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

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Of Rats and Men

The kitchen was in an uproar. Zelda and Rory could hear Nan screaming from far off in the walkway. They approached the door cautiously, entering the kitchen at their own risk.

“Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!” screamed Nan at two servant elves.

“But, mistress! It won’t let us near!” said the female elf.

“If I can’t get into that larder, I’ll skin both of you useless elves, I swear it!”

Rory took the first steps toward her. “Err... calm down, good woman. We’ve come to help...”

Nan turned on him and her expression went from surprise then quickly back to anger. “You!” she said pointing to Rory. “And you!” after seeing Zelda standing next to him. “Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!”

“I’m sorry she’s bothering you, Nan,” said Zelda. “She should know better by now.”

“Just get her gone! I’ve enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers. You two! Stop standing there like idiots. Get out of the way, and get back to work!” Nan pushed her way passed the elves to the stoves on the other side of the kitchen.

Zelda and Rory looked at each other before they walked to the larder door. Zelda opened it and stepped in first since being her dog, Rupee would listen to her better.

As they saw the disaster in the larder, Rory sighed. “Look at that mess. How did she even get in here?”

Rupee had her nose on the ground. She was sniffing all around the room before she spotted Zelda standing in the doorway. With excitement, the hound leaped up and started barking happily. She wagged her tail and panted as she sat in front of her mistress.

“Enough,” said Zelda. “You are a bad girl! Do you hear me?”

Rupee whimpered and lowered her head at Zelda’s scald. She then turned toward the back of the larder and began to growl. A scratching noise could be heard from the spot she was growling at.

“Do you hear that?” asked Rory.

Zelda peered over at where Rupee as growling. “What is that?”

Rupee barked and then as if spooked by the loud noise, several large rats poured out from under the larder bags. Both Zelda and Rory screamed as the rats came out. Quickly both of them pulled out their swords and began cutting off their tiny heads. Rupee joined in, biting the rats and breaking their necks in her jaw. It wasn’t long before all the rats were dead, leaving Zelda and Rory stunned by what had just happened.

“Giant rats?” Rory shook his head, finding the situation more funny than appalling. “It’s like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather used to tell. Your hound must have chased them in through their holes. Looks like she wasn’t raiding the larder after all.”

Rupee barked with enthusiasm, knowing she had done something good.

“Those were very large rats!” said Zelda.

“I’ve seen larger. They come up from the Korcari Wilds sometimes, course don’t know why they’re all the way up here. But seeing as you’ve got your mabari well in hand, I’ll be on my way. My father should be expecting me soon, right?”

“Will I see you at dinner tonight?”

“Of course you will. Do you think I’m going to miss the chance to talk to the Grey Warden? I need to know what he plans to test me on. And to even see if I have a chance.”

“You have more than a chance. It’s a guarantee.”

Rory smiled at her. “You’re too kind, my la—Zelda.” He then left the larder and out the kitchen. Zelda watched him leave, wishing he didn’t have to. She then turned to her dog. “So, I guess you're actually a good girl. Sorry about that. If I knew there were rats I wouldn’t have yelled at you.”

Rupee barked.

“Alright, let’s go tell Nan that you really weren’t in here to make her life miserable.” Making their way out of the larder, Zelda noticed the two elves seemed a bit scared of Rupee. She would have to at some point show the elves that her dog wasn’t all that viscous.

“There she is, as brazen as you please, licking her chops after helping herself to the roast, no doubt,” Nan said as she walked over to Zelda.

“Actually,” said Zelda. “She was defending your larder from rats. Big ones.”

The female elf shrieked. “W-What? Rats? Not the large gray ones!”

“They’ll rip you to shreds, they will!” said the male elf.

“See?” said Nan. “Now you’ve gone and scared the servants! I expect those filthy things are dead.”

“My faithful war hound made sure it’s safe.”

“Hmph. I bet that dog led those rats in there to begin with.”

Rupee stared up at Nan and whined. Giving her the sad eyes only a dog could.

“Oh, don’t even start with the sad eyes. I’m immune to your so-called charms.”

She whined again.

Nan sighed. “Here, then. Take these pork bits and don’t say that Nan never gives you anything! Bloody dog. Thank you, my lady. Now we can get to work. That’s right, you two, quit standing about!” Nan snapped her fingers and the elves scurried back to their work. Zelda and Rupee quickly exited the kitchen before Nan could say anything more, not really wanting another lashing.

“Now, then,” said Zelda as she came into the walkway. “What else was I suppose to do? Ah yes! I need to find Fergus.” She looked down at Rupee. The dog only looked back up at her quizzically. “I don’t suppose you would want to accompany me, would you?”

An excited bark came from Rupee’s throat.

“Good. Keep you out of trouble and if any of those rats are anywhere else in the castle, you’ll take care of them, right?”

The dog nodded her head and panted.

“Maybe you can also keep those bloody men away as well. They tend to stay back when you’re around,” Zelda chuckled.

As they walked, Rupee tended to growl at any man who passed them by and greeted Zelda. “Alright, maybe not every man,” said Zelda. “Only if they try to woo me and I’m not interested. Then you can come and drive them off.”

Rupee spun and barked. Zelda smiled down at her, happy to have such a loyal companion.

***

As Zelda came to the living quarters of the castle, she could hear the sound of her brother’s voice as he laughed in his bedchamber. She went to the door and peeked in to find him standing with his wife and son as they talked.

“Is there really gonna be a war, papa?” asked Oren. “Will you bring me back a sward?”

“That’s ‘sword,’ Oren. And I’ll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise.” Fergus rustled his son’s hair. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Oriana looked on with concern. “I wish victory was indeed so certain. My heart is... disquiet.”

“Don’t frighten the boy, love,” said Fergus. “I speak the truth.” Zelda entered the room and Fergus looked over at her. “And here’s my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well.”

“Should I wait outside?” asked Zelda.

“Stay,” Fergus requested. “I’d like to say farewell.”

“And you may. I only wish I could go with you.”

“I wish you could come, too. It’ll be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself.”

“In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be... unthinkable,” said Oriana eying Zelda. Zelda eyed her right back, knowing that her Antivan sister-in-law was only playing with her.

“Is that so?” said Fergus. “I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous.”

“With kindness and poison only, my husband,” Oriana said giving him a huge smile.

“This from the woman who serves me my tea!” Fergus chuckled.

“Did you know there’s a Grey Warden in the castle?” said Zelda.

“Really? Was he riding a griffon?” Oren acted excited. He had just started studying the Grey Wardens with their teacher, Aldous, and was just as enthused about them as Zelda was.

“Shush, Oren,” said his mother. “Griffons only exist in stories now.”

“I’d heard there was a Grey Warden here,” Fergus said to Zelda. “Did he say why he’s come?”

“He’s going to test Ser Gilmore,” Zelda answered. “Father recommended him.”

“Good for him! I hope he makes it. If I were a Grey Warden, though, I’d have my eye on you—not that Father would ever allow it.”

“The Grey Warden did say he was interested in me, but Father of course told him no,” Zelda frowned. “He’s not even going to let me try.”

“It’s not like you even need to try. From what I’ve seen, all you really need to do is just smile and bat your eyes. What man could resist such a thing!”

“You do know you’re talking about your own sister, don’t you?” said Oriana placing her hands on her hips and narrowing her eyebrows..

“What? I can’t say my sister is beautiful? She is, and she should use what she has to get what she wants.”

“Except that I can’t really do that in order to convince Father, now can I?” said Zelda, mirroring Oriana.

Fergus relented, knowing it was foolish to deal with both women.“No, I suppose not.”

Zelda only shook her head. “You will be missed, Brother.”

“If it’s any consolation, I’m sure I’ll freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe.”

Oriana raised her eyebrows. “I am positively thrilled that you will be so miserable, husband,” she said sarcastically.

“See, I’m jealous already.”

“Actually, there was a reason why I came here,” Zelda interrupted, thinking this would be the best time to tell him before her brother got any deeper with Oriana. “I bring a message: Father wants you to leave without him. Tonight.”

Fergus looked at her with a confused face before he then realized what the message meant. “Then the arl’s men are delayed. You’d think his men were all walking backwards.” He sighed. “Well, I’d better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time! Off we go, then. I’ll see you soon, my love.” Fergus kissed Oriana, then bent and kissed Oren on the forehead and began making his way over to the door before being stopped by the teyrn and teyrna who were making their way in.

“I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?” said Bryce.

Their mother looked on at him. “Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone.”

Zelda crossed her arms as she stared at her father. “You could have delivered your message yourself, Father.”

“And miss having both my children in one place before I leave? Not likely.”

“The Maker sustain and preserve us all,” said Oriana as she stepped by Fergus’s side. “Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us.”

“And bring us some ale and wenches while you’re at it,” shouted Fergus. “Err... for the men, of course.” Oriana looked at Fergus with surprise. He only looked at her with a joking smile.

“Fergus! You would say this in front of your mother?” she said.

“What’s a wench?” asked Oren. “Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?”

“A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren,” answered Bryce, patting his grandson on the shoulder. “Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale.”

“Bryce!” cried Eleanor. “Maker’s breath, it’s like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have a daughter.”

Fergus only laughed. “I’ll miss you, Mother dear. You’ll take care of her, Sister, won’t you?”

“I think Mother can handle herself,” said Zelda. “Always has.”

“It’s true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads.”

“Well I’m glad you find this so funny,” said their mother.

“Enough, enough,” said Bryce. “Pup, you’ll want to get ready for dinner tonight. You will be at the head of the table.”

“I will?”

“I put you in charge, didn’t I? I want to show that I was serious.”

“So my little sister will be the one to take control while the men are away, huh?” laughed Fergus. “Don’t mess too much up. I don’t want to come back to a wreck now.”

“Ha, ha,” Zelda mocked her brother. “Now Father, does that mean I have to dress properly?”

“If you need help,” said Oriana. “Then I could lend you something of mine.”

“Thank you, Oriana,” said Zelda. “But I do have dresses. Whether they fit or not is the question.”

“Whatever you can find will do, pup.” Bryce walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I know you will look beautiful no matter what.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Before she left, Zelda said good-bye once more to her brother and roughly hugged him. Rupee followed Zelda to her room, which was only on the other side of the hallway. When she entered, she looked through her wardrobe and chest to try find something that would be presentable to wear to dinner. Zelda wasn’t much of a dress wearer. She preferred the leather armor she was wearing to velvet any day, and she didn’t have much to choose from when it came to dresses. Her father had bought her many, but she mostly gave them away when she could. Most she had never even tried on.

Zelda looked down at Rupee and shook her head. “Lucky dog,” she whispered. “You don’t have to worry about what to wear and what not. You have your fur with you all the time and it’s perfect for any occasion. “

Rupee spun in a circle before sitting down. She barked at Zelda and panted.

“Yeah, now what do you think of this?” Zelda pulled out a green velvet dress with ribbons and silk sleeves and put it up to her. Rupee lowered her head and covered her eyes with her paws.

“You’re right,” said Zelda. “It’s horrible, and it’s too hot to wear such a heavy thing. Now, I’m sure I have something else...”

***

It took Zelda almost all afternoon before she finally settled on a light blue silk dress. It was short sleeved and went down past her shoulders. She looked in her mirror, struggling to get the dress in the right places. The dress was a bit small, but it was the only one that fit the best, mostly tight in her bust area. Zelda looked on at her breasts. They were squeezed and pressed against her chest. They mostly stuck out the top of the dress, making them look bigger than they really were.

Zelda had seen worse, of course, and it was the only dress that was modest at least. All others she had tried on were either way too tight and cut off her circulation along with showing more bosom than was appropriate, or they were way too big. But despite the fact that her breasts were a little squished, Zelda couldn’t help but to admire them. “I wonder how I got them? I don’t even think Mother has ones these big.”

Rupee whined beside her, looking up in her face.

“What do you think?” she asked the dog. “Is this all right? I’m not showing too much, am I?”

Rupee shook her head and barked.

“Yes, definitely not as much as that purple dress. I could have been mistaken for a wench in that thing, although I did really like the color. Oh well, maybe I can get Father to find me another one with the same color and style in a bigger size. I’ve truly grown since the last time I was forced to wear one of these awful things.”

“If I was given more warning,” said Mary, one of the maid's in the castle. “I could have re-sewn it for you.” She was currently making Zelda's bed, a task Zelda would normally do herself. Zelda was one of the few nobles who liked doing things on her own. Cleaning her room, dressing herself, otherwise, Mary would have helped her pick out a dress earlier.

“Perhaps,” said Zelda. “But what do you think of this one? Rupee likes it.”

“It’s much better than the others, yes. That would be the one.”

“Good. Now, Mary make sure you take the night off once you're done in here. I wouldn’t normally like you to clean my room, but I guess I have more responsibilities now, so I can’t do it myself.”

“There is no problem at all, my lady. You don’t worry about a thing. Now go on to your dinner and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Mary.”

“Good night, my lady.”

Zelda did one last check in the mirror before she began to leave the room, Rupee right by her side. “Oh, sorry Rupee, you can’t come to dinner, you know that.”

The dog whined and gave Zelda her sad eyes.

“You know that doesn’t work on me like it does everyone else. Dogs don’t eat at the main table, you know that too. Now go on to the kennels and get your dinner there. Go on.”

Rupee barked and licked Zelda’s hand before running out the room. Zelda followed, only to be stopped when she exited and ran into Rory.

“Good evening, my lady,” he said bowing to her.

“Oh Rory, I did not expect you to be here.” She surveyed him and saw he was wearing a light blue tunic close to the color of her dress. “And you seem to match me. What a coincidence.”

He only smiled. “I had Mary tell one of the other maids what you were wearing, so perhaps we might match tonight.”

“Really? Because you look ridicules. That shade of blue does not suit you.”

Rory smiled awkwardly as he looked down at his tunic. “So said the maids. I think it's because of my hair. Red and blue don’t look good unless they’re on a flag.”

“True, but I still think you look handsome.”

“Thank you, my lady. And might I say how beautiful you look this evening? It’s not every day I get the privilege of seeing the Lady Zelda in a proper garment.”

“And it will stay a privilege until the nobility declares I can no longer bear arms. But I do need to ask, with this whole matching me thing, are you trying to claim your territory?”

“No, my lady. I don’t claim you at all. I don’t think you would even allow such a thing.”

Zelda giggled. “Come, are you escorting me to dinner or not?”

Rory offered her his arm and Zelda took it. Together they walked the way to the dinning area of the castle. There was much hustle and bustle going on in the walkway as the two of them went by. Many soldiers and servants were making their way from one place to another as dinner was being served all over the castle. With the sight of Zelda, many of them stopped to see her pass. She was beautiful in her blue dress. She had put her blonde hair up in a bun, which sat at the base of her neck. Her blue eyes sparkled, matching the color of her gown.

Everyone stopped talking and watched as she and Rory entered the dinning room. Zelda was unaccustomed to such things and felt a little awkward. She was happy to see her father was still here, along with Arl Howe and Duncan. The three of them were conversing in a corner before she had come in. Her father looked up and saw her and made his way over.

“Oh, pup, how marvelous you look,” he said as he looked her over with a father's eye.

“Thank you, Father. But I’m afraid I may need another dress after the night is done. This one is a bit tight.”

“I can see. But don’t worry about it right now, pup. You are just fine. Ser Gilmore, if you don’t mind, I can take my daughter from here.”

“As you wish, my lord.” Rory handed Zelda over to her father and the teyrn took her to the head of the table. There, Zelda stood as everyone else in the room made their way to their chairs. It was a long table and everyone sat according to their position. Normally, her father would sit at the head of the table with her mother to his right. Tonight, however, Bryce sat on Zelda’s left, with Duncan sitting on Zelda’s right, and Arl Howe sitting next to her father. Her mother sat next to Duncan, and to her other side sat Lady Landra, with her son across from her. Oriana and Oren were next to Dairren, while Rory was next to Lady Landra on the far end.

Zelda wasn’t used to being so high. Her seat was usually at the far end with Rory and Ser Nicolas. There was a few empty chairs at the end. Fergus and Ser Nicolas were already gone, otherwise her brother would have be sitting next to his wife and child and the captain next to his son.

Bryce looked on at his daughter. She seemed confused at what to do next. He cleared his throat. “Perhaps, sitting would be nice, pup?”

Zelda looked at him. “Oh, right! Sorry Father, this is new to me.”

“Relax, pup,” he chuckled. “Just be yourself and you should be fine.”

Zelda sat with everyone following suit. Soon the servants brought out the food and everyone started eating. Conversations soon followed and there was something Zelda was dying to talk about with Duncan. “So tell me, Duncan,” she began. “What exactly is it that you look for when examining a possible recruit?”

Duncan straightened as he looked at her. “Well, there are many things. Swordsmanship, for one. The Grey Wardens are known for their unique talents, after all. But I also look for characteristics in a person that would suit the Wardens reputation as respectable and genuine.”

“The Wardens are for the people,” said Zelda. “That is why so many love you.”

“Quite true.”

“So, have you seen all those things in Ser Gilmore?”

Duncan chuckled. “I have, but I will not make up my mind until I test him tomorrow, first.”

“What exactly goes into your testing?” Zelda continued to asked.

“Now, if I told you that, then you might cheat and tell Ser Gilmore everything.”

“I would not! Do you think I would hurt Ser Gilmore’s chances?”

“Of course not, my dear, but it is somewhat of a secret, to tell you the truth.”

“Pup, stop harassing Duncan,” said Bryce. “Sorry, old friend, but if she keeps at it, she will eventually get it out of you.”

“The silver tongue you mentioned earlier?”

“That’s why I love her.”

“But may I question you for a moment, my lady?” said Duncan, turning the tide. Zelda seemed intrigued by this and nodded her head. “You seem to regard the Grey Wardens very well. How much do you know of them?”

“I know quite a lot, actually,” said Zelda. “They are one of my favorite subjects. I know of your history and that you used to not be welcomed in Ferelden until Maric allowed you pardence. Griffons were once your rides, before they went extinct, and that darkspawn live in the Deep Roads where the dwarves fight with them on a constant basis. And, if this truly is a Blight that my father and brother go to, then would that not make it the fifth in history?”

“Yes it would,” said Duncan.

“If this is true, then would that not mean there are at least two archdemons left?”

“You do know your history. Yes, if it is true, the Tevinter Imperium had seven Old Gods, and it is these that turn into the archdemons by the darkspawn. Or at least that's what we've come to believe. We won't really know until the last Old God turns into a archdemon and is destroyed.”

“It would seem,” said Dairren. “That the Grey Wardens are overrated.”

Everyone stopped to stare at him. His comment come out of the blue. “That is not polite to address, Dairren,” said Zelda. She wasn't happy with his sudden outburst.

“No, no,” said Duncan. “He has a right to his own opinion.”

“Then, please,” said Zelda, a little annoyed. “Could you tell us why you think that way, Dairren?”

Dairren smiled at her and tipped his head. Zelda could tell he was aware of her annoyance. If he wished to court her, she hoped he would know the right words to say. “I only think they are overrated because the only time Grey Wardens are mentioned is when dealing with darkspawn. That is, of course, the only reason your Order exist, is it not? It seems the only time Wardens are useful is when there is a Blight. And the last Blight was over four hundred years ago. What have the Grey Wardens been doing in all that time?”

“Well,” Duncan said straightening himself. “Darkspawn still have to be dealt with even without an archdemon. They do come out of the Deep Roads, if only in small bands, and attack villages and towns. We are also keepers of our history and we are a consent reminder of what will come if the darkspawn are ignored.”

“Plus, they are the only ones that can defeat an archdemon,” added Zelda.

“But what will happen to your Order when the last archdemon is slain?” asked Dairren. “It seems then that you will no longer be needed.”

“I don’t know about that,” said Duncan. “Like I said, darkspawn are still a threat even without the presence of an archdemon.”

“I just think your Order is not really needed. Ferelden seemed to handle the darkspawn just fine when you were exiled.”

“I think that is enough out of you,” said Lady Landra. “You're embarrassing me.”

“Yes,” said Zelda. “You may be able to state your opinion, but there are still things you should keep behind your teeth.”

“And you would know of such things, my lady?” Dairren mused.

“You speak out of turn,” Rory nearly growled. “It is not nice to insult your host.”

“It is not nice to insult a guest, either,” Dairren said with viper.

“Gentlemen,” Zelda said sternly. “I would appreciate it if you did not make a scene. We are only having a polite conversation.”

“I am sorry, my lady.” Rory hung his head. “I do not wish to cause trouble for you.”

“Are you always this subordinate?” Dairren spoke to Rory.

Rory snapped his head back up. “What?”

“She is only a woman with the illusion of power. Once this affair is dealt with, she will have no more power over men as do the servants.”

Rory stood fast. “How dare you insult her!” Dairren stood with him to match his gaze.

Bryce, along with Duncan, stood up as well to dissolve the situation. “That is enough out of you, boy!” boomed Bryce. “To speak of my daughter that way in front of me--”

“Relax, Father,” said Zelda as she surveyed the situation. Bryce stood down. Everyone at the table was tense and watched on to see what she would do.

Zelda stood and walked over to Rory. She looked into his eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder. He was shaking with anger, but at her touch, he calmed down. He knew her feelings without her saying anything, and nodded his head, siting back in his chair. Zelda then fixed her gaze on Dairren. He met her eyes with a confidence Zelda had seen before from men who would not let a woman overpower them. She knew exactly what to do. “Dairren, do you wish to court me?”

“That is why I came, my lady,” he answered. “I wished to undo the damage my mother may have done last time we met.”

“And you think insulting the very thing I find fascinating a means to woo me?”

“Because that is all it is. Both you and I know your fascinations will be nothing more than thus.”

“So what brings on this acquisition? What is it that you seek?”

“Only to put you in your place. You are a strong woman, Zelda, put even strong women don’t get as far as strong men.”

“I didn’t realize how swallow you were.”

“And I didn’t realize how bustful you were! Truly Zelda, that dress brings out your best assets.”

Rory made to stand again, but Zelda’s firm grip on his shoulder prevented it. “You are brave to say such things in front of my family. Especially with my nephew present. I fear that now his mother will have to explain what all this means. But it appears to me that the woman you seek is one that is submissive and will come at your every beck and call. Jump when you say jump?”

“And ask how high.”

“Then I don’t think I'm the right woman for you.”

“I’m sure you can be trained. All creatures can,” Dairren said with a smirk.

“Yet, I fear that you are not at all what I am looking for, either,” sighed Zelda.

“Oh, no?” Dairren only seemed concerned but Zelda saw through his sarcasm.

“I need a husband that not only shows a physical prowess, but also a form of intelligence. You, I am afraid, have yet to show me either.”

Dairren narrowed his eyes. Zelda knew she was getting to him. “Are you insulting my intelligence?”

“If you have to ask, then maybe you should think about it more.”

Dairren only laughed. “Ha! I don’t need you to tell me how smart I am. All I need you for is to submit to me and bear my children. That is all a woman should be for.”

“And I fear I will not even be able to do that!”

“What does that mean?” Dairren asked.

Zelda’s smile was almost wicked. “The servants talk, Dairren. They talk amongst themselves, as well as to others in different households. Things get around that you probably don’t want anyone to know.” Dairren’s face lowered into a stern, hardened one. She could see he was afraid of what she might be talking about.

“I heard,” continued Zelda. “That you can’t even finish. That you can’t even get it up long enough to properly handle the situation. Is this true?”

Dairren ground his teeth before he throw down his napkin and stormed out of the dinning room. Everyone was silent as they watched Zelda make her way back to the head of the table. When she got to her seat, she addressed everyone. “I am sorry for that,” she sighed. “I did not mean to make a scene. Especially to you, Lady Landra. It was not my intent to embarrass you any further.”

“No need, dear,” Landra waved off. “At times, Dairren does need to be dealt with. He will get over it soon enough.”

“That was quite... amusing,” Howe smirked. “But did you need to deal such a low blow to the lad?”

“It was necessary,” said Zelda as she sat down.

“A brilliant display of self-control in such a situation,” Duncan applauded. “You were able to remain calm the whole time. Quite remarkable.”

“That is my daughter,” Bryce smiled. “She is a block of ice that refuses to melt even under the hottest situations. You did well, pup. That is how you will need to handle things when I am gone. Don’t give them an inch when it is most crucial.”

“I learned from the best, Father,” Zelda smiled.

“I just hope, darling, that you deal with such matters in private next time,” said her mother. “Poor Dairren probably won’t be able to show his face again for quite some time.”

“Don’t worry about him, Eleanor,” said Landra. “He’s a strong-headed boy.”

The rest of the night went without incident. Dairren didn’t return. Zelda started to enjoy being at the head of the table, though being in charge of the castle still scared her. Having a rank of authority was not something Zelda really desired, but her father knew she could handle it, and she had proven she could when she dealt with Dairren.

“Alright, pup,” her father said as she was getting ready to leave the dinning room. “I want you to get an early night. You have much to do tomorrow.”

“Will I see you in the morning, Father?”

“If you get up early enough, then yes. But if not, then I will say good-bye now. I love you, Zelda.” He hugged her then looked into her eyes. “You’ll do just fine. If you need any help, you know where your mother is.”

“I love you too, Father, and thank you.”

“Are you coming to bed?” her mother asked.

“I will be there in a moment, Eleanor,” said Bryce. “I wish to speak with Howe before retiring.”

“Alright, just don’t be too long.”

“Good night, Mother. Good night, Father.” Zelda began making her way to the sleeping chambers. She was stopped just within the walkway by Rory, who had been waiting for her outside the dinning hall.

“Are you retiring, my lady?” he asked.

Zelda gave him a stern look. “Please stop calling me that.”

“I will not.”

“Fine, but is there something you wished to say to me?”

Rory lent her his arm once more and she took it. They both started heading down the walkway. “I want to apologize for the incident that I caused at dinner tonight. It was rude and inappropriate.”

“There is no need for that, Rory. You were defending my honor and I appreciate that. Don’t ever apologize for doing what you think is right.”

“Yes, my lady. I just... got so angry when he said those things about you. What was he thinking?”

“Obviously, he wasn’t, or that is just how Dairren thinks.”

“I guess that means you are down to seven again.”

“Yes is does. And what you did tonight pushed you even further to the top of my list.”

Rory smiled, but then his smile faded. “I had a talk with Duncan before he went to his room.”

“You did?” Zelda looked at him curiously. “What did you talk about?”

“Mostly what he was going to test me on tomorrow. He wants to see me fight, of course, and I said as long as I don’t have to fight you, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Zelda snickered. “You never know. It might not be.”

“Ha! Only you would think that. But, there was something else... Something I need to talk to you about.”

“What is it?”

Rory stopped and looked at her, his expression sad. “Duncan told me that if I were to become a Grey Warden, I must leave my present life behind.”

“That... is of course to be expected,” said Zelda. “But you will return, right?”

“I don’t think I will. Duncan said that a Grey Warden’s duty takes precedence over everything. I would have to leave my current life... fully.”

“Oh.” Zelda looked at the floor. She wasn’t sure now if she liked the idea of him becoming a Grey Warden.

Gently, Rory took her hand in his. He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “You are so beautiful,” he said. “And I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but...”

“You need to know about us, don’t you?”

He nodded his head and let go of her chin. “If there is no future that involves you and me, I need to know.” He sighed. “Because I don’t know if being a Grey Warden would be worth not having you. I could always tell Duncan no.”

“Please,” Zelda said looking away. “Don’t make me decide now.”

“I don’t, but...”

“I don’t want to be the reason you missed out on the opportunity of a life time.” She looked back at him. “Tomorrow, let Duncan test you, and do your best! If you don’t then you can forget us!”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I can’t make a decision now, but know this: There is still a possible future for us. Even if you become a Grey Warden. They won’t be able to keep us apart if that is what we choose.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“And stop calling me that!”

Rory chuckled and kissed her hand. “I am glad to hear it. I will do my best, and I will do it for you. Does the lady have a favor for her knight?”

“I believe I do, but you must wait until morning. I will make sure you get it.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Zelda glared at him. “Good-night, Ser Gilmore.”

“Good-night, my lady. May you have a peaceful sleep.” He kissed her hand again as she walked away. The bedroom chambers were not far, and he watched as she made her way into her room.

When Zelda came to her bed, she fell on it in a sigh of relief. Rupee was lying on her bed, waiting for her. When Zelda landed on the bed, Rupee licked her arm and cuddled next to her. “Oh, Rupee,” she said petting her. “Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond