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Blood Bond	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4281 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 29
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At the Beginning of Chaos

The tower was a murder scene. They all looked aghast as they stared. Bodies of both mages and templars alike were scattered about the place. Blood was smeared on the walls and floors. Gore of all sorts could be seen in every crevasse. Zelda, Alistair, and Leliana had to watch their step as they made their way through the halls. None of them wanted to step in the blood or gore.
They realized that they were going through the apprentice hall as they began searching the rooms. Bunk beds, pushed together in tight little rows within the rooms proved this. Some of the beds were turned over on their sides, or upside down, missing their mattress. More bodies were in here, and Zelda looked at each of their faces. Leliana walked around, closing their eyes and saying little prays as she did.
“This is horrible,” she said. “What happened here?”
Zelda said nothing as she stood over the body of a little girl in blue robes. Blood was smeared on her face, and if it wasn’t for the large gash in her abdomen, one would think she was only sleeping. She had to look away.
“Come on,” Zelda said softly. “It’s best if we don’t linger. They can be properly buried after we deal with the abominations.”
“You' re all right, aren’t you?” Alistair asked, worry streaked across his face.
Zelda turned around to look at him. “I don’t like what’s happened here. We need to do something about it.”
“I know, but I was just asking if you were okay with your, you know... phobia.”
This made Zelda smile despite the scene around them. “That, you don’t need to worry about. I was only that way because of the tunnel. If we had ended up outside first, then went into the dungeons, I would have been fine. And this place is fine because of the high ceilings. I don’t feel... trapped, is a good way to put it, I guess.”
“So you’re back to paying attention to her, Alistair?” Leliana joked. “And you don’t even need any competition to do so.” Alistair looked away from both of them. A light red coloring his checks making Leliana giggle.
“Stop teasing him,” said Zelda. “I don’t hear you asking if I’m okay.”
“But I don’t need too when I know Alistair will do it.” Leliana smiled broadly. Her face then fell as she realized they were still in the tower, surrounded by death. “Oh, maybe I shouldn’t tease him now. Not with all this.”
“Then let’s continue on,” said Zelda. “I’m sure we’ll find answers.”
They left the apprentice rooms and began down the hall again. As they ran, they started hearing a commotion up ahead. This made them stop and listen.
“What is that?” Leliana whispered. They then began hearing screaming and shouting.
“It’s people!” Alistair cried. “There are mages alive in here. I can feel their magic.”
“Then let’s go help them!” said Zelda as she began running again toward the screams.
They burst through a set of doors and saw on the other side was an archway with a glowing blue shield that pulsated. But even from the magic that was coming from it, a demon, that looked to be made of fire had made it’s way past and was pressing an attack on a young mage who was laying on the floor. Zelda stopped cold, as it was the first demon she had ever seen. She backed up, unable to go in any other direction. She felt her back hit Alistair’s chest, and in a swift move, he had switched their places. She found herself behind him, as he took on a defensive position. It had all only taken place in a matter of seconds.
The mage screamed, and Zelda looked over Alistair’s shoulder, wondering if she should go and help her, but Zelda had no idea how to deal with a demon. It was then that another mage appeared in her view. The mage wore red robes and had white hair. She stopped, pointed her staff at the demon and a bolt of magic flew from the top, hitting the demon and stopping it’s pursuit of the young woman on the floor. The younger mage then scrambled to her feet and stumbled away. The demon recovered quickly from the attack and roared at losing it’s prize. It began advancing on the older mage. She stared at it with determination before muttering a spell and lifting her staff in the air. The demon stopped cold as it’s fiery skin began to flicker and freeze in place. Another spell was muttered from the mage, and the demon shattered to many small pieces that melted into the ground.
When it was over, the mage fell to her knees, appearing exhausted. The young mage she had saved, along with several others who were also in the room ran to her.
“Wynne! Are you all right?” asked the young mage, a hint of horror in her voice. She placed a hand on the older mage’s shoulder.
