the protection a helmet could provide.
“You’re taking quite awhile, my lady,” said her opponent. “You don’t usually take this long.”
“It usually doesn’t take you this long to lower your guard,” she answered.
“Do you really think I’m just going to lower my guard for you?” He laughed, the sound echoing under his helmet. “That’s not what would happen in a real battle.”
“No, I guess not. Ah!” Zelda attacked him with a speed he did not expect. She lifted her sword and swung down on him with mighty force. The warrior raised his shield, her sword bouncing off, but he needed to move fast. Zelda already had her sword rounding its way to his side. He quickly swung his own sword, blocking her and swinging again, towards her throat. Zelda pushed her shield, blocking his attack. She then followed through, shoving the shield into his, knocking him off balance. He stumbled back and Zelda swung again, hitting him on the side. He cried in pain, but swiftly recovered. Stepping towards her, he lifted his shield but lowered his sword, sticking at her legs. Zelda did not anticipate this and was unable to move her shield down in time. His sword smacked into her greaver, causing her to lift her leg and go off balance. He took the opportunity to then shove her with his shield, but instead Zelda spun on her good foot. He missed her and felt the shaft of her blade hit his back. He fell, and when he turned on his back, he found the tip of Zelda’s sword at his throat.
“My, my, it looks as if you have beaten me,” he breathed. Zelda replaced her sword in its scabbard upon her back and offered her hand and pulled him up with a heave. “I knew this day would come.”
“Of course you did, Ser Nicolas. How else am I suppose to know if I’m ready if I can’t even defeat my teacher?”
“Zelda, you have been ready for a long time now,” said Ser Nicolas. “You just need to have more confidence in yourself. Now, let’s start from the beginning. I want to see if you can do that move again. It was interesting.”
“I'll try my best.”
They went back to their starting positions, eyes fixed on the other and swords drawn, shields raised. They were about ready to start when an elf ran to Zelda. “I bring a message, my lady.”
“Can it wait?” she asked not removing her gaze from her teacher.
“It’s from the teyrn,” said the elf. Zelda lowered her weapons and turned to him. He was one of the servants in the castle. One Zelda recognized from the armory.
Ser Nicolas lowered his weapons as well. “The teyrn? What does his lordship wish?”
“He wishes that his daughter, the Lady Zelda, report to him at the main gate.”
“He knows I'm training right now, can this wait?” Zelda asked.
“He said to tell you to report to him immediately, my lady. It seems he has important news.”
“Then I suppose you should go,” said Ser Nicolas.
Zelda turned to him, uncertain. “But my lesson isn’t complete.”
“I was going to end it early, anyway. With your father gathering soldiers all over Highever, I am needed to help organize them.”
“Alright, then,” Zelda sighed. She then spoke to the elf. “I shall leave here soon. You are dismissed if you have nothing else to report.”
“Thank you, my lady.” The elf bowed to her before leaving.
Replacing her sword again, Zelda turned to Ser Nicolas and bowed as well. “It was a pleasure dueling with you, ser. I look forward to our next match.”
“I think your next match should be against my son.”
“If only.”
“I know. But if you happen to see him, could you please tell him I need his assists. I’m not sure, but I believe I will be leaving tonight with the majority of the army.” Ser Nicolas was the captain in the Highever army, as well as a close friend to Teyrn Bryce.
“I’m sure I’ll run into him. He tends to find me even when I don’t want to be found.”
“Thank you, my lady. Now, you better get going before your father wonders what happened to you. He’ll blame me first.”
Zelda bowed again before leaving, making her way out of the training yard as quick as she could.
***
It was very busy in the castle, more busy than Zelda could remember. It made the fact there was a war brewing more ominous, and that her father and brother were getting ready to head out and face it. Zelda could not say she liked the idea. She wished she could join her family on the battlefield. Even though she did not care for fighting all that much, she saw no reason for her to sit on the side lines and watch her brother take all the glory.
