Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4556 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 29
- 30
- 31
Exodus

“It can't be... Did I... really do it?” Jordan stood staring, bewildered at the large collection of coins in front of her on the table. After counting them, they had equaled up to a little over fifty sovereigns. She counted them again, just to be sure. Then a third time, followed by a fourth. She still couldn't believe it. How had she done it? It seemed unreal. Even if she couldn't understand it, it still made her happy, excited. It made her want to go to the Hanged Man and buy everyone there a drink because she had just achieved the impossible. Although if she did, Jordan knew she'd be right back where she started. She couldn't do that, not with all the hard work she, her sister, and her friends had gone through. What she needed to do was gather up all those coins and head to the Merchants Guild right away, before anything stupid happened.
Chance touched his nose to the back of her leg and whined. When Jordan looked down at him, he barked then started panting, his floppy tongue hanging.
“You want to come with me, boy?” she asked, scratching behind his ears. “Alright, let's go together. No reason to keep you here all alone.” The house was already empty, Bethany having left early in the morning to go and help in Anders's clinic. Leandra had also left, taking Gamlen with her to go retrieve a few essentials from the market. For once, Gamlen had won some decent coin in his gamblings. When Leandra found out, she took the coins from him and demanded he spend them wisely and not blow them on something ridiculous. Gamlen had fought with her at first, but Leandra never relented, and Gamlen eventually gave in.
Counting out exactly fifty sovereigns, Jordan gathered the coins and placed them in a pouch she strapped across her chest. She placed the remaining coins in a smaller pouch that she secured to her belt. This she would save and give to her mother once she and Bethany were on their way to the Deep Roads. It wasn't much, and Jordan had wished she could have gathered more for her mother to live on since she had no idea when they would be back, but the coins were better than nothing.
It had been a few nights since after Jordan had dealt with Petrice. Even though Jordan had wished she had never taken the job for the Chantry sister, she couldn't really complain about the payment. After getting home, she counted the coins the sister had given her and found there to be eight sovereigns inside. After taking a few small jobs here and there in Lowtown, Jordan then finally sat down with all her money and counted it out. As she left her uncle's house and locked the door, ready to deliver the coins to Bartrand, she still couldn't believe she had actually done it.
As she reached the Merchants Guild, most of the trip from Lowtown to here having been a blur due to her mind swimming with thoughts and possibilities. She thought about what they would find in the Deep Roads, how much money she would make, and what she would do with it once she and Bethany returned home. They were definitely going to buy their ancestral home back no matter how much it cost, if that's what they needed to do in order to get it back. She was also going to make sure her mother received the life she deserved. One of nobility and safety. Jordan knew Leandra would be more safe once she got her out of Lowtown. It was one of the things Jordan feared about leaving for so long. Anything could happen to her mother while she and Bethany were gone. And trusting Gamlen to protect her was almost a joke.
Jordan looked around at the dwarves walking about the courtyard. When she spotted Bartrand, she quickly made her way over. He was arguing with another dwarf about supplies and cost. A third dwarf was also there, standing quietly in the background. By him looked to be a young boy, another dwarf, Jordan thought, but he had no beard and was picking his nose. Jordan waited until Bartrand was done before she spoke.
“Hello, Bartrand, nice seeing you again.”
Bartrand scowled as he turned to her. “And here I thought I'd never see you again. Found your mystical horde of coin yet, human?”
“As a matter of fact, I did.” Jordan took off the pouch and handed it to him. When Bartrand opened the pouch and looked inside, his jaw nearly dropped. “Go ahead and count it all out, if you wish, but fifty sovereigns are there.”
“That's actually impressive,” he said closing the pouch and smiling at her. “Alright, partner. Full share of the profits between you, me, and Varric. And ever since Varric showed me that map he got a hold of somehow, I've been able to chart our course. With this coin, we should be able to leave tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow morning? So soon?” Jordan asked, surprised.
“Yeah, that's when I was originally wanting to leave, but there were a few unseen problems, so I had to push the departure date back. But now with you keeping your end of the bargain, we'll be able to leave right on time. If you still wish to come, then you better get all your shit in gear. Gather who's ever coming with you and meet here in the morning. Make sure you get here early, otherwise we're leaving without ya.”
“Yeah, I'll be sure to be here. I just need to go and get a lot of things done.”
Chance barked and licked her hand.
“Did you hear that, boy? We're leaving tomorrow! Can you believe it?”
“Oh no,” Bartrand said. “You are not bringing that mangy mutt with you!”
“He's not mangy,” Jordan pouted. “And what's wrong with bringing my dog on the expedition?”
“He's a dog, that's why! I don't want him getting in the food and eating all our supplies.”
“He doesn't do that. I've got him trained better than that.”
Bartrand grumbled. “I'm not having another mouth to feed. Not unless you wish to take him as one of your companions. You only get to take two.”
Jordan frowned at this, forgetting that she needed to choose two of her friends to go with her. Really only one, since Bethany would be taking one of those spots. She looked down at Chance and patted his head. “Maybe it's best if you did stay here, boy. You'll be able to watch Mother, won't you?”
He barked happily at her and wagged his tail.
“Doggie!” The young boy shouted, looking on at Chance with bright eyes.
“Ah, do you like the doggie, Sandal?” said the dwarf with him. “It's too bad he can't come with us. You would've had a nice little friend during our journey.”
“You're going into the Deep Roads with us?” Jordan asked.
“That I am. Bodahn Feddic, at your service,” he bowed. “This here is my son, Sandal, and we will be accompanying Bartrand and his expedition all the way through the Deep Roads.”
“You're very brave to do such a thing,” said Jordan as she watched Chance and Sandal begin to play with each other. Becoming annoyed by them, Bartrand moved away and began shouting at someone else.
“I'm no warrior, serah,” Bodahn continued. “And neither is my son, but we're going to help Bartrand with his supplies and to keep all his men fed and well equipped. I'm a traveling merchant by nature. Came here from Ferelden, as I can tell from your accent, that is where you are from as well.”
“Born and raised. Came here from Lothering, right as the darkspawn were attacking it. Barely got my family out of there on time and to here.”
“So I assume you're going to the Deep Roads for them?”
Jordan nodded. “We're in Lowtown right now. I'm hoping this expedition will be our ticket out and into Hightown where I won't have to worry about their safety so much.”
“Ah yes, that I can understand.” Bodahn smiled over at his son. “We were in Ferelden during the Blight, it's one of the reasons why I decided to come here, that and being a traveling merchant, I was heading here anyway. We did help a little with the Blight, however. Supplied some of the soldiers in Denerim during the battle that lead to the archdemon's death. What a sight it was seeing the two Heroes fighting side by side. I hear they made quite a life for themselves after that. One became queen, and if the rumors are right from across the Waking Seas, there should be an heir to the throne real soon.”
“Oh, I don't think I heard that. I didn't realize Grey Wardens could have children.”
“From what I've heard it's not an impossibility, but it surely is a miracle considering the king is one as well. With luck, the baby will be born happy, healthy, and grow up to be one of the best rulers Ferelden has ever seen.”
“We can only hope.” Jordan looked up to see Chance wagging his tail and barking loudly as Sandal did the same thing. “Okay... looks like they became friends quick. Unfortunately, we must be off. Got a lot of things to do before tomorrow.”
“It was nice meeting you, serah,” Bodahn bowed.
“Hawke. My name is Jordan Hawke. And it was nice meeting you as well. I look forward to traveling with you.”
“As do I.”
“Come on, boy!” Jordan whistled. “You and Sandal can play later. Right now I've got some thinking to do.”
Chance barked then licked Sandal in the face before taking off after Jordan.
“Bye, doggie!” Sandal wavered. “Bye nice lady!” Jordan waved back, then turned around and took off toward Hightown.
***
“Jordan, you already know my answer, why did you even bother coming to ask me?”
Jordan stood in front of Aveline's desk, looking down at the warrior as she sat and went over papers. “I know, but I just wanted to make sure you didn't change your mind. I'm about ready to go in the Deep Roads to fight darkspawn, and I can't think of anyone I would rather have by my side than you and my sister.”
“I can see your point,” Aveline said, putting down the papers she was looking at. “Ostagar, Lothering. We've been through a lot together, and if it was me, I'd probably be hoping you would come as well. But unfortunately, I have too many things that need to be done here. In fact, I'll actually start taking on the position of guard-captain tomorrow.”
“Oh, really?” Jordan smiled at her. “I didn't realize you were done with your training. Congratulations, Aveline. Or should I say, Captain Aveline?”
“Not until tomorrow.” Aveline matched her smile. “Or at least until you get back. But if you want someone to go with you who has fought darkspawn before, why don't you ask Anders to go? He is a Grey Warden, after all. I'm surprised you're not asking him first.”
“I already asked him,” Jordan said, crossing her arms. “He stated one of the reasons why he left the Grey Wardens was because he hated the Deep Roads. Vowed to himself he would never go back.”
“That's a pity.” Aveline tapped a pencil on her desk. “I wouldn't have to worry about you and Bethany so much if he was going. At least with a Grey Warden, you wouldn't be surprised by a sudden darkspawn attack.”
“Yeah, well... that's just how it is.”
Aveline stared up at Jordan. “You should go ask him again.”
“I might,” Jordan said quietly. “But only if no one else is willing. Right now I need to go find the others and ask one of them to brave the Deep Roads with me.”
“You go do that. Right now I need to fix this roster and get it ready before tomorrow.” Aveline focused back on the papers. “I have no idea what Jeven was thinking with this roster. There's no organization. It's almost as if he just picked a guard, closed his eyes and pointed. Then there's other things I need to get done.” She looked down her desk, at all the other papers scattered about it.
“I'll leave you to it, then,” said Jordan. “Will I see you tomorrow before we leave?”
“I'll try and make it,” she nodded. “But I can't promise anything.”
“If not, then I'll go ahead and said good-bye now, Aveline. Hopefully I'll see you in the next few months or so.”
“Knowing you, we'll see each other again. And tell Bethany I said good luck. The two of you will need it.”
“Will do.” Jordan saluted Aveline before she exited the captain's office.
***
“I have good news, Varric!” Jordan exclaimed as she approached the dwarf.
“Let me guess,” Varric smiled up at her. “Either you were able to collect the fifty sovereigns for my brother, or you were able to get Anders to express his undying love for you.”
“Don't I wish it was the latter,” Jordan laughed. “But you were right the first time. I've already given Bartrand the coins and now he says we'll be leaving for the Deep Roads first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Ah, Bartrand,” Varric sighed. He looked down into his mug. “I knew he was going to do something like that. He wants to get this expedition on the road as soon as possible. Your contribution gave him just want he needed.”
“Yeah, kind of wish I had waited to give them to him, or came to you first, but it's too late now. So what are you going to do? Aren't you needing to go home and pack?”
“No need.” Varric took a swig from his mug. “Bartrand's already got that done for me, I'm sure.”
“He does your packing for you?”
“He doesn't trust me to do it for myself. I don't mind. Means I can stay here longer and gather plenty of ale and games before heading out. You should sit, Hawke. Grab a mug. We'll play a few rounds of Wicked Grace.”
“Sounds tempting, Varric, but I still have a few more things I gotta do. Like try and find out who I'm taking with me besides you and Bethany.”
“Surprised you don't already have that planned out.”
“Well I kind of do, but... I want to check out the other options first. Now where's Isabela?” Jordan looked around the tavern before spotting the pirate sitting with Merrill as the two chatted.
“You can try,” said Varric. “But I already know her answer.”
“You never know,” Jordan smiled. “I'll see you tomorrow, Varric.”
“Not unless you come in here tonight. But, yeah, I'll see ya.”
Jordan then made her way over to the rogue and mage, hearing their conversation as she approached.
“Do you really like sailing?” Merrill asked.
“Like it? I love it!” Isabela empathized. “The salt spray on my face, the wind whipping by my ears, the gulls screaming overhead—I love it all.”
“Don't you get sick? I was so sick on our trip across the sea.”
“Were you in the hold?”
“Everyone was in the hold.”
“There's your problem. You need to be up on deck, under the sky, with nothing between you and the horizon. You see, Kitten, sailing is like sex. Do it wrong, and it'll make you sick. But do it right, and there's no feeling in the world like it.”
“Nice advice to give her, Isabela,” Jordan said as she joined in.
“What? It's true!” Isabela smirked.
“I... I wouldn't really know,” Merrill said as she looked away, red coloring her cheeks.
“Oh, Kitten,” Isabela cooed. “Looks like I have an excuse to go to the Blooming Rose after all.”
“What do you mean?” Merrill asked, looking scared.
“It means since I can't take Bethany to the Blooming Rose because Jordan won't let me, I'll take you instead.” Isabela broadened her smile.
Merrill suddenly lost all the color that had flooded her cheeks from before.
“Don't worry, Merrill,” Jordan laughed. “Isabela might not even have a chance.”
“Oh? Are you going to keep me from taking her as well?” Isabela cocked an eyebrow at Jordan.
“I'm saying it because one of you might be joining me in the Deep Roads.”
“Oh, you collected all the money you need!” Merrill perked. “Right?”
“Yes I did,” Jordan beamed. “And everything is set for us to leave tomorrow morning.”
Merrill and Isabela stared at her.
“Gee, don't the two of you volunteer all at once, now.”
“So soon, ha ha,” Merrill laughed nervously.
“It really is,” said Isabela. “And when I offered to help you, it was never mentioned I would actually be going with you in the Deep Roads.”
“I missed that part too,” Merrill added.
“I'm not saying you have to go,” Jordan said, rolling her eyes. “I'm just asking. Course, by the way you two are acting, I guess I have my answer. Some friends you are.”
“Oh, please,” Isabela said, waving her off. “You probably already knew what we would say even before you asked.”
“But don't think it's not because we don't care about you,” said Merrill.
“We just don't want to go trudging through darkspawn invested tunnels. It's bad for the skin.”
“Right.” Jordan shook her head at her two friends. “Okay, if the two of you won't come with me, then who else am I suppose to ask?”
“I'm pretty sure he won't say no to you.” Isabela nodded her head to someone behind Jordan. When she turned to see who it was, Jordan saw Fenris walk into the tavern and make his way over to Varric's table.
Jordan knew that Fenris was probably the only one that would go with her and Bethany, but she had tried to avoid it. Last thing she needed was for him to get angry at Bethany and try and attack her in the Deep Roads. She also didn't need to constantly be arguing with him the whole time. Only the Maker knew how long they would be stuck together down there. But one good thing about Fenris was Jordan knew she could trust him to have her back. He was a good fighter, after all, and that was something she could trust him about.
“Hey, Fenris,” Jordan said, stopping him before he could reach Varric. “Here for yours and Varric's weekly round of Diamondback?”
“Hawke,” Fenris nodded. “Was there something you needed?”
“Sort of. Just wanted to let you know I turned in fifty sovereigns to Bartrand this morning. And he wants us to head to the Deep Roads tomorrow.”
“If that's the case, then I'll be there.”
“You will?” Jordan said, astonished. “And I didn't even have to ask.”
“I gave you my word I'd help you,” he said. “That includes following you into the Deep Roads. I figured that is what you would want me to do anyway.”
“Well... yes. Can you also be able to work with Bethany? She's coming as well.”
“I would rather work with her than the other two. Bethany is the only mage I have actually come to respect. You don't need to worry, Hawke. I will have her back just as I will have yours.”
“I'm glad to hear it,” Jordan nodded. “Since you are coming, meet us at the Merchants Guild early in the morning. I know Bartrand is going to want to leave as soon as possible.”
“Then I shall see you tomorrow, then.” Fenris smiled as he nodded toward her.
Jordan smiled back and let him continue on to Varric. She then left the tavern and started heading toward Darktown, her last stop.
***
“You said you learned your magic from your father?” Anders asked Bethany. “Where did he learn his? If you don't mind me asking.”
“Oh no,” Bethany said as she started cleaning herself up after healing a particularly dirty urchin. “I'm surprised you haven't asked sooner. He learned his magic in the Circle. At the Gallows, right here in Kirkwall. It was also here in the city that he met our mother and fell in love.”
“And yet he was able to escape,” Anders pondered. “That must have been a miracle, considering the Gallows are a lot harder to escape from than Kinloch Hold was.”
“Yes. He never really went into too much detail about how he and Mother got away, and in truth, I never really asked. All I know is when they got to Ferelden, they never really stopped running. They would settle for a time, then once the templars caught wind something wasn't right with my father—and soon eventually me—we would have to leave. It wasn't until we reached Lothering where we were finally able to settle fully. With the Korcari Wilds as our backyard, the templars usually ignored us if they sensed magic, thinking it was just coming from there.”
“You don't know how lucky you were, Bethany,” Anders said, looking downcast. “To have someone like your father teaching you. And to have someone like your sister to protect you. Many mages would kill for that.”
“You know, you remind me of my father at times.” Bethany smiled sweetly at him. “I know that if he could, he would have supported your cause whole-heartedly. And he would have loved this.” She gestured to the whole clinic, which was empty of patients at the moment. “He would have wanted to help people.”
“Just like you?”
“That's where I got it from.”
“What about the other part?” Anders asked as he sat down across from her. “Will you help to back my cause? Just like your father. I know your sister is already behind it.”
“I...” Bethany stared at him, unsure. “I don't know.”
“How can you not know? You know the horrors we mages have to go through. Even if you lived a life free from the Circle, you still had to hide from templars. You still had to resist using your magic when you could have used it to save someone's life.”
“I know, but...” Bethany looked away from him. “I just feel my life might have been easier... easier on Jordan and Carver if...”
“If what?”
“If I had--”
“Bethany?” Jordan stood in the doorway to the clinic, staring in at her sister and seeing she appeared upset. “What's wrong.”
Bethany forced a smile on her face. “Nothing, Sister. But what brings you here?”
Jordan looked over at Anders to try and find an answer. He only stared back before sighing and standing from his seat. He then went over to a desk and started fidgeting with bottles and ingredients.
“I'm here because I have some... sort of good news.” Jordan made her way over to Bethany and smiled down at her sister.
Bethany stood. “Did we actually do it?” she asked. “Did we seriously make it to fifty sovereigns?”
“Yes we did.”
“Oh!” Bethany clapped her hands together. “How exciting! Have you already given the coins to Bartrand? I hope you have, otherwise you should give them to me. I don't want you doing anything stupid with them.”
“Don't worry, Bethie, I gave them to Bartrand this morning. He has them and we are set to leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
Bethany was shocked by this. “Why are we leaving so soon?”
“Because that's just how Bartrand is, I guess.”
“Right. Then I need to go and pack. Let's see... I need to make a list. Make sure I have plenty of poultices and bandages... Is Chance coming with us?” Bethany asked as she peered down at the dog sitting at Jordan's side.
“Unfortunately no,” Jordan sighed as she looked down at him. Chance glanced up at her whined. “Sorry, boy, but you know why,” she said rubbing his head. “Instead, he's going to stay here and guard Mother.”
“I think that might be best,” said Bethany. “I'd trust Chance more than I'd trust Uncle Gamlen.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Do you mind if I head home, Anders?” Bethany asked him. “I need to pack and get everything ready. Will you be all right without me?”
“Go ahead, Bethany,” Anders smiled. “There's no one here at the moment, so I should be fine.”
Bethany nodded and started making her way out. Jordan had Chance go with her while she stood in the clinic for a moment.
“So... tomorrow?” Anders asked, after a few moments of silence.
“Yeah,” Jordan said. “Can you believe it?”
“Not really. I didn't think you would ever make it to fifty sovereigns.”
“Neither did I. But I made it, and tomorrow I'm off to the Deep Roads. Things should start coming around now.”
“Yeah...” Anders looked back at the desk he was sitting at. “So who else is going with you besides Varric and Bethany?”
“Fenirs.”
“Fenris?” Anders quickly turned back around and nearly gawked at her. “You really trust him that much to be going into the Deep Roads with you?”
“Well... sure,” Jordan shrugged. “Yeah, he has his bad moments, and we don't really agree on many things, but I trust him to watch my back. Besides, the one person who I really wanted to go with me refused.” Jordan stared him directly in the eyes. “So I didn't really have any other options.”
Anders took a deep sigh.
“So will you at least be there to see us off?” Jordan asked.
“Yeah... I'll be there,” Anders said softly.
“Thank you. I'll go ahead and head back now. Need to tell my mother about what's going on. I know she's going to freak, and I think it best I be there instead of just Bethany.”
“Right...”
“Oh, and do you mind watching her? I mean, I know Chance will be there to make sure Mother will be okay, but... having someone like you looking out for her would keep my mind at ease.”
Anders nodded. “There's no need to worry. I'll look out for your mother.”
“Then I'll... see you tomorrow.” Jordan waved as she turned to leave the clinic.
“Wait, Jordan!” Anders said as he stood.
Jordan faced him. “Yes?”
They stared at each other for a moment, neither of them saying anything. “Just... be careful. Watch over Bethany. She may be... vulnerable in the Deep.”
Jordan half smiled. “She'll be safe with me. She always is.”
“You can't protect her from everything.”
“I have so far.” Jordan nodded before finally making her way out. Anders stayed where he was standing, staring out his clinic with a sad expression on his face.
***
It was early in the morning the next day, the sun still rising as it cast its light across the courtyard of the Merchants Guild. Jordan stood in that light, feeling its warmth, trying to memorize how it felt. It would be awhile before she would feel the warmth of the sun again. Once they entered the Deep Roads, they would be surrounded by darkness, corruption and cold stone.
Standing with her was Bethany, also doing the same as she raised her hands to see them in the light of the rising sun. She had her staff, Honor, as well as two packs stuffed to bursting with healing potions and other first aid equipment. Standing to Jordan's other side was Fenris, who had only come with his greatsword. When Jordan had asked him where his other supplies were, he stated he didn't need anything. He was used to traveling light. Most of the time when he was running from the hunters, all he had was his sword and the clothes on his back. It was all he would need.
The rest of their little gang had also come to see them off. Aveline, Merrill, and Isabela stood in the background, keeping out of the way of the expedition staff as they hustled about getting things in order. Jordan looked back at them then around the courtyard. Anders had not shown yet.
Bartrand was in the middle of it all, shouting at everyone who passed him by whether they were in trouble or not. The courtyard was filled with dwarves, humans, and a few elves who would be going. There were three large carts with oxen hooked up to them that were being loaded with supplies. Bodahn and his son, Sandal, went from cart to cart, organizing the supplies and making sure everything was in order. Later, when they reached the Deep Roads, the oxen would be exchanged for brontos, and possibly even be eaten. A last great meal before they would descend into the Deep.
“Everything going all right?” Jordan asked Varric as she saw him make his way through the chaos and over to her.
“So far, so good,” he said. “Man, am I glad I'm not Bartrand right now. I wouldn't know the first thing that needed to be done.”
“I'm sure if you needed to, you could have figured it out,” said Bethany.
“You give me too much credit, Sunshine. I might be good at telling stories and dealing with the Coterie, but when it comes to planning an expedition of this size... I'd be lost.”
“So when are you all heading out?” Isabela asked. “I don't plan on waiting out here all morning. It's too early, anyway.”
“For you, maybe,” said Aveline. “But this is about the time I would be getting up anyway.”
“When do you start the day, Aveline?” Jordan asked. “Are you officially captain of the guard now? Or will that not start until you cross the threshold?”
“I am officially captain of the guard,” Aveline beamed. “And my day will start as soon as I'm done here, seeing you off.”
“I don't know if I want to see you all go,” said Merrill. “What if you don't come back?”
“We'll come back, Merrill,” said Jordan. “Make sure you're still here, though. Don't let me come back and find out you've been thrown in the Gallows.”
“That won't happen with me around,” Isabela said as she wrapped her arm around Merrill's shoulders. “I'll keep Merrill out of trouble.”
“And put her in a different type of trouble,” Aveline sneered.
Isabela smirked at her.
“You keep searching for that relic of yours,” Jordan said to Isabela. “We're going to find it when I get back.”
“Of course. I've been unable to find anything on it so far, but then again, you have been distracting me. Now with you gone for awhile, I might actually be able to find something.”
“Right,” Jordan laughed.
They continued their good-byes, hugging one another, expect for Fenris who didn't like anyone touching him. All the while, Jordan searched for Anders, but still saw no sign of him. It made her worry. She had at least wanted to see him before she set off, but it was looking as if that might not happen.
“So are you ready?” Bartrand asked as he came to her. “It's a long trek before we reach our destination.”
“I suppose we are,” Jordan sighed.
“Alright, then let's waste no more time. We've chosen one of the hidden entrances. The Deep Roads there will be nice and virginal, ready for a good deflowering.”
“Now there's an interesting image,” Varric chuckled.
“How long before we get there?” Bethany asked.
“It'll take a week for us to get to the depth we need, and I'm sure there are bound to be leftover darkspawn from the Blight. Big risks, big rewards.”
“Isn't that why we're here?” said Jordan. “This sounds like it's going to be a blast!”
“Exactly!” Bartrand exclaimed. “Now, before we... wait. Who invited the old woman?”
Jordan turned to see her mother walking towards them. “Watch it, Bartrand,” she said to him. “That's my mother you're talking about.”
“Sorry,” he said, seeming sincere. “But my question still stands.”
“I'm sorry to interrupt, ser dwarf,” Leandra bowed. “But I need to speak with my children.”
“What do you want, Mother?” Jordan asked. They had already had this conversation last night. Leandra wasn't pleased her two daughters were going, but she hadn't argued a whole lot about it. Jordan wondered what she was trying to do.
“Please,” Leandra pleaded to her two daughters. “Please, don't have the both of you go. Let Bethany stay here.”
“Mother...” said Jordan. “But I need her! I need a mage to go with me on this expedition. Bartrand doesn't have any others coming.”
“I'll be fine, Mother,” said Bethany. “I want to go.”
Leandra shook her head at both of them. “It's not fine!” she shouted. “You can't both go! What if something were to happen to you? Jordan, I understand you wanting to do this. But leave your sister here, I beg you!”
“It's the templars or the darkspawn, Mother. At least I'm allowed to fight darkspawn.”
“No...” Tears were beginning to form in Leandra's eyes, making Jordan start to rethink her decision. But if she didn't take Bethany, who else was left?
“I'll take her place.”
Jordan spun from hearing Anders's voice. She stared at him, seeing he was already packed and prepared for a long journey. “You're willing to go into the Deep Roads?” Jordan asked him slowly.
“I know what I said,” Anders explained. “But I also know your mother is right. The both of you can't go. It's too risky.”
“But...” Jordan looked around at everyone. “Bethany will be safer with me than here alone.”
“She won't be alone,” said Aveline. “I'll check in on her and Leandra from time to time.”
“As will we,” said Isabela, Merrill nodding her head in acknowledgment.
Jordan turned to Bethany, still unsure. “What do you think?”
“Honestly,” Bethany said as she stared at her sister. “I'm scared to death of the Deep Roads.”
“Then...” Jordan swallowed hard. “Maybe it's best if you did stay. I don't like it, but...”
“It'll be all right, Jordan,” Bethany said as she went and hugged her. “You don't always need to be there to protect me.”
“But I do. I made that promise.” Jordan held up her index finger and pressed it to Bethany's.
“I know.” Bethany frowned at their connection. “It'll be all right. I'll be fine.” She smiled at Jordan the best she could.
Jordan sighed, finally relenting, but something heavy still hung on her heart. She wasn't going to like being away from her sister for so long. “Okay, you stay here. I'll take Anders and Fenris with me into the Deep Roads.”
“Oh, thank the Maker!” Leandra sighed with relief. She went over and hugged her eldest daughter. “You made the right decision.”
“I sure hope so,” Jordan whispered.
“Bethany, do you mind watching over my patients for me?” Anders asked her. “I don't know how long I'll be gone, and they're going to need someone to take care of them.”
“I'll do that, Anders,” Bethany nodded. “You can count on me.”
“Great,” Fenris grunted. “Now I have to put up with you?” He glared in Anders's direction.
“Don't think this is any better for me,” Anders glared back. “I have to deal with you. And I hate the blighted Deep Roads.”
“Is everything finally settled?” said Bartrand. “Personal drama over with?”
“Yeah, we're finally ready,” said Jordan.
“Then let's get this freak show moving. Come on, men! Let's head out!”
They all said their good-byes one last time before Jordan, Varric, Fenris, and Anders joined with the large expedition as they made their way out of the Merchants Guild courtyard.
“Been a long time coming, eh, Brother?” Varric said as he went by Bartrand.
“That it has.” Bartrand smiled wickedly as he looked to both his brother and Jordan. “Let's not put it off any longer. The Deep Roads await!”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
- 29
- 30
- 31
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Blood Promise