Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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.

Chapter List
- 38
- 39
- 40
The Urn

A soft light shined in her eyes, causing her to stir. Zelda could feel every muscle in her body as she came back from sleep. She felt heavy and stiff. Slowly her mind floated back to reality.
“Good, you’re awake.” The familiar voice echoed in her ears, helping her to wake. Zelda groaned a little from the stiffness and resistance her muscles gave her when she moved them. When she opened her eyes fully, she saw Leliana sitting next to her on the bed.
“Leliana?” she said groggy. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Almost two days, now,” Leliana answered.
“Two days?” Zelda rubbed her eyes, removing the crust that had accumulated around them. “Was I that exhausted?”
“Apparently you were, although Wynne did put a sleeping spell on you to make sure you stayed asleep. At one point you got really restless, and we were afraid you might hurt yourself.”
“Restless?” Zelda whispered. She vaguely remembered a dream, one that was full of monsters and pain. “I did have a bad dream about werewolves and skeletons, I think. It was... strange.”
“I’m sure it was.” Leliana stood and walked over to the vanity on the other side of the room. On it was a tray with a few cups and a tea pot. Leliana poured some tea into a cup then went back to the bed and handed it to Zelda. “Here, drink this. It’s a special tea Esumi made for everyone. It’ll help to relax your muscles a little.”
Zelda sat up in the bed and took the cup. It was warm, and the aroma from the tea was refreshing. It smelled somewhat grassy and the color was a light green, and when she brought it to her lips, it tasted as such. The tea was a little bitter, but once she got used to the flavor it settled nicely. Zelda noticed that she was no longer wearing her armor. Instead, she was just in her undershirt. A hazy memory of Alistair carrying her into the room came to the front of her thoughts. She wondered if it had been him who took off her armor. A blush came to her cheeks as she thought about it.
“See, color is coming back to your face already,” Leliana said smiling. Zelda wondered if she should tell her the real reason why there was color, but then decided it was better not to. She wasn’t ready to have that conversation with Leliana again.
“So, did you and Alistair get any rest?” Zelda asked after taking another sip.
“Oh, we did, but it was you who needed it the most. You were so exhausted by the time the exorcism was done that Alistair carried you in here. Wynne and I then came in and removed your armor so you could sleep better. Then Isolde showed us a place where we could rest. The arlessa is very grateful for what you did, Zelda.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” she said. “So, how is everyone? Are Connor and Jowan okay?”
Leliana had gotten back up and grabbed her own cup of tea. When she sat back on the bed she nodded at Zelda's question. “They're fine. They nearly slept as long as you, but they’re up now. Connor doesn’t seem to remember very much of what happened. He seems to think that it was all just a dream, and Isolde and Teagan are happy to keep him thinking that. Jowan, well... he’s good, but...”
Zelda’s face fell. “Don’t tell me..”
“Teagan had him placed back in the dungeons.”
“What? Why? He saved Connor’s life! Why is Isolde letting him do this?”
“Isolde was reluctant at first,” said Leliana. “But then she agreed. Even though Jowan helped to save Connor, he still poisoned the arl. Eamon is still alive, thank the Maker, but he is also still comatose. All the mages have tried everything they can to cure him, but it doesn’t look good. They don’t know if he’ll ever wake, or how long he might have before he passes on.”
Zelda sighed. “I suppose also that Cullen is going to take him back to the tower?”
Leliana began giggling, making Zelda look at her weird. “That’s actually a funny story,” she said.
“What?”
“Cullen and Esumi were arguing about that. He wants to take him back, because of course, it’s his duty, but Esumi wants him to let Jowan go, because he’s her friend, and for the same reasons you said. It was just funny because the argument didn’t last very long. All Esumi had to do was flash Cullen those gorgeous eyes of hers and he seemed to turn into putty. After that he was tongue-tied and stuttered a lot before they finally came to an agreement.”
“Which was?”
“Esumi and Cullen are going to stay here until there is some type of improvement with the arl. If he dies, then Cullen will execute Jowan here. If he wakes, then, well... I don’t think they thought of anything for that yet.”
“Poor Jowan,” Zelda sighed. “From what he told us back in the dungeon, it doesn’t seem like he can get a break.”
“I know.” Leliana took a sip of her tea and the two women sat in silence.
Zelda felt bad for the poor mage. He didn’t seem like a bad person. He had just made a few bad decisions and now he was paying a heavy price for them. She wished she could do something to help him just as he had helped her. But was there anything she could do? Even if Arl Eamon did live, there was still the fact that Jowan was a blood mage, or at least he had used blood magic. Even if he stopped using it, it didn’t matter, not to the Chantry, and not to the templars. He would be executed no matter what. Not without both the king’s and the grand cleric’s pardon, at least.
Zelda shook her head. That would never happen. Not just because there was no king at the moment, but because convincing the grand cleric to pardon a blood mage would be like trying to convince a hungry dragon not to eat you. And the grand cleric was scarier than any hungry dragon. No, there was no hope for Jowan. That one mistake of using blood magic was the one that would end his life. But then again, maybe not. Zelda wondered why she hadn’t thought of it before. She could conscript Jowan into the Grey Wardens. No one would be able to stop her, not Teagan or Cullen or even Greagoir, and definitely not the grand cleric. Grey Wardens were the one group the Chantry didn’t have rule over. There was just one small problem: Zelda didn’t know how to do the Joining, and she figured neither did Alistair. Even if she could conscript Jowan, he wouldn’t be safe until he became a Grey Warden, and who knew when that would be able to happen. No, that wouldn’t work either.
Zelda slumped her shoulders when the realization that she could do nothing came to her. No, I can’t except that, she thought. I will not let him die because of something stupid. Zelda needed to go and speak to him.
A knock on the door caused her to sit up straight again.
“Come in,” said Leliana.
The door opened and Alistair peered in. “Oh good, you’re awake,” he said once he saw Zelda. She could see the smile on his face was very broad as he opened the door further. It then crashed open, nearly hurtling Alistair to the ground as Rupee came bolting through. The large hound barked loudly as she bounded through the room, jumping on the bed and nearly causing Zelda to spill her tea.
“Rupee, ah!” Zelda said as the dog licked her face. “Calm down, girl!”
Rupee barked before she backed down from the bed. She sat and stared up at her mistress, tongue hanging out and tail wagging a mile a minute. Zelda shook her head at the dog, happy to see that she missed her.
Alistair cleared his throat, bringing Zelda back to him. She noticed he wasn’t wearing his armor. He was dressed in a clean brown tunic and trousers. His face had also been shaven and hair trimmed and washed. It made him look exceptionally handsome and Zelda couldn’t help but to stare at him. A new blush then came to her checks as she realized what a freight she must look. Her hair all messy and long, as well as the fact that she wasn’t wearing anything except her undershirt and smallclothes. It made the blush on her checks grow even hotter and she slowly pulled the covers over her bosom.
It seemed that Alistair had also noticed and it made his own face red. He averted his gaze from her and scratched his head, acting nervous. Leliana smiled as she saw how the two acted.
“Is there anything else, Alistair?” she asked. “Or did you just come to see how she was doing?”
“Huh? Oh!” Alistair shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Right, Teagan wanted me to check on Zelda to see if she was up yet. If she was, he wishes for her to get ready and then to meet him in the arl’s room. The arl still hasn’t woken yet.”
“Yes, Leliana told me,” said Zelda.
“So I believe if she is to get ready, maybe you should leave, don’t you think?” Leliana said getting off the bed and shooing Alistair out of the room.
“Hey! I’m going, I’m going,” he said. “I’ll just wait out here.”
Leliana shut the door and began to giggle. “That boy. You tease him, you know.”
“I’m not the one who told him to come in knowing I’m half naked.” Zelda lifted off the covers and flung her legs over the side. She noticed her muscles were no longer sore and stiff and she was feeling much better than when she first woke.
“How was I suppose to know it was Alistair? It could have been Wynne or Isolde or Esumi.”
“You could've asked who it was first before saying they could come in.”
“Oh stop it, Zelda,” Leliana chuckled as she walked over to the vanity and grabbed a pile of folded cloth. “You know you liked it.” She handed the pile to Zelda who was still sitting on the bed. She took it, noticing that it was a dress. Zelda stuck out her tongue. The dress was pretty, made of fine golden silk and red velvet that bordered around the waist and the hems. She just couldn’t stand dresses.
“Do I have to wear this?” she asked holding it up.
“Are you seriously going to wear nothing but armor while we stay here? Besides, it’s a gift from Teagan. I picked it out myself. Thought the colors would go nicely with your skin tone and hair. If you would like, I could have the servants bring you some hot water and you could take a bath first.”
“That would be good,” said Zelda. “I would love a hot bath.” She ran her fingers through her hair. It was much longer now, hanging to her shoulders. “And a haircut.”
“Then I will be right back.” Leliana left the room and Zelda heard her say something to Alistair before she heard both of them make their way down the hall.
Rupee jumped up on the bed and settled herself next to Zelda. She yawned and stretched out, placing her large head in Zelda’s lap.
Zelda held back up the dress. “What do you think?” she asked the dog.
Rupee barked her approval.
“Traitor,” she said scratching behind her ears. “Ah, well. I guess I can’t fight every battle.” She held it back up and looked at it again. “A gift from Teagan, huh? Let’s hope it fits.”
***
When Zelda was finished, cleaned and dressed, she stood in her room, looking at herself in the vanity mirror. Leliana had made an excellent choice, and the dress fit perfectly, though it was a little awkward on top. But it did at least fit better than the last dress she wore, which she desperately tried not to think about since it was the last thing she wore before she lost her family.
“See, you look absolutely gorgeous!” Leliana was behind her, lacing up the back. She didn’t look bad herself in a new red and orange silk gown.
“Why do we have to get all fancy?” Zelda asked. “It’s not like we’re going to a salon or anything. We’re just going to go talk with Teagan and Isolde about what’s going to happen next.”
“Yes, yes, but don’t you want to take this opportunity to wear something other than leather for a change? Bleh.” Leliana shook her head. “Besides, you’re going to make everyone’s head turn when you walk in that room. I definitely know Alistair won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“And you say I’m the one torturing him.”
Leliana chuckled. “It’s not like I’m trying to start a fire. One is already there. I’m just trying to fan it a little.”
Once they were ready, Zelda, Leliana, and Rupee made their way out into the hall. Rupee had also gotten a bath as well, and Zelda couldn’t help but to admire her shining red coat, how wonderful and bright it looked cleaned and brushed out. Zelda also had her hair cut, back to it’s original short length, but instead of putting it up, she let it hang loose. It was Leliana’s suggestion, since Alistair had ever only seen her with her hair up.
Leliana lead the way through the castle and soon they reached the royal bedchambers where they found Alistair standing outside, waiting for them. Just as Leliana had expected, once he caught sight of Zelda, he not only couldn’t take his eyes off her, but he couldn’t seem to speak either.
“Um... It’s... You look...”
“Thank you, Alistair,” said Zelda, saving him from trying to form a proper sentence. “I appreciate it, though this wasn’t my idea. Leliana forced me. I can’t stand wearing these things.”
“I think you look... fine,” he was able to say.
Leliana shook her head at him. “Is that all you can say? After all the time I spent on her, all you can say is that she looks fine?”
“Leave him alone, Leliana. It’s your fault.”
“Perhaps we should go in and see Teagan and Isolde now?” Alistair said after swallowing hard. He gestured for Zelda and Leliana to go first. Zelda took the lead, but noticed behind her that Leliana didn’t go until Alistair did. It made her sigh heavily and wishing that the bard would stop.
They made their way up the ramp and under the arch all the way to the back room of the chamber. Zelda entered the room and saw a large bed at the back. There, on the bed was an old man with graying hair and beard. He was wrinkled and looked withered and sickly. Zelda barely recognized the arl as he laid in the bed. She had only seen him a few times when he had visited Highever, and whenever she was with her father in Denerim, but never did she think he looked as old as he did now. He didn’t even look like the man she remembered. He was more like a corpse, lying with his skin clinging to his bones, and hair wiry and thin.
Sitting next to him, with her hands hovering over his body, was Esumi. She had her eyes closed and a soft yellow glow emitted from the palm of her hands as she swept them back and forth. Standing next to her was Cullen. He looked over her shoulder, watching her work with the intensity only a lover could give. He glanced over when Zelda entered, and the two warrior’s eyes met. Cullen nodded at her, and Zelda felt respect pass between them. She nodded back.
“Oh, my lady,” said Teagan as he came to her side. Zelda hadn’t even noticed him standing in the corner with Isolde. He took her hand and kissed it, bringing her out of the doorframe that she had stopped in and brought her closer to the bed the arl laid in. Alistair and Leliana followed.
“You look so beautiful, Zelda,” Teagan continued. “I’m glad that dress suited you. I must admit, I did have my doubts.”
“You should never doubt my work, Bann Teagan,” said Leliana. “I know what I’m talking about.”
“Well, I won’t anymore.”
“Yes, anyway,” Zelda said trying to steer the conversation away from her. “I understand that Connor is all right? I also heard and can see that the arl is still sick. Where does that leave us?”
“Yes, it is over,” Teagan sighed with relief. “Connor is his old self. He does not seem to remember anything, which is a blessing. I suppose we will need to send him to the Circle of Magi’s tower for... training, once the war is over. It’s so odd to think of the boy as a mage, of all things. Eamon has much to mourn and rebuild when he recovers. But at least he can be thankful that both his son and wife are safe.”
“I owe you my deepest thanks,” said Isolde. “If it wasn’t for you... then my boy may not be here with us right now.”
“I did what I knew was best,” said Zelda. “I don’t make promises and then not fulfill them. And there is something I would like to discuss with the both of you. I need to know Jowan’s fate.”
At the mention of her best friend, Esumi looked up from her work. Cullen placed his hand on her shoulder and they both fixed their gaze on Zelda, as did everyone else in the room.
“Jowan, yes,” Teagan said. “You trusted him and he saved Connor’s life. I am unsure of what to make of that. We have decided to hold him for Eamon to decide his fate. If he doesn’t recover, Jowan’s fate is sealed. What do you think?”
Zelda looked over at Cullen, knowing that it was he who had actually made the decision.
“If Eamon dies, then I will have no choice,” was all he said.
“Then I suppose that’s what needs to be done,” said Zelda. “Although I think he should be released for the good he has done.”
Cullen sighed. This was a conversation he already had, and appeared to not want to have again. “You know I can’t do that. Eamon is still sick, and he still has blood mage charges against him. I’m risking a lot just letting him stay here.”
Zelda shifted her eyes to Esumi, but the elven mage was not looking at her anymore. She then stared back at Cullen. “I understand. I guess that means we have to try and find a way to help the arl.” Zelda focused back on Teagan. “What needs to be done?”
“I’m not sure,” said Teagan. “Whatever the demon did to my brother, it seems to have spared his life... but he remains comatose. We cannot wake him.”
“Is there nothing that can be done?” Zelda asked. “Did you ask Jowan what he did? Maybe he knows the cure.”
“I already asked,” answered Esumi. “He’s not even sure what he used because it was Rendon Howe who gave it to him.”
“Howe?” Zelda said facing the elf. Her face and voice becoming hard from the mention of his name. “He’s involved in this?”
Esumi nodded. “Loghain gave him the orders, while Howe gave him the poison. I’m kind of ashamed that he didn’t check to know what type of poison it was, but Jowan doesn’t do very well under pressure. I’ve been trying to analyze it myself, but it’s hard once the poison has reached this stage. I don’t know how long the arl has, but I can tell that it’s actually the demon’s influence that sustains him, even with her destruction. Course, as I said, I don’t know how long that will last.”
“So we have nothing?” said Zelda. Esumi reluctantly nodded her head.
“No, that is not true,” Isolde suddenly spoke up. “There is the Urn. The Urn of Sacred Ashes.”
Everyone but Teagan seemed surprised by what Isolde had just said. The Urn of Sacred Ashes was a relic said to contain the ashes of the prophet, Andraste. It was said that the ashes contained a healing power so potent that they could heal any disease. If the Urn truly existed, then there was no doubt it could cure the arl. There was just one problem.
“The Urn is a legend,” said Zelda. “It might never be found.”
“That is a possibility,” answered Teagan. “But there is a reason it’s still an option. I am not simply grasping at straws.”
“My husband funded the research of a scholar in Denerim—a Brother Genitivi,” said Isolde. “He has been studying the inscriptions on Andraste’s Birth Rock. When Eamon fell ill, I sent the knights to speak to Genitivi. I hoped that he had finally discovered the location of the Urn of Sacred Ashes itself, but they were unable to locate him. In desperation, I sent more knights in search of the brother or some clue of the Urn’s location.”
So that's why there were so few knights here to guard the castle when the demon attacked. It wasn’t something that had crossed Zelda’s mind before, but she had been preoccupied with other things. “You want to go after a legend in order to cure Eamon?” she said. “I’m sorry, Isolde, but I don’t think going after myths is going to do anything.”
“I know,” said Isolde. “But what other choice do I have? We have already tried every type of healing magic there is. And if a mage like Esumi or Wynne or even the first enchanter can’t find out the cause, then we have no choice but to chase after myths. I will not give up. Not while Eamon is still alive, anyway.”
Zelda began to think. She could understand Isolde’s passion, even if it was moot. But Zelda did want to help. Her task of making sure their family stayed in tact was not yet complete, and as she looked at her companions, she saw that they too, wished to help. There was only one thing that they could do.
“Then we will go and find the Urn,” said Zelda. “But Denerim is so far away. I don’t know if we’ll make it in time.”
“Arawin is close to Denerim,” Alistair said. “The Brecilian Forest is just south of the capital. Maybe you could contact her and ask her to head there next.”
It was a good idea, and Zelda couldn’t think of anything better. “But what if Arawin isn’t done finding the Dalish yet? I haven’t heard from her since last we spoke.”
“This Arawin,” Teagan spoke. “Is she the other Grey Warden?”
“Yes,” answered Zelda. “We split after leaving Lothering and she is also the one who I spoke with after the battle with the corpses in the village. We have a special... bond, so I can talk to her long distance. And I could ask her to go, the problem is I don’t know what situation she’s in. She might not be able to do it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with trying, though,” said Alistair. “Besides, don’t you think you need to contact her anyway so she knows what is going on with us?”
Zelda chuckled a little at the prospect of contacting Arawin. It was never a pleasant experience, and not just because of Arawin’s overwhelming personality. The act of being pulled from one’s body and into a void was unpleasant enough.
“I suppose I should,” said Zelda. “But first I will need some information, such as Brother Genitivi’s location. Denerim is not a small city.”
“I will gather what I have,” said Isolde. “And, of course, as you wait for your friend’s response, you are welcome here as long as you wish.” She bowed to everyone and left the room.
Teagan watched her go and sighed. “Thank you,” he said to Zelda. “I know that going after the Urn will not be easy, and you may not find it at all or even in time, but I appreciate that you are going to try. It is more than I could have asked for.”
“Howe’s done a lot of damage,” Zelda said looking down at the floor. “I will not let him ruin another family.” She felt hands guide themselves into her own. At first she thought it was Teagan’s, coming to comfort her as he knew of what she spoke. But when she looked up she saw that it was Alistair who was holding her hands.
“And he won’t,” he said gazing in her eyes. “You’ve already made sure of that.”
Zelda knew he spoke the truth. Even if Eamon died, Isolde and Connor were still alive. And now that they knew the truth about Loghain and Howe, she knew they would be some of her strongest allies.
“Right,” Zelda said straightening herself. “I will make sure he is never able to ruin another family again.”
***
Zelda found herself alone in the arl’s room with Leliana and Esumi. A soldier had come in, asking Teagan for his presence in a matter and seeing if there were any able-bodied men to help with the repairs in the village. Both Alistair and Cullen had volunteered, as there was very little either of them could do at this point about their situation. The next step was contacting Arawin, and only Zelda could do that. Getting their hands dirty and helping was something that the women saw the two men needed to do. Zelda had seen that Cullen had shed his templar armor and replaced it with lighter splitmail. She didn’t think the armor did him justice like his templar armor did, but he did seem more comfortable. Esumi seemed to like it better, however.
As the men left, leaving the three women alone in the room, Zelda wondered if now would be the best time to contact Arawin or not. It was in the evening, with the sun still out, but beginning to dip down in the sky. She wondered what Arawin was doing, as the last thing she could remember the elf doing was walking in a forest. The memory of when she had been attacked by Uldred was the last time the two bonded had been close. Ever since that time, Zelda could feel Arawin was closer now. Not physically, but emotionally. Her presence was like a pin-prick on her subconscious, and that’s all it was. Zelda could not get anything from the pin-prick except that Arawin was still alive. She couldn’t tell if she was distressed or anything else like she could when they were close. If she wanted to, Zelda could ignore the presence, but it was always ever present in her mind no matter what. But Zelda decided that now was not the time. There were other things that needed to be attended to first. There was also the fact that she didn’t have her pendant with her at the moment.
Slowly she made her way over to the arl’s bed and looked down in his wrinkled and withered face. She hated seeing him like this, and again she had to wonder if maybe Morrigan were here she could have helped more. She might have known about different poisons that the Circle mages didn’t, or maybe even another spell that could detect the substance to blame.
Her vision of the arl was blocked when Esumi’s hand hovered over his face. Again, Zelda saw a soft light admit from her palm. The arl, who had been breathing quite harshly, was now taking in air better and in larger inhales. Zelda peered at the mage to see her looking at the arl with an analyzing gaze. It was interesting to Zelda the way Esumi looked. She was exotic in her features, ones Zelda had never seen before. Her face was more rounder with more defined check bones and eyes that were narrowed and stretched. Her skin color was fair, but that may have been due to the fact she had lived in the tower, with little sun exposure. Esumi was petite, even for an elf, and Zelda thought that she might have even been smaller than Arawin, though if she was, it would only be slightly. Her hair was exquisite, the color of onyx, with a shine and sheen that made it appear like the actual agate. She had it pulled back in a tight bun with two sticks crossed within the center. Esumi’s eyes were exquisite as well, green like Arawin’s, but different. If Zelda had to compare them to stones, then she would have to say Arawin’s were emeralds while Esumi’s were jade spheres. Zelda could see clearly why Cullen couldn’t resist them.
Esumi looked up at Zelda and smiled, catching her off guard. “You know,” Esumi stated. “Your brother is going to kill me.”
This made Zelda laugh lightly. “And why is that?”
“Because Cullen and I have decided to stay here until the arl’s condition has changed.” She looked back down at the old man’s face and placed her hands in her lap. “So that means I won’t be back as quickly as he probably thinks I will be.” She sighed deeply, and Zelda could understand.
“Keiven won’t hate you forever,” said Zelda. “Just make sure he knows you’ll be gone for awhile.”
“I will. I’m sending a message to him with Irving when he leaves for the tower tomorrow. I’ve been given permission by him to stay and take care of the matters here. But once they are done, he wants me back at the tower as soon as possible. I will obviously be needed to help bring the tower back to order and to help train mages against the darkspawn for when you call us to fight beside you.”
“So you will be fighting the darkspawn? Something tells me Cullen isn’t just going to let you do that.”
Esumi chuckled. “He doesn’t rule my life, you know. Course, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds a way to come with the mages. He has a way of doing that.”
“I find it so sweet that you two are together,” said Leliana. “It’s definitely something you don’t see everyday, and the risk you two are taking.”
“Yes, I know. But it’s worth it.”
“That’s good to hear. Hopefully somebody will see how much you two are risking and realize that there is nothing wrong with trying to get another’s attention.” Leliana gave Zelda a sly gaze.
“I think I have his attention enough, thanks to you,” said Zelda.
“Which one are you talking about?” asked Esumi. “Teagan or Alistair?”
“Alistair,” Leliana answered. “Although Teagan is interested in her as well. My goal is to try and get Zelda and Alistair together before we leave Redcliffe.”
“Oh how wonderful!” Esumi said bringing her hands together. “That shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. I’ve seen the way he looks at her and how they act around one another.”
“I really wish you two wouldn’t talk about me as if I wasn’t here,” said Zelda, getting annoyed. “And you happen to forget, Leliana, that you need my participation just as much as you need his.”
Both Leliana and Esumi looked at each other and started laughing.
“Like I said,” Esumi stated. “Shouldn’t be a problem.”
Zelda rolled her eyes as the two women snickered at her. “I’ll be in my room when you two are done.” She left the room, making her way down the ramp and into the hallway. There she stopped and sighed. Her heart was fluttering. The thought of Alistair and her together made her feel good, but at the same time horrible. She still couldn’t get over the fact that what she was feeling for him was also making her feel guilty as well.
“Are you all right, Zelda?”
Zelda looked up from the floor she was staring at to find Wynne right beside her. The white haired mage looking at her with concern. “Oh, I’m fine,” Zelda lied. “Just still a bit groggy is all.”
“Hmm, I see,” said Wynne. Zelda could tell that Wynne didn’t believe her, but the mage didn’t press any further on the subject. “I was coming to look for you, actually. I wanted to ask you something.”
“Oh, well go ahead.”
Wynne straightened herself and cleared her throat. “Irving plans on leaving for the tower tomorrow as the task we came here to do is complete. I know that Esumi and Cullen are staying to see to the other matters at hand, and I am suppose to be going back to the tower with Irving, but I was wondering if I could instead stay here with you and your friends.”
“You want to stay with us?” Zelda was surprised that Wynne wanted to stay.
“To travel with you actually, for when you leave here. I ran into Isolde before coming to find you and I know you plan on looking for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. I want to help, and I think I will be more helpful to you than to the Circle.”
“I would be happy to have you,” said Zelda. “But don’t you need permission from the first enchanter?”
“I have already asked him, and of course he prefers if I returned with him, but he also knows how I am. I was never one to just sit and watch as the chance for adventure passed by. Besides, I’m sure you would like to have a mage traveling with you.”
“We would very much love it. So thank you, Wynne, but I’m not sure when we’ll be leaving here. I first need to contact the other Grey Warden in the Brecilian Forest and send her to Denerim. It all depends on how fast she can do that and what she finds.”
“I understand,” Wynne said. She then bowed to Zelda. “And thank you for letting me accompany you. I promise I will not let you down. I may not be a spring chicken, but there is still life in these old bones.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“Oh, there you are,” said Isolde as she came up to them in the hallway. “I have the information you will need.” She handed Zelda a parchment. “This is Brother Genitivi’s address and a few things that he found and informed Eamon about before disappearing.”
“Thank you, Isolde,” said Zelda. She looked at the parchment. The address looked to be right in the market area of Denerim, close to the chantry. Hopefully Arawin would be able to find it and obtain the information that they needed. “Excuse me, ladies,” Zelda said bowing. “But now I must go to my room for some privacy as I attempt to contact my companion. Once I’m done, then I will be back out to inform you of what will be happening.”
Both Wynne and Isolde bowed to her as well, wishing her luck. Zelda knew she would need it. Dealing with Arawin wasn’t very pleasant. She just hoped that the elf was done with her own task and that she would be excited to be going to Denerim. It would be a chance for her to see her family. Zelda wouldn’t mind if she did that, in fact it might even make her less strained, as long as finding Brother Genitivi was completed as well.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
- 38
- 39
- 40
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 Bond