She had been trained in the ways of the warrior by Ser Nicolas, due to her father. He had wanted her to know how to defend herself if ever needed, even though it wasn’t necessarily a skill fit for a noble lady. Yet Zelda didn't really see herself as a normal noblewoman. For one, she hated dresses and dressing up for parties. It wasn't how she liked to have a good time. She much preferred either sweating on the training grounds, or wrapping herself up in a warm blanket and reading a good book. Reading a book was one thing, but the other was something quite different when it came to what a noblewoman should and should not do. Zelda found she really didn't care, and neither did her father, for that matter.
What her father wanted her for at the main gate, Zelda wasn't sure. All she knew was that he wanted to see her immediately, and that she was eager to find out what he wanted.
As she made her way to the gate, Zelda could hear her father talking to Arl Howe from beyond the doorway. The arl was one of her father’s closet friends. They had fought together under King Maric when he drove the Orlesians out of Ferelden. Hearing his voice in her house was not an uncommon thing.
“I trust, then, that your troops will be here shortly?” Bryce asked.
“I expect they will start arriving tonight, and we can march tomorrow.” Howe sounded disappointed. “I apologize for the delay, my lord. This is entirely my fault.”
“No, no. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has us all scrambling, doesn’t it? I only received the call from the king a few days ago, myself. I’ll send my eldest off with my men. You and I will ride tomorrow, just like the old days.”
“True. Though we both had less gray in our hair then. And we fought Orlesians, not... monsters.”
Zelda stood in the doorway, observing the conversation. Her father laughed at Howe’s comment. “I'm not so sure they're any different.” The teyrn then turned to see Zelda standing and staring at them with confusion. “I’m sorry pup; I didn’t see you there.” He gestured for her to come forward. Zelda nodded her head and walked over to her father with grace. “Howe, you remember my daughter, Zelda?”
“I see she’s become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again, my dear.” The arl looked her up and down, seeming as if he wasn't sure he was pleased to see her or not.
“And you, Arl Howe,” Zelda bowed, trying her best to ignore his exploring looks. Zelda had never felt comfortable around him. Not because she thought him a man too old to be looking at his best friend's daughter in such a way, but because he just had an air to him that felt strained.
“My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time.” Arl Howe smiled at her awkwardly.
Zelda knew of such things all too well. She had just become available and it seemed that all of Ferelden’s young male nobles knew about it. “Thomas is interested in me?”
“The topic has come up from time to time. The young and their infatuations.”
“Thomas is a few years younger than I am.”
“As you get older, those years make less difference,” Howe nodded at her. “A lesson often hard won.”
“I doubt she’ll be receptive, Howe,” said Bryce. “My fierce girl has her own mind these days, Maker bless her heart.”
“Mmm. No doubt because you’ve trained her as a warrior. How unique.”
“I also got the impression Thomas didn’t like me,” Zelda continued with the subject. Thomas might have been younger than her, and she not all that interested in him, but it was still something she needed to know about. “Especially with the way he acted last time we talked.”
“I’m sure that was years ago,” said Howe. “People change. To be honest, I have no expectations. And your father seems determined to let you find your own way. If something did happen... well, we’d address it as befits a family of our stature.”
“We’ll see.”
“I’m sure. There will be much to discuss once we return.”
“At any rate, pup,” Bryce said, bringing Zelda's attention back to him. “I summoned you for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I’m leaving you in charge of the castle.”
Zelda was a slightly shocked, this was something she did not expect. “Really, Father? I... don't know what to say about that.”
“Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?”
“Of course, Father. I...” Zelda looked down at the ground, not liking what she had just heard. Taking charge of the castle? Was that something she was able to do? There was something, however, that concerned her and it brought her back to Arl Howe. “Might I ask a question to you, Arl Howe?”
“Yes, you may,” said Howe rather peculiar.
“I couldn’t help but to over hear that your men are delayed. I hope that it's nothing serious.”
“Zelda, I hardly think that’s appropriate for you to ask,” said her father.
“Sorry, Father. I'm only wanting to know if I should need to look for their passing.”
“It is a question worth her position,” said Howe. “You did put her in charge of the castle, after all. But the delay was poor weather, I believe. Their progress has been slow, but it’s nothing you need worry about. They will pass through your lands, but I’ve already discussed the situation with your father.”
“But you told my father the delay was your fault.”
“In a manner of speaking. If I had reinforced our border levies earlier, my troops could have left before the rains. I confess, my confidence in your father allowed me some complacency. I guess that makes it as much his fault.”
“I see.”
Bryce cleared his throat. “Now, pup, if you are done there’s also someone you must meet.” He turned to one of the guards standing next to the door on the other side. “Please... show Duncan in.” The guard nodded and opened the door to allow in a man Zelda had never seen before. She thought she had at least met all of her father’s friends and relations but apparently she was mistaken.
Duncan was an interesting man. He had black hair, which he kept tired back, along with a full beard. He walked with a gust that showed he was important, but was not threatening. This told Zelda that he was no noble, for no one she knew walked like that. Yet, he was very important, that was for sure. He carried on his back two swords, and his plated armor was the finest Zelda had ever seen. It had delicate designs engraved all around and looked to be made of silverite from its intense mirror shine.
“It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland,” he bowed.
“Your Lordship,” said Howe. “You didn’t mention that a Grey Warden would be present.” Zelda straightened. He was a Grey Warden?
“Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced,” Bryce explained. “Is there a problem?”
“Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am... at a disadvantage.” Zelda noticed, however, that Howe acted more as if Duncan being there really was a problem.
“We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that’s true,” Bryce said sounding happy that a Grey Warden was present within his house. “Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?”
Zelda knew of the Grey Wardens. They were what she most loved to read about, besides politics and history. She had always wanted to meet a Grey Warden, perhaps even join in their ranks if she could. But at the presence of one, she now felt like a child. “I know they’re an Order of great warriors. Slayers of darkspawn, and heroes of the Blights.”
“They are the heroes of legend, who ended the Blights and saved us all.” said her father. “Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he’s got his eye on Ser Gilmore.”
“If I might be so bold,” said Duncan. “I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate.”
The teyrn seemed upset about this. He moved himself in front of Zelda, blocking her view of the man she idolized. “Honor though that might be,” he said “This is my daughter we’re talking about.”
“I think I rather like that idea, Father,” said Zelda stepping to the side of him so that he was no longer blocking her.
Bryce kept his eyes on Duncan. “I’ve not so many children that I’ll gladly see them all off to battle. Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription.”
“Have no fear,” said Duncan, seeming quite calm. “While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I’ve no intention of forcing the issue.”
The teyrn, happy that the issue was resolved, turned back to Zelda. “Pup, can you ensure that Duncan’s requests are seen to while I’m gone?”
“Of course.”
“In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me.”
“I shall do that, but where is Fergus?”
“Upstairs in his chambers, no doubt, spending some last moments with his wife and my grandson. Be a good lass and do as I’ve asked. We’ll talk soon.”
Zelda went to turn, but then decided that she needed to ask something first. She was determined to know, especially with a Grey Warden here to answer her. She may never have this chance again. “Do you mind, Father, if I might be able to ask Duncan a few questions first?”
“I suppose...” Bryce said slowing as he looked at his daughter with a raised eyebrow. “If Duncan doesn’t mind.”
“Not at all,” said Duncan.
“I should warn you, however, that she does have a silver tongue.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Yes,” said Howe. “Her ability to persuade is quite legendary.”
“I don’t intend to persuade Duncan into anything,” said Zelda. “I just want to know if Father and Fergus are in any danger.”
“Well... I understand the first battles have gone easily...” Duncan answered.
“Indeed. Are the Grey Wardens sure this is a Blight and not simply some large darkspawn raid?” Howe asked.
“No archdemon has been sighted yet, my lord. But with my entire soul, I believe this is a Blight.” Duncan sounded genuine and confident in his feeling.
“I wish we shared your faith,” said Howe, not quite feeling the same way. “I suppose we shall see for ourselves once we arrive at the king’s camp.”
“Did you really come all this way to see Ser Gilmore?” Zelda asked, trying to change the subject. She did not like thinking of her father and brother going off to fight in a real Blight. Just fighting darkspawn alone, without an archdemon, was bad enough.
Duncan sensed Zelda’s discomfort. “I have only found a couple of worthy candidates in my travels across Ferelden. Your father invited me here, suggesting this Ser Rory Gilmore. If he is not suitable, I will head south and join up with the king.”
“You know the king?”
“Not well. King Cailan is an eager young man who has shown great wisdom in responding to the darkspawn threat.”
Howe scoffed. “I’ve heard he’s a bit enraptured with the Grey Warden legend, and that is why he caters to your Order.”
“Howe! That is unworthy of you,” the teyrn nearly shouted, appalled by his friend's behavior.
“He only repeats what we’ve all heard,” said Duncan, not acting offended. “Whatever the king’s reasons, I’ll take his support. The priority is defeating the darkspawn before they threaten all of Ferelden.”
“Duncan, do you think we could speak later, perhaps?” asked Zelda, sensing the tension. She still wanted to ask him questions, but thought it best to ask him in private, or at least until after her father and the arl were gone.
“Your father has left you in charge of the castle? Then I will see you at dinner tonight, if not sooner.”
“I was hoping you might test me for recruiting,” she said in a whisper, the real reason why she thought it best to wait.
“Honestly, the Wardens would be thrilled to have you. But... I won’t go against your father’s wishes. If you wish to discuss this further, however, let us talk after your father and the arl depart.”
“I’m standing right here, you know,” her father said with his arms crossed.
“I’m only suggesting satisfying my host’s curiosity, as tempting as recruitment might be,” Duncan reassured.
“I’m sorry, Father. I just find the Grey Wardens fascinating, and well...”
“I know, pup, but you know how I feel. Now, why don’t you go along and find your brother. The three of us have a lot to discuss.”
“Yes, Father. Duncan, it was nice to meet you.”
“As you, my lady. Until we speak again.”
“And I wish you well, Arl Howe,” Zelda bowed.
“I... thank you,” Howe said surprised by her actions. “That is... quite unnecessary.”
Zelda nodded her head and turned toward the door she had come in. As she left, her thoughts went wild with Grey Warden trivia.
How exciting would it be to become a Grey Warden! I so envy Rory right now.
***
Castle Cousland was a fairly large estate with many rooms, chambers, and hallways, with a small chantry located in the front. Zelda had explored all of the castle when she was younger, so she knew the lay out very well. In the middle of the castle was a walkway that had no ceiling, allowing one to look up at the sky when making their way from room to room. One could get to any part of the castle from the walkway, and it was a favorite place to find off duty servants and guards in the summer time.
Zelda stood staring up at the sky. It was a cloudless day, and the sky was blue and clear. The air was warm and smelled of fresh flowers and wildberries. The breeze gently blow through the walkway, her blond hair drifting with it, even in its little ponytails. It was a hair style not usually seen on a noblewoman, but it was more practical for fighting. Zelda didn’t like to get hair in her face while she fought, annoying and distracting her.
“There you are!” came a voice from down the walkway. Zelda looked over to see a knight with light reddish hair running towards her. “Your mother told me the teyrn had summoned you, so I didn’t want to interrupt,” he said joining her side.
“Hello to you, too, Ser Gilmore.”
“Pardon my abruptness, my lady. It’s simply that I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I fear your hound has the kitchens in uproar once again. Nan is threatening to leave.”
Zelda shook her head. That dog was going to be the death of her. “Did she get in the larder again?”
“No matter how the maids try to keep her out, she always finds a way in. You know these mabari hounds. She’ll listen to her mistress, but anyone else risks having a hand bitten off.”
“She knows better than to hurt anyone.”
“I’m not willing to test that. You’re quite lucky to have your own mabari war hound, you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say. Of course, that means she’s easily bored. Nan swears she confounds her just to amuse herself. At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?”
“Oh, speaking of your father,” Zelda said, remembering what she needed to tell Rory. “He says he'll need you later to help prepare the troops.”
“Right, but first I need to help you. Your mother’s orders.”
This made Zelda sigh. Rory was like a son to the teyrn and teyrna. He didn't have to act like a servant. “Where is Mother, exactly?”
“She was entertaining Lady Landra and her son when I left her,” said Rory. “Perhaps in the atrium? Err... before we go, my lady, might I beg a question? I’ve heard from several people that a Grey Warden is here. Is that true?”
“His name is Duncan. I met him.” Zelda straightened herself and looked proud. Rory knew about her infatuation with the Grey Wardens, and knew that moment had to have been an honor for her.
“Then... is it also true this Grey Warden was asking after me?” Rory’s expression was that of suspense and excitement. Zelda hadn’t seen him like this sense he was a little boy.
“He intends to test you for recruitment,” she said, losing her demeanor a little.
“Maker’s breath! Are you certain? Can you imagine? Me? A Grey Warden! It would be everything I’ve dreamed of! Of course, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Pardon my outburst.” Rory felt a little silly for doing it. Even though he was excited for being chosen by a Grey Warden, he still felt bad it was him and not Zelda.
“Please, you should know me by now, Rory,” Zelda smiled. “We practically grew up together.” She indeed knew him just as much as he knew her. She didn't look angry, nor annoyed which told him she probably had something in mind already.
“I know, but sometimes I forget, especially with you becoming... available and all.”
“Speaking of which, Arl Howe’s son, Thomas, apparently fancies me.” This got her to sigh and shake her head.
“Really?” Rory said, although he wasn't really that surprised. “That’s six this week. What are you going to do?”
“Have a tournament. Whoever can defeat me in combat wins my heart.”
“Then no one would win,” he laughed. “You’d just talk them out of it.”
“Like I did you?”
“Like you do to me all the time! Every time we go to duel each other, I always say to myself, ‘Not this time, she will not talk you out of it!’, but somehow you always do!”
“That’s because I know how to get in your head.”
“I suppose so. But standing around here isn’t dealing with your dog. I think we should go to the kitchens now before Nan really does up and quits.”
“She won’t. That woman’s had to deal with much more than a hound getting into the larder. It’ll take more than that to get her out of here.”
They both began walking up the incline that lead to the back of the castle where the kitchens were. On their way, they passed by the atrium that was placed in the middle of the castle. Through it one could get to the sleeping quarters of the family and their guests. There, Zelda saw her mother talking with three others. One was Lady Landra, a friend of her mother’s. The other was a male she knew to be Dairren, Landra’s son. The other woman was an elf that Zelda did not recognize.
“And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year,” said her mother talking to Lady Landra. “The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king. Ah, here is my daughter, along with Ser Gilmore,” she said seeing the two walking up to them. “Tell me, Ser Gilmore, has my pup collared that dog yet?”
“Not just yet, your ladyship. We were just on our way.” Rory bowed to her and in turn bowed to the rest.
“Darling, do take care of that. That malodorous hound of yours is an excellent protector, but she drives Nan to distraction.”
“Perhaps we need a new cook,” said Zelda.
The teyrna narrowed her eyebrows. “You’re talking about the woman who helped raise you and your brother. Don’t be unkind. Ser Gilmore, see that it gets done.”
“As your ladyship commands.” Rory bowed once more and took a step back.
“Good. With any luck, I’ll be able to feed my guests before the end of next week. Darling, you remember Lady Landra?”
“I think we last met at your mother’s spring salon,” said Landra as she nodded toward Zelda.
“Of course. It is good to see you again, my lady.” Zelda politely nodded back.
“You’re too kind, dear girl. Didn’t I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?”
“I believe you did.”
“And made a very poor case for it, I might add.” Dairren came a bit closer to Zelda, making Rory back up even more and move to her other side.
“You remember my son, Dairren?” said Landra. “He’s not married yet, either.”
“Don’t listen to her. It’s good to see you again, my lady. You’re looking as beautiful as ever.” Dairren took Zelda’s hand and kissed it before letting go.
“You’re looking handsome, yourself,” she said, only really being kind. Dairren wasn’t a bad looking boy, but he just wasn’t her type when it came to his personality.
“And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona,” Landra continued, gesturing to the elf beside her. “Do say something, dear.”
Zelda was used to elves, they had many in the castle. They were all servants to the family, but Zelda had never encountered one that was a lady-in-waiting before.
“It is a great pleasure, my lady,” said Iona. “You are as pretty as your mother describes.”
“And she says that after seeing you whacking stuffed men in the courtyard, sweating like a mule.” Eleanor shook her head. Her obvious sign of disapproval.
“Your daughter’s prowess with the blade is most impressive.” said Dairren as he looked at Zelda almost too fondly.
“I was quite the battle maiden myself, in my day,” said Eleanor. “But I think is was the softer arts that helped me land a husband.”
“I can handle my own affairs, Mother," Zelda said stern. "Thank you.” Her mother only wanted the best for her, and Zelda understood, but she liked the fact her father had given her the right to do as she pleased. Her husband would be her choice, and when she felt she was ready.
“All evidence to the contrary. Do you really think you’re going to land a husband wearing leather armor and having a sword and shield on your back?”
“I do have more to me than just my fighting skills, Mother.”
“Yes, yes, but I still say you should learn the latest dances, not the latest ways to swing your sword.”
“Oh, Mother. Must we have this discussion again?”
“I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear,” said Landra, cutting their conversation before it could get heated. “Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper.”
“Perhaps we’ll retire to the study for now,” said Dairren. He winked at Zelda, and she politely nodded back. “Good evening, your ladyship, my lady.” The three left the atrium, leaving Zelda, Eleanor and Rory alone.
“I trust you will now go tend to your hound, dear?” Eleanor stared at her daughter sternly.
“Yes, Mother. I shall go tend to Rupee then I must speak with Fergus. Father wishes for me to tell him to leave with the soldiers and Ser Nicolas tonight.”
“Ah yes, I do hate that your father and Fergus have to go, but it is the king’s orders. Now go, darling. Nan is waiting.”
Zelda and Rory made their way toward the kitchen. They were silent for a while before Rory spoke up. “Seven.”
“What?”
“Dairren makes seven now. Your list gets bigger every day.”
“And why are you keeping track?”
“Someone has to keep your suitors in line. If you’re not going to keep track, then I guess I will.”
“You sound as if you want to be number eight.”
Rory stayed silent and refused to look her in the eyes.
“Wait,” said Zelda stopping in the middle of the walkway. Rory stopped and looked back at her. “Do you?” she asked. “Your silence says more than words.”
“I... uh, well...”
“Come on, Rory. You know you can tell me anything. How long have we been friends?”
“For as long as I can remember.”
“So then will you please tell me... Do you fancy me?”
“It’s... hard not too, my lady.” He looked at her with an interest that Zelda had seen before but had never really understood until now.
Zelda couldn’t help but to smile. “Thank you,” she said. “I guess now I will have to consider you too. The only problem is the tournament. You won’t fight me, so how will it be fair to you?”
“You’re seriously going to have a tournament, then?”
“Why not? I’m not going to marry a man simply because he thinks I should. I need to be careful who I choose to marry. The only reason I’ve had so many suitors is because I’m the daughter of a teyrn. And it’s not like I’m going to be teyrna or anything. So I need a man who wants to marry me for me, not a title.”
Rory swallowed hard. “So you want someone who knows you like I do?”
“I want someone who knows me the way they should know me. So... yes. But I need time.”
“Of course.”
“I still need to see what my options are, but I will say that you are at the top of my list.”
“I am? I mean... thank you, my lady. I am honored.”
“Stop being so polite. I know how you truly feel, so start acting like it.”
“Right.”
“Now let’s go. I think we’ve lingered long enough.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond