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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
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
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Into the Fray

Zelda stared at the city. She felt the darkspawn within, feeling their difference, their strength. It wasn't going to be easy to reclaim the city back, but she had completed harder tasks. Much harder.
“Your Majesty,” the constable spoke beside her. “What is your plan of action?”
“My plan?” Zelda turned around to see Nathaniel and Anders, the constable and his men, and the Messenger standing behind her, waiting for an answer. “We're going into the city. My fellow Wardens and I will attack the darkspawn and clear a path for you and your men, Constable. I don't want any of you fighting darkspawn unless you absolutely have to. Instead, I want you and your men to get any survivors and any who we send your way out of the city or to a safe location. Is that understand?”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“Alright. Are you two ready?” Zelda asked Nathaniel and Anders.
“As ready as I'll ever be when it comes to this,” Anders moaned.
Zelda half smiled at him. “Anders, if you didn't want to fight darkspawn then you shouldn't have become a Grey Warden.”
“Hey, I didn't really have a choice.”
“Neither did I.”
“Before we go in, Zelda,” Nathaniel intervened. “Do you think we should decide on what to do with the Messenger?”
Zelda stared over at the darkspawn, wondering why he was still there. Never had she encountered anything like him. He could talk, but also seemed somewhat intelligent. He stared back at her with dark eyes, eyes that seemed to not be able to take themselves away from her. Taking herself over to him, he startled a little and backed away. “Why do you shy away from me?” she asked him.
“You... The Architect was right,” he said slowly. “The Hero does possess the song.”
“The song?”
“The blood song. The song sung by the archdemon. It is faint... but beautiful.”
Zelda looked down at her hands, wondering what he meant. She could hear no song coming from her. None of the other Wardens seemed to be hearing anything either, but then again, most of the recruits still couldn't hear the darkspawn through the taint. But maybe it was something Wardens couldn't hear, or something that only creatures deep in the taint could perceive.
“Should he be put down?” Constable Aidan asked. “He is a darkspawn.”
“No, I think he might actually be useful,” said Zelda. “You said you are the Messenger? Are you to deliver a message to anyone else?”
“The Architect only gave me one message.”
“Then how about you help us defeat the darkspawn here? You are not appalled at killing your own kind, are you?”
The Messenger shook his head. “These are not my kind. They are of the Mother. She breeds filth. I have killed many of her Children.”
“Good. Then you'll come with us. We'll head into the city and kill all the darkspawn within. Come. Nathaniel, Anders, we have a job to do.”
Zelda brought out her confidence, her experience in the matter at hand. These darkspawn may have been different, but they still died the same way. She felt the others behind her, scared perhaps, but willing to follow her in. They were going straight into the lion's den. Straight into death's arms. Zelda smiled, remembering the good old days.
The city burned within. Darkspawn ran about the streets, chasing people and forcing them to the ground where they planted their weapons in their bodies, or dug their teeth into soft flesh. Zelda already had Silverbrand in hand, the Theirin shield holding steady in her left. “Cover me!” she cried to both Nathaniel and Anders as she raced forward. Her war cry got the attention of an alpha hurlock who was just about to slice a woman in half. Seeing her coming at him at full speed, he prepared himself, bringing his waraxe to his front.
Zelda collided with him, causing the hurlock to stumble backwards. He caught his balance quick, however, and immediately went to swing his axe, hitting her shield. The blow shook Zelda's arm, but she still pushed forward, slicing Silverbrand across the darkspawn's chest, leaving little ice crystals on his armor. She then pushed more, spinning as she used both sword and shield to smack the hurlock in the face, torso, and arms. The hurlock shrieked from the sudden blows, losing his balance and stumbling backwards again. He nearly fell on his backside, but was able to keep his balance. The darkspawn brought up his waraxe to block Zelda's next attack sequence, but was still not recovered from her first one. He spun backwards from a hit to the face. Zelda took the opportunity and speared Silverbrand into his back. Ice immediately formed down the darkspawn's spine. She then ripped Silverbrand out at an angle, splitting the hurlock's back open. He fell to the ground with a death gurgle.
“Holy shit! That was...” Anders choked, blinking at her.
“No time for flattery, Anders,” Zelda heaved as she stared down the rest of the darkspawn coming at them. “Take down that emissary!”
“Right. Sorry!” Anders ran past her as she went to attack another alpha that had come around the corner of a building.
The emissary was standing in the middle of the street, dark magic surrounding him with several skeleton warriors. The Messenger barreled through several genlocks, cutting a path to the emissary. Seeing him coming, the emissary summoned his skeletons to attack, giving Anders an opening. He summoned a cold burst, freezing the emissary to the ground. The darkspawn growled at this, yanking his staff into the air and throwing a bolt of dark magic at Anders. The shield he put up disburst the dark magic around him, defusing it. When the cloud of black energy dissolved, Anders then felt the crackle of electricity as a lightning bolt came crashing down where the emissary was still frozen to the ground. It struck the darkspawn's shoulder, splitting him in half and sending charred chunks of flesh into the air. Anders cried out with joy, but was then sprayed with darkspawn blood from behind.
“You need to pay more attention, Anders,” Nathaniel growled as he ran past the mage. He stopped in front and fired more arrows, hitting the genlock alpha in the back of the neck Zelda was fighting.
“What?” Anders looked behind him to see a genlock with half its face gone and one of Nathaniel's arrows sticking out its skull. “Oh. Thanks for that.”
“Thank me later. Now please go help the Messenger with those Children!”
Anders nodded and was on it.
Zelda struck the alpha genlock in the side. The darkspawn squealed and went to lunge forward, but Zelda planted Silverbrand in its neck before it could. She twisted the blade and pulled up. The genlock's throat ripped open and its head went flying back, still connected to its body, but barely. With the alpha dead, Zelda went on to dispatch a Child before it could clamp its teeth around a man's head. The man thanked her and ran off in the direction she told him to go, toward Constable Aidan and his men.
They continued down the street, taking out all the darkspawn they came across with Zelda leading them. There were many dead bodies in the street, along with thick corruption that was growing all over the buildings. Zelda didn't like how things were looking, but they were still finding survivors, and getting them away and free from the darkspawn.
There was a blood-curdling scream that caught both Zelda and Nathaniel's attention. It was coming from atop the stairs. Zelda ran up them first to find hiding under a bazaar table a woman who was trying to keep from being taken by an evolved Child.
“Delilah!” Nathaniel screamed when he joined Zelda. He instantly fired an arrow at the Child, getting its attention. The arrow bounced off its outer shell. Feeling it, the Child turned its attention away from Delilah and screeched at the two Grey Wardens.
“Get Delilah!” Zelda cried. “I'll take care of it.” They went their separate ways, Zelda racing at the Child while Nathaniel rounded the bazaar to reach Delilah from the other side.
Zelda smashed her whole body weight into the Child, forcing both of them on the ground. The Child kicked, hitting Zelda in the head and bucking her off. She rolled away, feeling her head spinning and losing her shield in the process. She stopped on her back, immediately pulling Silverbrand in front of her as the Child came crashing down. Its teeth bit down on her sword, jerking it around in her hands. Zelda screamed with frustration as she held on to Silverbrand with all her might.
“Delilah!” Nathaniel cried as he reached out for her. Delilah screamed from his touch, but after seeing it was him, she crawled over and hugged him tightly.
“Oh, Nathaniel! Thank the Maker you're here! I... I was so scared.” She cried in his chest, clinging to him like she was never going to let go.
“Are you hurt anywhere?” he asked her. He checked her the best he could, not seeing anything that would cause him to worry.
“No. I... I just want to get out of here. Please, Nathaniel!”
“Don't worry, I'll get you out of here. Come on.” Zelda's scream then ripped through his ears. He looked up to see the Child on top of her, flinging its head back and forth with her sword in its mouth. “Stay here,” he told Delilah as he made to go and help Zelda.
“No, Nathaniel! Please don't leave me!” Delilah cried.
“Just stay here. I need to help Zelda!” Reluctantly he left her under the bazaar table and ran out to the Child. He was half way there before he heard Delilah scream behind him.
“Nathaniel, look out!”
He turned just in time to see another Child leap into the air. He moved out of the way right before it could land on him. It squealed when it hit the ground with no prey under it. The Child then searched around before spotting Delilah under the table. It shrieked and made its way after her. Nathaniel ran at it, but the Child was between him and Delilah and short enough to fit under the table. Zelda screamed again behind him, a cry that told him she was losing the battle. He wanted to help her, but Delilah was his first priority. Zelda would understand.
The Child reached the table before Nathaniel could get to it. Delilah screamed his name, making him jump and land at the darkspawn's backside. He grabbed on and pulled it away, but the Child fought him and bucked him off. With a triumphant squeal, the Child resumed its pursuit on Delilah. It was nearly at her, its mouth wide open, circling teeth ready to chomp down.
An orb of white light struck its side. Ice quickly formed over its outer shell. Another orb hit it again in the same spot. The Child wiggled out from under the table and shrieked just as Anders smashed the end of his staff where the ice had formed, breaking the Child into pieces.
“Delilah!” Nathaniel cried again as he made his way to her. He pulled her from underneath the table and held her close in a tight hug. “Delilah, I'm sorry I left you.”
“It's okay, Nathaniel,” she sobbed into his chest. “You just wanted to help a friend.”
“Anders, please check on her. Make sure she's all right.” Nathaniel handed Delilah to him and turned to see Zelda was still struggling with the Child. It had its teeth clamped down on her shoulder, Silverbrand having been tossed to the side. The Messenger was next to it, smashing his greatsword on the Child's head.
“Let the song go!” he cried. “She is not yours!” Eventually it let Zelda go and turned on the Messenger. It leaped on him, bringing him to the ground. Zelda was finally free and able to scramble to her feet. She grabbed Silverbrand with her good arm, and even with her hurt shoulder, gripped both hands on the hilt and planted the ice encrusted sword into the Child's head. It stopped its assault on the Messenger who pushed its limp body off to the side.
“It is appreciated,” the Messenger spoke as he pushed himself to his feet. “You really are the Hero of the Blight and slayer of Urthemiel.”
“Yes,” Zelda said timid. “And I was saved by a darkspawn. How ironic.” Zelda held up her left shoulder. It ached from the bite and the thrusting of Silverbrand into the Child. She saw next to the table Anders tending to Delilah and was relieved to see she was all right. “How is she?”
“Nothing broken or horribly wrong,” said Anders when he was done examining her. “She and the baby are fine.”
“That is good to hear,” Nathaniel sighed. “I don't know what I would've done if I had lost you, Delilah. Why were you not out of the city?”
“And where would I have gone, Brother? The arling is crawling with darkspawn. And Albert... I don't even know if he lives.”
“You could have come to the keep. You would have been safe there.”
“I don't know if I can ever go back to that place.” Delilah looked down and away from her bother. “I don't even see how you can stand still living there.”
“Just know that you are always welcome,” said Zelda. “But right now we need to get you to safety. There are still darkspawn about.”
Delilah looked back up at all of them. “I was heading to the chantry. I heard the guards were setting up a safe house there. Not unless the darkspawn have gotten to it already.”
“Then that's where we'll head. Messenger,” Zelda said, addressing the darkspawn. “Please take Delilah to Constable Aidan and tell him to head to the chantry and see if there is still anyone alive in there.”
“As you wish,” the darkspawn bowed. Zelda found the situation weird. Not only was she talking to a darkspawn, fighting alongside it, but it was also listening to her.
“Don't worry, Delilah, he won't hurt you,” Nathaniel said, calming her down when she started acting scared about going with the darkspawn. “Or at least he better not.” Nathaniel eyed the Messenger coldly.
“She'll be fine. He won't hurt her. But we need to keep moving.” Zelda went to reach for her shield, but winced from her shoulder.
“We're not going anywhere until you're healed,” said Anders as he began working his magic on her shoulder. “Dear Maker, this is bad!”
“I've had worse,” Zelda breathed. “If you ever get caught in a broodmother's tentacle, make sure no one tries to hack the thing to death, otherwise you may end up slammed against a wall.”
“Ouch. That doesn't sound fun.”
“It wasn't.”
When Anders was done, Zelda rounded her shoulder before picking up her shield. There were still many darkspawn in the city with many other people that needed to be saved. She was glad she had chosen to do this, had fought Lisha for it. Even if all they did was save one life, it was enough.
***
“Your Majesty, I... I can't believe this.” Constable Aidan stood next to Zelda in the chantry, seeing all the people within. Many of them were injured, some suffering from what looked to be blight, but not as many as he originally thought there would be.
“I told you, Constable,” said Zelda. “If we had burned the city, all these lives would be lost.”
“If I had known...”
“It's all right. You were only doing what you thought right. You didn't know.” Zelda was covered in darkspawn blood, the only thing not covered was her face. She had wiped it clean the best she could before entering the chantry. She walked down the pews, the constable slightly behind her. As she passed, everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at her, to see their savior.
When she got to the end of the chantry, Zelda looked to the left to a makeshift healing area where Anders was, doing what he could for most of the injured. Nathaniel was in there as well, sitting with Delilah and helping where he could. To the right, many priests went about, giving prayers and last rites to the ones who wouldn't make it.
“Your Majesty.” A scout came through the pews and bowed to Zelda.
“Yes? What do you have to report?” she asked.
“The city has been eradicated of darkspawn, your Majesty. It's... remarkable, actually. But we fear there still might be some darkspawn underground in the sewers. That darkspawn that came with you says he can feel them.”
Zelda thought as she took in the information. The Messenger had decided to stay out of the chantry so as to not cause a panic. It was a smart thing to suggest, since most of the injured would have been terrified of him, even if Zelda told them there was no need for it.
“Your Majesty?” said Constable Aidan. “What would you like us to do? Should we go after them?”
“No, let hem stay in the sewers,” said Zelda. “My fellow Wardens and I will go after them later. Right now we need to rest. If they come out on their own, then we'll go after them. I want you and your men to stay here and keep everyone safe.”
“But your Majesty,” the constable tried to argue. “The three of you did good work killing all the darkspawn in the city, but we don't know how many are in the sewers.”
“Less than a horde, I'm sure,” Zelda smiled. “Relax, Constable, I know what I'm doing. Are there any reports of more darkspawn coming?” she asked the scout.
“No, or at least, they aren't coming here,” said the scout. “All reports say that any darkspawn seen have been making their way towards the Vigil. And there have been a lot spotted.”
Zelda sighed, hoping that Lisha had made it to the keep and that she would be able to defend it from the darkspawn army that was sure to fall upon it. She also hoped that she could pull through here. Although it was less darkspawn than during the Blight, Lisha was right about them. They were stronger, smarter, and harder to kill. But as long as there weren't any surprises, then Zelda knew they could secure and save the city.
***
“C-Commander?” Varel stared stunned at the commander as she walked into the throne room, Sigrun and Captain Garevel in tow. He had been surprised to hear that the commander had returned, the reports saying she had arrived and with fewer number than she had left with. He wasn't sure what to make it of. The reports of the darkspawn army approaching the Vigil's gates had arrived right after the commander left. Varel had gathered the rest of the Wardens and nobles and anyone else who could contribute into the throne room to discuss the upcoming battle. He had not expected the commander to return, and so suddenly.
“By the Stone! You came back!” Oghren bellowed. “Bet you didn't want Oghren to have all the death and glory to himself, did ya?”
“Yes, Oghren, that's exactly it,” Lisha half smiled. The others gawked just as much at her and the others. She knew they were not expecting her.
“How did you get here so fast?” Velanna asked.
“We moved non-stop,” Lisha explained. “When we reached Amaranthine, we were told about the approaching army that was heading for the keep. I knew we had to turn around and come back.”
“So zen where is Zelda and the others?” said Damien. “Why are zey not with you?”
“When we arrived, the city was in chaos. Darkspawn had already infiltrated it and their corruption was spreading quickly. The constable wanted us to abandon the city—I agreed, but Zelda refused to give up on it. She, along with Nathaniel and Anders, stayed behind to fight the darkspawn there. I just hope they are able to pull it off.”
“If any can do it, I'm sure it's the queen,” said Varel. “And thank the Maker that you made it in time, Commander. The darkspawn army is right at the wall, and we could really use your aid.”
“That's why I'm here, Varel.” Lisha looked about the room, seeing who was all there. “Voldrik, how will the walls hold up? I hope you were able to finish with your reconstruction.”
“All construction and upgrades have been finished, Commander,” said Voldrik. “The Vigil is set and ready to take on anything. There will be no ogres bursting through your walls anytime soon.”
“Excellent. Ah, Herren, has Master Wade been able to repair and make enough weapons and armor for the Vigil's soldiers?”
“He has, Commander,” Herren bowed. “Master Wade has been working night and day, as hard as ever to make sure your men are properly armed.”
“Another thing I don't need to worry about, then.” Lisha turned back to Varel. “How many men do we have who are able to fight?”
“Most of the soldiers have recovered from the last attack, Commander,” said Varel. “But there aren't as many as we would like.”
“The men I brought for the war council are still assembled here,” Eddelbrek announced. “They will fight for you.” Some of the other nobles announced the same thing. Soldiers they had brought would help to defend Vigil's Keep.
“Thank you, all of you,” said Lisha. “We will need as many men as we can get.”
“Don't forget about me, Commander,” Maverlies interjected. “I know you're a decent hand with a bow, but I'm no green recruit. I can stay on top the Vigil's tower with others and fire at any darkspawn that need taken down.”
“And don't even think about leaving me out, Commander!” Dworkin pushed passed his brother, eying up at Lisha with a toothy grin. “Darkspawn by the scores, and a handful of stone is all that separates us. Feels like home. And what will help you out is I was able to finish with my lyrium bombs I told you about. I can set them in the catapults and send those beasties to meet their maker at your word!”
“Then it sounds like we're ready.” Lisha again stared about the room, a small smile starting to form on her face. “Varel, tell everyone to get into positions. The darkspawn are here and we need to prepare for action.”
“As you command. You all heard the commander! Let's get to our positions!”
Lisha nodded as everyone went to leave the throne room. Captain Garevel stopped by her side and bowed. “Commander, I wish to fight by your side. It would be an honor.”
“Of course, Captain. If you wish to fight on the front lines, then so be it. Just be careful.”
“There is no careful when it comes to war. But I will make sure no harm comes to the Vigil so long as I still breathe.” He bowed again before parting. Lisha sighed, hating that so many men had to fight the darkspawn. Many would die, and many more would suffer.
Waiting until everyone was gone, she made her way out herself, but didn't turn to go out to the front of the keep. Instead, she headed to Arawin's room. Lisha knew Arawin wasn't going to like what she had to tell her.
***
“Iell, what do you think you're doing?” Lisha found Arawin racing around her room, digging through her closet, wardrobe, and chests, and flinging all the contents in the air.
“I'm trying to find my armor,” Arawin answered after slamming a chest closed.
“And why would you need armor?”
“So I can fight the darkspawn.” Arawin spun on Lisha. “Or would you rather me fight them in my nightgown?”
“You're not fighting them at all, Iell.” Lisha made her way over to where Arawin stood. Her face showing her displeasure.
Arawin shook her head. “No, you are not keeping me from fighting. I am going to go out there with everyone else and kill those darkspawn. And I am taking back my position as commander!”
“That is not within your power.”
“Except it is!”
“You are still unfit. You need to keep resting.”
“Unfit my ass!” Arawin stormed away from Lisha and made her way to another wardrobe and tore it open. “I'm more fit than I've ever been.” She took out the clothes and threw them on the floor. Her fast movements soon caused a cramp to cross her belly. Arawin stopped and held her stomach, trying to keep her pain out of Lisha's sight. It didn't work.
“You're still having after pains,” Lisha said crossing her arms. “That means you need to take it easy still. If not then you're just going to hurt yourself worse.”
“I'm fine, I know I can do this.” Arawin went and sat down on the bed, still rubbing her abdomen. “Besides, what are you doing here anyway? I thought Zevran said you were going to Amaranthine? I know Zelda's there... fighting.”
“I was at Amaranthine, but came back to the Vigil after I heard a whole darkspawn army was marching for it. They're almost at the gates now. I'm sure you can feel them, which is why you're all up and about. Or you heard all the commotion outside your room.”
“Both. And this isn't fair!”Arawin blurted. “Why am I the one left out? You, Dayno, Damien, Zelda... you all get to take part in this battle. Even Zevran is doing something! You're seriously telling me I have to wait on the sidelines and watch?”
“Iell, I know you want to join in the fray, but you just can't. You're still healing, and you can't push yourself too hard. Your body will not be able to take it.”
Arawin clenched her fists in her lap, looking down and trying to hold back the tears. “You say that, but I know what I can and cannot do. I need to get back at him! I need to get my revenge!”
“Killing the one that did this to you is not going to bring Azyen back. He's gone, and you're gonna have to come to terms with that.” Lisha looked down at Arawin with motherly concern. She knew Arawin's pain, but also knew of the path she was trying to go down. “Please, let me handle this.”
“No, you can't handle it!” Arawin stood fast from the bed and glared at Lisha. “This is my job, my responsibility! I hereby claim my title back and take command of Vigil's Keep and its armies!”
“Arawin Kallian Tabris!” Lisha shouted, catching Arawin by surprise. “Sit down right now!” Arawin sat back on the bed without hesitation. “Don't think you can speak to me like that, young lady. Now I'm only looking out for your best interests, so you better listen, and listen good. You are not the commander right now, I am. And as commander, I am confining you to this room. You are not to leave it at all until I say otherwise. Is that clear?”
“Yes, ma'am,” Arawin said softly, turning her head away from Lisha.
“Good.” Lisha eyed Arawin once more before turning around and making her way out the door, not wanting to give Arawin the opportunity to argue again.
She stood out in the hall, sighing deeply. “Creators, please. For once, let that girl listen to me.” Lisha knew Arawin was more than likely not going to stay in that room forever. Eventually the itch to leave and fight the darkspawn would be too much and Lisha would find her on the battlefield. She knew Arawin was capable of taking care of herself, but she still worried. If Arawin did get hurt, making herself worse than she was, Lisha would never be able to forgive herself.
“Was there something you wished, Caun?” Dayno's voice caught Lisha off guard. He was standing in the door frame of their little room, and she stared at him, wondering how long he had been there.
“Dayno, I... What are you doing here?”
“I came to collect my weapons,” he said, gesturing to the curved, red longsword and the round, wooden shield on his back.
“Oh, yes... I suppose you would need those.” Lisha took another deep breath, feeling awkward around him. She hated feeling this way. It wasn't right.
“Was there something you needed?” he asked her again. It also wasn't right how he asked her. Generic like, as if they were no more than commanding officer and underling.
“Actually, there was something I needed,” Lisha finally said after a slight pause. “I need to know about us.”
“What about us?”
Lisha made her way closer to him, wanting to see his full reaction. This was something she needed to know. “I want to know how we are. Are we all right? Do you forgive me?”
Dayno stared at her without any change to his face or stance. He was just as her, able to hide his emotions fairly well when he needed to, but Lisha had also been able to read him even then. It scared her now that she couldn't.
“I don't know yet,” he finally said.
“You don't know? What does that mean?”
“It means I don't know if we're all right. And I'm not sure I can forgive you. Not just for the kiss, but for the fact you didn't tell me when you could have.” He looked away from her and down the hall.
“Dayno...” Lisha said softly. She wasn't sure what to do or say. He really didn't know if he could forgive her? “What do I need to do?”
“You need to focus on this battle,” he said. “Not on us. I'll do the same. Then when it's over, come back to me. I'll have an answer then.” With that, he walked off, not looking back at her. Lisha stayed where she was, watching him go down the hall.
It took some time to finally sink in, but Lisha knew he was correct. Even though she wanted to make sure they were all right before the battle, that wasn't going to happen. She needed to focus on the darkspawn right now. Their problem would just have to wait until later.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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Blood Song