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

It was a day of funerals.
Zelda, Anders, and Nathaniel had made their way to the keep as fast as they could once Zelda had given them the news. Alistair, although wanting to be there for Lisha, had decided to stay in Amaranthine to help the constable with organizing the city. He sent his condolences.
Arriving at the keep, Zelda and them found it to be bruised and damaged, but not nearly as bad as Amaranthine was. The walls still stood firm and many of the soldiers were still in somewhat high spirits besides much of the death that had occurred. They had survived. The keep had held, saving many. None of the occupants of Vigil's Keep would question dwarven masonry again.
It was the following day when all the funerals took place. One large memorial service was held to honor all the men and women who lost their lives at both the keep and Amaranthine. All were welcome and thousands of flowers were laid in the Vigil's courtyard by loved ones and friends of those who had fallen. The ceremony for Varel was held later that day inside the keep in the throne room. There wasn't enough room to allow for all who wished to pay their respects, but later the burning of his body took place in the courtyard. All the Vigil was there to honor the brave seneschal.
The last funeral of the day took place in private in one of the keep's gardens. Only Wardens, and one assassin, were present. It was actually two funerals, with two trees buried over the bodies.
Lisha and Arawin stood next to each other as they stared at the saplings which sat upon their loved one's graves. Zevran was on Arawin's other side, holding her hand and looking down at the ground. He had arrived at the keep right after Arawin had taken down the Herald. He felt horrible knowing he had been too late to help Dayno. To help any of them.
The others stood behind them, staying quiet and giving them support. Velanna went about the graves performing the Dalish ritual. She sang In Uthenera, the melody and lyrics sweet as they drifted through the air to every ear. The day was beginning to become cold, the sun setting and sending its light over the garden, casting it in shades of yellow, orange, and red. When Velanna was done, the last note dying from her lips, she stood in front of Lisha and Arawin, her hands upon their shoulders.
“They're with the Creators now,” she said. “In a better place.”
Lisha nodded. She was glad to see Velanna taking responsibility and performing the funeral, but her own mind felt numb. Dayno may haven been with the Creators, and with their daughter Ariel, but she was unsure about her place anymore.
“Ma serannas, Velanna,” Arawin whispered. She was having a hard time keeping her emotions in check, but tears still dripped from her eyes. “That was very beautiful.”
“It's hard losing someone so young. Someone who wasn't even able to experience life, but he will be cherished. Azyen will not be lost.”
Arawin nodded and wiped away the tears as she stared at the tiny tree over her son's grave. “You can rest in peace now. The one who did this to you is rotting in hell.” She felt Zevran squeeze her hand. Arawin looked into his eyes and saw he was grateful. They hugged and Arawin began to weep, no longer trying to hold back.
With the ceremony done, all the Wardens paid their respects to the dead and gave their condolences to Arawin and Lisha before they left the garden. Before leaving themselves, Zevran went to his son's tree and placed down the little wooden griffon he had bought in Denerim. He buried the griffon at the tree's base and stayed there for a moment before standing and sighing deeply. Smiling sweetly at him, Arawin took him back in her arms and together they left the garden. Lisha was the only one left.
As the sun continued its decent, Lisha stood with her eyes fixed on the tree that now represented her husband. It was the sapling of a Vhenadahl, a strong symbol. Slowly Lisha began to feel her control floating away as moisture collected in her eyes. She wiped them away and sniffed, body trembling as she took in deep, staggering breaths.
“I know you're there, Nathaniel,” Lisha said softly, never taking her eyes from her husband.
“I wasn't trying to hide my presence.” Nathaniel stayed where he was, a few feet away from her. He could see she was struggling. “You should let it out.”
“You think I should with you here?” Lisha turned to stare at him with cold eyes. “Do you think now that my husband's gone, you may have a chance?”
“No,” Nathaniel said calm. “I know your decision. Dayno not being here won't change that. I just... want to be here for you. I still care about you, Lisha, and this is a hard time. But if you want me to leave... then I will.”
Lisha softened her gaze and looked at Nathaniel for a moment before turning back to the tree. Tears leaked from her eyes and she fell to her knees. “This... I expected it. I knew that with all I had lost, eventually I would lose him too. But... it hurts more than I thought it would.”
“He was your husband. You loved him for a long time.”
“I had loved Tamlen for a long time. I had loved my sister my whole life. Ariel was my treasure. Why...?” Lisha sobbed, letting the tears flow. She had been holding much back, not liking to show weakness in front of others. This was something she really only would have done in front of Dayno. “Why are the Creators punishing me by taking everything I love away?”
Nathaniel stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. He waited a moment for her to shrug him off, but when she didn't, he squeezed her gently. “Not everything you love has been taken away. You still have Arawin... and Zevran.”
“Don't remind the fates of them,” Lisha spoke softly. “Eventually they'll be taken from me as well. I'm destined to walk Thedas alone.”
“Not if I walk behind you.”
Lisha slowly peered up into his gentle face. He was looking down at her with a compassionate smile. He was being sincere and she felt bad for treating him like she was. But what else could she do? Dayno was still in her heart. It hurt, and loving him back hurt even more. Time would maybe make it better, but how long? Would he wait for her forever?
“You shouldn't do that to yourself, Nathaniel.” Lisha turned back around and looked at the ground.
“I'll do whatever it takes. And if that means all I'll be able to do is stand behind you and give you any support that you may need, then that's what I'll do.” He let go of her and took one step back. Nathaniel stood quietly, staring off at the sunset.
Lisha sat on her knees and prayed silently to herself as she let the tears flow. The two of them stayed where they were until the sun was completely gone from the sky. When night finally engulfed the world, and the stars started to twinkle in the heavens.
***
“Are you going to be all right?” Anders stood in the middle of the throne room, observing Arawin as she stood in front of the fire ring. The redheaded elf was staring into it deeply, seemingly unaware of everything going on around her. The throne room was busy with servants and soldiers walking through, giving their respects along with receiving orders from Captain Garevel who had been given temporary rule until a new seneschal could be chosen.
“Huh?” Arawin looked away from the fire at Anders. “Oh, I'm sorry... were you talking to me?”
“Just wanted to know how you were feeling,” said Anders. “Does your stomach still hurt, or...”
“I'm fine, Anders,” Arawin smiled at him. “Both you and Velanna do good work.”
“That's... good.” He tilted his head away from her, the light from the fire making his cheeks look crimson, before he walked away to check and see if he was needed anywhere.
I think he was asking how you might be feeling, emotionally.
Arawin squinted over at Zelda who was standing on the other side of the fire. I picked up on that.
Be careful, Arawin, Zelda smirked. I think you might have an admirer.
“How are you feeling?” This time it was Zevran who asked as he made his way to her side.
“Why is everyone so concerned with how I feel?” Arawin asked, staring at him. “I feel fine.”
“That's good, but... I don't know if I could say the same thing.” Zevran took his own eyes to the fire and Arawin could see he was hurting. She went and put her arms around him.
“Did you and Dayno become really close when you were in Antiva?”
“Yeah, I... finally thought I had found a father figure in my life. It was something I had been longing for for a long time.” He curled his arms around Arawin's waist and placed his head on her shoulder. “I'm still not sure if I'm over losing Azyen yet, either.”
“You think I'm over it? Killing the Herald helped to ease the pain, but it will never go away forever. We can get past it, but we'll never get over it.”
“Hmm.” Zevran rubbed his face on the smooth part of her skin that was exposed. “I'm just glad to be by your side again. That I didn't lose you, too.”
“You're not going to lose me that easy. And don't think I'm ever going to let you leave like that again. Not without taking me, at least.”
“Whatever you want, Amora.” He kissed her tenderly on the lips, only parting when a commotion began to rise in the throne room. Arawin and Zevran let go of each other as they witnessed Sergeant Maverlies make her way around the fire and to Captain Garevel. She handed him a slip of paper that he took and read before asking her to go find the warden-commander. Maverlies bowed to him before making her way, but she didn't need to go far. Lisha slowly made her way into the throne room, Nathaniel right behind her.
“What's going on?” she asked when she reached Captain Garevel and Maverlies. Both Arawin and Zelda made their way to the discussion. All the Wardens present in the throne room also made their way so they could hear what was going on.
“I have a report, Commander,” said Maverlies. “First, I am sorry for your loss, and wish that I could allow you time to grieve, but unfortunately this is a situation that must be taken care of.”
“Thank you, Sergeant. Now, please, explain.”
“We know where the darkspawn came from. After their leader was killed, the remaining darkspawn retreated. I had scouts go after them and they've come back with a report that the creatures left a trail. A trail that's very easy to follow, Commander.”
“Do we know where it leads?”
“The trail leads to the west, and from what they can figure, it goes right to Drake's Fall.”
“Drake's Fall?” said Zelda. “Isn't that the Dragonbone Wastes? But I thought the Mother's lair was in the Deep Roads?”
“It's possible Drake's Fall could lead down into the Deep Roads,” Nathaniel answered.
“And I never said her lair was in the Deep Roads,” Arawin spoke. “It was like the Deep Roads, but I couldn't really get a feel for it. All I know is that when I was rescued, the dwarf took me through several tunnels that eventually turned into the Deep Roads.”
“It doesn't necessarily matter where her lair is,” said Lisha. “Just that we find it. And if it's at Drake's Fall, then that's where we're going. Now.”
“Now? Are you sure, Commander?” Garevel asked.
“Yes. Now is the perfect time to strike. The Mother has suffered a major loss, and the longer we wait, the more time we give her to rebuild her army.”
“The commander's right,” said Maverlies.
“I know she is,” Garevel nodded. “But our own army isn't ready for such a strike. We don't have enough able-bodied men to do it. We need time to heal the wounded and fix armor and weapons.”
“There's no need for that.” Lisha looked around the room at her Wardens who were present at the moment. Anders and Sigrun were there, along with Nathaniel and Velanna. “You four, go find the rest of the Wardens and bring them here. We're heading to Drake's Fall.”
***
“I need to speak to the two of you for a moment,” Lisha said, taking both Zelda and Arawin to the side.
“What do you need?” Zelda asked.
“I need both your weapons, Fang and Silverbrand.”
“What? Why?” Arawin stared at Lisha confused. “Aren't we going to need them when we go to Drake's Fall?”
“That's the thing... neither of you are going with us.” Lisha shifted her eyes between both of them, seeing the same reaction on each. They both protested, arguing they were fit to fight, and being senior Grey Wardens, should not be left behind. “I understand why you're upset, but I feel it's for the best,” Lisha explained. “My decision has to do with this blood song the talking darkspawn keep mentioning.”
“What about it?” Arawin said, glaring Lisha down.
“It's the reason why you were captured, Iell. And I'm sure if the Mother was able, she would have tried to capture you as well, Zelda. She wants the both of you and I'm not going to risk just handing you over to her if things should turn south when we face her.”
“Things won't turn south if we go with you!”
“I'm not willing to risk it.” Lisha refused to let Arawin's glare ware her down. She gave both of them a stern gaze. “If the Mother realized you were with us, she would probably try and do everything she could to capture the both of you. I also don't want to risk putting the commander and the queen in danger.”
“So I am commander now?” Arawin asked. If it was true, she was about ready to use that power.
“No,” Lisha said, seeing what Arawin was about to do. “I still don't think you're fit for it, nor have I released the potion to you yet.” Arawin went to say something, but Lisha put up her hand, stopping her. “Please, Iell, listen to me. Let me take the rest of the Wardens and defeat the Mother. Once we return, then you will have your title back. I promise.”
Arawin shifted her jaw and looked toward Zelda. They both stared at each other for a moment, having a conversation Lisha couldn't hear. “Why do you need our weapons?” Zelda finally asked.
Lisha sighed, hoping this meant they were relenting. “Because, from what I witnessed from Arawin, and what you told me, I believe Silverbrand and Fang will be very helpful in killing the Children. As I'm sure you noticed, their armored hides are incredibly hard to penetrate. Ice can break them, but I don't want Anders and Velanna to be exhausted and without mana by the time we get to the Mother.”
“So you don't want them for the enchantments?”
“I already know the enchantments won't work as well for me as they do for you. But I'm hoping they can still cut through the Children's hides like they did during the battle at the Vigil and Amaranthine.”
Zelda and Arawin looked at each other again before finally sighing together. “I still don't like it,” Arawin heaved. “But fine. You can have Fang. Just make sure you come back.” Taking her dagger from her back, Arawin handed it to Lisha. The Dalish elf took the blade, feeling the heat of the enchantment beneath the sheath.
“Thank you, Iell.”
“You may also have Silverbrand,” Zelda said, also handing Lisha her longsword. “May its strength flow into you.”
The feel of Silverbrand's sheath was opposite of Fang's. It was cold to the touch as Lisha accepted the sword. “It is appreciated. I will take good care of your weapons, and they will be returned to you.” Lisha bowed as she held both blades, already beginning to feel the power flowing from each of them. It was unnatural feeling, like she was holding another person's limb, but Lisha knew the two blades would aid her in her task.
By that time, the rest of the Wardens had entered the throne room and gathered around them. When they saw Lisha had both Fang and Silverbrand in her hand, they asked her what was going on along with questions about what she planned on doing about the Mother. Placing both the blades on her back, Suhigil settled between the two, she addressed all of them.
“We are heading to Drake's Fall, where we believe the Mother has her lair. Now is the best time to do this. Her army is weak and that leaves her vulnerable to attack. I know you all are tired and would prefer to rest, but unfortunately that would give the Mother time to regain her strength as well.”
“It is best that we do this,” said Justice. “Revenge will finally be served for Kristoff.”
“Yes, it will finally be time for the Mother to answer for that. For her to answer for everything she has done so far.”
All the Wardens nodded, understanding.
“Good. I will give you one hour to prepare. Afterwards, we shall all meet in the courtyard and head out.” She then dismissed them, and they all left the throne room to gather what they needed.
“Are you all right?” Nathaniel asked once everyone was gone.
Lisha sighed and half smiled at him. “I'm fine, Nate.”
“I just want to make sure you're not falling apart. That you're not making this decision just to seek revenge.”
“No,” Lisha said softly, shaking her head. “I know what that feels like. Besides, the one who killed Dayno is dead. And I will admit, I did fall apart at his funeral, but I am better now... thanks to you.” She fully smiled at him which got him to give it back to her. It was nice to see it on him.
“I'm glad I could help.”
“Yes. Now, go and get what you need. I myself need to prepare. It's been awhile since I've dueled with two blades.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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Blood Song