Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

Blood Song	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
The Truth

Arawin found she couldn't sleep. There were too many things going through her mind. Her body ached all over, her stomach growled but she wasn't sure if she was hungry. The bundle laid cold in her arms, while the warm body behind her kept her from shivering. Zevran had his arm draped over her side. It had started out holding her tight against his chest, but had loosened when he finally fell asleep. Turning her head, Arawin peered to see he really was fast asleep. He was in a deep sleep she had never seen him in before. Zevran always slept semi-conscious and not for very long. The slightest thing could wake him. He would spring to a ready stance if there was any danger. Arawin figured he was already exhausted from his trip to Antiva. She wondered how much sleep he had gotten then. Probably not much considering he and Dayno had to constantly be on guard.
She shifted to get a better look at him, a movement that would have woken him, but this time he didn't stir. Arawin moved his hand off her side then brushed the hair that was falling in his eyes. She had missed him, and was glad to finally have him back even with the horrible events.
There was a knock on the door, making Arawin turn her attention away from Zevran “Yes?”
The door slowly opened and Arawin recognized the male mage as he popped his head through. “Oh, you're awake,” he said. “I wasn't sure if you would be.”
“Can't sleep.”
“I suppose not. Do you mind if I came in and... check on you?”
“If you need to.”
“Right,” he said scooting in and shutting the door. “I actually think introductions might be in order. I don't believe we were properly introduced during the, um...”
“I do remember you,” Arawin said sitting up. “But your name I don't recall.”
“It's Anders... if you wanted to know. I already know your name. Arawin, right? Lisha told us about you, plus I've heard all the stories.”
“The real versions or the elaborate ones?”
“You know, it's hard to tell sometimes.”
Arawin smiled at him. “Yes it is, and you probably wouldn't believe me even if I told you the real version. But you didn't come here for that.”
“Oh... no.” Anders made his way to the end of the bed where he stopped and looked at Zevran for a moment before staring back at Arawin. “How are you feeling?”
“Horrible.”
Anders blinked, not sure how to respond. “Is it all over?”
“In a way, yes. My body aches, my stomach hurts. I'm tired but can't sleep, and... my heart. Soul. They're broken.”
“I... I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything more,” Anders said, his face falling.
“It's not your fault. I know you did everything you could. It just... hurts no matter what.”
“I could leave you alone, if you want.”
“No, please... stay.” Arawin stared at him with her big green eyes.
“I can...” Anders said a little confused. “I just thought you might want to grieve in private.”
“I have grieved. I've cried too much. I don't want to do it anymore.” Arawin sat fully up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Anders went to catch her, thinking she was going to fall, but saw she was fine.
“I'm sure I'll cry more at some point,” Arawin continued. “I know I will, but now I don't want to grieve anymore. I want to get better, start taking care of me.”
“That sounds good. You should do that.”
“Then can you do something for me?”
Anders raised an eyebrow at her.
“If you need to assess me, go ahead. But before you do, can you get the servants to start a bath for me, please?”
“Oh... yeah. I can do that.”
“Thanks. I feel like I need to... freshen up.”
Anders went to fetch a servant. He then returned to the room, finding Arawin still sitting on the bed.
“So what do you need to know?” she asked him. “Besides just how I feel.”
“Uh...” Anders just stared at her, his mind going blank.
“Well, I know Lisha used to ask me if I was having any pain. Was I nauseated, vomiting, dizzy?”
“Okay... Are you?”
“I'm achy. And the area where Lisha cut me open hurts a little.”
“Let me take a look, then.” Arawin laid back down on the bed and pulled up her shirt, revealing the long scar on her lower abdomen. Anders hovered his hand over it, the blue aura of his magic shining. “It still feels intact with no new rips or tares. No infection. It probably just still hurts because it was traumatic. Unfortunately, magic can't cure everything.”
“Yeah. I'm sure it'll get better in time.”
When Anders was done examining her, a servant came in to tell them the bath was ready. It was in an adjacent room, connected and on the other side from Lisha's bedroom. Thanking the servant, Arawin stood and began taking off her clothes.
“Okay, so you're just going to start stripping while I'm here,” Anders said looking away.
“After what happened, I really don't care for modesty at the moment. Plus you've already seen me naked, so what's it matter?”
“I've done more than see you naked,” Anders murmured. He was turned away from her, his head slightly shifting to see her in the corner of his eye. She had her back to him as she stared at the bath in the wash room. “Would you like for me to give you some privacy now?” he asked her.
Arawin shifted her upper body to look at him, giving him a profile of her chest. He had to look away, feeling his checks grow hot. “I would prefer you stayed,” she said.
“Really? You... you don't mind? What about... him?” Anders gestured to Zevran who was still sound asleep on the bed. “I don't think he would like me being here while you're...”
“What, Zev?” Arawin half smiled. “He's not the jealous type. Course, at the moment, he might not be happy to find us like this if he awoke, but... he would get over it quickly. You're a healer, after all. And are taking care of me.”
“Right. I am.” Anders took a deep breath. He was feeling awkward but not in a way that made him want to dart out of the room.
“Besides,” Arawin added. “I don't... want to be alone right now. I still feel a little weak and I don't want to wake him up. He needs his sleep.”
Anders went to fully look at her but saw she had already left the room. He went and sat on the bed, away from Zevran. He could see into the wash room, but only enough to jump if she needed him right away.
“Mm, that feels nice,” he heard her say. “You know you can come in here, if you want. I'm fully submerged if that's what's making you uncomfortable.”
“Uh... I-I'm fine right here.”
“Could you please come in here?” she pleaded. “I'd rather our loud conversation not wake him if we can help it.”
Anders fidgeted a little before finally standing and making his way into the wash room. The room was a fairly decent size, the tub Arawin was in being made of white marble and looking as if several people could fit in it at once. Anders sat down across from the tub. Arawin, who's hair was already shiny from wetness and spread a top the water brightly, looked at him peculiar. “Are you really that uncomfortable?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Really? That's odd, considering you're a mage, and I assume came from the Circle here in Ferelden.”
“I did.”
“Then why are you uncomfortable? I know what goes on in that tower.”
“It's true,” Anders smiled. “And I probably contributed to it more than most, but this... I... You're the warden-commander, or at least soon will be. This just feels... weird.”
This made Arawin roll her eyes. “Anders, you don't need to fear me, or freight about anything else. How about in order to get you thinking about something else, you tell me about yourself. Such as how a handsome mage like you became a Grey Warden.”
Anders smiled again and he relaxed. “Well, I guess that started when I escaped from the Circle for the seventh time.”
“You escaped seven times?” Arawin asked impressed.
“Yep, I did. When I was first taken to the Circle, I vowed I would never submit, and I didn't. So every opportunity I saw to get away, I took it. The latest opportunity being when Uldred went mad.”
“It's impressive.”
“I got real good at escaping.”
“But not so good at keeping from getting caught, I suppose.”
“No,” Anders said shaking his head. “It's because of my damn phylactery. No matter how hard I tried, the templars could always find me. Especially... ugh, Rylock.”
“Old girlfriend?” Arawin asked as she swam up to the edge and placed her arms over the sides.
“She wishes!” Anders laughed. “With how obsessed she is with me, I'm sure people talked. But every time I was found, it was always by her. She had actually caught me in Amaranthine, then put me in the custody of two other templars as she went to Denerim to get some type of warrant or something to have me killed, I'm sure. She was always determined to brand me a malificar, but it never worked. The worst punishment I received was being placed in solitary confinement for a year. It was horrible, but I lived through it.”
“She shouldn't bother you now, though,” said Arawin. “You're a Grey Warden.”
“Like she cares. She's already tried to capture me, but thanks to Lisha, I'm still here. I'm sure Rylock's not done yet. She'll turn up again, I just know it.”
“Well, don't worry. I'll take care of her just as Lisha did. Only this time I might make it permanent.”
They talked for some time while Arawin started washing herself. He told her more stories about his escapes and captures. She, as well, told him about her exploits during the Blight, killing the archdemon, and how she had become a Grey Warden herself.
“He... raped your cousin? That's horrible!” Anders was enthralled in her story, sitting on the edge of his seat.
“Yeah, I caught him in the middle of the act. Not very pleasant. But that bastard's dead now, thanks to me.”
“He deserved it.”
“The feeling of sticking my sword into his gut and seeing the fear in his eyes, seeing the life drain out of him was pure... ecstasy. I remember it like it was yesterday. And I think I can get that same satisfaction when I kill the Herald.” Arawin stared at her hands with hard eyes. When she glanced over at Anders, he saw the gleam in them.
“The Herald?” he asked. “Who's that?”
“The darkspawn that did this to me.” She stood from the tub and rubbed her belly, feeling how small it was. Anders came over and helped her out, wrapping a robe around her. Arawin didn't go far, however, instead sitting herself on the edge of the tub and looking toward the floor. “This is so unfair,” she said, her voice sounding choked.
“I...” Anders was at a loss for words. He wasn't sure what he was suppose to do. Should he comfort her? Stay by her side? He stood next to her, his hand hovering over her shoulder, uncertain.
“I'll never be able to get to know him,” Arawin continued. “I'll never know if he'll be like me or like his father. Was he a combination of both of us?” She stared up at Anders, her eyes bright from tears.
“I think he might be both,” Anders said without hesitation.
“You think?” Arawin wiped her eyes. “That would be interesting, wouldn't it? I can just see him having his father's libido. Which means, look out ladies! Then add my temper to the mix, and well... I guess what you get is smoldering perfection.” Arawin sighed. “Yeah, that's exactly how he would be.”
There was a moment of silence before Arawin went to stand. Immediately upon standing, she cringed and doubled over, holding her stomach. Anders went to grab her, keeping her from falling on the floor.
“What hurts?” he asked.
“My stomach,” Arawin said as she steadied herself. “I think I just... stood too fast.”
“You need to take it easy. You're still healing. If you're not careful, you may rip open what I closed for you. I don't think you're quite there yet to kill the Herald.”
“No, if he were to come in here right now, I would be ready. I don't care. The Herald is mine.”
Anders helped her back to the bedroom, where he sat her on the bed. The sudden jolt waking up Zevran.
“Arawin!” he shouted, thinking something was wrong. He looked around the room for a moment before seeing her. He crawled over, seeing she was in pain. “Hey, what's wrong?”
“It's nothing,” she breathed. “Just some after pains.”
“It doesn't look like nothing.” He glanced up at Anders. “Can you do anything for her?”
“Not really. Well, maybe I can try-”
“There's no need,” Arawin said, waving both of them away. “The pains fading. I'll be fine. Really.”
“I'm so sorry, Amora. I fell asleep. I should've stayed awake to help you, and-”
“No, Zevran, you needed your rest. Besides, Anders was here to help me, and he did just fine.”
Zevran stared back up at the mage. “Thank you,” he said sounding grateful.
“Hey, I'm a healer,” Anders smiled. “It's my job.”
“Amora,” Zevran said, looking back at Arawin. “Do you need anything? Are you hungry?”
“I might be able to stand something, I think.”
“I can go and get her something,” said Anders.
“No, I'll go.” Zevran stood from the bed. “I've been sleeping too much. I need to get out anyway. Just stay in here with her, please. I'll be right back.” He kissed Arawin on the check before leaving the room. Anders waited until he left before sitting himself on the bed next to her.
“Are you sure you're all right?”
“In what sense?”
“Any,” Anders smiled.
“The pain in my stomach is gone, but not the... other pain.” Arawin breathed out, hugging the robe around her tighter.
“I suppose saying only time will heal that wound isn't going to help you.”
“Not really.” Arawin nudged him slightly. “Thanks, Anders. I know I probably put you in an awkward position, but it's been nice having someone to talk to. Lisha probably could have given me more guidance, but I'm glad it was you.”
“No problem. Besides, Lisha told me I should start getting used to such things. After all, I am a spirit healer.”
“And a very good one at that.” Arawin rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the wiriness starting to creep on her. The bath had relaxed her muscles, and after a nice meal, she would be ready to go back to sleep. That was, if her mind would let her.
Anders wrapped his arms around her, feeling less and less uncomfortable as time went by. Talking with her had been nice. Learning about the Blight, hearing the real version, and learning more about her. He was beginning to like the thought of her as commander when everything was said and done.
There was a knock at the door, making them both look up and wonder who it could be.
“Come in,” Arawin said as she sat straight. “Oh, wait. Anders, could you go get the door? It could be Zevran with a tray of food.”
“Right.” Anders stood to get the door but it opened as he did. Justice then walked into the room and stared at both of them.
“Hi,” Arawin said puzzled as she stared back. “Who, or what are you?”
“I am the spirit of Justice,” he said. “I have been sent here by the commander to check on you. You appear fine, yes?”
“So you guys are back from Amaranthine, then?” Anders asked.
“We arrived a few minutes ago. I was asked to check on Arawin while Lisha dealt with another matter, and that is what I am doing.”
“A spirit?” Arawin said even more confused. “Anders what's going on? I think I recognize that as-”
“Kristoff,” Justice finished. “Yes, I inhabit the dead body of the Warden, Kristoff. It was an unintentional possession, that if I could reverse, I would. Being in the dead body of a mortal is not as glamorous as you may think. I am still trying to figure out why demons would want such a thing.”
“They prefer living hosts,” said Anders. “Or so I understand.”
“Right...” Arawin shook her head. “But to answer your question... yes. You can tell Lisha I'm fine.”
“I shall do that, then,” Justice said as he went to leave.
“Hang on a second, Justice,” Anders said stopping him.
“Yes, what is it, mage?”
“I was wondering if you might be able to help me with some research I'm doing.”
“Research?” Justice said staring at him with a raised eyebrow. “Are you studying spirits?”
“No, I'm actually trying to figure out how to heal a severed spinal cord. It's one of the things mages are unable to do, and I hope to correct that. But I've been watching you, and I've also been thinking about when spirits and demons do possess corpses. Sometimes those corpses do have severed spinal cords, but yet the spirit is able to get it to walk. Do you think you could help me to try and figure that out? It could be a breakthrough for my research.”
Justice eyed him. “Perhaps. What is it you would want me to do?”
“Not much, just talk for now. Oh! But there is one thing I would like to know. Are you able to feel pain?”
“Pain? Is that when a mortal cries out when they are stabbed or maimed?”
“Well, yeah. But come here and let's see if you can feel pain.” Anders opened up his palm. A small flicker of fire burst from the middle. He stretched out his hand to Justice. “Put your hand in the flame and tell me what you feel.”
Justice acted uncertain, but eventually took off his gauntlet and placed his hand in the flame. He stood there for a moment, nothing happening before he finally took his hand out quickly and shook it. “That is... most unpleasant.”
“Ooh, this is going to be interesting,” Anders smiled as he put out the flame. “So what do ya say?”
“I say as long as it doesn't get in the way of me seeking justice for Kristoff, then I will help you, mage.”
“Excellent!”
By that time, Zevran pushed his way through the door, carrying a tray full of food and two drinks. “Sorry, but I could only carry two drinks, Anders. Otherwise, I would have brought you one as well.” He sat down next to Arawin and placed the tray on the bed.
“No, it's all right, but thank you, anyway. My friend and I here were just about to leave anyway as soon as you came back. I would like to get started.”
“Then we should go now, mage, before we are needed.”
“Right. I'll see you later, Arawin.” Anders waved to her before following Justice out the door. Arawin watched them go, feeling somewhat strange.
“Here, I brought you your favorite,” Zevran said as he handed her a plate of venison.
“Ooh!” Arawin took the plate and smelled it. Her stomach grumbled with anticipation. “Thanks, Zev. I'm starving.” She began eating, enjoying the juicy meat as it slid down her throat and satisfied her stomach. Zevran sat watching her, not really touching his own plate. “Are you going to eat?” she asked him after a while.
“I will,” he said. “I just enjoy... watching you. It's been a long time, Amora.”
“I know, and you're going to have to tell me everything that happened when you were in Antiva. I want to hear all the details.”
“And you will. I'll tell you anything you want to know.” Zevran laid his head on her shoulder while she ate. He had missed her so much, and was glad to finally be back. The circumstances might have been different, but it was still good to be with her again.
He felt her hand on his check, caressing it and bringing his face up to hers. He felt her lips come to his, tasted the meat she had been eating, but also the sweetness that was her. He enjoyed it, savored it. He didn't want to ever let it go.
Arawin pushed aside her empty plate and loosened her robe, letting it fall open. She turned fully, going to her knees and pressing her chest to his. Their kiss intensified, becoming deeper. Her hands began running through his hair, but he grabbed them and they separated.
“Ara... I don't think...”
She understood his hesitation. She could tell he wanted her, but she could also see the fear in his eyes. “There's nothing wrong with it,” she said.
“You don't know how much I want you right now,” he whispered. “But I also don't want to hurt you. And... I don't know if it's too soon after...”
“Maybe it is,” Arawin sighed. She stroked his check. “But I know I don't want to stay depressed forever. I can't. The life I lead doesn't give me that luxury. I need to become strong again, as soon as I can. So his death won't be in vain.” She looked into his eyes, seeing he was thinking the same thing. “We need to continue with our lives. Remember him, never forget. But keep going forward.”
Zevran agreed. He didn't have to speak, all he had to do was kiss her. His hands moved into her robe, making it fall off her shoulders. They explored her, remembering everything about her. Gently he laid her down on the bed, gently he kissed her, going slow and sweet. They knocked the rest of the tray and the drinks on the floor, but didn't care.
***
Lisha stood in the throne room, trying to determine what to do. She wanted to go check on Arawin, but she had already sent Justice to do that. She wanted to also go find Nathaniel and give him the bow, but she hesitated on that. She could instead try and find Oghren to give him the toy horse, but that wasn't the main thing she wanted to do. She was stalling right now, trying to figure out what was more important. Checking on Arawin was important, but she figured there wasn't anything that needed her immediate attention. Otherwise, she hoped, Justice would come running to her. Either way, Lisha was going to see Arawin at some point, but now wasn't the time.
Nathaniel was a different matter. She wanted to give him the bow, but she also didn't want to see him, or at least not alone. When they had arrived back at the keep from the city, Dayno had gone on to their bedroom so he could get some rest. Lisha could tell he was exhausted, trying to stay strong for her and to be by her side, but it looked as if his weariness was finally catching up to him. Eventually it would catch up to her, but Lisha still needed to get things done.
Another thought came to her, one that nearly made her go straight to Arawin's room. She also realized that she needed to speak with Justice. What Dayno had told her about his behavior on their way back disturbed her. She didn't know a whole lot about spirits, so she wasn't really sure if his behavior was normal or not. She could go and ask Velanna or Anders about it, but she wasn't even sure if they would know the answer. Maybe Justice was acting like he always did. Lisha couldn't be sure of that without at least questioning him about it.
She still stood in the throne room, however. Still unsure on what to do next.
“Ah, there ya are!” Oghren came into the throne room in a hurry. Lisha was actually pleased to see him. His sudden appearance made her decision easier. “I thought I heard you were back.”
“Did you need something, Oghren?”
“I don't know what came over me, but I got the letter written to send off to Felsi. I would like for you to read it over first, if you don't mind.”
“Oh, sure.” Lisha took the letter, noticing Oghren's fowl and almost illegible handwriting. “Um... well, I'll try to read it.”
“Hey, my handwritin' ain't that bad!”
“No, it's... okay. I can make out... some words.” Lisha walked around the fire as she read, Oghren walking right behind her. It took some time, but eventually she was able to get used to his jumbled letters to make out what he was trying to say. “It's not bad. Fairly decent for your first—”
“Tenth, I think.”
“Did you keep crumpling them up and starting over?” Lisha mused.
“I'm not a good letter writer.”
“Well this works. Send it out as soon as possible, Oghren. Oh! And when you do that, send this with it.” Lisha reached into her pouch and pulled out the toy horse she had bought.
“What's this?” Oghren said taking it. “A child's plaything? I don't think Felsi would like it.”
“It's not for Felsi! It's for your son!”
“Oh, well... I don't know if he would like it either. He's only a baby and all. More than likely would just drool all over it.”
Lisha chuckled. “Just send it, Oghren. Doesn't matter if he understands what it is now or not. He'll have something his father gave him, which he will remember when he gets older. Plus, Felsi will see it and know you care and are thinking of him, too.”
“If you say so, Commander.” Oghren eyed the horse. “But I still don't know.”
“Mention it in the letter as a p.s. And trust me.”
“All the other times I trusted you, you didn't let me down. Don't see why you would now. Thanks, Commander. I'll go and get this sent out right away.” Oghren took the letter back and looked over the toy horse again. The more he examined it, the more Lisha could see he was liking the idea.
“Wait, Oghren,” Lisha said, getting his attention before he could leave. “Do you happen to know if Nathaniel is in his room or not?”
“Uh, maybe,” said the dwarf. “But last I saw him, he was with Zelda out on the training grounds.”
Lisha frowned at this. “They weren't killing each other, were they?”
“No, they were just... talkin'. That was awhile ago, though. They're probably back in the keep by now.”
“Thanks. I'll go look for them.”
Oghren nodded to her as they both left the throne room, Oghren going one way while Lisha went the other. She wasn't sure where they could be, but she hoped they weren't at each others throats. She feared finding them in a room with one bleeding on the floor, dead. Lisha wished she had brought at least one of them to Amaranthine with her. At least that was one thing she didn't need to worry about.
There was laughter coming from the mess hall. Lisha stopped to find Zelda and Nathaniel within, to her surprise, drinking a pint together and apparently chatting happily.
“I can't believe I completely forgot about that!” Zelda laughed.
“Seriously?” Nathaniel said. “Because I remember you and Fergus laughing your heads off when I slammed into the wall.”
“You were going pretty fast.”
“The ice was slightly melted from the both of you already sliding on it for a long time. When Fergus dared me, I had to do it! Metal shield, starting all the way at the end of the walkway, and running as fast as I could. It was fun, but man, did it hurt.”
“I think I remember you broke your arm.”
“Yeah. And because of it, that was the winter I was forced to stay in the keep with my sister. Delilah and I did not get along that year.”
This set Zelda giggling as she drank down some of her mead. “Oh, hey Lisha!” she said when she saw the elf standing in the doorway. “Look! We're getting along!”
“Just remembering a time when we didn't hate each other,” Nathaniel said, half smiling.
“Oh... well, I'm glad to hear it.” Lisha walked over to the table they sat at. “Does this mean you'll be able to work together now without me having to check every now and then to see that both of you are still alive?”
“Yes,” they both said at once.
“Good.” Lisha cleared her throat. “Zelda, do you think I could talk to Nathaniel alone for a moment?” Nathaniel eyed her suspiciously, something Lisha tried to ignore.
“Sure, sure.” Zelda finished off her mead and stood. “I need to get some sleep anyway. After all that's happened, I'm finally able to relax. Come get me if you need anything.”
“I shall.” She watched as Zelda left the mess hall, waiting until she knew the warrior was gone before turning to Nathaniel. He was still sitting, looking at her with questioning eyes.
“Was there something you wanted to talk with me about, Commander?”
“Actually, there was something I wanted to give you.” Lisha had been carrying the bow on her back. When she handed it to him, he stood and examined it. At first he wasn't sure what it was, but then realization crossed his face as he turned the bow round and round.
“Is this what I think it is? Yes, it is! My grandfather's bow. That's the Howe crest burned into the wood right there. I can't believe you found it. But... where?”
“Down in the cellars. And you said you didn't want anything from there.”
“Well, if I knew this was down there, then I would have gone with you. Wow... this is... incredible!”
“I'm glad you like it,” Lisha smiled. “I, or rather, Dayno found it in a pile that was labeled junk. The only thing wrong with it was it had no string and that crack in the wood. I restrung it when I was in Amaranthine, and that crack doesn't appear to affect the bow's integrity, so I'm not sure if you would like for me to fix that or not.”
“No... no.” Nathaniel ran his hand over the curve. “That crack has been in this bow for as long as I can remember. My grandfather told me this was a family heirloom, made for an ancestor during the Exalted Marches.”
“Was this the grandfather who was a Grey Warden?”
“Yes. I remember finding it before Father sent me to the Free Marches. A shame for it to sit in storage. Thank you. It's good to have a part of my family's legacy again. Something to be proud of.”
“You're welcome, Nathaniel,” Lisha nodded. “I just hope you are able to use it. After all, it is longer than the bow you are currently using.”
“I think I can manage.” Nathaniel went back to examining the bow, pulling back the string and aiming at invisible targets. Lisha went to walk out of the mess hall, wanting to get back to Dayno and get some needed rest herself. If is was possible. She thought about checking on Arawin, but that could still wait.
“Have you told him yet?”
Lisha stopped half way to the door. She turned around slowly, seeing Nathaniel was looking at her with a serious face. The bow in his hand, hanging below his waist. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I'm talking about. So does that mean you haven't told Dayno yet?”
Lisha turned fully around, not believing he was asking her this. “And why are you concerned about it?”
“I'm... just trying to figure things out. If you haven't told him, does that mean... it meant something?”
Lisha shook her head. “It meant nothing, Nathaniel. What happened—that kiss—was a mistake.”
“If it was a mistake, why haven't you told him yet?”
Did she really need to? Lisha had thought about this, and thought it best not to tell Dayno. If the kiss really meant nothing, and it was never going to happen again, what was the point? Yet that small voice in the back of her head was telling her otherwise.
“Your silence can say more than words,” Nathaniel said slowly.
“Look, what I do or do not tell my husband is between me and him. If I want to tell him, then I will, and when I am ready. Right now I have too many things going on to worry about something small like this!”
“Are you so sure? Because you're acting like it's a big thing.”
Lisha hardened her gaze. She didn't like him questioning her like this. She didn't like where he was trying to make this go. “What are you trying to do, Nathaniel? Are you trying to get me to leave my husband?”
“No, that's not it at all. I just...” He looked away, sighing heavily as he did so. “I just want the truth from you.”
“You have the truth, and I don't want to hear another word about this. Now, if you would excuse me. I'm going to my room, hopefully to get some rest with my husband. If anyone needs me, then that's where I'll be.” She turned on her heel, not wanting to look at him anymore and briskly walked out of the mess hall.
He was right. She wasn't telling him the truth. It had meant something to her, but she wasn't going to tell him that. Or anyone.
***
Lisha stood outside her door, hesitating to go in. Dayno was in there. Whether he was asleep or not, she wasn't sure. If he was, then she would just lay down next to him. But if he wasn't... She knew she really did need to tell him about her and Nathaniel. Their kiss. It didn't matter if it meant anything or not. Dayno deserved to know the truth. Lisha just wasn't sure how to tell him.
She opened the door, light flooding into the tiny room. Dayno stirred on the bed, lifting his head to see who it was. When he realized it was Lisha, he sat up and smiled at her.
“Hey. I thought you'd never come.”
“I'm the commander, remember?” Lisha said as she came into the room and closed the door. She positioned herself in front of the bed. “A lot of people need me.”
“So... are you here to finally get some deserved rest?”
“I... thought you would be asleep by now.”
“I was. For a little bit. I found it hard sleeping without you, and... Arawin and Zevran starting.” Dayno rolled his eyes.
“Arawin and Zev—? Oh those children.” Lisha stared over at the door leading to Arawin's room. “Must they always be like that?”
“I don't blame them.” Dayno stood and took Lisha's hands, forcing her to turn back to him. “They missed each other. I know he missed her terribly. Just as I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” said Lisha. “I just don't want them hurting themselves. Arawin still needs to heal.”
“And I'm sure they know that.” Dayno lend in and kissed Lisha softly, bringing her close. She let him, enjoying the closeness. “I distinctly remember I couldn't keep my hands off you after Ariel's birth.”
“You also couldn't keep your hands off me before, either.”
“Ah yes.” Dayno cupped her face in his hands, looking deeply into her eyes. “And how could I not? You were so beautiful, carrying life. It was the sexiest thing I had ever seen and made me want you every time I saw you.” He kissed her again, longer and deeper this time. Lisha really had missed him. Missed everything about him. But as she felt him leading her to the bed, she knew they couldn't. She needed to tell him now.
“Dayno...” Lisha took his hands from her sides. She stared into his confused eyes.
“What's wrong, emma lath? Are you all right?”
“I... no.” She looked down at her feet, not wanting to stare in his eyes anymore. “There's something I need to confess to you.”
Dayno took her chin and lifted her face to his. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I love you, Lisha. You don't need to hide anything from me.”
“I know, but...” She choked. This was harder than she thought it would be. Never had she done this to him. Never did she think it would ever happen. She was faithful, loved him fully.
Dayno continued to stare at her, concerned. His thumb rubbed the back of her hand, trying to comfort her. “Please tell me.”
Lisha took a deep breath, her heart was pounding. She swallowed before finally speaking. “Something happened between Nathaniel and I. We... kissed.”
She waited for it, but Dayno said nothing. He kept his gaze on her, his thumb having stopped its movement over her hand. She wasn't sure what he was thinking, but she hoped he would say something soon.
“You... kissed?” he finally said.
“Yes. It... it meant nothing, though,” she tried to emphasize. She could begin to see the hurt in his eyes.
“But... When? How? Why?” He let go of her hand. He was confused, frustrated. He didn't understand what it all meant.
“It just happened,” said Lisha. “I didn't start it, he did. I did end it, though, slapping him across the face. It was nothing. A mistake.”
“If it was, then why didn't you tell me sooner?”
“When would I've had time? When you and Zevran arrived, we had to immediately go find Arawin. Then there were other things I needed to attend to...”
“No. There was time.” Dayno took a step back. “You could've told me when we were down in the cellars. You could've told me when we were heading to Amaranthine, or coming back. Sigrun and Damien were both deep in conversation with each other on both trips. And Justice never payed any attention to anyone unless they said his name. So you can't say it was the presence of others that kept you from saying anything.”
“Dayno... I...”
“It did mean something, didn't it?” Dayno crossed his arms, his eyes studying her.
“No,” Lisha said shaking her head.
“I don't believe you.”
“Why? You think I would lie to you?” Lisha was starting to become angry with him.
“I believe you think you're telling me the truth. You're probably lying to yourself.”
“It meant nothing.” She narrowed her brows. “I love you.”
“I never thought anything like this would happen to us. I never believed you would betray me like this.”
“I didn't betray you! It was just a kiss, nothing more.”
“Doesn't matter. You didn't tell me when you could've. You kept it from me. I knew there was something else bothering you. I wanted to know, but I didn't push it. But I don't know, maybe it's all my fault.”
“No--!”
Dayno held up his hand to silence her. “I was gone for a long time, not sending you any reassurance that I was still alive. I had hoped you would stay faithful, that you would know deep in your heart that I was alive and was returning to you. I guess I was wrong.”
“I did believe you were coming back to me.” Lisha took a step toward him, but Dayno pushed passed her, going to the door that would lead out to the hall.
“Maybe. But you still fell in love with another man. A... human.”
“I do not love him, Dayno!” Lisha nearly screamed. It made him look at her, but she could tell he was not convinced. “I only love you!”
“I wish I could believe that.” He left, going into the hall and slamming the door behind him. Lisha tried to go after him, tried to stop him from leaving, but she was stopped when the door closed in her face. She stared at the dark wood for a while, trying to figure out what had just happened. What she had just done. She couldn't believe it. She hated herself for it.
Slowly she looked down at the floor and made her way to the bed. Lisha sat down, her face falling in her hands as tears began to flow from her eyes.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
- 22
- 23
- 24
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Blood Song