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Blood Bond	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4278 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
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Feast of Life

Zelda, Esumi, and Jowan had talked throughout the whole night. It had gotten a little dreary again when Jowan asked Esumi about Lily and what had happened to her after he ran away. Esumi told him that the knight-commander had sent her to Aeonar.
“Aeonar?” Jowan said surprised. “Oh Maker, what have I done?”
“Oh, Jowan. It’s okay,” Esumi said reaching across the table and placing a hand on his. “She’s not a mage, she’ll be fine.”
“That’s not the point,” Jowan sobbed.
“I’m confused,” said Zelda. “I thought Aeonar was a mage prison. Why did Greagoir send her there if she’s not a mage?”
“Aeonar is known as the mage’s prison, but it’s not just for mages,” said Esumi. “They send some of the most harsh criminals there. Though why Greagoir sent Lily there, I’m not sure. He must have been pretty mad. Oh, sorry Jowan.” Esumi made her way to the other side of the table to hug him. He had looked happy after Zelda said she would do whatever she could to free him, but after asking about Lily, things went sore very quick. Zelda was impressed, however at Esumi’s quick and smart way of changing the topic. Soon she had him talking again and smiling.
Zelda sat in silence most of the time as the two mages talked, telling stories of when they were younger and of the adventures they had in the tower. She even learned a little about her brother that she might not have needed to know. It wasn’t until a few soldiers started coming into the mess hall for breakfast that they realized what time it was.
“Esumi!” said Zelda. “It’s nearly dawn! Didn’t you say Cullen would wake up at that time?”
“The spell wears off yes, but he might not wake up till later,” Esumi said. “Even if he did wake when I’m not there, like I said, he’s not my keeper. Don’t worry, but I do think we should be getting Jowan back to his cell. You feeling better, Jowan?”
“I do, but I’m not looking forward to going back in that cramped space. But thanks, you two, for letting me out for a little while.”
“Consider this to happen more,” said Zelda. “I don’t care what Teagan or Isolde say. If I want to let you out a few times, then I will.”
“Really? Cause I hope you would consider that a little more.” Zelda jumped a little from the voice behind her. She turned around slowly to smile innocently up at Alistair.
“Hello there, Alistair,” she said. “You’re up early. What are you doing here?”
“I could ask the same thing to you,” he said. His eyes then darted from her to the two mages across the table. Esumi smiled back at him while Jowan stared as if he was a deer coming across a hunter.
“Before you say anything,” Zelda said as she stood. “This isn’t what you think. I went down to visit him and saw how horrible his food was and thought to bring him up here to get something real to eat. And I’m not going to--”
“Hold on, Zelda,” Alistair interrupted her. “I’m just wondering what’s going on, but I’m not mad. Although I think you could've just brought the food down to him instead of taking him out of his cell.”
“Speaking of which,” said Esumi. “Jowan, I think we’d better go. It’s almost dawn. Don’t worry, Zelda, I can take him by myself. We’ll just leave the two of you alone.” Esumi stood and dragged Jowan up, placing him behind her and starting to walk backwards.
“Wait, Esumi! I can go with you.”
“No, no, we’ll be fine,” Esumi smiled. “Besides, I need to go and take the spell off the guard anyway. I don’t need you for that.”
Zelda narrowed her eyes at the elven mage, knowing exactly what she was doing. “Don’t tell me your in it with Leliana now?”
“Maybe,” Esumi smiled again. “Perhaps you shouldn’t have left us alone. Girls do talk, you know.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“You two have fun, okay!” Esumi turned around and pushed Jowan out of the mess hall. Zelda heard his protests and questions of what was going on, but nothing more after they disappeared out the door.
“So... uh.” Zelda turned around nearly forgetting that Alistair was right behind her. “Did you get any sleep last night?” he asked her. He appeared nervous which made Zelda curious.
“No, not really,” she answered.
“Bad dreams again?”
“I didn’t sleep at all. Wasn’t very tired, really. Thinking too much, I guess. What about you?”
“I always have bad dreams,” said Alistair. “Ever since I became a Grey Warden, which is of course to be expected. But they have gotten worse. Especially since... Ostagar.”
Zelda stared at him, seeing that sadness flint into his eyes again. Thinking about Ostagar was still hard for him. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “Care to join me for breakfast?”
That lit a smile on his face. “That would be great. Although, I think all they have this early in the morning is gruel.”
“Oh yummy, gruel,” Zelda mocked. She stuck out her tongue playfully, shaking her head.
Alistair laughed at her. “Hey, I happen to like the gruel here. I did eat it practically everyday of my young life before I left for the abbey. Then there I ate even more of it.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Zelda led the way, taking Alistair into the kitchen. There were more cooks in there now, working away on trying to get breakfast ready for all the soldiers. One of the cooks saw them come in and immediately handed them two bowls of steaming oats before going back to her boiling pot. Alistair and Zelda took their bowls and walked back into the mess hall where they found a spot to sit and eat.
At first they ate in silence, Zelda not realizing how hungry she was as she dived right into her bowl. The gruel, despite not having very much taste, was actually pretty good to her. But she wasn’t sure if that was because she was hungry or if there was something different about it that made it good. She had had gruel before but it was something that never made her eat like this.
Zelda stopped once her spoon hit the bottom of the bowl. She stared down at it, not realizing how fast she had eaten. She felt embarrassment as she slowly lifted her head to see if anyone had seen her bad manners. The mess hall was beginning to have whole groups of soldiers coming in now. Luckily, no one had seen her except one person. She found Alistair, who was sitting across from her, smiling and trying to suppress a laugh. Zelda’s checks flushed but soon began glaring at him as she knew this wasn’t the only time he had laughed at her for sloppy eating.
“Could you please tell me why you find it so funny every time I eat?” she asked him.
Alistair chuckled as he pushed his own empty bowl away. “Oh, it’s just... It’s a Grey Warden thing.”
“Excuse me?” she said raising her eyebrows. “I thought I was a Grey Warden, too. What happened? Did I suddenly become taintless?”
“No, no.” Alistair began laughing again seeing her face. “You’re still a Grey Warden, it’s just... Well, it’s kind of like an initiation. I went through it too.”
“Could you please explain it to me, then?”
“Well, as a Grey Warden you’ll come to notice several things about yourself that are going to... change. I’m not really sure what they all are, as not any of the others really talked about it, but one of them is you get an increase in appetite. It was so bad for me at first that I used to get up in the middle of the night and raid the castle larder. I thought I was starving. I’d slurp down every dinner like it was my last, my face all covered in gravy. When I’d look up, the other Grey Wardens would stare... then laugh themselves to tears.”
“Like you do me?”
“Exactly. But they all went through it, and don’t worry, soon that will start to go away as well, or at least become manageable. I, myself have never had a non-empty plate since becoming a Grey Warden. I’ve eaten more than I usually did, and also found things that I used to not like before actually taste good. I think if I tried anything it would probably taste good.”
“Or you’re just so hungry you don’t care.”
“Maybe, but like I said, it was something everyone went through, and only the one thing the others talked about. Anything else, well, I’m really not sure.”
“Hmm.” Zelda tapped her fingers on the bowl. Her stomach growled a little and she began to laugh herself.
“Are you still hungry?” Alistair asked.
“Apparently so.”
“Here.” Alistair took her bowl with his and went back into the kitchen. When he returned both their bowls were full once more. He handed her the bowl and they both began eating again. This time Zelda watched how she eat, eager to not look like a pig. It helped but she still found herself scooping the hot oats in her mouth faster than she would have liked. Once she was done she pushed the bowl away, trying not to think of how stupid she might have looked.
“So tell me about the others,” she said once Alistair was done with his. “You speak very highly of them.”
“They were a great group of guys,” he said. “I didn’t know them for very long, but I guess it was longer than you. You never met any of them, did you? They were quite a group. Actually, they felt like an extended family, since we were all cut off from our former lives. We also laughed more than you’d think. There was this one time... well, you probably don’t want to hear stories about men you didn’t know.”
“Alistair, why do you think I asked? Tell me about them. Where there any women?”
“Not as Grey Wardens. Not while I was there. I saw pictures of some, though none of them were as pretty as you are.” Alistair cleared his throat after saying this and looked away from her. This made Zelda smile as she realized that had just slipped out.
“But, uh, there was one Grey Warden who came all the way from the Anderfals,” he said, getting back on track. “Gregor was his name. He was a burly man with the biggest, fuzziest beard you’ve ever seen. And the man could drink. He drank all the time but never got drunk.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. So one day we all made a pool to see just how many pints it would take to put him under the table.”
“Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun. I’m sure Arawin and him would've gotten along.”
“I have no doubt, but I don’t think she could have out drank him. No one could. We never found out the number on the bet. What happened was he said he’d drink a pint for every half-pint that the rest of us drank. He was still going by the time the rest of us were passed out. I’m told Duncan walked in later on and saw us all passed out from one end of the hall to the other, and Gregor still drinking. Duncan laughed until he nearly... until...” Slowly Alistair’s face began to fall as his voiced trailed off.
“It’s okay,” said Zelda as she reached across the table and placed her hand in his. She caressed his with her thumb. Alistair looked down at their interlocked hands and sighed.
“Oh, I should be done with this,” he said. “I feel so stupid.”
“You’re not. It’s all right to grieve. Ostagar wasn’t that long ago, so it’s still fresh and so are the wounds. And I’m sure if Duncan meant that much to you, that twenty years from now, thirty even, when you look back you still might want to cry, and that’s okay.”
Alistair nodded and began stroking her hand as she still stroked his. “I know you’re right, but still... I wish I could get over it. Maybe if I had something to remember him by. Something of his that I could... I don’t know. Must sound stupid to you.”
“No, not really. I know what you mean. I have my family’s sword and shield to remember them. But you don’t need material things to keep them alive in your heart. Memories work just as well.”
Alistair looked up at her and she saw a gleam in his eyes. It was soft and sweet looking. “You’re right about that too.” He smiled at her and Zelda felt her heart start to beat faster. It was such a great smile, and she loved seeing it on him. She looked down noting that now their fingers had intertwined together. She felt his rough skin upon hers, and it was a feeling she liked. But the smile that had been on her own face began to fade as the guilt began to surface. Reluctantly she let go of his hand. She tried to smile sweetly at him again, but failed as she didn’t feel at all like smiling anymore.
Alistair had seen her sudden change in demeanor. He had seen her look that way before and knew it had something to do with her own past and what had happened before coming to Ostagar. He thought again about the thing that might be eating at her inside. There was a sadness in her eyes that he saw. Something that needed to be let out but for some reason she wouldn’t release. It was now growing darker in her eyes and he worried about it. He knew he had to do something.
“Zelda?” he said slowly. She looked at him, her eyes glistening and he almost lost what he was going to say next.
“Yes?”
“Are you--”
“Ah, here you are, my lady.” Alistair snapped his jaw shut and glared at Ser Perth as the knight came to their table. Did he have to interrupt now?
“Good morning, Ser Perth,” said Zelda. She smiled up at him, the sadness that was in her face now gone, although Alistair knew it wasn’t truly gone. She was just very good at hiding it. The fact that she let it come out with him made him wonder.
“It is wonderful to see you, my lady,” Ser Perth said taking her hand and kissing it. “I have been looking everywhere for you, though I wasn’t sure if you would be up this early in the morning, but here you are. Have you eaten yet? I would be more than happy to retrieve something for you.”
“No thank you. Alistair and I have already eaten.” Zelda gestured to the bowls on the table. Ser Perth looked at them with wide eyes.
“Oh no, my lady. Someone such as yourself should not have to eat such a thing. If you wish, I will go into the kitchen and ask the cook to make you a proper breakfast.”
Zelda shook her head. “I appreciate it, but I’m full.”
“Very well, my lady, but if you are done, then I was wondering if you could come with me. Some of the other knights have arrived from their search for the Urn and are eager to meet with you. They wish to see the great Grey Warden you helped to save Redcliffe and who will also save our arl.”
“Oh, well... I, uh...” Zelda looked over at Alistair and saw he wasn’t looking at her or Ser Perth. Instead, he had his arms crossed and his eyes were directed toward Zelda’s hand which was still within Ser Perth’s. Gently Zelda took her hand back and placed it in her lap, ashamed that she had let it linger there for so long. “Alistair and I would love to go see them. Wouldn’t we, Alistair?” she asked staring him right in the eye. Alistair looked up at Ser Perth who looked back at him with somewhat of an annoyed expression.
“I guess... if he wishes to come,” said Ser Perth. “He is a Grey Warden too, after all.”
Alistair breathed out heavily. “No, you go on ahead, Zelda. I’ll be fine.” He turned away from both of them and stared at the wall.
“Right then. Are you ready to go, my lady?”
Zelda looked at Alistair then back at Ser Perth. “You know, on second thought, Ser Perth, I am a little tired.” Zelda let out a fake yawn, opening her mouth wide and placing her hand over it. “I didn’t get very much sleep last night. How about I meet with the other knights later when I’m more rested? I hope they don’t mind.”
Ser Perth frowned. “They will be disappointed, but it’s understandable.” He then smiled at her. “If that is what my lady wishes, then that is what shall be. Would you allow me to at least escort you back to your room?”
“Oh no, that’s quite all right,” said Zelda. “Alistair can do that, but thank you.”
If this hurt Ser Perth, he didn’t show it. He kept smiling at her as he took both her hands. “As you wish.” He then kissed them and walked away without saying anything more.
“You could've gone if you wanted to,” said Alistair. “It’s all right. I wouldn’t have been offended.”
“Don’t lie to me,” Zelda said playfully glaring at him. “I know you better than you think. Now come, escort me back to my room. I really am a little tired.” That part was true as Zelda could start to feel her tiredness from not getting any sleep last night. Alistair sighed and shook his head. They both stood and walked out of the mess hall and into the hallway. They walked in silence, but it wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. It was a silence that Zelda felt comforting. She liked being with Alistair. It felt good, it felt right, but it also felt familiar.
Despite how hard she tried to not compare Alistair with Rory, she couldn’t help but to find herself doing it anyway. It felt odd, as even though they had many things that made them similar, they also had things that made them very different. Alistair, despite not wanting to, had fought her when she attacked him in Redcliffe to demonstrate to the villagers. Rory had never fought her, not even once. Not even when she had done the same thing to him a couple of times. He didn’t want to hurt her, afraid he might get a scolding from her father and perhaps even one from his own father. It had been endearing at first, but became frustrating as they grew up. Alistair had fought her though, even if he did hesitate at first. It was something she liked, as she liked dueling with others. Zelda looked up at him and wondered if he wouldn’t mind doing it again. But of course, she realized that he would. She knew this as she stared at his face, realizing full well what his feelings for her were. What her feelings for him were.
Alistair turned and smiled at her. She smiled back. They were warm smiles, friendly and inviting, but Zelda had to look away. Her heart was beginning to ache again as the thought of comparing Alistair and Rory was starting to get to her. She knew, then, that the guilt she felt for her feelings was the only thing that was going to keep them apart.
***
By early afternoon, Arawin and Zevran emerged from the training field slightly disorientated with messy hair and their armor in disarray. It was something that didn’t capture much attention, however, as they waltzed into the camp.
Many of the Dalish were running around, hurrying to get things in order for the feast that would be given. Arawin caught the scent of roasting boar in the air, which was coming from the center of camp. Early in the morning, before even the sun had risen, as well as Arawin, the Dalish had started cooking it. The boar was one they had caught alive before the werewolves had attack, keeping it for just such an occasion. They had dug a pit, placing large heated stones at the bottom with the boars carcass on top lined with vegetables. It was then covered with large leaves to keep the heat in and allow the boar to cook slowly.
It smelled delicious, making Arawin hungry, but she refrained from eating, wanting to have room when the feast would begin. And a big feast it was going to be. Arawin was delighted to find out that Lisha had returned with her hunting party. Together they had brought back several deer along with many smaller animals such as squirrels, rabbits, snakes, and pheasant. They had also gathered nuts, fruits, and herbs. Many of the cooks had already began preparing and cooking the animals as well as making special dishes with the nuts and fruits. It was definitely something to behold as several different smells began accumulating in the air making mouths water and stomachs rumble.
Even though he said he would, Arawin wanted to make sure Zevran really was going to thank Lisha for the gloves. Finding her amongst the cooks who were skinning the deer, Arawin brought Zevran over and placed him in front of her. Knowing what she was doing, Zevran turned to give Arawin a disappointed look. Arawin just smiled at him broadly before turning his head back to Lisha.
“Yes? Iell, Ion, what is it?” Lisha asked as she gazed up at them from her deer.
“Zevran would like to tell you something,” said Arawin.
Lisha focused her attention on Zevran, keeping her expression calm and friendly. She did not force him to say anything when he hesitated. Arawin shoved him in the back when he waited too long.
“I just... I just wanted to thank you for the gloves,” he finally said. “My mother’s gloves.”
“You are welcome, Ion,” said Lisha. “I was actually holding on to them just in case I ever found you. Course it seems you found me instead.”
“Yeah, well, it was actually Arawin who found you.”
“No, it was you who found the clan’s whereabouts,” Arawin commented.
“Yeah, but it was you who wanted me to find them in the first place.”
“Does it really matter?” asked Lisha. “We have all found each other, so let’s leave it at that.”
The rest of the day before the feast went by fast as everyone chipped in to help with the preparations. Even Morrigan and Sten stepped in to help with Morrigan’s cooking and Sten’s skinning and recipes. Before they knew it, the sun was beginning to set and the elves started gathering around the bonfire in the middle of camp, next to the boar. Sarel, the clan’s storyteller soon stood and took his position in front of the fire. He raised his hands and the whole clan grew silent.
“Calm, my brothers and sisters. For tonight is a night of mourning, but it is also a night of celebrations. We shall honor our beloved dead, as well as honor the living and the ones that helped to make this night possible.” He walked over to where Arawin was sitting. On one side of her was Zevran, with Lisha on the other. Kunjo laid at her feet with Morrigan seated next to Zevran and Sten standing in the background.
When Sarel came to them, he bowed deeply, becoming nearly parallel with the ground. “Ma serannas, Warden, to you and your companions. Never did we think we would honor an outsider in such a way, but we are grateful, and very happy to call you sister.
“And as for you, Lisha. How can one understand the hurt that you must be going through? I only hope that tonight we can honor your daughter’s memory to its fullest, and show what a wonderful and beautiful creature she was.”
“Ma serannas, Sarel,” said Lisha. “You don’t know how much that means to me to hear you say.”
The clan responded with shouts of exclamations saying “Aiya, Lisha!” and “Nae, gerich naergon rí n!” before Sarel calmed them down again. He then began with the tales of the werewolves, explaining their creation and spreading out into the world. Arawin listened intently to the story, wondering how much of it was real and how much had Zathrian twisted. Apparently, there was more than one kind of werewolf. Some were animals, possessed and corrupted by demons. Others were cursed, both animals and men, turned into the wicked beasts that stocked the forests of Thedas. The ones that attacked them were these such creatures. A spirit of the forest was bond to the great wolf creating Witherfang. How or why this happened though, Sarel was scant on details. There were just things in nature that could not be explained, and this was one of them.
When he was done, the sun was nearly set. It’s rays were cast across the ground, blinding through the trees. Sarel lowered his head and gave a pray to the Creators before giving up his stage to Lanaya. Arawin wondered why Zathrian’s First was up there instead of him. In fact, as she looked around the fire she saw no sign of him whatsoever.
“He is not amongst us,” whispered Lisha as she saw Arawin’s puzzlement. “They say he is tending to the sick where they still lie in their places. I believe he is doing so, but only to avoid this gathering.”
“Why?”
“Because he feels guilty, but he will never admit it or try and rectify it.”
Lanaya stood in the beams of the sun. They surrounded her, making her glow and appear holy as she watched and turned to all the elves in the circle. “I am glad to see so many well elves here. Fit and able to fight. I have been surrounded by death ever since the attack; taking care of the sick, tending to the cursed, and burying the ones who could no longer take the burning in their blood. I am happy to say that many of the ones who were suffering are no longer, and will make a full recovery.” There were sighs of relief and praises of thanks.
“And now,” Lanaya continued. “In order to honor our fallen brethren, we shall sing the song sung by our immortal ancestors when a hahren took the uthenera and walked with the Creators. As a gift to you, my honored sister,” she said to Lisha. “It would be a blessing if you would lead us in this.”
Lisha stood and nodded. She made her way to the center where Lanaya stood and gazed up at the now darkening sky. Arawin sat perfectly still, waiting and wanting to hear her sing again. She remembered the last song she sang and how her voice was graceful and light.
A series of instruments began to play; harp and lute, in the background. Then as one, the clan began to hum, singing in unison. The humming grew, matching with the music creating an enchanting melody that swept Arawin and the others into a sensual world. Lisha’s own voice then broke through the hums of the clan, and the music of the instruments. Her voice reached high, hovering over everything else as she sang the old Elvish words.
“Hahren na melana sahlin
Emma ir abelas
Souver’inan isala hamin
Vhenan him dor’felas
In uthenera na revas.”
A breeze blew through the circle of elves, and with it, many tiny blue petals. They danced to the music, playing in the wind, swirling and twirling around Lisha and the other elves. Then, as Arawin looked, watching Lisha with her head low and eyes closed, she saw three blue petals caught in her hair, right above her tattooed eye. These petals seemed different, even if they looked the same as all the others. But Arawin knew, without a doubt, that she would be able to distinguish them from the others, even if they were buried in a pile of the Elvhen Numin.
“Vir sulahn’nehn
Vir dirthera
Vir samahl la numin
Vir lath sa’vunin.”
The music then picked up after the slight pause, and so did the wind. The petals swirled around the entire circle, making the area spin with a whirlwind of blue waves.
“Vir sulahn’nehn
Vir dirthera
Vir samahl la numin
Vir lath sa’vunin.”
Her voice died slowly on the last note, followed by the soft decent of the clan, then finally the quieting of the music. The wind as well, blew one last time, taking with it all the petals, before the air grew still. When it was over, Lisha took her seat next to Arawin and Lanaya was back at her place where she declared the feast to begin.
“This is not the Feast of the Dead. It is the Feast of Life, because we live, and somewhere out there, so do our loved ones who are no longer with us.”
As was expected, there was much food to go around to everyone; roasted boar, skewed deer, minced meat pies, cakes, and much more. Arawin had a hard time trying to figure out what she would eat first as her stomach rumbled. She filled her plate, ate it all, then went back and filled it again. Zevran laughed at her as he watched her eat. Seeing her shovel down the food like it was the last meal she would ever have. Arawin would only glare at him then continue eating, not caring how she looked, only that she was able to satisfy her hunger.
As the food was being passed and swallowed, festivities were soon getting started. Clan minstrels pulled back out their instruments and started playing music, getting many of the elves up and dancing to the fast tempos. Ale and mead were also brought out by the barrels, the clan’s own stock and even some new cases bought just that morning from some traveling merchants. Along with the ale also came out the games. Cards and dice which soon went from innocent games to drinking ones. This, of course, thanks to Arawin who was in the mood for some good mead after so long traveling and wanted badly to have some fun.
Some of the games, which she proved to be a master at, were liar dice as well as bits. A game where a person would bounce a bronze piece off a surface and try to land it in a mug. Arawin had become the queen of bits and any who challenged her would always walk away stumbling from too much ale consumption. Not even Zevran could beat her, though he tried really hard. He still proved to be the king of five finger fillet, though, as somehow a game had gotten started as well. Zevran was the only one, despite being quite drunk, who could walk away from a game without any bloody fingers.
Lisha had at some point tried to go after Arawin at bits, but despite being a skilled hunter, she was a light-weight when it came to drinking. Only after a few rounds did she had to give in to Arawin and quit drinking all together.
It was an exciting time as the feast started to become rowdy with the ale and games. Arawin looked around, trying to find her companions. Zevran was seated around a table, playing a game of strip bullshit with a whole lot of elves. Strip games had also gotten started, though by who, no one could guess. Arawin could really only guess one person, but she knew he would probably deny it. Around the table, Arawin noticed most of the female elves were the ones with the least amount of clothes on while Zevran was still somewhat covered. He had only lost his gloves and boots. She knew he was cheating, but didn’t really care. She was too drunk to care.
Morrigan and Sten, however, had disappeared from the feast long ago. Sten had left right after eating and as soon as the ale was coming out. He had disappeared into the forest. Morrigan had stayed a little longer, but not long enough to get into any of the games or dances. She too, had disappeared into the forest at some point. Arawin felt she should be worried about them, but the ale in her system kept her from feeling much, and in any case, she knew they could take care of themselves.
As for Zathrian, there was only one time when he made his way into the feast. It was when Lisha had wanted to propose a toast to him for what he had done for the clan. Because of this, he was forced into coming. He took the toast lightly and reluctantly. Throughout the whole time Lisha and Zathrian never took their eyes off each other. To anyone else, the toast looked to be authentic, a way for Zathrian to be praised, but Arawin knew better. Lisha was only toying with him. It was a joke, a way for her to humiliate him, and he knew it. Once it was done, he was gone, and Arawin never saw him again that night.
As the night went on, Araiwn lost all track of time. The games never stopped until the mead ran low and the food became scarce. Before she knew it, Zevran had his hands all over her. They were both completely drunk and stupid, as well as tired and full. Lisha, probably being the soberest elf at the feast, as even Lanaya took to the games, guided the two drunk and stumbling children she had adopted to her landship. There she shoved them in and told them to go to sleep before shutting the door. It was something that wasn’t going to happen right away, though. Arawin and Zevran, as they groped one another, fell on the smaller bed where they had sloppy, drunken sex before passing out.
***
A choir of crickets and the quiet cooing of an owl began taking over the forest as the last of the elves began to fall into their beds. The night becoming still. Lisha made her way over to Dayno, walking as if on air with graceful steps. She knelt beside him and pulled back the blanket, soon finding her way within. Dayno opened his eyes to her movements and stared into her own light brown ones. His face lifted as he brushed back a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I heard you sing tonight,” he whispered. “I had nearly forgotten your voice.”
Her own smile matched his. She pulled herself closer to him, feeling his bare chest with her fingers. The night was beginning to become chilled, but the heat from his body kept her from feeling it. “You never forgot,” she said. “You were just trapped in a nightmare for so long.”
“Yes, a nightmare I thought I’d never escape.” Dayno closed his eyes and took her in his arms, squeezing her close to his body. He took in her scent; the sweet smells of firewood and roasted meats. The feel of her body close to his; soft and warm. A deep sigh pushed from his chest. “I was trapped, watching the same scene over and over again. Unable to do anything, no matter how hard I tried. Unable to save her, no matter what I did. Forced to watch, forced to listen, forced to feel over and over until I could take no more.”
Lisha raised her hand and caressed his face, wiping away the tears that drained from his eyes. They stared at each other intently, seeing the others hurt in their face. “I know. I had the same dream.”
Dayno ran his fingers through her hair, bringing her lips to his. The kiss was light and sweet. His other hand found it’s way to her hip where it rested. “But there is good news,” he said once they parted. “When I slept after the cure was given, I saw her again, but this time it wasn’t a nightmare. She stood before me whole and happy, looking just as beautiful and sweet as ever. She spoke to me, saying not to worry, that she was fine now. She had found Tamlen and he was showing her the way to the Creators.”
“I am glad of it,” said Lisha. “I knew they would find one another and that he would help her.”
“Yes,” Dayno said placing his forehead on hers. “And then tonight she came to me again. She is happy for you. She is glad that you were able to find Arawin and Zevran, knowing that they will help to get you past this dark time. She also knows that we are proud of her, and she is proud of us as well.”
Lisha’s sudden gasp raked through her body, shaking all the way down to her toes. “That’s always been her,” she sobbed. “Always thinking of others before herself.” Dayno brought her closer, holding her as the tears streamed down her face, wetting his chest. It was rare for her to cry, rare to see her in such a vulnerable state. Everyone was used to seeing the strong, calm Lisha who was confidante and wise. The great hunter and teacher. The one everyone went to for advise. Dayno knew that side of her, but it was this more tender side to her that he was the only one exclusive to.
It was one of the many things that he loved about her. The many layers to her personality that only he could see. It was no surprise to him that he had fallen in love with her the moment he saw her that fateful day in the Free Marches. He thought he had glimpsed Andruil Herself, stalking through the forests with beauty and grace. He had to follow, had to know if she really was Andruil, or to just find out who she was and hopefully get to know her. He couldn’t have been more happy that day when she shot the arrow into his leg, for it had felt like she had shot him in the heart.
Dayno sighed deeply as he rubbed her back, feeling her sobs slow to nothing more than soft whimpers before ceasing. When he looked back into her eyes, they glistened with the remains of tears, reflecting the fire that burned only a few feet from them. He kissed her again, more deeply than last, tasting her while his hands explored her body.
She had come to him in nothing but her breast band and smallclothes. He as well was in nothing but smallclothes, as was the only thing he had been in since being inflicted with the curse. If they had been anything else but Dalish, laying out under the stars in practically nothing with others laying around them, it would have been improper. But this was how it was within the clan. Other couples laid about the area as well, half or even completely naked as they explored one another, happy to have their bonded partner back from the brink of death. As it was, most Dalish preferred laying out under the stars and moon. Only the elderly and ones with children were given landships to sleep in. Dayno had wondered if he and Lisha would be able to keep their landship, as they no longer had a child and were not considered elders yet. But it seemed like they would, as they had lost Ariel in such a tragic way. Yet if they needed to, they would give their landship up to a couple who needed it more if necessary. But at the moment Dayno was not thinking of such things. Instead, his mind was fixed on the beautiful being laying next to him. He slowly inched his hand to the back of her shoulders where he undid the band, allowing her breasts to fall and glide against his chest. Lisha scooted closer to him as their kiss intensified, draping her leg over his waist.
In a fluid motion, Dayno took her hips and gently turned Lisha on her back. He crawled on to her with light kisses from her belly up to her head where he passed her lips and began nipping at the point of her ear. Lisha hummed with satisfaction as her hands explored his body. He had grown soft in the days of his unease, but she knew that wouldn’t last. His atrophy was only slight, not enough to keep him from anything he wanted. This became abundantly clear as she felt him glide within her, not realizing at some point he had removed both their smallclothes, which was normal since he was apt at removing things from her without her notice.
Many years of love-making taught their bodies how to move together as one. How to pleasure the other without thought or command. They moved slowly, their mouths tasting different parts; their lips and neck, ears and chest. Nothing was rushed or made in haste. All of it brought with pure joy and bliss as they soon reached the apex. A place only years of loving each other could bring them. A place where it was more than just sex, more than just making love. It was where not just their bodies came together, connecting to one another, but it was also the mating and the merging of their souls.
***
A buzzing swept through her mind and a white haze engulfed her vision as Arawin slowly opened her eyes. Her muscles sore, body aching and head throbbing with every beat of her heart. She moaned as she pushed herself off her stomach only to realize that her arms weren’t awake enough yet to support her. She fell back to the mattress, creating a pounding in her head. Arawin took in a sharp breath only to start choking and coughing as feathers began flying in the air. The feathers had come from a pillow, now torn and broken, creating the haze she had seen when first opening her eyes. Arawin coughed out a few more before she was finally able to push herself up to a sitting position.
She rubbed her temples, but that did little. She remembered last night, but barely. The last portion of it at least was a dreamy haze that refused to focus. Evidence of what happened last night were all over the place, though; the torn pillow, blankets wrinkled and tossed. Even Arawin found she was only naked from the waist down. She still wore her breastplate and gloves.
As she placed her feet on the floor, she soon found out that Zevran was still with her. At some point in the night he had fallen off the bed and was now sleeping on the floor. He was on his back, naked from the waist down as well with his mouth gaping open and a loud snore coming from his throat. Arawin wondered why his snoring hadn’t kept her awake all night.
“Wait a second,” she said. “Why am I awake?” She felt tired and a little drunk. She still hadn’t recovered completely from last night. Slowly she stretched her arms and legs and laid back down on the bed and closed her eyes. Again a buzzing went through her head, much harder than last time, causing her to jolt upright. “Ah, what do you want!” No one answered her, but she already knew once the buzzing stopped who it was and what she wanted.
Arawin jumped down from the bed and began collecting her things. She placed back on her leather skirt before walking over to Zevran and gently kicked him in the head. “Hey... hey! Come on, get up.”
Zevran moaned and swatted her foot away. “Five more minutes,” he mumbled.
“Oh, Zev. Apparently I can hold my ale better than you can.”
Zevran suddenly shuddered then bolted to his feet faster than Arawin could register. He fell over top of her on the bed as his balance hadn’t caught up with him. “Oops,” he said. “Oh, but this is nice.”
“Oh, get off!” Arawin said trying to shove him up.
“I want to but there’s something in my way,” he said as he wiggled his hips on hers. Arawin was able to get herself from underneath him and then hit him in the back with a pillow.
“Just get dressed. We need to get moving. I don’t know what time it is, but obviously Morrigan had to wake us.”
“So that was her, huh? Ah, she doesn’t like being gentle, does she?”
“Only with you, maybe.”
Together they got dressed and gathered their things before making their way out of the landship. Just as Arawin had suspected, Morrigan, Sten, and Kunjo were waiting outside for them. They were all ready to go and looked impatient.
“It’s about time,” said Morrigan. “I thought I was never going to get through that drunkenness in your heads.”
“More like stubbornness,” said Arawin as she walked over to them. “I’ve always been hard to wake after getting inebriated.”
“So I’m learning. But do you think next time you two decide to take such actions again, you might do it on a night when we don’t have to wake early and travel? It would certainly be more respectable to us.”
“Sorry Morrigan, but I can’t really promise that it won’t happen again.”
Morrigan tisked and rolled her eyes. “Are you two ready at least?”
“As ready as we can get,” Zevran yawned.
“Actually, I was sort of hoping you might have something... you know for... hangovers?” Arawin asked the witch shyly. Morrigan crossed her arms and stared at her but soon produced a vial from her pack.
“You know I shouldn’t give this to you. I should let you suffer.”
“But you won’t let me suffer because you love me.”
“No, the only reason I’m letting you have it is because we can’t have our only Grey Warden stumbling around like a fool. If Zelda or Alistair were here, then I wouldn’t have even went to make this.” She handed Arawin the vial who took it with caution.
“Thank you, Morrigan. I know I’ve been acting stupid but I’m glad you’re here to make sure everything stays on track. I don’t know what we would have done without you so many times. It’s hard to imagine...”
“Oh stop it,” said Morrigan, although Arawin could tell she was liking the praise. “You’ll make yourself worse. Now drink that before I force it down your throat.” Arawin did so without any fuss.
“Do you have one for me?” Zevran asked, coming to the witch. He smiled at her hopefully.
“No,” Morrigan said bluntly.
“Oh, why not?”
“Because you are not a Grey Warden. You will suffer for your own stupidity.”
Zevran moaned as Arawin patted him on the back. She knew what he was going through, but there was nothing she could do for him. Arawin didn’t really want to get into another argument with Morrigan. If the witch wasn’t going to make it for him, then she wasn’t going to make it.
Together the group made their way to the edge of the camp where a group of Dalish were waiting for them. Lisha was at the front, and to Arawin’s surprise, Dayno was standing next to her. He looked pale, especially compared to Lisha, but healthy. His blonde hair tied back in a braid giving a full view of his face. His checks were a little sunken in, but his face was still chiseled with the handsome features she had seen on many of the male Dalish. He wore what looked to be a set of green and brown heavy plate mail with a wooden shield and steel Dar’Misaan on his back. He smiled at Arawin and bowed when she stopped in front of them.
“Andaran atish’an, Arawin,” he said. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“And you as well, Dayno.”
“Ma serannas. And I have also been eager to meet you as well, Zevran. Lisha has told me so much about the both of you.”
“Yes, well, it’s nice to see you too,” said Zevran.
“So what are you all doing here?” Arawin asked. “Is this a good-bye party?”
“In a way, yes,” answered Lisha. “Dayno and I, along with a few volunteers will lead you out of the forest and to the Brecilian Passage. From there, you can head north to Denerim.”
Arawin liked this, as she wasn’t ready yet to say good-bye to Lisha. She bowed and thanked her for showing her the way out of the forest, though she was sure they wouldn’t have had a problem with both Sten and Zevran.
“But what about Dayno?” Arawin said. “Are you sure you can handle this? It’s only been two days since you were cured.”
Dayno laughed at this. “You sound just like Lisha.”
“Don’t even try, Iell,” said Lisha shaking her head. “He and I already had this discussion and you can see how it ended.”
“Fair enough, shall we be on our way?”
“Not quite yet,” said Lanaya as she stepped out from behind Lisha. Arawin barely recognized her as she was not wearing her robes but instead leather Dalish armor with a shortbow. “I shall be going with you to represent Zathrian, but before I forget, I wanted to give you this.” She handed Arawin a small golden bird which was carved in the likeness of a sparrow. It was small, fitting in Arawin’s palm and very light. The bird had it’s wings folded in with it’s head turned to the side.
“Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
“It’s to use when you need to call us to fight against the darkspawn. Just whisper to it where we need to go and when, then toss it in the air and it shall take flight and come straight to me. Then we shall gather all our forces and go where it is we need to be.”
“But hopefully not just us,” added Lisha. “We have already sent word on the wind to other clans in Ferelden about the treaty that they are also bound. I have also sent a message to my mother-clan. If they are close enough, then I know they will come.”
Again Arawin thanked them and soon they were on their way through the forest. Along the way Arawin stayed close to Lisha and Dayno. Lisha gave her one last lesson on archery as they walked. Only pointers though, as they couldn’t stop to practice. Lisha also told her stories of the Dalish, of the Creators and the forest. These were things that Arawin had heard around the camp, but didn’t fully hear the whole stories until now. But throughout Lisha’s stories and lessons, Arawin couldn’t help but to notice Zevran. He was walking next to her like he always did, and stayed silent the whole time. It wasn’t unusual, but Arawin had hoped he had accepted Lisha by now. She thought they had made progress at the feast, as after she had forced him to thank her for the gloves, they did seem to get along just fine. They had talked a lot and even seemed to be enjoying one another. It was a good sign and the fact that their relationship had never been mentioned was probably the reason for it. Arawin thought the distance between them had been filled, but apparently not.
When they finally reached the Passage, the sun was starting to peek over the horizon. Arawin stood within the rays, staring up the path. Her home laid ahead, while her new family laid behind. She turned around to look at them one more time. Lisha gave her a warm, motherly smile.
“Do not worry, Iell. We shall see each other again. This is not the last time we shall part ways.”
“I know, but it still hurts.”
“Just do not forget what you have learned, and do not forget that I love you.”
“Thank you, Lisha. You have done so much for me.” Arawin took her in a tight hug before letting go and giving Dayno one as well. She then turned to her companions and saw they were all ready. She especially looked to Zevran, only to find him staring off in the distance. She wanted him to at least say good-bye, or do something besides just stand there. Even Sten and Morrigan said their farewells to the Dalish. Arawin wanted to go over to him and make him do it, but she knew it wouldn’t be good. He obviously still needed time, although time was running out very quickly.
They were ready to leave, ready to head off to Denerim, but before they were about to go, Zevran finally turned to Lisha with a determined look. He marched over to her and they locked eyes.
“Was there something you wanted to say, Ion?” said Lisha.
“Yes, there is one thing I would like to know... if you could answer.”
“I will try.”
“My... father,” he said slowly. “Was he the woodcutter my mother left with?”
Lisha let out a deep sigh. “I am sorry, Ion. Out of all the questions you could've asked, I’m afraid this is the only one I can’t answer. I only met him twice and was not given the time to remember his features like I do my sister’s. So I cannot truly say that I see him in you.” Zevran sighed and looked down at the ground, but Lisha didn’t let him look down long before lifting up his chin and staring into his eyes.
“But I will say this,” she said. “It is not an indication that he was your father, but my sister did name you after him. And she would not have done that unless she was very sure.”
Zevran’s face lit up at this and a smile curved across his lips. “Really? I was named after him? And my sire name, Arainai, that was his as well?”
“Actually, Arainai is your dam name, as it was my maiden one.”
“Well, thank you anyway. It feels good to know that he might have been my father, or at least he has a very good chance of being it.”
“He is, Ion. If you believe it, then that’s all you need to know.”
It was a good way to finally say good-bye. Arawin and her companions made their way north, up the Brecilian Passage. They heard shouts from behind, farewells and well wishes.
“Calo anor na ven!”
“No in elenath hîlar nan hâd gîn!”
Lisha stood with Dayno as they watched them go.
“Do not worry, Herves,” said Dayno. “They will be fine. You know they will.”
“I am not worried about the path they are taking now,” said Lisha. “Only about where the path ends.”
“What do you mean?”
“As the stories of how the archdemon is destroyed are told... I do not think either she or the others understand what they must sacrifice in order to assure the Blight is ended.”

All Sindarin belongs to JRR Tolkien
Sindarin Translations:
Aiya (EYE-ah) *This is actually Quenya, which is an older Elvish, but still used with Sindarin* Hail
Nae, gerich naergon rí n: Alas, you have my expression of deep regret
Calo anor na ven (KAH-loh AH-nore nah vehn): May the sun shine on your road
No in elenath hîlar nan hâd gîn (No een elehn-nahth hee-lahr nahn hahd geen): May all stars shine upon your path
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Blood Bond