“I am fine, Petra,” the older mage said, patting the younger one on the hand. She began standing, using her staff to gain her balance. When she became fully erect again, it was then that she noticed Zelda, Alistair and Leliana standing where they were. She quickly readied her staff, and took a position that suggested she may attack.
Zelda made her way out from behind Alistair as she recognized the older mage. “Wynne, stop! Do you recognize me?”
Wynne became surprised as she realized who she was, but she still did not loosen her stance. “Zelda? No... come no further. Grey Warden or no, I will strike you down where you stand!”
“Please, Wynne,” Zelda pleaded, trying to calm down the situation. “I am not here to fight. I have come to help.”
Wynne relaxed her body and lowered her staff, but she still stared at Zelda and the others suspiciously. “That might be true,” she said. “But how did you get in here? Is Greagoir letting us out?”
“I’m afraid not. He only let us in to deal with the abominations, and to maybe save any survivors. He won’t open the door again until he knows that the tower is safe.”
Wynne sighed heavily and shook her head. “He is only doing what he knows to do,” she said softly. “Has he called for the Right of Annulment yet? I’m sure he has.”
“Yes,” Zelda nodded. “But it has not come yet, and I don’t think it will for awhile. We will have time to make the tower safe, but I need to know what happened.”
“It was a revolt,” answered Wynne. “Led by a mage named Uldred. When he returned from the battle at Ostagar, he tried to take over the Circle. As you can see, it didn’t work out as he had planned. I don’t know what became of Uldred, but I am certain all this is his doing. I will not lose the Circle to one man’s pride and stupidity.”
“I'm glad to see that you're safe, at least.”
“Yes, there are more survivors from Ostagar than just you and the other two Grey Wardens. There were several mages as well as some soldiers I helped to heal, but we can discuss such things at another time. I believe if we are to save the tower, we should start by clearing out the abominations in the library.”
“You have a plan?”
“I believe Uldred may be at the top of the tower in the Harrowing Chamber. I do not know what he is doing, but I believe he is there because the Harrowing Chamber can provide protection. If we are to save the tower, we must take him out.”
“We also need to find the first enchanter,” said Zelda. “Greagoir will not proclaim the tower safe without his word.”
“Then we have our mission,” Wynne stated. She turned to address the other mages. “Petra, Kinnon... look after the others. I will be back soon.”
Petra in particular looked worried, but she nodded and made herself ready by picking up her staff.
Zelda looked around the room at the other mages. There were very few of them. It was a mixture of senior mages, apprentices, and children. “Are these all who have survived?” she asked.
“All who have come down to the first floor,” said Wynne. “But I don’t believe that this is all. There must be others in the tower hiding, and hopefully we will be able to find them before the abominations do. Which begs me to ask the question: Have you ever fought an abomination before?”
Zelda shook her head, and so did the others. “No, but we must try.”
“Yes, we must try. Do not worry, I will keep you all safe.”
“I am not a templar,” said Alistair. “But I do know some of their talents.”
“That will help. Now, if we are ready, we should go immediately.”
Wynne made her way over to the barrier in the archway. She lifted her hand and a blue light, the same color as the barrier, glowed from it, and the barrier dissolved. She looked one last time at Petra before gesturing for Zelda and her companions to follow. They made their way through the archway and followed the older mage into the tower.
***
The library would have been impressive if it wasn’t for the fact Zelda was so terrified. It reminded her of the chantry cathedrals. The library had high, arched ceilings with flying buttresses for support. Above their heads, set in the walls, were stain-glassed windows that cast colorful light on the floor. Some were designed with intricate patterns of color while others depicted famous verses from the Chant of Light. The shear volume of books in the place was impressive as well. There were shelves scattered all about the large room, full of hundreds of books and tombs written about magic and history. Zelda would have loved to stop and read some of these books, but it would obviously not happen. There was no time.
Wynne was in front as she lead the group through the room. Her red robes flowing behind her, while her staff was in hand, ready for anything that might surprise them. Zelda was close behind her with Alistair on her right and Rupee on her left. Alistair had his shield and sword out, concentrating on the area for any hostile magic. Leliana was close behind Zelda, her long bow in hand with an arrow notched and ready. Zelda had Silverbrand ready as well, while Rupee growled and clamped down on her teeth beside her.
“Hold it,” said Wynne as she suddenly stopped. “I think there is something just ahead of us. Right behind those bookshelves.”
“I can feel it.” Alistair made his way next to her and stared at the spot she was pointing at.
A hand then curled it’s way around the shelves. It wasn’t a human hand, or at least it wasn’t anymore. It was covered in purplish splotches and growths that looked to be oozing some type of puss. It’s fingernails were long and pointed, and what looked like dried blood was stained at the tips. Slowly the hand was followed by an arm and soon the entire body of the creature emerged.
The creature was dressed in the same type of yellow robes Circle mages wore. The robes were torn, and all the skin that was exposed showed the same purple splotches and growths, which were larger and more grotesque on it’s torso. The creature's head was completely bald and it’s eyes glowed red with a fury of pure rage. When it opened it’s mouth to growl, two rows of sharp, pointed teeth could be seen swimming in a pool of dark blood that dribbled down the corners of it’s cracked lips.
For a moment, it seemed everyone was frozen in place as they stared at the creature. Soon, the creature opened it’s mouth wider and screamed, sending an ear piercing shriek into the room. Everyone moved as they prepared to fight. Wynne lifted her staff and began firing magical bolts at the creature as it began running toward her. Alistair and Zelda ran in front, taking the creature from the sides. They both hit it at the same time with their shields, knocking it down on the ground with enough force that it skidded across the marble floor. Alistair ran up to it first, bringing down his sword, and driving it through the creature’s chest. The sounds of ribs cracking and metal hitting marble were reverberated about the room. The creature shrieked again. It’s hand flew up and grabbed Alistair by the cuff of his armor and with strength no one knew it possessed, launched Alistair into the air. He landed on one of the shelves and fell to the floor followed by the large tombs that lined the shelf.
“Alistair!” Zelda screamed, but she didn’t have time to go and see if he was all right. The creature stood and with a single swift move, ripped Alistair’s sword from it’s chest and threw it on the ground. Dark blood and gore poured from the wound, but it didn’t seem to phase the creature. Instead, it smiled a toothy grin and screamed as it began advancing on her.
Zelda readied herself. Arrows shot past her head, landing in the creature’s chest and abdomen, but it didn’t slow. The creature collided with her, claws out and teeth biting as it tried to get past her shield. Zelda pushed it off, swinging Silverbrand and connected, leaving a long gash across it’s belly. A strange, greenish liquid poured from the wound along with intestines. The creature stumbled back but then advanced on her again. Zelda tried everything she could to get it off her. She bashed it with her shield, left several gashes about it’s body, and arrows were sticking out of it like pins. Zelda realized that the creature was slowing, and she knew this was her chance. Then something happened. A whoosh of magic flowed by her, hitting the creature, and it stopped right in it’s tracks, frozen in it’s snarl. Quickly, Zelda spun on her foot, using the momentum of the move to swing Silverbrand and cut the creature’s head clean off. It’s body was still frozen by the spell, but it’s head dropped to the floor and bounced off, rolling behind a bookcase. When the spell wore off, the body thudded to the floor.
Zelda turned to see Wynne crouched over Alistair, who was sitting up looking dizzy. She and Leliana ran over to them. “Is he all right?” Zelda asked Wynne.
“He will be fine,” said Wynne. “He hit the bookcase harder than I thought, but nothing was broken, just a small concussion.”
Zelda knelt next to him and looked in his eyes.
“Are you okay?” he asked her before she could say anything.
“Why are you worried about me when it was you who got thrown into a bookcase?”
“Because I was an idiot. You were the one that fought smart.” Alistair began trying to get up. Zelda helped him and allowed him to lean on her shoulder. He soon straightened and stood on his own. “I’m fine,” he said. “See? Wynne is a good healer. It just takes a bit of time is all.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“I believe this is yours,” said Leliana as she handed Alistair his sword. “And next time you decide to act the hero, think first.”
“Thanks, Leliana,” he said as he took his sword and replaced it in it’s sheath.
Zelda turned and looked at the headless body on the ground. “That was an abomination, wasn’t it?”
“Yes,” she heard Wynne breathe. “That is what happens to a mage when they are overtaken by a demon. I’m sad to say, however, that this was one of the weaker ones.”
“You mean, it was only fueled by rage?” asked Alistair. “Man, if that was a rage abomination, then what are the others like?”
“I guess we’re just going to have to find out,” said Zelda. “Because there is no way we are stopping now.”
Rupee then began to growl and a hiss sounded from behind the shelves. They all turned to where it had come from and saw more abominations beginning to make their way from behind the bookcases. They all looked the same as the first, and glared with glowing red eyes and sharp teeth.
“I have a feeling this is what we're going to encounter throughout the whole tower,” said Zelda as she fully faced the hissing abominations.
Alistair came up beside her, his shield and sword ready as hers was. “Then let’s get started, right?”
“Right.”
Together they charged at the abominations with Rupee barking and growling behind them. Leliana firing arrows and Wynne standing next to her, casting spells to both fight and protect.
They fought the abominations plus many more as they made their way through the tower. It was a long and tiresome journey that lasted throughout the night and into the next morning.
***
Arawin stared in the mirror as she wore the new Dalish armor Varathorn had given her. It was hardened leather, and pretty stylish. She turned and rotated as she got a good look at herself, noticing things about her body that had changed. Thanks to the two piece attire, she was able to see that her abs had got tighter and more defined. She was skinnier too, but not sickly looking. Her legs, especially her calves, were thicker. This made her smile, as she knew she had never looked this good in her life.
Arawin liked the Dalish armor. It was comfortable, and provided good movement, but there was one thing that bothered her. The gap between the breastplate and the skirt left her abdomen and back exposed. An arrow could easily find it’s way into her soft flesh, but if the women of the Dalish could wear it and not be killed real easy, then so could she.
As she made her way out of the landship, Arawin found her companions outside waiting for her.
“Nice,” she heard Zevran whistle. “That... really suits you.”
“Why thank you,” said Arawin. “I thought so too. It does make my butt look good, don’t it?” Arawin turned around in a circle for him to get a good look at her.
“Oh yes, it does indeed.”
“If we are done with the fashion show, maybe ‘tis a good time to proceed?” Morrigan said sounding annoyed.
Arawin gave her a cocky smirk. “I assume you are ready, then?”
“I, along with Sten and your canine friend. We have been waiting.”
“Then I guess we should head out.” Arawin readjusted the breastplate while placing her new equipment on her back. Varathorn had talked her into replacing her longsword with a Dalish one called Dar’Misaan. It’s structure was similar to Fang with the curving of the blade, and the small hook at the hilt. It was made of veridium, a light orange-colored metal that she found to be fairy light and maneuverable. She had also decided to take a shortbow as well. Even if she didn’t know how to properly use it, she did know that Zevran would show her, though she wasn’t very willing to ask him. He had already stated he would make fun of her.
She placed the shortbow, unstrung, in it’s quiver with arrows. The quiver was placed in between Fang and Dar’Misaan, right at the center of her back. Arawin adjusted everything so she could easily grab what she needed quickly. Once she was done, and everyone was ready and had everything they needed situated, they began heading toward the back of the camp. This was where the entrance to the heart of the forest was, where Sten and Zevran could find signs of werewolves and follow them to where, hopefully, Witherfang was. Arawin was glad to realize that both of them had gone to find out as much as they could about the werewolves. These creatures were bipedal, and they were huge and strong with sharp teeth and razor claws. They could easily tare through leather armor, but Varathorn had assured Arawin that the armor he had given her would not allow teeth and claw to get to her. Arawin believed him, with at least the parts that were covered.
As they walked through the camp, many of the Dalish stopped and watched them go by. Arawin and them had become very popular in just a few short hours. She would have wanted to stay longer before heading out, but after her encounter with Lisha, Arawin thought it best to leave right away. She would learn what she wanted later. The faster she could bring Witherfang’s heart back, the longer they could stay.
When they entered the forest, it seemed different to Arawin then what they had previously gone through. This part of the forest seemed more gloomy and thick. Everything seemed close, and the light was dim besides the fact that the sun was still high in the sky.
“And here I am again, back in the wilds,” moaned Morrigan.
“This is different, isn’t it?” Arawin asked. “I mean, the Wilds is a swamp, while this is a forest.”
Morrigan sighed and shook her head. “‘Tis the same to me, no matter what. ‘Twould you not feel the same if you went to a different alienage?”
“I guess you’re right.”
They continued on down the path. Sten would occasionally take the lead as he searched for any signs, but so far he found nothing. They had been walking for awhile, well away from the Dalish camp. Arawin hoped that he would find something soon, because she did not know if they were going in the right direction. Zevran was also looking along with Sten, and even with the two of them, Araiwn was beginning to worry that this may be harder than she thought.
“Anything?” she asked Sten.
“No,” he answered. “But I suggest we go off the path, and head through the forest. We will find a trail better that way.”
“I don’t know.”
“I think it is best, but there is something else. We are being followed.”
Arawin stopped and looked at him questioning. When she did, he pointed up at the trees. Everyone looked to see something in the branches above them move. It dropped down in front of Arawin and stood before her. It was Lisha.
She was in her Dalish armor. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a short ponytail, and light brown eyes stared intently. A Dalish longbow with quiver was on her back. One end of the bow stretched above her head, while the other dangled at her feet. It was impressive as well as intimidating.
“Lisha?” Arawin said as she stared at the elf in wonderment. “Are you following us?”
“Yes,” she said. “I wanted to formally apologize to you for how I acted. I was not myself.”
“It’s understandable,” said Arawin. “I... shouldn’t have looked for you in the clearing.”
Lisha nodded. “I only assumed you were a regular city elf come to join our clan. I did not realize you were a Grey Warden, and that you planned on helping to heal our sick. Course, I can’t say I would've acted any differently if I did know. You just caught me at a bad time.”
“Is this the only reason why you followed us? Or was there something you wanted?”
“I wish to accompany you.”
“I thought Zathrian banned anyone from going into the forest? If you come with me, then won’t you get in trouble? I don’t want to be responsible for any punishment you might receive.”
“Do not worry about me, Da’len. I will handle Zathrian and any punishment on my own. You will not be responsible. Besides, I do not consider Zathrian as my Keeper, for I was not born of this clan. I am apart of it by marriage. My mate, Dayno, he is the reason why I wish to join you. You see, he has been ravaged, and suffers from the curse as we speak.”
“Then don’t you think it would be best for you to be near him? What if he dies while you are gone?”
“Trust me, I have thought about this long and hard, and I know this is the best decision. I do not wish to watch him suffer while I do nothing . I would rather him die as I am doing something to help than to do nothing and be by his side. He knows this, and would do the same thing if our positions were reversed. I would want him to.” Lisha’s expression was sad. She did not look directly at Arawin, but kept her focus to the side as she stared out into the trees.
“It is a sad thing, and you are doing what you must,” said Sten. “Do not doubt your decision.”
“Yes,” sighed Lisha. “I do not doubt it.” She focused back on Arawin. “If you allow me to come, then I can provide several things. I can be your guide. I know this forest. I can even take you to the werewolves’ lair, for I have seen it.”
“Really?” exclaimed Zevran. “Well that certainly takes the pressure off me. I say she comes. It would be great to have another lovely companion.”
Arawin ignored his last comment. “How do you know where the lair is?”
“Does it matter?” said Lisha. “The only thing that should matter is that I know, not how I obtained it. I will also do this for you, Da’len. On the way, I will teach you what it is that you asked of me. It may not be a full exchange, but I can at least teach you the basics.”
“That’s all I really wanted,” said Arawin. “But first...” She turned to Morrigan, the only one who hadn’t said anything yet.
“If you are wanting my approval, then yes,” she said. “I do not care one way or the other.”
“Good, then you can come, Lisha,” Arawin said turning back to her. “It is a pleasure to have you join us.”
“Ma serannas, Da’len,” Lisha bowed. “Then allow me to introduce myself formally. My name is Lisha Mahariel, Hunter, and wife of Dayno.”
“I can introduce you to the others,” offered Arawin. “This is Sten, Morrigan, Kunjo, and Zevran.”
Lisha bowed to all of them before speaking again. “Now, since we have all of that taken care of, we might as well get started.” She made her way over to the base of the tree she had jumped from and reached behind it. She pulled out a bag as well as another longbow. “Put that bow down, Da’len,” she said coming back over to Arawin. “This will be your bow from now on.”
Arawin took the bow and marveled at it. It was massive, almost as tall as she was, yet it looked to be shorter than Lisha’s. She took off the shortbow and placed it next to the tree before fitting on the long one.
“Now you’re looking like a real Dalish,” said Zevran. “Dalish swords, armor, and now a bow. Marvelous.”
This made Arawin smile, as she did feel closer to her mother’s dream than she ever thought possible.
“Now, shall we get moving?” stated Lisha. “I think I should lead since you are going the wrong way.”
“We were?”
“You did realize you were heading north? It is east we want to go. I suggest going straight through the forest, directly east. It will be the fastest way.”
“See? I like her already,” said Zevran. “She knows how to get somewhere without a path.”
Arawin glared at him. “So sorry if I’m not as good at such things as you are. And wasn’t it you and Sten who were leading in the first place?”
“Do not bring me into this,” said Sten. “I did suggest going through the forest.”
“Right, and I didn’t really answer you because you pointed out we were being followed.”
“If you are done,” Lisha interrupted. “I believe we should proceed.” Lisha took the lead as they made their way from the forest path and into the trees. Arawin came up beside her, and Kunjo took his usually position behind her. Zevran took this opportunity and crept his way up beside Lisha. He wanted to get a better look at her.
“I must say what a pleasure it is to be working side by side with such lovely women,” he stated.
“Zevran, leave her alone,” Arawin warned him.
Lisha smiled. “If he wishes to flatter me, then so be it. That does not mean I will respond, however. Just because my husband is out of the picture doesn’t mean anything.”
“Who said I was doing that?” Zevran said innocently. “I just wanted to make a statement.”
Lisha turned to look at him and regard his features, taking them in with her tattooed eye. “Antivan. It makes since, then.”
“And what's that suppose to mean, my dear?”
“That you are Antivan. I have been to your country, in fact. My mother-clan used to travel by the southern borders quite often. I even ventured into Antiva City once when I was sixteen. It was a rather... interesting experience.”
“I’m sure it was. Antiva City is not a place for the weak.”
“Yes... it is not.” Lisha became somewhat inward and quiet as she took her sights back on the road. It was a few minutes before she spoke again. “So Da’len, tell me of your adventures before coming here,” she said to Arawin. “I can see from the company you keep and that you are a Grey Warden there has to be some type of story.”
“Well, I guess I can start from the beginning,” Arawin said as she thought. “Let’s see, I’m originally from the city of Denerim. You see, there are two other Grey Wardens, besides myself. There’s Alistair and Zelda. They went to Redcliffe, but I can explain that later when I get to it.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond