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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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Redcliffe

The arling of Redcliffe was located at the southern tip of Lake Calenhad. The village lay at the base of a cliff, right on the shores of the lake. In order to reach the village, one had to walk down several stairs carved into the cliff face. This made trading somewhat difficult, as carts could not be brought down the stairs. To help with this issue, a trading post was built at the top of the cliff, where most trading occurred. The goods would then be carried down the stairs by hand to either the village or the castle.
Zelda stood in the doorway of the trading post, looking in at the empty rooms. She could see that it had been abandoned recently, and that looters had striped anything that might have been left behind.
“Are things so dire in Redcliffe that they are unable to trade?” said Alistair bewildered. “I don’t ever remember them not having this post open.”
“Think about it, Alistair,” Zelda stated. “We haven’t met many people on the road here. I doubt anyone is wanting to trade this far south with the threat of the darkspawn.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
It was true, they hadn’t seen many people on the roads. This was an odd occurrence considering how much of a trade route it was between Redcliffe and Lothering. The villagers in Lothering had said that there weren’t any traders coming and there probably wouldn’t be for awhile. Because of the darkspawn, this part of Ferelden was already suffering. Zelda wondered how long the villages in the south could last without trade. The civil war was probably not helping things either.
“It’s a long way down,” said Leliana as she joined them in the trading post. “I didn’t realize how high we were.”
“No, it’s just how low the lake is,” said Zelda. “But come on, we need to get down to the village to see what's going on.”
As they made their way down the stairs, they could see the tops of the houses in the village. A stream rushed down the cliff next to them, gurgling and churning on it’s way to the lake. Across the lake, the castle stood. It’s refection shimmering in the water with the light waves. A long bridge stretched from the front of the castle, across the lake, and disappeared behind a rock formation, ending somewhere further down the stairs. One would think all you needed to do was go around the lake and enter the castle from the back, but that wasn’t possible. The castle was built on an island, making it easy to defend from attacks. It pained Zelda a little to look at it, for it reminded her of Castle Cousland.
As they made their way down, they reached a flattened area with another post. This one, like the one at the top, was abandoned. On down the path, they saw a small stone bridge that went over the stream. Even further down they could see a wooden gate that they knew would lead to the long bridge and then to the castle. They could also see before the gate, that the path dipped down to what they believed to be more stairs that lead to the village.
Zelda walked to the edge of the area and looked down, but she still couldn’t see the village very well because of trees and house roofs. She listened, but heard nothing. This disturbed her, for there was nothing about the village that suggested life. The abandoned posts, no smoke coming from chimneys, and the fact that no one had yet come to greet them. Zelda didn’t expect Bann Teagan to come riding out to them like Lord Talon had, but she didn’t expect nothing at all. She thought at the very least he would have someone watching the road.
“It’s too silent,” she said.
“I know,” Alistair commented. “This isn’t right.”
“Should we keep going?” Leliana asked.
“We need to,” said Zelda. “We have to find out what's going on.”
When they went to cross the bridge, they all stopped when they saw movement. A young man came out from behind the rock formation that lead down to the village. He looked timidly at them, as if he was trying to figure them out. He carried with him a bow and quiver, but only had on commoner clothing.
Zelda halted everyone in the middle of the bridge. “Hello there,” she said to the young man. “We are just simple travelers come to Redcliffe. Can you explain to us what is happening?”
The young man eyed them suspiciously before making his way towards them. “I... I thought I saw travelers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it. Have you come to help us?”
“Well, I’m here for important business,” said Zelda. “I have just come from Rainesfere and wish to speak with Bann Teagan. And I also wish to see the arl if that is possible.”
The young man’s eyes went wide. “You mean, you haven’t heard? Has anybody out there heard?”
“We’ve heard that the arl is sick.”
“He could be dead, for all we know!” he shouted. “Nobody’s heard from the castle in days. We’re under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn. Everyone’s been fighting... and dying. We’ve no army to defend us, no arl and no king to send us help. So many are dead, and those left are terrified they’re next.”
“Hold on,” said Alistair. “What is this evil that’s attacking you?”
“I... I don’t rightly know; I’m sorry. Nobody does. I will take you to Bann Teagan. He’s all that’s holding us together. I’m sure he’ll be eager to see you if you say you came from his bannorn.”
Zelda nodded, and they followed him across the bridge and down the dip in the path. This, indeed, did lead to more stairs and another flattened area. Here one could see the castle very well, even shout to any guards who might be patrolling the walls. A windmill also stood here. It’s sails turning slowly, casting moving shadows on the ground. It was here that Zelda could finally see some life. A few knights stood under the windmill. They all looked up and stared when the young man brought the three travelers and a dog down the stairs. They must have been the first travelers in a long time.
Zelda could also see the village better. Full houses could now been seen. Ones that were built into the cliff wall, and further down the path, on a high level, was the village tavern. Zelda groaned as she realized there was even more stairs to travel down, and another stone bridge. These stairs, however, were wider, and made of logs buried in the soil of the path. It was also down here that Zelda noticed the redness of the rocks. It was said that the rocks around Redcliffe were made of red clay, which was how Redcliffe got it’s name. Even the herald of Redcliffe had a tower sitting upon a red rock.
Redcliffe village was built into a cove and was more of a lake town then anything else. Besides the houses built in the cliff face, most of them were actually right on top of the water. They stood on wooden posts to keep from flooding when the lake swelled. It was a beautiful town with the glisten of the lake in the sun and the sound of the waves. It was as they entered the village that they could now hear people.
The young man lead them through some of the houses and past men who were dueling each other. They seemed to be preparing for battle, but none of them looked to be soldiers. They did not wear armor and were practicing with dull weapons. Zelda wondered what was going on, but she kept from asking. She knew she would get all the answers soon.
At the back of the cove, nestled in between the rocks was the village chantry. The cathedral towers stood tall and vast. The young man lead them in, and once they entered, Zelda heard a gasp come from Leliana. One escaped from her as well. The chantry was the same as any other chantry within Ferelden, but this one was different because inside it was crowded with the entire village. It mostly consisted of women and children and the elderly. They all huddled together, packed in the chantry just like the tavern in Lothering. As they entered, many of the villagers looked up and stared as they walked past. It was as if they had never seen a traveler before, and Zelda wondered if coming here was a good idea. If these people were anything like the ones in Lothering, then there was no stopping them from overwhelming the small group. She hoped that Lord Talon was right about Teagan supporting the Grey Wardens.
They came to the back of the chantry where they could hear the chant of light being sung and towards a corner, came to a stop in front of a man who was giving orders to a knight. When he was done, he looked over at the young man. “Tomas?” he said to the young man. “What brings you here, and who are these people with you? They’re obviously not simple travelers.” He looked them up and down, studying their appearance.
“No, my lord,” said Tomas. “They just arrived, and they asked to see you. I thought you would want to see them anyway.”
“Yes, thank you Tomas. Greetings, friends,” he said turning to them. “I am Bann Teagan, brother to the arl, and I bid you welcome to Redcliffe.”
“I remember you, Bann Teagan,” Alistair spoke up before Zelda could. “Though the last time we met I was a lot younger and... covered in mud.”
This made Teagan’s face twist in confusion before he realized something. “Covered in mud? Alistair? Is that really you? By the Maker! You’re alive! This is wonderful news! So you are the male warden of the fliers. So sorry I didn’t recognize. I didn’t pay much attention to the details of the post. I figured I didn’t need to if I was not actively looking for the Grey Wardens wanted.”
“Yes, well, you might not be, but other people are, no thanks to Loghain.”
“Indeed,” said Teagan. “Loghain would have us believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew, amongst other things.”
“I heard that you don’t believe him,” said Zelda. “We just came from your bannorn. Lord Talon was a very generous host.”
“That is good to hear,” Teagan said with a smile. “And yes, I don’t believe a thing Loghain says, especially about Ostagar and the Grey Wardens. Not with Howe whispering in his ear.” Teagan grunted before continuing. “So... you are a Grey Warden as well? Is it possible we’ve met? You seem very familiar.”
“It’s possible,” Zelda answered. “You may have known my father, Teyrn Cousland.”
Teagan brightened. “Zelda Cousland? So you’re alive as well? I was wondering about the female human warden Howe put so much emphases on. My, my, how glorious it is to finally meet you. Though I wish it were under better circumstances.” Teagan lend forward and took Zelda’s hand to kiss it. “You are just as lovely as your father described, and the portrait for your capture doesn’t do you justice.”
“Um, thank you,” she said pulling her hand from his as polite as she could. She could feel Alistair shift behind her but she didn’t look back to see why. “But I am here right now for business. We have come to see Arl Eamon.”
“Yes, of course,” said Teagan. “I would wish to talk with you later, however, and my sincerest condolences about your family. As for seeing my brother, that is a problem at the moment. No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls, and no one has responded to my shouts. As for the attacks, they started a few nights ago. Evil... things... surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished during the assault.”
“What evil things are you talking about?” Zelda asked. “Tomas mentioned something but he could not tell us.”
“Some call them the walking dead; decomposing corpses returning to life with a hunger for human flesh. They hit again the next night. Each night they come, with greater numbers. With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war over the throne, no one responds to my urgent calls for help. I have a feeling tonight’s assault will be the worst yet. Zelda, I hate to ask this of you, to put the last Cousland in danger, but I desperately need the help of you and your friends.”
“Of course we’ll help,” said Zelda. She turned to her friends. “Won’t we?”
“Nothing would please me more,” said Leliana.
“It’s always been the Grey Warden’s duty to defend the weak,” said Alistair. “You know I’m in if you are.”
Zelda turned back to Teagan. “Then we will help fight tonight if that is what you need. And I am not the last Cousland. Fergus is still out there. I know he is.”
“Let’s hope he is,” said Teagan. “But thank you ever so much. This means more to me then you could ever guess. Tomas, please tell Murdock what transpired. Then return to your post.”
“Yes, my lord.” Tomas bowed before leaving the chantry.
“Now then,” Teagan stated getting back to business. “There is much to do before night falls. I’ve put two men in charge of the defense outside. Murdock, the village mayor, is outside the chantry. Ser Perth, one of Eamon’s knights, is just up the cliff at the windmill, watching the castle. You may discuss with them the preparations for the coming battle.”
“I will be on my way, then,” said Zelda.
“I will be here in the chantry if you need me,” Teagan said. “It is also here where I will be for tonight, defending the villagers if the monsters get through.”
“Don’t worry, they won’t,” Zelda smiled. “Nothing will get past us four.” Rupee barked loudly, sending an echo through the chantry.
“I’m sure,” said Teagan. “Very well. Luck be with you, my friends.”
Zelda and them made their way from the chantry and out again to where they saw the men practicing. Zelda’s hopes fell a little as she realized these were the men who would be defending the village with her. All of them were either farmers, merchants, or fishermen. Not a warrior amongst them, and their swordplay was anything but good.
She walked through the dueling, making her way to a man with a long mustache that stood at the edge of the field. He was watching them fight with a disdainful look. Another man came up to him before Zelda could.
“Still no sign of them coming from the castle, Murdock,” he said.
“Tell them to maintain watch,” said Murdock looking at him. “I don’t want a surprise attack before the sun goes down.”
“Yes, ser. What should we do until then?”
“Pray. And hope for a miracle.” The man left, going back the way he came.
“You are Murdock, then?” asked Zelda as she came over to him. “I am Zelda, the one Teagan had you told about.”
“So you’re the Grey Warden, are you?” Murdock said scratching his beard. “It’s nice to see you alive and willing to help out us poor villagers.”
“It’s the least we can do,” said Zelda.
“Well, we do want to help however we can. You can trust us,” Alistair pipped in.
“But to answer your question, yes I am Murdock, mayor of what’s left of the village—providing we aren’t all killed and hauled off to the castle tonight.”
“Do not fear, good man,” said Zelda. “We will win tonight. I will make sure that no one dies expect what is already dead.”
“I sure hope you're right, but I won’t hold you to your promise if that is not the case. I don’t expect everyone to survive but it would be nice.” Murdock sighed. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re here, and they tell me that you’re in charge.”
“Then I need to know what I can do to help.”
Murdock thought for a moment. “Well, there’s a lot of things, but I think the best thing you could do is maybe give these men here a quick lesson or two. You’re a warrior, right? I don’t think it would hurt if they at least knew how to swing a sword properly.”
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” said Zelda. She hadn’t thought about that and wondered why. “I can’t teach them much in less than a day, but with Alistair and Leliana’s help, they may have a better chance to survive than without.” She focused herself on the two of them. “What do you think?”
“Of course,” said Alistair. “Why would I not?”
“Those archers could use a few pointers on how to aim,” said Leliana. “I can also show them a nice technique that doesn’t bruise the fingers.”
Zelda smiled at them both. She knew they wouldn’t let her down. “Good. Then let’s get started.” She made her way to the center of the dueling. “Gentlemen, please stop!” she cried. They all did and looked at her curiously. “My name is Zelda. I am a Grey Warden. This is Alistair. He is also a Grey Warden, and this is our friend, Leliana. We will be here tonight to help fight and defend the village, but before that, we have decided to help teach you how to fight properly. Is that understood?”
The men around them began to shout happily, and Zelda knew that it was going to be a long day before nightfall, but a good one.
***
Hours passed as Zelda and Alistair tried to teach the men how to fight. It was looking hopeless, as the men did not seem to understand most of what they were telling them. It was something to expect, after all, none of these men had ever picked up a sword in their lives. But Zelda wasn’t going to let it get to her.
Leliana had it better with the archers, as some of them used them for hunting, but she still had some difficulty in showing them some of her techniques. It was as Zelda watched some of the men fighting that she tried to figure out what was missing. She couldn’t make these men into warriors in just a few hours, but she had to do something to make sure their chances of surviving the night were better than none.
“How are you fairing?” Leliana asked her.
“Not good,” said Zelda. “I think I need to try something drastic.”
“Oh, what did you have in mind?”
Zelda smiled wickedly as a thought came into her head. “I think they would benefit from a demonstration. Don’t you?”
“That would help, but I would be gentle with them. They don’t have armor on, after all.”
“No, I wasn’t thinking of that.” Zelda began making her way to Alistair who had his back turned to her and pulled out Silverbrand.
“Alistair!”
Alistair turned to her calling his name and pulled out his shield just in time to block her swing. “What are you doing?” he screamed.
“You have good reflexes,” she said as the ringing from her sword and his shield began to dull. She had just done to him what Ser Nicolas had done to her many times before. It was a nice way to learn how to defend from surprise attacks.
Zelda smiled at him as he stared at her puzzled. “Defend yourself.” In the same movement she pulled out her shield and swung Silverbrand again. Alistair blocked her once more, also grabbing his blade.
“Seriously?” he said trying to reason with her. “What has gotten into you?”
“Oh, Alistair.” Zelda rolled her eyes. “Are you afraid of being beaten by a girl? I just thought these men could use a good demonstration of what we’ve been teaching them.”
“You could've told me.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Zelda lunged at him, making Alistair go on the defense. He blocked her swing, then brought up his own sword to hit her shield.
“Quit being a pansy and hit me already!” Zelda yelled at him.
Alistair looked almost as if he didn’t want to, but then lifted his sword, and with all his weight, brought it down on her. Zelda lifted her shield to take in the blow. They connected and the force made Zelda step back, going off balance. She quickly regained her footing, however, and relaunched her attack. Alistair had seen what he had done and made to block her swing before lifting his sword to do it again. This time Zelda had to stop her attack to block his swing. They hit again and Zelda was forced back. Alistair took the advantage and went after her with his shield down. It was a mistake.
Zelda regained her balance then pushed her shield straight into Alistair’s abdomen, knocking him to the ground. She jumped on his chest and pointed Silverbrand straight at his throat. Alistair looked up at her surprised before she got off his chest and helped him to his feet.
A crowd had gathered around as they fought. When they were done, the men clapped and cheered, calling out Zelda’s name. Zelda bowed and pulled Alistair down with her. “Thanks,” she said. “I hope you liked our staged fight. We just wanted to show you what we’ve been teaching, so you can see it in action and hopefully take something from it.”
“That was staged?” asked Murdock who had been watching the whole time. “It seemed almost spontaneous.”
“Of course it was staged,” said Zelda. “Do you really think Alistair could be taken down like that? He’s a Grey Warden!”
“I suppose so.” Murdock watched as the men began dueling again. They appeared to be doing better after watching the two Grey Wardens. More determination in their eyes. “You’re doing a fine job, Zelda, but I still don’t think it’s going to be enough.”
Zelda went to stand beside him. Leliana and Alistair followed her. “I know, but that’s the best I can do in such a short amount of time. Are you sure there is no one else here who could fight besides knights and villagers?”
“Actually, there is one,” said Murdock.
“Really?” Zelda asked with a raised eyebrow. “And where is he? Why is he not out here helping?”
This made Murdock laugh. “His name's Dwyn, and he’s a dwarf from Orzammar. He’s a veteran of some sorts and lives here manning the general store. Locked himself up in his home with some of his workers. Says he doesn’t need any of us. We could use somebody with his fighting experience, but he won’t come out.”
“A general store, huh? Is it open?”
“No, Dwyn closed it down the first night we were attacked and locked himself in his house the same day. If you’re needing any supplies, we’ve already taken everything out that he left in there. I suggest going to the tavern for supplies. Lloyd’s the only one selling anything right now.”
“Hmm.” Zelda thought for a moment. “I think I’ll go take a look anyway.”
“Be my guest, but don’t say I didn’t warn you nothing’s there.”
“Come on,” she said to the others. “Oh, and give these guys a break,” she told Murdock. “They’re going to need their strength for tonight.” Zelda, Alistair, Leliana and Rupee then made their way through the houses that lead into the lake. A wooden dock connected all of them.
“You didn’t have to say it was staged,” Alistair said to her once they were well into the houses. “You beat me fair. I did not expect that from you.”
“But you were beaten by a girl,” said Zelda with a smile. “Did you want all of those men making fun of you because of that?”
“It wouldn’t really bother me that much. After all, I’m sure Leliana isn’t going to let me forget it, and I’m sure you could beat any of them easy. Besides, if I was going to be defeated by any girl, I’m glad it was you.”
“That’s so sweet,” Leliana teased. Zelda nudged her in the ribs.
It wasn’t hard to find Dwyn’s house. It was the only one with a bolt on the front door. As Zelda went over to investigate, she knocked hard and yelled to see if anyone was home. There was no answer, so she did it again. Still no answer. Frustrated, Zelda kicked the door until the lock broke and the door swung open. On the other side of the door was a dwarf with two humans flanking him. They had their weapons ready and aimed at who or whatever was coming through the door.
“Wonderful. Intruders,” said the dwarf. “I hope you’ve a good reason for breaking and entering into my home.”
Zelda bowed to him. “I apologize. I don’t mean any harm.”
The dwarf looked at her suspiciously before replacing his weapons. His men followed suit. “Apology accepted,” he said. “The name’s Dwyn, pleased to meet you. Now get out.”
Zelda ignored his protest and walked into the house. “Why are you locked up in here? That lock wasn’t very strong, you know.”
“Ha,” Dwyn laughed. “I’m in here surviving, what do you think? We have supplies to last for quite some time, and my boys and I can swing a weapon better than any of those fools out there.”
“So then why don’t you help to defend the village? Isn’t this your home?”
“Yeah, but why should I help them? When did they ever run to my rescue?”
“Hmm, this is just disappointing,” said Zelda with her head down. “You’re the first dwarf I’ve ever met, and you just aren’t making a good impression.”
Dwyn snorted. “So sorry to disappoint you, then.”
“I mean, isn’t Orzammar known for it’s fine warriors? Great warriors who aren’t afraid of anything since they face the darkest of evils everyday! I don’t think a true Orzammar warrior would hole himself up just because he could. A true Orzammar warrior would fight to the bitter end.”
“Nice try,” said Dwyn. “But that won’t work on me. Why do you think I left that sodding place? I went from a fine warrior, to a merchant for an ungrateful village in less than a year.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t still get your honor back. And I’m sure the village would be more grateful if you helped.”
Dwyn turned away from her. “Just get out before I change my mind about killing you.”
“Fair enough,” said Zelda. She went to leave but stopped. “Just so you know, I’ll be right outside the chantry if you change your mind.”
All she heard from him before she left was a grunt followed by a slamming door.
***
“Well that was helpful,” said Alistair as they left Dwyn’s house. “He sure has some type of grudge against this place. I wonder what they’re ungrateful about?”
“Who knows,” Zelda sighed. “But don’t worry, I think he’ll change his mind.”
“I hope you’re right.”
They made their way to the next house, which turned out to be the general store Dwyn owned. As they entered, Zelda saw that Murdock was right. There was nothing in the store but empty crates and barrels. She searched through them anyway, just seeing if something was left behind. When she got to a few barrels in a corner, she noticed that they were not empty. Instead, they were full of a blackish liquid. When she investigated even further, she found it to be oil.
“What could we do with oil?” asked Leliana.
“I don’t know,” Zelda said staring at the oil. “But I’m sure there's something.”
They decided to leave, wanting to get back and Zelda needed to find Ser Perth and talk to him. She needed to know what the knights were doing. As they turned to exist, Zelda came face to face with Dwyn.
“Oh,” she said startled. “Dwyn, I’m sorry. This is not what it looks like.”
“Stuff it, woman,” he said crossing his arms. “I already know the damn villagers came and took everything. I guess that’s what I get for not locking it.” The two men flanking him grunted.
Zelda felt Alistair come beside her, tense. Rupee was on her other side, growling. “Relax, both of you,” she spoke calmly. “What brings you out of your house, Dwyn?”
“Like you don’t know,” he snorted. “Who are you anyway?”
“My name is Zelda. I am a Grey Warden.”
“A Grey Warden, huh? Well that would explain it. I don’t know where you came from or why you’re here defending a home that isn’t your own, but you sure do have a way of persuading someone to do something stupid.”
“So does that mean I’ll see you tonight?”
“Tell you what, Warden. If you’re out there, then I’ll be there as well. Just don’t let me see you running before the sun goes down. I’m not fighting for a lost cause, you hear me?” He began to leave, but then Zelda called him back.
“Wait, Dwyn, I just have a question for you?”
“Yeah, what?”
“These barrels of oil, may we use them?”
Dwyn snorted and shrugged his shoulders before leaving the store.
“And thank you,” Zelda called out before he was completely gone.
“How do you do it?” Leliana asked astonished.
“What?”
“You got that stubborn dwarf to get off his lazy ass and help!” cried Alistair. “I want to know too.”
“You just have to know how to read people,” Zelda said with a smile.
“You have got to tell me your secret,” Leliana pleaded.
“Later, right now there’s one last stop before nightfall. So let’s head on up the hill to find Ser Perth and get the knights and villagers organized.”
***
The four of them made their way back up the stairs, finding it worse going up then going down. When they finally reached the windmill again, they came to the group of knights that had stared at them when they first entered the village. A young looking knight with light red hair came out of the group and bowed in front of Zelda.
“Greetings, Grey Warden. I am Ser Perth, until recently in direct service of Arl Eamon of Redcliffe, now serving Bann Teagan until my arl awakens. I must saw, that I am as relieved as Bann Teagan is to see you here. I must admit I know not how to address you. Is 'my lady' sufficient?”
“It is,” said Zelda. “But I would prefer ‘Grey Warden’.”
“Please forgive me, my lady,” Ser Perth said, as he too, took Zelda’s hand and kissed it. “But I don’t think I could call anyone as lovely as you anything but.”
Zelda sighed. She was used to such flattery, but she didn’t think she would get it as a Grey Warden. “Shall we get right to the basics, then?”
“Very well, my lady, I am humbly at your service. Right now, Bann Teagan has put us knights in charge of the front lines. For the past several nights, we have stood up here, taking the bulk of the attacks. It is across the bridge that these monsters like to come from.”
“Then this is where we will stand as well,” said Zelda. “The villagers will be positioned at the chantry entrance. Hopefully, if everything goes well, they will not see a single corpse.”
“That is a high goal, but a good one to shoot for. Yes, I think with a Grey Warden here to aid us that should be manageable.”
“I do have a thought, though,” stated Zelda. Ser Perth tilted his head and waited for her to continue. “Have you considered using the oil in the village store?”
Ser Perth raised his eyebrows. “No one told me of this. Oil, you say? How much, exactly?”
“Enough to set many monsters aflame.”
“Assuming that would hurt them...” Ser Perth considered. “Yes, I see what you have in mind. That might be effective if used carefully. Yes, excellent idea! I’ll send some men to collect the oil. We’ll use it to slow these creatures down. You are as smart as pretty, my lady.”
“Yes, well, that’ll change when the night comes. I get pretty dirty when I fight.”
“I’m not so sure,” he said. “I witnessed your little scuffle down below. You are very graceful.”
“So are we just going to stand here and chat, or is there something else we could be doing?” Alistair chimed in.
Zelda was relieved for Alistair’s interference. “Yes, I think maybe we should go and collect those barrels, bring them up here, and pour them on the ground. I think right as the path bends would be a good spot.”
“Excellent, my lady,” exclaimed Ser Perth.
“Then let’s go get them.”
“No, allow us, my lady,” Ser Perth said stopping her as she went to go back down the stairs. “The other knights and myself will go and collect these barrels. You can stay here and rest until nightfall. We will take care of everything.” He kissed her hand again then gathered his knights and went down the hill.
“So what is with you today and all these men?” Leliana whispered in Zelda’s ear. “They’re just jumping hoops for you.”
“All I have to do is bat my eyelashes, right? Ugh, it gets annoying sometimes.” Zelda rolled her eyes.
“You can’t say you’ve always hated it.”
“No, but...” Zelda looked over at Alistair. He had walked away from the two of them when the knights had left. He almost acted as if he should have gone with them, but he didn’t. Instead, he walked over to the windmill and stared over at the castle.
“Hmm,” Leliana smiled.
“It just hurts when you know someone cares, and you force them to watch,” Zelda continued.
“Something tells me, you’re not just talking about Alistair,” Leliana said after seeing the look on Zelda’s face.
“It hurts, Leliana.” Zelda looked away from Alistair and down at the ground. “There was a man I loved, and I broke his heart. I made him wait, and when I finally gave him my heart... it was too late.”
“What happened?”
“He died saving me. He died with my family, defending the castle as Howe’s men broke through the gate. He stayed when he should have come with me. He stayed so that I could have a chance.”
“I’m sorry,” Leliana said with serenity. “I can see why you are hesitant.”
“Hesitant?” Zelda questioned. “What do you mean?”
“The way you acted when Bann Teagan and Ser Perth kissed your hand. The way you act around Alistair sometimes. I think you like it, but you don’t know if you should accept it because your heart still hurts. It’s all right. You can still grieve, but also allow another into your heart.”
“And how would you know?” Zelda said with scorn.
“I don’t mean to offend you. I’m just stating what I’ve learned from my travels.”
“I know you are, and I’m sorry, Leliana. It’s just a sensitive topic right now.”
“Then maybe you should discuss it with the one person who you should talk to about it.” Leliana shrugged her shoulders in Alistair’s direction.
Zelda felt her face grow pale just from the thought, but then it grew hard. “You’re right,” she said. “But now is not the time, obviously. We first need to survive this night. Then I’ll see how my heart feels.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond