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Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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The New Commander

Arawin sat in the carriage uncomfortable. Every now and then having to shift her weight even on the thick cushion underneath her. The bumps from the road didn't make things any better, and every time the carriage would hit one, Arawin moaned as she had to shift her weight once more.
“Relax, Iell. We're almost there.” Lisha sat across from her. The Dalish elf watched over the other with a slight smile. It was a motherly smile with a hit of humor behind it, as she was all too familiar with the pain Arawin was going through.
“I really hope so,” Arawin said as she lifted her backside and flexed her back the best she could. Her body then flopped down on the cushion after her attempt was faltered. She grimaced, her back still hurting and legs cramping. She placed her hand on her protruding belly and wondered how she had let herself get like this.
“I know you're uncomfortable,” Lisha said still smiling. “It's just how it is. We should be arriving soon.”
“It wouldn't be so bad if the driver didn't keep hitting every single rock in the road!” As if on cue, the carriage jolted, forcing Arawin to steady herself. “See?” she growled.
“He's not doing it on purpose, Iell. The driver is doing the best he can. There's no possible way for him to avoid every single bump in the road. Just relax and it won't be so bad.”
“Easy for you to say.” Arawin shifted herself again and stared out the window. She saw the country side, how it had changed from last time she had looked out. They had gone through the Bannorn, flat farmlands and rolling hills. Now they traveled through the forest with trees lining the road. It was a good sign, telling her they really were close to Denerim. Lifting her head a bit, she strained to see if the Vhenadahl was in view yet, but the other trees blocked her vision of anything around. Unable to see anything, Arawin sat back in her seat, shifted, then placed her chin in her palm as she continued to stare out the window. A heavy sigh went past her lips while her free hand absently rubbed her belly.
“What's on your mind, Iell?” Lisha asked after a moment of silently observing her.
“Huh?” Arawin looked over at Lisha like she had been awoken from a dream. “Oh, it's just... you know. The usual.” She looked down at her belly and rubbed it once more before her eyes found the Crow dagger sitting next to her on the cushion. “I'm just still worried. I haven't heard from him in a while now.” She picked up the dagger and examined it, pulling it only half way out of its sheath before shoving it back and roughly placing it back down.
Lisha lost her smile. “Arawin, I'm sure he's fine. In fact, I know they're both fine.”
Lisha's sudden demeanor change caused Arawin to look up at the older elf. Her face showed sorrow for she had nearly forgotten Dayno had gone with Zevran. It wasn't to make sure Zevran hadn't ran off, because if he had, Lisha would have made sure to bring him back. No, it was to help Zevran deal with the Crows. On their way back from Orlais, right after Arawin had found out about her condition, the Crows attacked. They had been after him, the first one of many attacks that were sure to come. They had won, of course, three Grey Wardens and a former Crow against the ten or so Crows that had attacked, but even with their win, the attack seemed to plague Zevran's mind. With Arawin in her current state—something he had actually been quite happy to hear about—he knew he needed to do something about the Crows. He knew they would come back, again and again, never letting them have a life.
When he told her he was leaving, at first Arawin was angry, thinking he was leaving because of the child, but he assured her it wasn't so. He promised to her he would return before the birth and that he would try and write to her everyday using the golden sparrows Lisha had given to him. Dayno volunteered to go with him to help, not thinking his nephew should go alone to deal with the Crows all by himself. Arawin had wanted to go as well, but everyone told her no with Lisha having to forcibly make Arawin stay.
Once Zevran and Dayno were gone, Lisha and Arawin continued on their way until they reached Redcliffe. They stayed there, waiting to hear from Damien and the Orlesian Wardens first before continuing on to Amaranthine. They would have left earlier, except Lisha was worried about Arawin's condition. It was rare for a Grey Warden to have children, yet there Arawin was, abdomen growing larger everyday and her face glowing. Lisha had played midwife before, but never to a Grey Warden, and she just wanted to make sure everything was going fine before moving Arawin across the country.
They would stop in Denerim first, only because Arawin insisted on visiting with Zelda for a while before going straight to Amaranthine. Lisha would have preferred not stopping, but she knew the two hadn't seen each other in a while, and were eager for the visit.
Arawin kept her eyes focused on Lisha as the older elf's brown ones shifted over to the opposite window. “You're sure they're both fine?” Arawin asked timid.
“I'm sure,” Lisha said keeping her eyes focused. “I don't need a message to assure me they are still alive.”
“How?”
“I listen, Iell. I look and feel. It's in the wind, the trees, the clouds. They all speak, and if you know how to listen, then you can know almost anything. I don't know where they are or what they're doing, but knowing they are alive and as well as can be is enough.”
Arawin looked back out her window, wishing she was able to read nature the same way Lisha could. The only thing she had to know that Zevran was all right were the golden sparrows that went back and forth between the two. They were some type of Dalish magic, able to fly across the country faster than even a real bird, and find whoever they were looking for no matter where they were. They could also not be read except by the person they were sent to. This is what made them perfect for communication, since Zevran and Dayno were always on the move, and if one of their sparrows should be captured, there would be no way for their enemies to know where they were or even who sent them. But it had been some time since Arawin had gotten a sparrow, or had Lisha. The last sparrow Arawin had sent out herself had been a month ago, and usually she was getting and sending out sparrows several times a week. To get nothing for so long made her upset, but also terrified. She had hoped giving Zevran Fang would protect him, to have a piece of her with him at all times. It was the reason why she had his Crow dagger. A trade, an assurance he would return, and in time. But it was getting close now, too close for comfort, and Arawin was filled with mixed emotions.
Lisha saw Arawin's distress. It was something she saw in her many times in the past few months and knew she had to do something to change it quickly. Lisha trusted in her own instincts, but it was harder for Arawin, as her emotions ruled her most of the time. “So... are you excited to see Zelda after so long?” Lisha asked. “I know you two haven't seen each other in a while. When was the last time you saw her? Right before we left for Orlais?”
“Yeah, just after the wedding.” Arawin shifted and looked away from the window. “We talked through scry a couple of times. I told her about this that way.” She rubbed her belly once more and smiled down at it as a little nudge hit her palm.
“Yes, I remember that,” Lisha said nodding her head. “She didn't seem too happy about it.”
“She was happy for me, but I could feel the jealousy coming from her through our bond. And I understand. She wants a family more than I do, but it's just not happening. She and Alistair have tried for so long, yet they can't get anywhere. Then here I come, not even trying, yet boom, here it is!”
“But I thought you wanted children? I remember you telling me how jealous you felt when your cousin Soris and his wife Valora were having a baby.”
“I know, I know, and yes, I did want children, or I still do, it's just... weird.”
“How so?”
“Why me, for one? Out of all the Grey Wardens with lovers, wives or husbands, why did I get stuck like this? I was so looking forward to being warden-commander, but now I can't.”
“Only for a time, Iell,” Lisha said. “Once you've had it and are able to take up the sword again, then you'll be warden-commander. But that's also something I've been wanting to ask you. Who is going to be the temporary commander?”
“That's another reason why I wanted to visit Zelda,” Arawin said while stretching out her back. “We want to decide together who it's going to be. I believe she met all the Orlesian Wardens when they passed through Denerim.”
“I would have thought Damien would be your first choice.”
“It was, but Damien's already told us he doesn't want any real big responsibilities. He says he can't handle them, and I'm inclined to agree.”
“Damien's been doing a good job so far gathering the Orlesian Wardens and getting them to Amaranthine.”
“Yeah, but there's another reason why me and Zelda don't think he'd be a good candidate. He's Orlesian, and if we want the nobles to behave themselves, then we think it would be best to have another Ferelden take the reins.”
Lisha nodded and stared out the window. It made sense to her, but the problem was there were no other Ferelden Wardens, not unless Zelda was going to be the commander, but would she be able to as queen? “Well, whatever you two decide, I know it'll be the right one.”
“I sure hope so.” Arawin groaned as the carriage hit another bump. She twisted her hips and lifted up to relieve the pressure. “Maker, are we there yet!”
As she looked out the window, Lisha began to see the tops of buildings from behind the trees. She smiled over at Arawin and shifted herself. “We're almost there, Iell. Just a few more bumps in the road.”
***
She stared at herself in the mirror, red eyes shining back at her. The puffiness around them starting to shrink. “Alright, Zelda, calm yourself. You will not let them get to you. This is not how a strong queen acts.” Zelda reached up and dried her eyes and tried to rub the red away. She needed to get a hold of herself. She couldn't believe she was doing this again, the third time this week. Apparently it was getting to her more than she wanted to think.
A knock at the door brought her out of her thoughts. “Just a minute,” she said looking at the door through the mirror. Quickly collecting herself, Zelda wiped her eyes some more, blue and green now, her right the full crystal blue she had been born with while the left was a dark emerald green, the color of Arawin's eyes, with a small ring of blue around the iris. She also straightened her golden hair which had started falling out of its bun. When she was somewhat satisfied with what she saw in the mirror, she collected her dress and went to open the door.
“Yes?”
“Your Majesty,” the servant behind the door said bowing. “I have come to announce to you the arrival of Lady Arawin.”
“Oh, she's here?” Zelda perked up, surprised at the fact she hadn't noticed. Concentrating herself, Zelda opened up the bond between them, something she had kept closed since she and Arawin had last talked.
The bond they shared was called a blood bond, one that connected them through the taint in their blood after becoming Grey Wardens. During their Joining, an accident had occurred, forcing them to drink from the same chalice, a practice that was band due to what it could cause. The bond connected them emotionally, and it drove both of them crazy, nearly forcing them to kill each other in a duel. But when the duel was over, and neither of them came out the victor, they put aside their differences and embraced the bond, learning to control it and using it to help defeat the archdemon.
As Zelda opened the bond, she did it slowly, knowing it had grown and it would take a while to get used to feeling Arawin again. She sensed when Arawin felt her, the elf beginning to do the same thing.
“Your Majesty?” the servant said bringing Zelda back to focus. “Would you like me to take you to her?”
Zelda waved her hands. “No need, Evan, I can find her myself.” She smiled at the servant before darting past him and into the hallway. It was a very un-queenly thing to do, but her servants had gotten used to it by this point.
She continued down the hall at a fast pass, keeping her blue silk dress gathered in her hands. Her excitement showed, a complete turn around from what she had looked like only a moment ago. She had been anticipating Arawin coming, and would gladly enjoy the distraction from her current situation.
“Your Majesty... uh, Zelda! Wait!”
Zelda slowed down and turned around to see Jowan following behind her, trying to keep up. “Jowan, what are you doing?” she asked. “I thought I told all of you to have the day off. I'm not going anywhere today.”
“We know,” Jowan said once he caught up to her. “But we thought it best if at least one of us was with you at all times.”
“And let me guess,” Zelda chuckled. “You pulled the short stick?”
“It's not a burden,” Jowan frowned. “You put me in charge of your safety, and that's what I'm going to do.”
This made Zelda laugh harder. “You take this job too seriously, Jowan.”
“Of course I do! If it wasn't for all the things you did for me, I wouldn't be here. I'd be dead and my wife would still be in Aeonar. I owe you a lot.”
Zelda stopped and took a good look at him. The mage stood before her, his black hair held back in a ponytail, and clean royal blue guard robes swinging freely. He looked a lot better than when Zelda had gone to the tower to save him from execution. There he was still in his ragged apprentice robes, torn and shredded, while his hair was a mess and dirty. He was also very skinny, nearly nothing but bones due to the lack of proper feeding. She had been horrified at the sight of him, nearly wanting to rip Greagior's throat out for letting him suffer like he was. But Zelda would have her justice eventually, for Greagior wasn't very happy with her when she presented the pardon to him.
It was a complete pardon for Jowan, who had been accused and sentenced to death for performing blood magic to escape the tower. Zelda had learned the truth why, from a complete telling from Jowan's two best friends, Esumi and Keiven. They had told her Jowan was going to be made tranquil instead of being given the option of going through the Harrowing, the passage apprentices went through in order to become full mages. Finding this out, Jowan formed a plan to destroy his phylactery and escape with his love, Lily. But he was doomed from the start, not only because his love for Lily was forbidden, because she was an initiate to become a priest, but because he had lied about learning blood magic. When they were caught after destroying his phylactery, Jowan had used blood magic to escape the tower. Eventually he was caught and brought to Denerim where he awaited trail. There, Loghain and Howe approached him, and said they would work everything out if he went to Redcliffe and poisoned Arl Eamon. Jowan had agreed, thinking it was the right thing to do.
That's where he and Zelda had met. Jowan had made it into the castle by offering to train Connor who had started to show signs he was a mage. Lady Isolde didn't want to lose her son to the tower, so she hired Jowan to train her son in secret. This allowed Jowan to get close to Eamon, and with the poison Howe had given him, made the arl sick. It was what started a chain of events that would lead Zelda straight to him. She found him locked in a dungeon. Isolde, having found out what he had done, locked him away and tortured him to try and find the answer. Because of this, Connor then summoned a demon, not knowing the consequences, and tried to help his father. The demon had taken control of Connor, and using him, wrecked havoc on the village and the castle. With Jowan's help, Zelda was able to kill the demon, saving Connor and the rest of the inhabitants of the village and castle.
Because of his regret and willingness to undo what he did, Zelda decided she would do whatever she could in order to keep him from being executed as a blood mage. Eamon had even forgave him for what he had done in Redcliffe, which left Zelda with only one obstacle.
The pardon she brought had been questioned and inquired. The suspicion wasn't about the king's signature; everyone knew the king would more than likely sign anything Zelda asked him to. The suspicion was on the grand cleric's signature. Greagior found it incredibly unlikely that the grand cleric would sign such a thing, to allow a known blood mage free, and to let him go through the Harrowing.
Unable to investigate it immediately, Greagior reluctantly let Jowan go. He went through the Harrowing and passed, then traveled back to Denerim with Zelda where he became the mage in her honor guard.
As for the grand cleric's signature, Greagior was convinced it was a fake, but he was never able to prove it. The grand cleric passed away in her sleep before he or anyone else had a chance to question her.
Zelda began walking again, slower this time so Jowan could stay with her. “You're a good friend, Jowan, and a good guard, but you don't need to worry about me. You know I'm a tough woman.”
“Oh, I know,” Jowan said walking beside her. “I feel sorry for anyone who tries to fight you, with or without our help. But you're still queen, Zelda, and it's my job to make sure you're safe.”
“Okay,” Zelda chuckled. “If you insist.”
Together they made their way to the front of the palace, Zelda taking the lead once they reached the front doors. Instructing the guards to open them, she soon made her way out onto the steps where she saw the carriage pull up. She smiled broadly and raced down the stairs, Jowan right at her heels.
Once stopped, the driver jumped down and opened the door and helped Arawin out. The elf stretched herself out, looking very relieved to finally be standing.
“Look at you!” Zelda said as she got her first good look at Arawin after so long. “You look great!”
“I don't feel it,” Arawin groaned. “I feel horrible.”
“Really? Because I think it feels... beautiful.” Zelda closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“I'm not letting you feel everything. Trust me, you're not missing much.”
Zelda gave Arawin a weary look before taking her into a hug. It's still good to see you again, Arawin.
Same here, Zelda.
“Don't let Arawin deceive you, Zelda,” Lisha said as she made her way out of the carriage. “She just came from a long trip, so she's a little cranky.”
“Oh I understand completely,” said Zelda. “She wouldn't be Arawin if she didn't complain.”
“And I'm going to complain!” Arawin blurted. “I can't do anything with this giant thing! Can't fight, can't really do anything without help. Grrr, I just want it out of me!”
“You still have about a month, Iell, give it time.”
Arawin groaned some more.
“Well I'm sure you two have had a long trip,” said Zelda. “Why don't we let the servants get your things and you two can come with me to my room and there we can talk.”
Zelda gestured for some servants to come down the stairs to help unpack the carriage. Then she, along with Arawin, Lisha, and Jowan made their way back through the palace to the royal bedchambers.
“Alright, Jowan, I'm being serious,” Zelda said once they reached her room. “Take. The day. Off!”
Jowan seemed reluctant still. “But Zelda--”
“That is an order, Jowan. Go spend some time with Lily. If I need you, I'll call.”
Finally relenting, Jowan bowed to her and to Arawin and Lisha before leaving. Zelda watched him go down the hall and around the corner before closing the door and turning to her guests.
“So... how have you two been of late?”
“Do you really need to ask?” Arawin said cocking an eyebrow. Finding a chair, she sat herself down and made herself comfortable the best she could. “You know how I've been.”
“And I've been having to deal with it,” said Lisha. “But it hasn't been all bad.”
“That's good to hear,” said Zelda. “I know Arawin can be a handful. I can't imagine how she would be now.” She turned and smiled at Arawin. The elf smirked back.
“Perhaps we should go ahead and get to the big reason why we're here?”
“If you want to get into it so soon, sure.”
“Are you talking about who is going to be assigned warden-commander?” Lisha asked.
Zelda nodded. “Yes. It's something that does need to be decided. The Orlesian Wardens are getting restless, not knowing who is going to be in charge.”
Lisha looked from one to the other. “Something tells me you two have already talked a lot about this.”
“Yeah, before we left Redcliffe,” said Arawin.
“And?”
“And we've come to the conclusion that we need a Ferelden to be the commander,” said Zelda. “The nobles are already becoming rebellious. Not just because Wardens are taking over Vigil's Keep, but also because they're from Orlais.”
“That would make sense,” Lisha said slowly. “But who? Are you going to do it, Zelda?”
“Me? No.” Zelda shook her head. “I have a lot to deal with at the moment here. As much as I would love to, my duties as queen are priority right now. But as for who, Arawin and I thought you would be a perfect commander.”
“Me?” Lisha pointed to herself surprised. She really hadn't thought about herself when it came to it. “Why me? I'm a new Warden, haven't even been in the Order a year.”
“That's true,” said Zelda. “But you can't say you're not experienced. You've fought darkspawn before and you've lead men into battle. The Battle of Denerim proved you have the ability, and since you're the only Ferelden left, Arawin and I thought it was a good choice.”
Lisha looked from one to the other again. “You really think I would be able to handle such a large task? I mean leading Wardens may not be a problem, but... I'm an elf, a Dalish elf at that. What of the nobles?”
This made Arawin laugh. “Don't worry so much about them. If I can handle them, then so can you, Lisha. But don't forget this is only a temporary position. You are only acting as commander until I can take the post. Unless of course you find you like the position, then I might let you keep it depending on how I feel.”
“I don't know, Iell,” Lisha sighed. “I'm sure I'll give it back to you willingly, although I'm not sure I want it in the first place. It's a lot of responsibility and I'm not well versed in your human politics.”
“Damien and the Orlesian Wardens will help you,” said Zelda. “Or at least the best they can considering Orlesian and Ferelden politics are different. But you won't be completely alone. We've posted Varel as the seneschal. He's very good and will aid you whenever you need his assistance.”
Lisha thought on it for a moment. She didn't like the idea, not because of leading Wardens, but because of the nobles who would also be under her as well. She wondered how they would react to her and if she would be able to handle whatever they threw at her. Understanding human politics was hard, and she was already feeling out of her element. But in the end, they really didn't have any other options.
“Alright,” she said heavily. “I'll do it. I'll go to Amaranthine and act as warden-commander until Arawin is fit to retake the position.”
“Good,” said Zelda looking relieved. “Both Arawin and I are glad to hear it. But now that you've accepted, there's something we need to ask you.”
“Let me guess,” Lisha said. “You need me to go there as soon as possible?”
“Yeah, except if possible, we actually need you to go... now.”
Lisha stared over at Zelda silently.
“But if you'd rather rest first, then you can.”
“No, I understand why I should go so soon, but Iell will need her rest.”
“Well, actually,” Arawin said sitting up. “I'm staying here for a few days.”
“You are?”
“Yeah, but I promise I'll be careful, and I'll leave for Amaranthine soon.”
Lisha eyed Arawin but knew why the younger elf wanted to stay. After such a long carriage ride, she would obviously need to relax before heading out again. Plus it was probably a better idea if she stayed away from Amaranthine until Lisha could establish everything.
“Alright, Iell, if that's what you want. But as for me, I think I will go ahead and leave. It would be best to get the journey started than to delay it.”
Zelda nodded then opened the door and called for a servant.
“Yes, your Majesty?”
“Please take Lisha to Ser Mhairi and also find where they took her and Lady Arawin's things so she can collect them. She and Ser Mhairi will be leaving soon.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” The servant bowed to Zelda then turned to Lisha. “Please come with me, my lady.”
Lisha acknowledged the servant but went over to where Arawin sat. “Now Arawin, you remember everything I told you? What to eat, how to sleep properly, your exercises and breathing?”
“Yes, yes, I remember,” Arawin waved. “And I promise I'll continue them even without you hounding me.”
Lisha cocked an eyebrow, not quite sure she believed her. “Just don't do anything stupid, okay?”
“Now that you won't have to worry about,” said Zelda. “I'll make sure she doesn't do anything stupid, and I'll make sure she's safe and everything.”
“Well I actually trust you, Zelda.” Lisha then sighed. “Very well. Dareth shiral, Iell. I shall see you soon.”
“Dareth shiral, Lisha,” Arawin said.
Bowing to the two of them, Lisha then departed the room with the servant. Zelda went and watched them go down the hall before shutting the door again and facing Arawin. “So... are you in need of anything?”
“Yes. I'm starving.”
“Oh and look at me! A terrible hostess! I'm sorry, I should've known you would want something to eat after such a long journey and because--”
“Stop it, Zelda, just get me something to eat, please. And make sure it's red and bleeding! I haven't had red meat in so long. I would kill for some venison.”
“Sounds like Lisha's not letting you do a whole lot of things.”
“She's got me on this damn Dalish diet! It's all nuts, fruits, fish and white meats. I can't stand it anymore! I want something red that's not sweet!”
“Well I don't know...” Zelda chuckled. “How about I get you some pork, maybe? I don't really want to get on Lisha's bad side.”
Arawin narrowed her eyes at Zelda. Her anger pulsating through the connection, but Zelda pushed it back. “Fine. Just get me something. Please.”
“As you wish.” Going over to the door, Zelda opened it but only to ram the door into someone who was standing on the other side. “Oh, I'm sorry—Jowan? Jowan! What did I say?”
The mage had landed on his rear from the collision with the door. Looking up at her, he blinked a few times before standing fast. “I know, and I did go back to my room, I swear! But I came here to warn you.”
“Warn me? About what?”
“Lady Dina is in Denerim.”
Zelda frowned and Arawin felt her demeanor plummet. She peeked over at the two humans, seeing them both looking haggard. “Who's Lady Dina?”
Zelda kept her frown as she stared at Jowan. “Thank you... Jowan. I appreciate you telling me. You may go now.”
“Are you sure you don't want me to stay on duty?” he asked sympathetic.
“I'm sure, but there is one thing you can do, if you wish.”
“Anything.”
“Could you go down to the kitchens and have them bring up something? I don't care what.”
“As you wish, Zelda.” He bowed to her before making his way back down the hall. Zelda closed the door once more. She then walked into the room solemn and sat on the bed.
“I assume whoever this Lady Dina is, her being here in Denerim isn't good,” Arawin said after a few seconds of silence.
“It means that this Landsmeet is really going to happen,” said Zelda. “That there's nothing to stop it this time.”
“Mind explaining to me what's going on?”
Zelda sighed and looked over at her. “You remember Alistair and I gave the teyrn of Gwaren to Ser Trent because of his bravery and ability to keep the people there safe during the Blight?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, that caused a few problems. Most of the nobles in the Landsmeet didn't mind for Ser Trent was a good man and deserved the title, but there was one who didn't like the idea at all.”
“Let me guess... Lady Dina?”
Zelda nodded. “She's from Gwaren, and was Anora's best friend. Apparently Anora told her she was going to grant Dina the teryn once she had her hold on the throne again. Loghain wasn't going to go back, but instead was going to stay in Denerim. Alistair and I didn't find out about this until after we gave Gwaren to Ser Trent. When we asked Lady Dina to provide proof Anora was going to hand the teyrn over to her, she couldn't provide any. She said it was a verbal agreement, but apparently only between her and Anora. Since Anora was killed after this, and with Loghain dead as well, there was nothing supporting her claims. The Landsmeet decided against her, and Ser Trent kept the teryn.”
“Okay,” Arawin said rubbing her eyes. “So what's this Landsmeet you're talking about now?”
Zelda stretched out her arms behind her to support herself. “Well, ever since then, Lady Dina has been doing everything she can to get me off the throne.”
“Really? Is it because she wants revenge or something?”
“Possibly, but I think it might be because if she can't have Gwaren, she'll go for trying to be queen herself. The only problem is, she may actually get what she wants this time.”
Arawin sat straight up. “No...”
“She has a good argument going. Because both Alistair and I are Grey Wardens, and because we haven't conceived yet, there may never be a chance we'll produce an heir.” Zelda lowered her head. “Lady Dina has invoked the right of the Landsmeet to oust the queen in the event that she is unable to provide what the kingdom needs. Which, in this case, is an heir.”
“What? She can't do that!” Arawin went to the edge of her seat, ready to spring up if it wasn't for her extra bulk.
“No, she can,” Zelda sighed. “And that's exactly what she's been doing for the past eight months. It's been one Landsmeet after another, with her trying to get me voted out. So far, however, she's been unsuccessful. My allies in the Landsmeet have been able to keep the official vote from happening. Either by coming up with excuses, or making as if something more important has come up. But Dina's not giving up, and this time, there's nothing that can be done to stop it now.”
“So the Landsmeet has to vote on whether or not to keep you as queen?” Arawin shook her head. “What are you so worried about, then? The people love you and Alistair! I've heard nothing but good things, and then I know you have nobles in the Landsmeet who will not vote against you. Your brother, Eamon, Teagan, and of course, my cousin.”
“That is true,” Zelda said. “And let me tell you, your cousin has been backing me ever since this started.”
“How's she doing, by the way?”
“Very good, actually. At first, the nobles didn't take to her, couldn't believe the king would let an elf in the Landsmeet, but once she started to shine, they accepted her quick. She's a fast learner too, and my brother has really taken a shine to her as well. He kind of took her under his wing, giving her advice and pointers. None of the other nobles really mess with her anymore.”
A broad smile crossed Arawin's face. “I knew she could do it. So as I said, you have nothing to worry about.”
“Except... I do,” Zelda frowned.
Arawin fell back in her chair. “Why? You're a great queen and give the people what they need. Why would they vote you out just because you haven't born an heir yet?”
“You need to understand, Arawin, you already know as Grey Wardens we're not going to be around as long as most because we'll be going on our Calling. So having an heir now is very important, and if I can't conceive one, then finding someone who can is what needs to be done. Lady Dina has put up the argument that a human woman who is not tainted needs to be queen so she can conceive an heir and also be around to take care of matters when the king goes on his Calling. This is something I feared would happen, and even if I am a good queen, the Landsmeet has a duty to do what is best for Ferelden.”
“Well that's screwy. Do they not realize Alistair may not even be able to impregnate a non-tainted woman?”
“Not really. In fact... Lady Dina is using you as an example Grey Wardens can have children.”
Arawin let out a sharp exhale of air. “You're kidding, right? She's really using me as justification to get rid of you? How dare she! Apparently she doesn't realize this isn't necessarily an everyday event! I think the only reason it happened was because me and Zevran were constantly at it all the time!”
“Don't think I didn't notice, either,” Zelda said narrowing her eyes. “But yes, she was using you as an excuse, although that stopped real quick after Shianni said something.” Zelda sighed again and looked up at the ceiling. “It doesn't matter anyway. I think the only way I'll be able to stay queen is if I can get pregnant before the Landsmeet.”
“When is it?”
“In a little over a week.”
“And how are you and Alistair doing?”
Zelda faced her. “Okay... I mean, it was great at first, but now... it feels more like work than anything else. We're not enjoying it as much. It's become an obligation.”
“Okay, okay, stop right there,” Arawin said waving her hands in front of her. “An obligation? Sex shouldn't be an obligation! If you're not enjoying it anymore, then maybe that's your problem. Maybe you should take a break from it for a while, stop trying to conceive and maybe it'll just happen.”
“Maybe you're right,” Zelda said lowering her head. “We probably are trying too hard, but taking a break probably won't help matters either.”
“Where is Alistair right now?”
“In Highever helping Fergus with a few things and seeing to the memorial for Duncan. Then afterwards he's going to stop by Amaranthine to greet the new commander and offer any aid he can. He'll be back before the Landsmeet.”
“And what does he say about all this?”
“He hates it. Thinks it's stupid and really wishes Lady Dina would go away. He also says there's no way he would ever let me go and be with another woman. He even told the Landsmeet if they voted me out as queen, he would relinquish his throne.”
“I'm sure that didn't go too well,” Arawin said crossing her arms. “But that should give you some insurance, right? The Landsmeet isn't going to risk losing their king too.”
“If only it were that simple,” Zelda moaned. “The Landsmeet might not wish it, but Lady Dina sure doesn't care. If Alistair is no longer king, then that gives the opportunity for her to take control even faster. It may throw Ferelden in another civil war over the throne, but she won't care as long as she gets what she wants. I thought it was at first to cease the throne, but now I believe it's just to get rid of me. Taking the throne herself will just be a bonus.”
“Well that's not going to happen, I guarantee it.”
“Say it all you want, Arawin, but unfortunately my time as queen will be ending soon.”
There was a knock on the door and Zelda stood to answer it. On the other side were a few servants with trays of food which they brought into the room. “Your Majesty, we weren't exactly sure what you wanted, so we brought you everything available in the kitchen,” said the lead servant.
“Oh, well thank you,” said Zelda. “This really wasn't for me, though, but for my friend.”
“Would you like for us to take some things back?”
“Don't you dare,” Arawin said as she hoisted herself out of the chair. She went over to the trays and began examining them, her mouth watering. “Leave everything.”
“Arawin, you can't eat all this!”
“Watch me.”
“Alright.” Zelda shook her head. “I'll call when we're done,” she said to the servant. “And thank you.”
“Our pleasure, your Majesty.” The servants bowed and left Arawin and Zelda to enjoy the food.
“Arawin, seriously! If you eat all this you're going to make yourself sick.”
“Zelda, I'm a pregnant Grey Warden who's been on a very un-fulfilling diet. I think I may actually need more.”
“Right. I'll make sure the maids are ready to clean your throw-up off my floor later.”
“When you do get in this situation,” Arawin said as she began chewing on a piece of meat. “You'll understand.”
***
Lisha followed the servant all the way to the soldier quarters on the east side of the palace. There he brought her to a small room that looked to be for recreational purposes. Inside were a few off-duty soldiers playing cards and talking. The servant went in and walked up to a lone soldier in a far corner. She was sitting and reading and looked up from her book when the servant approached her.
“Ser Mhairi, my I present to you Lady Lisha,” the servant bowed. “Queen Zelda wanted me to bring her to you.”
Mhairi stood from her chair and bowed to Lisha. “Greetings, Commander. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Thank you, ser-knight,” said Lisha. “And may I ask who you are?”
“Yes. My name is Ser Mhairi. I was a soldier in the king's army, but am now a Grey Warden recruit. I still need to take my Joining, which I'm sure will be arranged once we reach Vigil's Keep.”
Lisha studied her, seeing she had the body of a warrior and looked very capable of handling herself. “Are there other recruits as well?”
“Yes, but they're at the keep. I was chosen to come here and wait for the new commander to take you to Amaranthine.”
“How long will the trip take?”
“A little over a day on foot. With just the two of us, we should get there fairly quick since it's not that far from Denerim. I believe if we leave right away, we should get there by tomorrow evening.”
“Then let us go ahead and proceed.” Lisha turned to the servant who was still standing with them. “Where did they place mine and Arawin's things?”
“This way, my lady.” Together Mhairi and Lisha followed the servant out of the room and back to the western side of the palace. He lead them to the room Arawin would be staying in. When Lisha went in she found the few things she had lying on the bed. There she saw her longbow, Sulhigil, lying with its quiver filled with arrows, and her dagger. She went and picked them up, placing them on her back and then rejoining Mhairi in the hall.
“Is that all you need, Commander?” Mhairi asked as she admired the bow on her back.
“I'm already in my armor,” Lisha said gesturing to the two piece Dalish armor she was wearing. “All I needed was my weapons and now that I have them, we can start heading to Amaranthine.”
“Yes, Commander. Let me just go gather my things, then we can leave. It shouldn't take long. I've been prepared for a quick departure for some time.”
“Good. We'll go do that then leave. The faster we get there the better, and on the way, maybe you can fill me in on what's been going on.”
“Of course, Commander. But I don't know how much I'll be able to tell you.”
“Just fill me in on what you can. I have a feeling things are going to be interesting.”

Dayno (Male Dalish Elf) - Lisha's husband.
Because there is very little elven in the game, I decided to adopt a few words and phrases from the elven (Sindarin) from The Lord of the Rings. I'll put translations down here when I add a new word. All Sindarin belongs to JRR Tolkien.
Sindarin Translation:
Iell - daughter (Lisha calls Arawin this because she adopted her)
Sulhigil - Wind Dagger
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Blood Song