Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

Blood Promise	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4559 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Aftershock

It was at least another day before Anders would let Jordan leave his clinic. He wanted to make sure she wasn't suffering anymore from the after effects of the saar-qamek, as well from the antidote he had given her since he had to give it to her in such a direct way. Jordan appreciated him fussy over her, but she needed to get home. Not just to show her mother she was alive and fine, but because there were several things she needed to get done that had been plaguing her while she laid on the cot in his clinic.
After Anders finally cleared her, he accompanied her back home since Jordan was slightly weak. Even Jordan could tell she was a little off, her movements somewhat stiff and her mind groggy from all the rest she was forced to take. She didn't mind, however, having Anders walk beside her. It was nice to see how much he cared, making her feel good. Yet at the same time, it made her feel terrible. Jordan did love him, there was no doubt about that. She had felt feelings for him ever since she first saw him three years ago. Those feelings hadn't gone away, instead having grown stronger, even with Anders pushing her away every so often. He was a hard man to predict sometimes, but Jordan could tell he felt the same way for her, otherwise what he was doing at this very moment didn't make any sense. He never treated any of his other patients this way, nor did he treat her other friends in the same fashion. It made Jordan confused sometimes, wondering why he didn't just let them have a chance to be together. But she knew the reason why: Justice. And his quest to free the mages from the clutches of the Chantry. Maybe that was the reason why she had allowed herself to feel something for Fenris. Now with what had occurred between them, Jordan wasn't sure what she wanted anymore. It was something she needed to find out, which was why as soon as she could, she would head over to Fenris's mansion, hope he was there, and confront him. Find out once and for all where they stood.
It was the reason for their silence as Jordan and Anders slowly made their way through Kirkwall. Anders had never questioned Jordan about the marks on her body again. All he did was to help heal a few that looked as if they had gotten infected. Though Jordan couldn't help to notice he appeared somber as he did.
When they reached her home, Jordan thanked Anders for accompanying her. He nodded, happy to see her returned safely.
“Take it easy now, Jordan,” he spoke. “If you want, I can give you a doctor's excuse to give to Aveline so you don't have to go question DuPuis.”
“Thanks, but that's not necessary,” Jordan smiled. “I'm sure Aveline knows I need to rest first before we attempt that again.”
“Yeah, I'm sure she does. But do you know?” He eyed her, knowing all too well how Jordan was and what she was probably thinking at this very moment.
Jordan would be lying if she said she didn't have any plans to leave her home as soon as he was gone, but she would say it anyway. “Of course I know! I'll stay here. Do you really think my mother is going to let me leave after what happened?”
Anders still didn't seem to be buying it, but he didn't push the issue. “I suppose...” he said slowly. “Just, please, don't do anything rash. You're in no condition to fight right now.”
“Yes, I think I can feel that.”
Anders acted as if he didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to. He had kept his clinic closed ever since Jordan and the others had arrived. He wanted to put his attention fully on her, only opening his clinic if it was a life or death situation.
“Go, Anders,” Jordan said, seeing him hesitate. “I'll be all right. I swear.”
“I know you will.” He sighed and closed his eyes.
“See you at the Hanged Man later?”
His eyes slitted open, showing his discontent at her statement. “Maybe,” he smiled.
“Hey, it's not fighting,” she teased him.
“No, but trouble does seem to follow you where ever you go.”
“Which is why I'm glad I have such good friends to watch my back. And a good healer to take care of me if things should go wrong. Right?”
Anders rolled his eyes. “Of course, Jordan. Now go see your mother. I know she's worried.”
Jordan smiled at him as she went through her door, not real happy to be losing his company, but knowing if she wanted to do what she had planned, he couldn't be there.
“Oh Maker! Jordan!” Leandra came racing to her daughter as Jordan made her way into the mansion. She grasped her tight, pulling her into a strong embrace. One that felt as if she would never let go.
“Yes, Mother, I'm home,” Jordan breathed.
“Aveline told me you were hurt, but she wouldn't give me any major details.”
“It was nothing you needed to worry about too much,” Jordan reassured her.
Leandra pushed away from her daughter, the expression on her face of horror and anger. “Nothing for me to worry about? Jordan... You were gone for more than three days! Not to mention how hastily you left before all this!” Leandra went closer to her. Tears started leaking from her eyes, showing Jordan how much Leandra feared losing her. “I don't know what it is that you go out and do, but I know it's dangerous. I'm sorry, Jordan, but my worst fear is losing you too. I-I don't know what I'd do if one day you never came home.” She looked towards the ground, tears fully flowing now as she hugged herself.
It wasn't how Jordan liked to see her mother. She had always looked up to Leandra for being a strong woman. A woman who could leave the life she knew just to be with the man she loved. To then live a life of hardship and sacrifice. Jordan knew she had always gotten her strength from her mother. Now to see Leandra brought to tears. To see a once strong woman have mortal fear in her eyes, it made Jordan feel ashamed. Mainly because it was she who had put it there.
“I'm sorry, Mother,” Jordan said softly. “I didn't mean to make you worry so much. It's just...”
“I know,” Leandra sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes. “It's who you are. Your father was the same way. It's not like you go looking for it. Trouble just seems to find you. I know I can't fully get you to stop your adventures, but I do wish you'd be more careful.”
“I will, Mother,” Jordan promised. One that she meant. “And again, I'm sorry.”
“It's all right, darling.” Leandra smiled at her, the tears making her eyes glisten.
“Hey, what's that?” Jordan asked, just now noticing Leandra was holding something in her hand. It was a small card.
“Oh, this?” Leandra held up the card. “I'm not sure, to be honest. It came with those flowers, right before you arrived.” She gestured to some flowers that had been laid on the table next to the fireplace. White lilies.
“And who are these for?” Jordan asked as she went and examined the flowers.
“If you must know, they're for me,” Leandra said as she followed her daughter. “That's what the card says, at least.”
“Oh,” Jordan teased as she smirked at her mother. “Who are they from?”
“I don't know. It doesn't say.”
“A secret admirer, huh? Any idea who it might be?”
“To tell you the truth, no. I have no idea who these flowers could be from.” She then opened the card. “Well that's no help. The card's blank.”
“Odd. So a secret admirer who can send you flowers, but leaves the card blank.” Jordan looked at the card herself. Besides her mother's name on the outside, there was nothing else.
“I suppose it's probably nothing,” Leandra sighed. “After all, I am rather old to be courted. I'm sure these are really for you.”
“You are not too old to be courted, Mother. Besides, they can't be for me. None of the young noblemen like me. Plus why would they put your name? And why would they use your maiden name, Amell, instead of Hawke? You still do go by Hawke, don't you?”
“I do,” Leandra nodded. “It's just most of the nobles in Hightown still know me as Leandra Amell.”
“Well start correcting them better,” Jordan said, feeling a little bitter about it. “You were married to Father, and you did take his name.”
Leandra looked at her daughter kindly. “Sweetie, I have not forgotten about your father. That is one thing you don't need to worry about. Which, of course, brings us back to this...” She stared at the card and flowers still on the table.
Jordan had never really thought about her mother remarrying. It was something Leandra never really showed real interest in. Back in Lothering it probably wasn't necessary. After all, she had three children to take care of her. But now that they were living in Kirkwall, even though Jordan took care of her enough, she could tell her mother was lonely. With all the times Jordan was gone, maybe it was best if Leadnra did have someone else to spend time with. Not only to give her company, but to also keep her from worrying about Jordan all the time. Sure Leandra had Gamlen to spend time with from time to time, but was Gamlen really considered good company?
“I think,” Jordan began. “If something should become of this, you should maybe accept it.”
Leandra raised an eyebrow to her daughter.
“You're a beautiful, single woman, Mother. You can still be courted. Just as long as it's not from an already married man. I know you still love Father, but you deserve to be happy.”
“I suppose you're right,” Leandra said slowly. “But still... It's not much to go by with just flowers and a blank card. Maybe if something more does happen...” A small smile began to creep up Leandra's face. “It does feel good to know I could still be courted at my age. Still feels a little strange, but I might get used to it.” She smiled over at her daughter. “Thank you, Jordan. I appreciate your support.”
“Of course, Mother. Now... I know this is going to seem a little sudden, but...”
Leandra lost her smile. “You're not leaving again, are you?”
“I'm not leaving Hightown. I just need to go see a friend. Actually... two, in fact. I should check on Sebastian too.”
Leandra kept her frown but eventually sighed and closed her eyes. “If you must.”
“I promise I'll be back early tonight. I don't plan on doing anything rash.”
“Alright,” Leandra nodded. “But please, take Chance with you. He should be taken out more, and I'll feel better about it if you do.”
“Sure thing, Mother.” Jordan hugged her mother before making her way up the stairs. In her room, Chance was sleeping on her bed. When she entered, he popped up his head and barked, happy to see her. Jordan called him while also reaching for Sebastian's bow. She would make sure to give it to him.
When Jordan and Chance came back down stairs, she saw her mother was still standing in the same spot she had left her. Leandra was still holding in her hand the card while also staring at the flowers. It would be strange to see her mother with another man, but Jordan knew it was for the best. Her mother deserved to be happy, and Jordan would give her all the support she needed.
Jordan bid her mother good-bye, Chance saying it in his own way with a bark. Leandra still didn't seem happy to see her daughter leave so soon, but she knew there was nothing she could do about it. Jordan would be Jordan. All she could do was support her, and pray she would return home.
***
Jordan's first stop would be the one she wanted to do the least. She cringed just thinking about it, but she knew it needed to be done, and it needed to be done now. There was no getting around it. If she and Fenris didn't figure things out now, then they would only get worse later on.
Standing in his main entrance, she knew he was there from the light coming from the room he stayed in. Whether he knew she was there or not, she couldn't tell. He hadn't come out of his room.
Chance sat beside her and whined a little.
“It's okay, boy,” Jordan whispered. “We're just here to see a friend.”
She made her way to Fenris's room, peering inside to find the elf sitting at the table, a half empty bottle of wine in front of him. The fire crackled in the fireplace, and around it were at least three empty bottles of the same wine.
“I can see you've been busy,” Jordan said as she looked around the room.
Fenris didn't seem surprised to see her. He only raised the wine bottle to her then drank most of the remainder down. “Last bottle of the Agreggio,” he spoke. “I've been saving it for a special occasion.”
“Oh? And what would that be?” Jordan asked as she sat herself down across from him at the table.
“Astia valla fermundis,” he grinned. “The anniversary of my escape.”
“You mean the one you told me about? With the Fog Warriors?”
“That would be the one.” He then drank down the remainder of the bottle and threw it on the ground. “Oh... sorry. I would have offered you some, but...”
“It's quite all right,” said Jordan. “I think I should stay sober for the moment. One drunk idiot is enough.”
“I'm not that drunk,” Fenris grunted. “Like I told you, that was the last bottle.”
“And the other three were...?”
“Those... I drank a few days ago.” Any joyfulness that was in his eyes suddenly vanished as he stood and picked up the bottles. Jordan knew it was now or never.
“We need to talk,” she said.
“There's nothing to talk about, Hawke,” he said without looking at her. “But... I am glad to see you well.” He briefly stared at her before going back to his work of cleaning up the room.
“Yes... Anders told me you came to his clinic and gave him the antidote. May I ask why you did that?”
“Why I did that?” Fenris quickly faced her with a confused, angry glare. “Why would I not?”
“You and Anders don't really--”
“What happened to you has nothing to do with how the abomination and I feel about one another. I can put aside my hatred for him to help, if I can. Besides, it wasn't just for you. Aveline needed it too. Not to mention any other person who might go to his clinic needing the antidote to saar-qamek. I'm pretty sure we won't see another outbreak like that again, but you never know.”
“That's true. And I just wanted to thank you for that.” Jordan stood from the table but didn't try and get closer to him. “But you're trying to change the subject.”
“Like I said, there is nothing to talk about.” He glared at her for a moment, eyes hardening before he turned away. Jordan kept her stance. She wasn't going to let him get out of this.
“Except there is something we need to talk about, Fenris,” she said stern. “What happened between us needs to be addressed. It's the main reason why I came here.”
“Why can't you just leave it be?” Fenris heaved, turning on her again. This time Jordan wasn't really sure if she could read his eyes. They showed several different emotions: anger, sadness, maybe even fear. She wasn't really sure how he was feeling at the moment.
“I don't want to leave it be because I need to know if it's going to affect us,” she said calmly. “If it's going to affect our group. If it's going to mean the difference between you staying or leaving.”
Fenris slowly softened his gaze, but still kept the hardness in his eyes. “I'm not going anywhere” he said softly, looking to the floor. “I've been here for so long... it's actually gotten to the point I don't know if I could leave.”
“That's good,” said Jordan. “Cause I would want you to stay. You need to stay. Varric needs his card buddy.”
Fenris half smiled at her.
“So if you're staying no matter what, there's just one question I want to ask you.”
Fenris's smile slowly fell. He had probably hoped she wouldn't say any more, knowing he was staying.
Jordan hesitated for a moment. It was a question she needed to ask, but was scared of the answer. “Did it... mean anything to you?”
Fenris's face became neutral. He stared at her for what seemed like forever. Jordan waited patiently, however, giving him the time he may have needed in order to come up with an answer. In truth, Jordan wasn't sure what her own reaction would be to any answer he gave her. She wasn't sure what she wanted him to say. Or even what their next step would be.
“No,” he finally said, looking away from her. “It meant nothing. Just a... spur of the moment.”
“Oh...” Jordan's heart twisted, yet at the same time, she was relieved. “Okay. It... it didn't really mean anything to me either,” she spoke fast. “I just wanted to know you're feelings about it. I guess that means we can't do it again, huh?” She smirked at him, hoping to lighten the mood.
Fenris didn't seem to find it funny, but he gave her a small smile anyway.
“Alright. Now that that's taken care of, I think it's time for me to go.” She nodded and whistled for Chance who had been sitting in the doorway, waiting for her.
“You don't have to go, Hawke,” Fenris said, almost seeming reluctant to have her leave.
“I have a few things I have to do, but I guess you can come with me if you want.”
“Such as?”
“I need to stop at the chantry.”
Fenris grimaced at her. “Really? You've never been one to go to a chantry willingly.”
“I'm not going there willingly. I have something I want to give to Sebastian. Plus I want to check and make sure he's okay after we found out the truth about why his family was murdered. I'm sure the others filled you in, hopefully.”
“Do you really think Varric would keep something like that secret?”
“Nope. So are you coming?”
“Lead the way, Hawke.”
It felt a little odd for Fenris to be joining her, but Jordan did appreciate his company. It was a nice surprise to have him come with her, and showed their friendship was still intact despite the recent event.
When they reached the chantry, Jordan suggested he stay back with Chance, as she wasn't sure the reaction a dog would invoke to the priests. She had never seen a mabari in the chantry before, and didn't want to start anything if they weren't allowed inside. Fenris nodded, and sat on the steps outside. Chance went and sat next to him, both looking out towards the city.
As Jordan went inside, her eyes immediately went to the dais on the far side of the chantry. There she could already see Sebastian, kneeling next to an altar and praying. Tightening her grip on the bow, she began making her way further in, towards the dais.
“Good day, Serah Hawke.”
Jordan stopped and turned to see Grand Cleric Elthina smiling softly at her. “Your Grace,” she nodded.
“It's nice to see you after so long. How's your mother?”
“She's just the same.”
“And you?” Elthina asked kindly.
“Me? I'm... good.”
“Are you sure? You seem troubled. Almost as if there's a reason why you came here today.”
“There actually is a reason why I came here.” Jordan showed Elthina the bow. “This is Sebastian's. I wanted to give it to him.”
“I see.” Elthina frowned. “Sebastian told me about what happened with the Harimanns. It is a sad thing, and a hard path the Maker has sent him on. He needs this time to grieve, to ask the Maker for guidance. But... he is stubborn.”
“With all due respect, your Grace, he is the last of his line. Does that not give him the right to take the throne? Even if he is a priest?”
Elthina put out her hand and gestured to the bow. Jordan wasn't sure why she wanted to see it, but she gave her the bow anyway. “He does have the right,” Elthina said as she examined it. “But does that mean it's the right path for him? I would much prefer he stayed here and continued his promise he made long ago to serve the Maker and his bride. To help those unfortunate souls who come through these doors looking for guidance. But no matter how much I try and convince him to stay, I cannot force him. It is ultimately his decision.” She handed Jordan back the bow. “You may give it to him, if you wish. Although I would prefer if you did something that would help him make the decision to stay.”
“I don't know,” Jordan sighed. “I think he could still do some good as the ruler of Starkhaven. He could still do all the things he does here, but on a grander scale. In fact, I think with his roots here, that makes him the perfect candidate.”
“I understand what you are saying, Serah Hawke, but I would have to disagree. But talking with me is not the reason why you came here. Go on and speak with Sebastian. Maybe if you cannot help Sebastian find peace, you might be able to find peace for yourself.” With a nod, Elthina went on her way, heading up a flight of steps toward the priest chambers. Jordan started heading to the dais again, trying not to think of her conversation with the grand cleric.
When she reached Sebastian, he was in the middle of a prayer. She wanted for him to finish before announcing herself. “Good day, Sebastian.”
“Hawke,” Sebastian said as he stood from the altar. “It is good to see you,” he smiled. “I'm glad you made a full recovery.”
“I wouldn't say I'm fully recovered just yet, but enough that Anders finally let me out of his sight.”
“Of course.” Sebastian then sighed and looked downcast.
“What's wrong?” Jordan asked, even though she was sure she knew the answer.
“I still feel horrible,” he spoke softly. “I had hoped prayer might cleanse me of the desire demon's touch. But I still hear her voice so clearly. I feel like I've bathed in filth that will never come off.”
“Wash behind the ears,” Jordan smiled. “Evil usually gets stuck there.”
Sebastian wasn't amused. “I hate to admit it, but the demon wasn't lying. I used to be bitterly jealous of my brother. I wanted to be prince. Now, everything he had is mine, and he lies in ashes. I keep asking myself, 'Do I want this because it's right, or simply to have what I never thought I could?'”
“I know you weren't always the next in line, but didn't you have some type of chance to be on the throne?”
Sebastian shook his head. “I'm the youngest son of three. My parents were... rather traditional. They wanted the heir and the spare, and I was left in the cold. They put me in the Chantry to prevent my competing with my brothers. Back then I was a wild boy, a shame to my family. The Chantry made me a man. It's odd. When I wanted to rule, I would have been terrible at it. Now that I might be decent, I don't know if it's the right thing to do.”
“Sure it is,” said Jordan. “Don't let the demon give you doubts about yourself. You'd make a great ruler.
“I don't know if I can believe that. In trying to retake Starkhaven, I have already brought death to so many. Could I ever do enough as prince to justify that?”
“You know what they say about eggs and omelets... Real princes don't worry about who they step on on their way to the top.”
Sebastian sighed and looked up toward the statue of the Maker. “I know you've done great things in Kirkwall, Hawke. I imagine your methods haven't always been scrupulous, but you clearly do more good than harm. I just don't know if I can follow that road.” He was troubled, unsure about which was the right course.
“Alright, enough talk about this,” said Jordan. “Maybe this will cheer you up.” She presented him with the bow. Seeing it, Sebastian's face lit. Any sorrow in his eyes, lifting away.
“Why this is... my grandfather's bow!” He took it from her and marveled. “But... where did you get it?” he asked, blinking at her.
“From Flora, actually,” Jordan answered.
“Flora?” Sebastian didn't seem to understand.
“After we left, she found it in a pile of treasures Flint Company had taken from Starkhaven and had brought to her mother. She would have given it to you herself, but she was afraid. Instead, she came to my home and gave it to me.”
“Afraid?” Sebastian said, still confused. “But she doesn't need to be afraid. Not of me.”
“Not afraid specifically of you, but of how you might react. She's still ashamed. I'd advise you to go there and work things out with her, maybe. Show her you're not someone she should be scared of.”
“Of course,” Sebastian said as he examined his grandfather's bow again. “I should go there to see what other treasures might be in that pile. Thank you, Hawke. It's... hard to mourn the loss of a thing while my family lies dead. But I did think of this.”
“Is there a story behind that bow?”
“There's a story behind every great weapon. But yes, there is if you'd like to hear it. As the youngest son, it was my place to lead Starkhaven's militia. But I never had a talent for swordplay. Too much getting hit. My grandfather said the bow is the wise man's weapon. You can defend your city without opening its gates. Grandfather said the day I could pull the string on his bow, it would be mine.”
“So why didn't you have it with you?” Jordan asked.
“I was thirteen when my grandfather made me that promise. I would rise at dawn to practice my shots until I could hit the eye slit of a helmet from the top of the ramparts. But... my parents pledged me to the Chantry before I could show him.”
“Well I've seen what you can do with a bow. Maybe later you can put that thing to good use.”
“Perhaps. Elthina would prefer I stayed in the chantry, but helping you has given me a sense of worth. Maybe when you are in need of me next, I will be able to shoot my grandfather's bow once more. Thank you again, Hawke. I appreciate the gift, but I feel I must get back to my prayers. I still feel as if I need to be cleansed.”
“Go ahead. There's nothing going on right now anyway. I'll speak to you later, Sebastian.”
“May the Maker watch over you, Hawke,” Sebastian bowed before he went back to kneeling in front of the altar.
When Jordan exited the chantry, happy to be out, Fenris stood and greeted her. Chance as well barked happily that she was back.
“We need to go see the Arishok,” Fenris said suddenly.
“What, now?” Jordan asked, surprised by his sudden suggestion.
“Yes. I think now would be the best time. While you were in there, I was thinking. Telling the Arishok about the saar-qamek in the alley is the right thing to do.”
Jordan sighed. This was something she did not want to do more than anything, yet she knew Fenris was right. If he said she needed to go back to the Arishok and tell him, then that's what she needed to do. “Alright, let's go,” she heaved. “Maybe it was a bad idea you came after all.”
“I know, but you're not doing as bad as you think with the Qunari. I actually believe the Arishok respects you. And after he learns what happened, he'll respect you even more.”
***
The ashen giant stared down at Jordan with a neutral face. She had just told him everything about the incident in the alley. That Javaris was not the thief, but instead it was an elf that Jordan still didn't know anything about. She also told him about her own experience with the saar-qamek, and how she had survived.
“Impressive,” the Arishok said in his usual monotone. “To see you standing here tells me you are more than what you are. I am starting to believe you may be the only worthy one in this city. And as for the thief, I was wrong. Twice now.” He didn't seem pleased by realizing this.
“Happens to everyone,” Jordan waved off.
The Arishok glared at her. “They say we were careless with our trap, that this is our fault. But even without the saar-qamek, there would have been death. This elf was determined to lay blame at our feet. Selfishness, want, denial—how do you allow this to continue?”
“You're seriously going to ask me that? I'm not in charge of this city. And if I was, it's not like I'd be allowing it to continue. It just does.”
“So it disgusts you as well?”
“Some of it, but would it be so different anywhere else?”
The Arishok stood from his seat and gestured to the Qunari standing at his sides. “Karasten are soldiers. The Qun made it so. They can never vary from that assigned path, never be other than they are meant to be. But, they are free to choose within that role. To accept and succeed, or deny and die. Glory is clear and defined. You claim it is no different anywhere else. We deny that with a certainty that would benefit not just you, but this whole city.”
“Sorry, but I find myself distracted by the 'deny and die' part. How exactly is that a free choice?”
“And yet you accept the random violence that plagues this nation,” the Arishok spoke, his voice deepening. “I wonder if the weaker of your citizens would be so closed to certainty. Your kind may force our role to change if the Qun demands.”
Jordan didn't like hearing that. The Arishok almost made it sound as if the Qunari would intervene if things didn't change. But how were things suppose to change? Kirkwall had been the way it was for many years, long before she was born. Long before her parents were born. The city would not be able to change over night. The nobles would never accept, and neither would the criminals.
She decided to try and change the topic. “What about who was behind the elf? She spoke about the faithful, which means she had help. Why aren't you more concerned about her supporters?”
The Arishok still stood, staring down at her from his perch. “Our enemies strike from shadow because they cannot stand before us. This is not a revelation. And it doesn't matter. I am not here to fight; I am here to satisfy a demand you cannot understand.”
“It's taking long enough,” Jordan muttered.
“It will take as long as needed. No ship is coming. There is no rescue from duty to the Qun. I am stuck here.”
So there it was, the real reason why the Qunari hadn't left yet. There was something they were suppose to do, and they weren't allowed to leave until it was done. “Then what is is that you must do before you can leave?” she asked. “Maybe I can help you--”
“We are in no need of such a thing,” the Arishok cut her off. “But if you must know, filth stole from us. Not now, not the saar-qamek. Years ago! A simple act of greed has bound me. We are all denied Par Vollen until I alone recover what was lost under my command! That is why this elf and her shadows are unimportant. That is why I do not simply walk from this pustule of a city! Fixing your mess is not the demand of the Qun! And you should all be grateful!” He had become loud, violent almost, yelling out each word louder and louder. Jordan had never seen the Arishok so angry before, and it frightened her, as it allowed her to fully see the strength behind him. She still kept her stance, however. Showing weakness to the Qunari was never wise.
The Arishok calmed. He then went back to his seat and sat upon it. “Thank you, human, for your service,” he said, back to his monotone. “Leave.”
Not wanting to anger him further, Jordan bowed before she, Fenris and Chance took their leave of the compound. Once outside of it, Jordan sighed out and shook out her nerves.
“He's obviously tense,” said Fenris. “If things don't change soon, then I fear the Qunari will no longer be contempt to stay in their compound.”
“What are you saying?” Jordan asked.
“I'm saying, you need to find out what is keeping them here. If you can figure it out and get back what was stolen from them, then they'll leave. Otherwise, the Arishok may believe Kirkwall will need to be cleansed. And if that happens, I don't think even you could stop them.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age 2
- 42
- 43
- 44
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