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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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Tainted Beauty

Several days passed and there was still no contact from Arawin, making Zelda nervous. She knew that it would take a few days for the elf to reach the city, then maybe another to find any information, but she still couldn’t help to feel like she did. Zelda felt like she was going crazy. She felt trapped and confined. She could leave the castle if she pleased and go down to the village, but leaving the arling was not possible. It had already been decided they would stay in Redcliffe, but now she was debating with that plan more than ever.
Zelda tried to think over it, but it seemed that she could not find a moment when she could be alone with her thoughts. She was grateful for the hospitality that Teagan and Isolde were giving her, but the way she was followed around made it a little maddening. If it wasn’t the elven servant, June, making sure that all her needs were met, then it was Ser Perth stalking as her shadow. He would follow her around, saying that he felt like it was his duty to make sure she was kept safe and would not allow anyone to harm her. It was endearing at first, but after the last few days, Zelda was starting to get annoyed. No one in Redcliffe had threatened her or tried to do anything that might bring harm. Everyone was grateful for what she had done. The village even lied for her when a couple of Loghain’s soldiers came through the arling asking about Grey Wardens. All who they asked had given them the same answer: There were no Grey Wardens here.
Occasionally, Zelda was able to get away from Ser Perth by losing him in big crowds such as ones in the mess hall during meal hours. From there she would try and find a secluded place, but it appeared as if she would never find one. There was always someone who would find her. Either Leliana or Wynne, even Isolde or Teagan, wanting to talk to her, wanting to ask if she had heard any news yet. Always she would give them the same answer of “not yet”. Sometimes she would run into Alistair, and those were always times that she enjoyed the most. Whenever Ser Perth would find her with him, the knight would leave her alone. Zelda was grateful for that, as she found when she and Alistair were alone, and especially without Ser Perth or Teagan, Alistair seemed more relaxed and acted like himself. It was nice to see him joking and happy, much different from when they first left the Korcari Wilds.
It wasn’t until six days passed when she last spoke to Arawin when Zelda was finally able to find a quiet space where she could sit and think. She had lost Ser Perth again by going through the mess hall during the afternoon meal. At first she thought she wouldn’t lose him as he had gotten smart to her moves, but luckily the soldiers in line had allowed her through, but not him. Once she saw this, she then exited out the other side and ran down the hall. When she came to the end of it, she found a door open. Zelda peaked inside, and saw that it was the arl’s study.
It was quiet and secluded. If she went inside and shut the door, then maybe no one would find her. As she walked in, she looked around. The wall behind the desk was lined with shelves full of books. As Zelda scanned the titles she noticed most of them had to do with history, particularly the history of Orlais. She wondered if the number of volumes had to do with Eamon’s fascination with Orlais, or if the books belonged to Isolde. Either way, Zelda would have loved to stay in the study to read them all, but her thoughts were brought back to her dilemma when she came across a book about the history of Orzammar.
The thought of traveling to Orzammar and seeking the aid of the dwarves had been going through her mind on and off after she had spoken to Arawin. It seemed waiting in Redcliffe for her bonded sister to discover anything she could about the Urn was a waste of time. “We could easily be getting the last treaty done while Arawin is in Denerim. Hmm.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, my lady, I didn’t know someone was in here.”
Zelda nearly jumped when she heard the door open. To her relief, just a guard stood in the doorway. “No, I’m sorry,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if I should be in here. I don’t think the arl would approve.”
“Arl Eamon has always had his door open for anyone. I’m sure you are fine.”
“Okay, thanks, then. I need a quiet place to think, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, my lady. And don’t worry, I already told Ser Perth that you weren’t in here.” The guard smiled at her and closed the door behind him.
Zelda stood where she was, puzzled. She then decided to let it slide and thank the Maker for small favors. Walking over to the desk, she sat down in the chair and laid her head in her arms. “What am I going to do?” She closed her eyes and felt a dreariness pass over her. She didn’t realize how tired she was despite all the rest she was getting. That might have been it. Too much rest. And the thought of waiting for Arawin made her even more so.
I could sleep here forever, she thought. Her eyes then shot open. “No. I can’t. That wouldn’t be very productive.”
A glitter then caught the corner of her eye. Looking down, Zelda saw what looked like a chain hanging out of the lower drawer of the desk. She opened it, and pulled the chain out. Attached to it was a silver amulet.
Zelda examined the amulet. It looked as if it had been broken, but someone had taken a good amount of time to put it back together. Lines spider-webbed their way through the outer casing, giving it a unique beauty. She turned it over and saw that the front was carved in the likeness of Andraste’s holy symbol. The symbol was lined with gold, and it shimmered brilliantly in the light of the torches on the wall.
“Is this...? Is this Alistair’s?” A smile began to creep up her face. Zelda placed the amulet in her pocket and went to the door. Peeking out, she saw that the guard was there, standing watch. “Ser knight.”
“Yes, my lady?” the guard said turning towards her.
“Could you go and find Alistair and bring him here, please? I need to speak with him.”
“Yes, my lady. Right away.” The guard hurried off and disappeared down the hall.
Zelda made her way back into the study, keeping the door open, and sat down. She removed the amulet from her pocket and examined it again. The detail given to the amulet was shown. Either the arl or someone had payed much attention to make sure every piece was accounted for and in it’s proper place. She wasn’t sure what the amulet’s beauty might have been before it had shattered, but it truly had a strange and delicate beauty now.
“Zelda? Did you want to see me?” Alistair stood in the doorframe. He looked a bit surprised that Zelda had wanted to see him.
Quickly, Zelda hid the amulet behind her back and stood. “Alistair, please, come in. Shut the door.”
Closing the door behind him, Alistair walked to the desk and stood before her. “What is it you wanted?”
“Well, several things, actually.” Zelda made her way around the desk, making sure to keep the amulet out of Alistair’s sight. “I need your advice on what we should do now.”
“I think maybe Wynne would be better for advice. Or Leliana.”
“No, I want to ask you. Maybe I’ll ask Wynne and Leliana later. But as I was saying, I'm trying to determine if we should wait here or go on ahead to Orzammar.”
“Didn’t we already talk about this? I thought we decided it would be best to wait and hear what Arawin has found. Going to Orzammar might not be the best idea right now.”
“I know, but it’s been six days now. I’m starting to get anxious.”
“You shouldn’t be. Arawin won’t fail. I don’t think she even knows how.”
Zelda smiled at him. “See. You can give advice.”
“You’re right. Perhaps now I should go and give advice to everyone who asks! Need to know who to marry your daughter off to, come to me. Want to know how to deal with that pesky, nosy neighbor, Alistair has the answer! I might get so many people that we may need to start up a service. It’ll be called ‘Ask Alistair.’”
“I like ‘Ask Alis’ better.”
“Not you too!” he groaned.
Zelda laughed. “Maybe just advice to me would be good for now.”
“So then, what do you think?”
“It just seems like waiting is not producing anything. Going to Orzammar would not only get us the last treaty but also save some time. Arawin can handle the Urn on her own. Can’t she?”
“She can, but what if she finds something that requires our aid? If we’re occupied in Orzammar, what then? It’ll take at least a month to go there and get back. And who knows how long it might take us once we're in Orzammar. I’ve heard horror stories about the dwarven Assembly.”
Zelda knew better than he did, probably. Although Zelda had never been to Orzammar, and she knew very little about their politics, she did know about the havoc caused by the Assembly. Her father had traveled to Orzammar a few times, and every time he stayed longer than planned. It was all due to the fact that the dwarven Assembly was more cut-throat than the Landsmeet.
“But we don’t know how long it will take her,” Zelda commented. “She might find nothing or not be able to find anything at all.”
“Denerim is close to where Arawin was. I think you also forget that she grew up in Denerim. I’m sure she knows her way around. Arawin knows where to go and who to talk to.”
“That is true, so I guess she will be able to find something. Still...”
“How about this,” Alistair said placing his hand on his chin. “We wait until Arawin contacts us and depending on what she says determines if we go to Orzammar or not.”
“But how long is a good time to wait?”
“I don’t know. This is why I don’t like discussing such things.”
Zelda chuckled slightly. “It’s all right, you did just fine and helped me out a lot. I think I’ve made a decision.”
“What?”
“We’ll do what you said, and wait for Arawin to contact us. If we don’t hear from her in the next four days then I’ll contact her and then determine our plan of action.”
“That sounds good. Glad you could come up with it.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you, though. One of the things my father taught me was that before you make a decision, you should always ask the opinion of at least one other person. That way you can get a different perspective.”
“Your father was a smart man.”
“Yes, he was. He used to take both Fergus and I to the Landsmeet with him on occasion. I knew why Fergus went, he was–I mean is–going to be the next teyrn, after all. But when I asked him why I went as well, he would tell me: ‘Zelda, even if you never become a teyrna, or only hold the title of “lady”, if you know how the system works, then it will not surprise you if you ever find yourself in need of it.’ He taught me a lot of things about politics, as well as the ways of the warrior. He wanted me to know how to deal with circumstances both in a diplomatic and physical way. My mother didn’t mind me learning politics, but she did have something against me learning how to fight. Even though she was a shieldmaiden herself back in her youth. My father only wanted me to be a strong woman.”
“And you are,” said Alistair. “You speak very fondly of him. I wish I could have met your father. I heard that he was a great man.”
“He was, and I know he would have liked you, Alistair. He was very fond of his knights and treated everyone with respect. Another thing he taught me.” Zelda’s face fell, and her demeanor became sad. The last imagines of her mother and father flashed in her mind. Them cradling each other as the castle around them fell to the hands of Howe’s men.
Alistair saw the sadness in her face. “W-was there something else you also wanted to discuss?” he asked trying to change the subject.
“Oh... yes.” Zelda straightened herself back up and shook the feeling of regret from her mind. She would have to deal with it later. “I have something for you.” She handed him the amulet.
He took it from her and looked at it. At first he wasn’t sure what it was, but then his face lighted with excitement. “Is this...? Why yes! This... this is my mother’s amulet. It has to be. But why isn’t it broken? Where did you find it?”
“I found it in the castle, here in the study.”
“Oh, this study? Then Eamon must have... found the amulet after I threw it at the wall. And he repaired it and kept it? I don’t understand, why would he do that?”
“Perhaps you mean more to him than you think.”
“I... guess you could be right. We never really talked that much, and then the way I left... Thank you. I mean it. I... thought I’d lost this to my own stupidity. I’ll need to talk to him about this. If he recovers from his... when he recovers, that is. I wish I’d had this a long time ago. Did you remember me mentioning it? Wow. I’m more used to people not really listening when I go on about things.”
“Of course I remembered,” Zelda smiled. “You’re special to me.”
Alistair looked surprised at what Zelda had just said. “I... don’t know what to say. You’re special to me, too. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome, although I only found it. I didn’t put it back together.”
“But you still took the time to give it to me. I’m sure the arl would've if he was well. But I’m glad... it was you.” He turned his head away from her, blood rushing to his checks.
Zelda stood poised. She was happy at what she had done. She knew that Alistair was happy and that’s all that mattered. “Now, I hate to cut this short, but I think I need to try and talk to Isolde about what we should do in order to maintain our keep.”
“I don’t think--”
“I don’t care. I feel like we need to be doing something, anything or else I may find myself going mad.” Zelda left the room, but not before turning and smiling back at Alistair. It made him melt and almost fall over when she disappeared through the door.
***
Alistair had decided to go for a walk. He wasn’t sure where he would go, but that wasn’t the most important thing on his mind. Zelda was what occupied him thoughts the most. She danced through his head as he made his way from the castle, across the bridge, and down to the village. He had placed his mother’s amulet around his neck. It hung next to his own Grey Warden pendant. He fingered the amulet, trying to figure out what had just happened in the arl’s study.
What did she mean when she said I was special to her? It was a question that racked his brain. It could have meant many things, or nothing at all. All he knew now was how intense his feelings toward Zelda really were. It had been something he was holding back, not sure what to do. Now, even as his feelings came to the surface, he still didn’t know what to do or think.
He recalled back to the first time he saw her. It was actually when she, Arawin, and Duncan were about to cross the bridge to Ostagar as Cailan greeted them. He along with the other Grey Wardens had gotten word that Duncan was spotted on the highway. A few of them had ran out of the camp, finding themselves on a precipice that gave them a view of the entire bridge. Each of them wanting to get a look at the new recruits, as it was a surprise to them that not only was Duncan bringing two, but that they were both women. There had been women in the Grey Wardens before, but at that point, in Ferelden at least, there were none.
Alistair had arrived first. He looked over the deep gorge to see the king and his guards stop Duncan and the two women in the middle of the bridge to greet them. He was too far away to make out any features, but he could see Arawin’s bright red hair from all the way across the gorge. He knew from the descriptions he had read from Duncan’s letter that the redhead could be none other than the elf. The other one, the blonde woman, stood behind her, making it even harder to see.
“Ah, would you look at that,” he heard someone say behind him. Alistair turned to see his fellow Grey Warden, Maverick, looking through a spyglass. “They’re quite some lookers, they are.”
“Really? Let me see.” Alex yanked the spyglass from his best friend’s hand and put it to his eye.
“Hey!”
“You’re right,” said Alex. “They are nice. I’ll tell ya, Alistair, I sure envy you.”
“Why would you envy me?” Alistair asked.
“Because you get to take those two gorgeous creatures into the Wilds all alone! What man wouldn’t envy that!”
“That’s right, and you know what?” said Maverick. “I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to finally make Ali here a man!”
“Hey, not a bad idea.” Alex slapped Alistair on the back before handing him the spyglass. “Here you go, my boy. Take a good look at your future.”
“Now, now, I don’t want to hear anymore of it,” came a booming, deep voice. Gregor was a large man with a thick beard and Anders accent. He towered over them all and stared down at Maverick and Alex. “Listen to me, you two. Those women should be treated just like every other woman here. With respect! Especially if they survive the Joining. If I hear you two have been harassing them, then I’ll throw both of you into the Wilds. Don’t think I can’t either.”
“Who said we were going to harass them?” Maverick smiled. “Ali here is the virgin.”
“You really expect me to believe that?” Gregor eyed them suspiciously. “Why don’t you two get back to camp where I can keep a better eye on you. Now go! That’s an order.”
“Ah, but I want to see them up close!” Alex protested.
“Do you want to be kicked in the gorge? If they survive the Joining then you can see them, but until then they’re for Alistair’s eyes only. Now get!”
“We’re going. Oh, and Ali, make sure you say hi to them for me.” Maverick rustled Alistair’s hair, a gestured Alistair hated more than anything which was probably why Maverick did it. Even with that, Alistair still couldn’t help but to smile at Maverick and Alex’s joking. He knew that they would more than likely try and sneak back in to see the women up close and to fully introduce themselves at some point. Gregor wasn't able to keep an eye on them all the time.
Gregor sighed as he watched them go. “I’m gonna have to lock those two up now.”
“You might not have to worry too much,” said Alistair. “From what I read about the new recruits, they can probably take care of themselves. The elf was able to take down three guards with no weapon. I think she can handle those two.”
“You’re probably right,” Gregor chuckled. He then became serious again. “But no matter, I still expect the same thing from you, Alistair. Treat those girls right. And I know they teased you about it, but there is no pressure on becoming a man. I’d say you’re already a man for surviving the Joining. As for the other thing, well... If it happens with one of these girls, then I guess it happens.” This made Alistair turn a bright crimson. “But I’ll throw you into the Wilds as well if I hear it happened in an unfavorable manner. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, ser.”
“Good, now go ahead and get a move on to the temple. I’m sure that’s where Duncan is more than likely going to send them to find you.”
“I will. I just wanted to... look first.” Alistair held up the spyglass. Gregor just smiled and shook his head before walking away.
Alistair put the spyglass to his eye and turned the scope in order to focus the view. He used the brightness of Arawin’s hair as a beacon to find them. Once he did, his heart nearly leaped into his throat. They were stunning. Their beauty could be seen, but it was hard to make out certain features with the spyglass. He detected Arawin’s eyes to perhaps be green, but he wasn’t sure. When he then moved the spyglass to get a good look at Zelda, he felt his heart stop. She was gorgeous with soft blonde hair, and what he took to be blue eyes. He tried to see more of her, straining himself to do so, but it was no use. She was slightly behind Arawin, making her further away. She also stood in a shadow so only half of her face could be seen. Alistair had to take the spyglass down when he nearly fell off the edge as the point of his boot hit air and nothing else.
It’s all right. I can get a better look later.
He then made his way from the precipice back into camp. He first needed to stop at the blacksmith’s tent to pick up his newly forged gauntlets before heading to the temple. It was during this trip that he was stopped by the revered mother. She asked him to deliver a massage to one of the senior enchanter mages to come to her tent. She never told him why, but he also never asked. Getting in between the Chantry and Circle’s problems were no longer his problem. Luckily, after he had retrieved his gauntlets, he found one of the senior mages in the temple. At first he wasn’t sure why the revered mother had asked him to deliver the message, but as soon as he said it to the mage, the reason became evident.
Most people, especially mages, knew that he had been a templar before becoming a Grey Warden. Having him deliver the message was an insult to the mage, which was why he acted so hostile to Alistair. Alistair of course, acted as he always did by turning the situation into a joke. It had worked, and he was happy when the mage left to go to the revered mother. The whole situation had caused a distraction for him, making him nearly forget about the two women, so it was a complete surprise when he looked to see that they had been standing in the temple watching him.
He nearly froze, hoping they hadn’t seen the whole conversation, but it became clear they had when Zelda asked about it. Again, he had gone back into his joking phase. It was the place where he could hide and help with awkward situations. Seeing the two women up close and able to see the details in their faces was something he had not prepared for. Especially not with Zelda. Her skin was creamy, eyes a crystal blue, hair light and delicate. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he felt like he was acting a fool. Luckily though, he was glad to see that she had responded to him without total disgust. They both had.
From there, he was able to keep his control. Growing up in the Chantry and being taught to treat a woman properly helped him to do so. If there were any feelings for Zelda at that point, he kept them well hidden, although he did find himself watching her more than the others; closely paying attention to her when ever she talked. He found that he very much enjoyed it.
During their Joining, Alistair hoped that if anyone survived it would be her. He also hoped that the taint wouldn’t completely destroy her beauty. He had seen pictures of Grey Warden women, before and after their Joining to see that the taint really did take away from them certain features. There were some women that this wasn’t so, however, and he wished she would be one of them. Though as he thought about it, he was beginning to realize that there was more than just her looks he was starting to become attracted to.
Everything after the Joining, including the dark times, he found to actually be quite blissful, especially if she was with him. Not being able to fight at Ostagar was rough, but he was happy that she would be right beside him. And the way he felt after Ostagar, the feelings of loss and betrayal. When he was standing near the swamp, taking in everything that Flemeth had told him, he could feel everything inside him breaking. To lose his friends along with his mentor was bad enough, but to have also lost her... It was no wonder he had cracked the moment he saw her walk out of the hut. She was still there, still with him. He was not alone.
He remembered that moment so well as his knees shook and his emotions broke. He could still feel her arms wrapped around him, gentle and caring. The way she stroked his back and head, pushing it to her chest to allow him what he needed. She didn’t seem to care that he was crying, that he was acting like a fool, blubbering over something that couldn’t be helped. She just stood there and held him, comforting him until all his tears were gone.
As he thought about it, as he let his mind drift to that dark place in time, Alistair began to realize something. Even though he felt like he was surrounded by complete darkness, there was a pinpoint of light that helped to guide him out. And that’s when he knew. That’s when he fell in love.
Alistair found himself in front of the village chantry. He didn’t realize how far he had walked until he looked up at the towers, seeing their glittering peaks in the sunlight. He walked in, not really knowing what he was looking for. Could the Maker help him with his problem? But then again, what was his problem? Alistair was confused by all the things that stirred within his heart. He needed to talk to someone.
The chantry was mostly empty inside, only a few priests walked about. In the corner though, surrounded by bookshelves, he did notice a group of children seated around listening to a story. When he got closer, he could hear the storyteller, and knew immediately who it was.
“To keep them apart, he had Alindra imprisoned in the highest tower of his castle and sent her soldier to the wars.” In their travels, Alistair had already heard the story of Alindra and her soldier. Leliana was a fantastic storyteller, and even now he along with the children were captivated by her words. “Alas, not a month had passed before news of the soldier’s death reached Alindra. Alone in her tower, Alindra wept for her love and beseeched the gods to deliver her from this cruel world. And do you know that happened next?”
“No,” said all the children in unison.
“So earnest was her plea that the gods themselves were moved. They gathered Alindra into their arms and lifted her high into the heavens, where she became a star. The gods also raised up the soul of Alindra’s soldier love and there he dwells, across the horizon from her. The band of stars between them is a river of Alindra’s tears, cried for her lost love. And they say that when Alindra has cried enough, she will be able to cross the river and be reunited with her solider.”
The children both sighed and gagged with most of the girls sighing and the boys gagging. Alistair chuckled a little as he leaned against one of the bookshelves.
“And look who we have here,” Leliana said noticing him.
“Oh! Is it Alindra’s soldier? He looks like him,” said one of the girls. “So handsome!”
“Quiet, Triny!” another one harshly whispered in her ear. “He might hear you!”
“And what would be wrong with that?” Leliana asked. “He is a handsome knight, but unfortunately for you girls, he’s already taken.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t still be chivalrous to a couple of lovely ladies,” said Alistair as he squatted down in between the two girls. He smiled at them and they both grew red as rubies before looking away.
“Alright children, I think that’s enough for today,” said Leliana.
“Oh, why?” some of the children protested.
“Don’t worry, I'll be back here, same time tomorrow to tell you more stories if you wish. I have plenty to go around.”
The children all thanked her as they got up to leave. Some of the boys came and asked if she would tell a heroic tale next time, as today the girls got their love story. Leliana promised them that she would and that she knew the perfect one. Once they were all gone, Leliana stood from her chair and strengthened her dress before turning to Alistair and smiling lightly. “So what brings you here, Alistair?”
“How do you know I’m here for anything?” he asked her.
“Because I know you’ve heard me tell that story several times. If you didn’t want something, you wouldn’t have stopped by. Besides, it looks like you need to talk about something. Don’t try and hide it, I can see it on your face. What is it?”
Alistair swallowed hard. He didn’t think his feelings would show clearly enough for her to see. Then again, Leliana was always very observant. Training from her bard days. “I... uh. Well, there is something...” He swallowed again, unsure of what to say.
“Alistair?” Leliana had her hands on her hips. “You know you can ask me anything.”
“Okay, well... You’re a girl, right?”
“Really? I am? When did this happen?”
Alistair scuffed at himself, realizing his mistake. “T-That’s not what I meant... What I mean is... I need advise. How do I get someone’s attention?”
“If you want to know my advise,” said Leliana. “I’d say you already have Zelda’s attention.”
“What?” Alistair blinked. “I-I didn’t say anything about Zelda.”
Leliana shook her head. “Don’t play a fool, Alistair. I’ve seen the way you act around her. How observant you are, how you silently run to her rescue even if she doesn’t need it, and of course, how you get that silent reserve whenever either Bann Teagan or Ser Perth show their interest. If there isn’t something there between the two of you, then I’m not a woman.”
“But didn’t I just ask if you were?”
Leliana smirked at him. “Listen, Alistair, if you want something more from her then all you need to do is be yourself. Just go and talk to her. Tell her how you feel.”
“But if I act like myself, then I do stupid things like ask about a woman’s femininity.”
“And that’s all right,” Leliana giggled. “It’s your charm. It’s very endearing and sweet. So just go on now. Go find her and tell her what you need to.” She began pushing him out, making him stumble from the bookshelves.
“Seriously? Now?”
“Yes. I’m tired of watching you two flirt around each other. Go and make it official already!”
“But I don’t know where she is.”
“More than likely up in the castle. Try Eamon’s room.” She pushed him out of the chantry doors, nearly making him fall down the stairs. Alistair didn’t realize how strong she was. She stood in the doorway glaring at him. “And next time I see you, it better be with Zelda, and she better be happy for the right reasons!” She then shut the door and Alistair stood staring blankly at the wood, trying to figure out what had just happened.
***
Alistair’s heart pounded at the inside of his chest as he entered the castle. He had just ran up the stairs and across the bridge, but he knew it was beating fast from more than just that. He felt a lump in his throat and his legs felt like rubber as he walked through the castle. He felt like he was about to go and do the most moronic thing he had ever done. How was he suppose to tell Zelda how he felt? It was something he hadn’t thought of on the way up. Leliana had prompted him to run, filling him with some type of confidence he didn’t even know he had. Now it was depleting, and he could feel his stomach doing flip-flops.
He felt unworthy of her. Just as he always had whenever another man was around. He would always be placed in the background, but it wasn’t Zelda who put him there. He would put himself there, not wanting to get in the way. He noticed it where ever she went, the way people treated her. They all respected her with some showing their interest more than others. Even Connor had given her flowers he had picked from one of the inner gardens. They were simple, but sweet. She had accepted them kindly, as she always was, especially with him. But Alistair knew that Connor’s infatuation with her was only a young boy’s crush. He had one as well when he was Connor’s age. There was a sister who taught him in the abbey that he fancied. It was only something innocent and harmless. The others, however, where a different matter.
Teagan Alistair didn’t mind so much. It still hurt to see him trying to give her affection, but he figured there was probably something between them anyway. An arrangement made by her father perhaps that made Teagan think he had a claim on her. Maybe he was right and he did. Alistair wasn’t sure, and it wasn’t like he could do anything about it anyway. They were both nobles and if Zelda’s father had done something, then he knew Zelda would more than likely honor it. Because that was who she was, and that was why Alistair loved her.
Ser Perth on the other hand was a different matter, as the knight annoyed him to no end. He was always trying to take her some place. He would follow where ever she went and it seemed he never let her have a moments peace. Alistair wondered why Zelda hadn’t just told him to leave her alone, as he could see she found it just as annoying. But again, that wasn’t her.
Alistair soon found himself standing in the hall just outside of the arl’s bedchamber. He looked up the ramp then back down the hallway. Down the hall was Zelda’s room. He wondered if she might be in there instead of the arl’s. He would have to check both of them.
He went up the ramp first, as Leliana had suggested and it seemed like the most likely place. As he made his way under the archway and into the waiting room, he glanced over into Connor’s room to see the young man with Wynne. She was teaching him magic, and Alistair could feel the crackle of it in the air. He passed the door and went down to the end where he peered into the arl’s room without going in.
Zelda wasn’t in there. The only occupants besides Eamon were Esumi and Cullen. Esumi was sitting in a chair next to the bed with her head resting on the mattress. There was a blanket over her and Alistair could see she was fast asleep. Cullen was seated at the desk next to the bed. He was flipping through a book, occasionally turning his head to look over at Esumi. He would also still for a moment, his body calm with his head raised. Alistair figured he was tuning in to the magic happening only a few feet away from him. There was really nothing to fear, as Wynne would keep Connor from doing anything harmful, but Alistair knew why Cullen was still checking. A mage taken by a demon, whether forcibly or willingly, was always more susceptible to demon attacks later on. It would be no surprise to Alistair if Connor was denied the Harrowing and instead made tranquil, just for this reason. It was a sad thing to think about, but the Circle would only be doing it to insure the safety of the whole.
Alistair backed away from the door, not wanting to disturb the two as Cullen went back to flipping through the book. He instead went over and stood in the doorframe of Connor’s room, watching the young boy and Wynne. His nerves were starting to come back, which kept him from leaving the bedchambers all together.
“Very good,” said Wynne after she threw a lightning bolt at Connor. They were working on his shield spells and he had blocked her attack with relative ease.
“Thank you, Wynne. This is a lot harder than I thought.” Connor looked exhausted, but Alistair could feel the magic stirring around him, and he was quite impressed.
“Magic isn’t easy, and it’s not suppose to be,” said Wynne. “But you’re doing very well. I think Keiven is going to be jealous that you can do a shield spell better than he can. But maybe it’ll be for the best. He needs someone to compete with. A little competition never hurt anyone.”
“Keiven is Zelda’s little brother, yes?”
“That would be correct. Oh, hello Alistair. Did you need anything?”
Alistair stood silent for a moment, wondering if he did. “Wynne... Can I talk to you for a moment? Alone.”
“Sure. Connor, why don’t you go and get something to eat. We’re done for today.”
“Are you sure?” Connor said. “I was starting to have fun.”
“And you’re going to have plenty of it when you get to the Circle, trust me. Now run along and get some food. I know you’re hungry.”
Connor held his stomach and nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Same time,” Wynne said after him while he left the room. Alistair moved into the room to let the boy pass. He then looked over at Wynne to see her cleaning the room up of debris that was more than likely the cause of their magic use.
“Should you really be teaching him outside of the Circle?” he asked her.
“I am not an apostate, Alistair,” she answered without looking at him. “This might not be the tower, but I am still a Circle mage, and a senior enchanter at that. I am qualified to teach him outside of the tower as long as he goes there at some point.” She then straightened and looked at him fully. “Besides, I’m more unteaching him what Jowan taught, to be honest. The boy was a good student, but he is by no means a good teacher.”
“Oh, well... then by all means...”
“What is it you wanted to talk about, Alistair? I know it has nothing to do with Connor and magic.”
“No it doesn’t. It’s... well. I need some advise... on how to say something to someone.”
“Oh?”
“I need you... Pretend to be a woman.”
Wynne tried to suppress a chuckle but failed. “Alistair, I am a woman, so this might be hard for me, but I’ll try.”
“No, no! I mean... Seriously, did I just do that again?” Alistair ran his hand across his face and went to sit on the bed. “Why is this so hard? I mean pretend to be a different woman. I want to know what you’d do if someone told you that they loved you.”
“Oh, well that’s a little different,” said Wynne. “Let me see... How are you telling me? Do I love you back? Are you wanting something from you telling me? I need context.”
Alistair looked at her stunned. “I-I don’t know... precisely.”
Wynne smiled at him as she sat on the bed and patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure Zelda does love you back, Alistair. Don’t be afraid.”
“Wait, no! It’s not... Zelda. Oh, who am I kidding. Of course you would have noticed, right? Did Leliana say something?”
“Leliana didn’t have to say anything. It’s nearly screaming out. But I do know she’s trying to get you two together, and I would have to agree, except... I haven’t been with you very long, but I’ve gotten to know all of you pretty well in the short time. I want you two to be happy, and I can see both of you are when you’re together. But I hope you can understand that you’re both Grey Wardens, and love can not get in the way of your duty.”
“It hasn’t so far.”
“No, but once you take it to the next level, that’s when things start to become more complicated. I do think you should go and tell her how you feel, but I do hope you take my warning seriously. Being a Grey Warden means making sacrifices, which I’m sure you’re aware of. Love is one of them.”
Alistair nodded, understanding what she meant, but he was still determined. Even more now. “I understand, Wynne, and thank you.”
“Yes. Now, if that is all you wished of me, then I might go and get something to eat myself.”
“Do you know where Zelda is?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. Last I saw her she was speaking with Isolde in the throne room. I’m sure she’s not there anymore as that was hours ago.”
“Thank you anyway, I’ll go look for her now.”
“You’re welcome, and Alistair... be yourself. And if that doesn’t work, give her a gift. We women like that, you know.”
He nodded before leaving and making his way back in the hall.
Give Zelda a gift? Can I even find one worthy of her?
He first decided to check Zelda’s room. That was a good possibility, after all, but when he knocked there was no answer. He slowly opened to the find the room empty, or at least empty of Zelda. Rupee was lying on the bed, asleep but soon woke and propped up her head when she saw Alistair. Her tail wagged and her tongue hung out excitedly.
“Hey there, girl. Do you know where Zelda is by chance?”
Rupee barked then jumped off the bed and went over to lick his hand. She then barked again, more forcefully as she passed him and went down the hall. She stopped at the end and looked at him before barking once more.
“Oh, you want me to follow you? Alright.”
Alistair closed Zelda’s door and headed down the hall after the hound. Rupee put her nose to the ground and sniffed as she made her way down the stairs, leading Alistair to her mistress. All the while he thought and thought, trying to come up with an idea for a gift. Then it hit him. It was something he had never even considered before, but the more he thought, the more he knew it would be perfect.
***
The breeze gently played with Zelda’s hair as she stared out across the lake. She had found another place to think, where she could be alone. It was one of the tower balconies, high above the castle and the lake. Zelda could see far off in the distance at the spire of the Circle tower. It was nothing more than a thin line in the sky.
She had found the stairs leading up to the balcony by accident. Yet again, she had to escape from Ser Perth’s shadow. She should have known he would be around Isolde if not her. Isolde might not have minded the constant watch, but she sure did. Once she made her way in the throne room, Ser Perth fixed on her immediately, following straight to Isolde. He didn’t say anything, which made Zelda a little nervous.
Once she was able to get the arlessa’s attention, as Isolde was very busy with many things since she had taken many of the responsibilities of the castle, Zelda had asked if there was anything she could do. Isolde had, of course, told her no and left with that. The arlessa was not going to have a guest of her house work. It was unfitting. Zelda understood this, but she felt restless. Having something to do like helping to rebuild the village would have at least taken her mind off things. Talking to Alistair and making plans had helped, but waiting four days was still too long in her mind.
Once she had left the throne room, Ser Perth was still right behind her. Zelda was becoming irritated, not just from him, but Isolde as well. She knew going through the mess hall wasn’t going to work again, especially since it wasn’t meal time. Instead, she came up with another plan. Stopping, she told Ser Perth that she had to use the privy, and to wait outside for her once she was done. She came up with the idea as she pasted a certain privy, one she knew had a window. Once she was in and had locked the door, she then went to climb out the window. She fit through, but barely, again thanking herself for preferring leather armor to anything bulkier. She was also grateful she wasn’t in a dress, as who knew what could have been shown with the odd angles she was at when climbing out the window.
After she was finally out, and on the ground, she felt bad at first. Wondering when Ser Perth would get brave enough to check on her only to find the door locked and when finally opened, to have her gone again. She knew she had to get away from there as quick as she could, and to a spot where she wouldn’t be found. The arl’s study would be a good place, but it was all the way on the other side of the castle. As she passed one of the inner gardens, she noticed a hidden stairwell in one of the corners. Looking within, she noticed it spiraled up to a tower. When she climbed it, she found the balcony and knew this was the spot.
Now, as an unknown time swept by, Zelda stood gazing out over the lake. Her mind blank as she took in every wave and glitter. She felt like she was floating on those waves. She felt alone, or at least she thought she did until she heard an all too familiar bark. Zelda turned around just in time to brace herself as Rupee bounded through the archway. The large hound jumped on her, almost making Zelda topple over.
“Ah! Down girl!” Rupee licked her face before sitting on her hunches and wagging her tail. Her large pink tongue dangling from her mouth as she stared up at Zelda.
Zelda peered down at her. “So how did you find me, huh?” Rupee barked. “Well, I guess that answers it, then. I suppose if anyone could find me, it would be you.” Zelda scratched behind Rupee’s ears. She then stood straight and looked to see Alistair standing in the archway. “Oh, I didn’t see you standing there, Alistair,” she said blushing a little. Seeing him there made her heart leap, as his presence was welcoming.
“I followed Rupee to find you,” he said clearing his throat.
“Okay, so you found me. Was there a reason why you were looking?”
Alistair didn’t answer her. He stepped from the archway onto the balcony and looked out at the lake. His gaze then met her eyes and she could see an uncertainty in them. “Why did you come up here?” he finally said.
Zelda wondered what his true intentions were, but she didn’t explore the issue. She wasn’t going to force anything out of him. “I just needed to get away. I think this spot is nice. I mean, look at that view. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it is,” he said not turning from her.
Zelda noticed his unchanged stance in the corner of her eye. The reason for him being here starting to become clear in her mind, making her heart skip a beat.
“Zelda... Can I talk to you? For a moment.”
“Just a moment?” she said trying to lighten his mood, smiling as she turned to him. She could see he was nervous and she knew joking was what helped him deal with such things. “Cause I have a moment, but I also have the rest of the day.”
“Well, I... I’m sure you do. Uh...” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to give you this. Do you know what it is?”
Zelda looked at his hands to see he had produced a rose. It’s petals glossy and velvet. They were blood red and shimmered in the sunlight. The rose looked intact, not missing a single petal or dark green leaf. Even it’s stem still had sharp looking thorns that were covered in the shiny wax that also coated the stem. It was the most beautiful flower Zelda had ever seen. Even more so than any flower she had seen in the gardens. Why he had asked her if she knew what it was, she could only guess it had come from nerves.
“I think I do,” she said. “But I’m not sure. Is this a trick question?”
Realizing his mistake, he smiled at her, and Zelda could sense the joke even before he opened his mouth. “Yes, absolutely. I’m trying to trick you. Is it working? Aw, I just about had you, didn’t I?”
“Yes you did, because that might not be a rose at all. It could be a toad! How do I know you didn’t go to either Esumi or Wynne to have them turn a toad into a flower? I’ve never seen it happen, but I know it can be done.”
Alistair’s laugh told her he was calming down. “No, it’s not a toad. It really is a rose. Why would I have them do something like that? If you want to check it out yourself, here...” Zelda took the rose from his hand and examined it. The petals were soft and smooth, while it’s fragrance was earthy and sweet.
“It’s beautiful, Alistair. But what are you trying to say?”
Again that nervousness came back in his eyes and he looked down at his feet. “I picked it in Lothering,” he said. This made Zelda hold up the rose in front of her face. She had thought he had picked it recently as it’s condition suggested it was fresh, yet Lothering was nearly a month ago. If the rose she was holding really was from Lothering, then it should have been wilted by now.
Alistair saw her confusion, but continued on. “When I saw it, I remember thinking, ‘How could something so beautiful exist in a place with so much despair and ugliness?’ I probably should have left it alone, but I couldn’t. The darkspawn would've destroyed it. So I’ve had it ever since. And I know it might sound strange, but I wanted to... give it to you. In a lot of ways, when I look at it, I think of you.”
Zelda wasn’t sure what to say. Now it was her turn to be nervous. “So... you think of me as a gentle flower?”
“A gentle flower?” Alistair chuckled. “No, I... don’t know that I’d put it that way. You’re anything but gentle. I mean... you are gentle, but more... If you understand what I’m saying.”
“I do, I think. I’m still not understanding how a flower reminds you of me, though.”
Alistair bit his lip. “I’m not sure if you can feel it, as it’s not that strong, but the rose is tainted. It’s one of the interesting things about the taint, just like your bond with Arawin. It should be killing that rose, zapping all the beauty and life out of it, but it’s not. Instead, the taint is preserving it, which is why it’s still in good condition. I think of you when I look at it because, in a way, the taint is doing the same for you. You’re still beautiful, and...” He trailed off, unable to fully look her in the eyes.
Zelda softly looked at him. He was acting shy and it was endearing. She looked at the rose, and if she tried hard enough, then she could feel the taint within. It was very small, only a tiny spot on the rose’s being. Not enough to destroy it fully, but eventually it would grow and consume it. Just like her, and Zelda understood.
“Thank you, Alistair. I love it.”
“I’m glad,” he said finally being able to look at her. “I guess it’s a bit silly, isn’t it? I just thought... here I am doing all this complaining, and you haven’t exactly been having a good time of it yourself. You’ve had none of the good experience of being a Grey Warden since your Joining. It’s all been death and fighting and tragedy. I thought maybe I could say something. Tell you what a rare and wonderful thing you are to find amidst this... darkness.”
Zelda felt heat rush to her checks. Again her nerves took over and she couldn’t help but to do what he usually did. “Ahh, corny sentiment.”
This time though, Alistair didn’t laugh. He looked disappointed and frowned. “What else can I do? Write a poem? Pull your hair?”
“Pull my hair? Alistair, are we five years old?” she said trying to bring his spirits back up again. She felt bad for what she had said before, but her fix did get a laugh out of him.
“No, I suppose not. I just saw the rose and... I suppose I did it on impulse. Was it the wrong one?”
Zelda smiled at him as sweetly as she could. “No, it wasn’t.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear it, and to see you smile.”
“Seeing me smile must be rare, huh?”
“Well, no, but... It’s just...” He wasn’t sure how to say it. He knew this was the other thing he wanted to talk to her about, but how to go into it was something he wished he had discussed with either Leliana or Wynne as well.
Zelda frowned at him. “Alistair, what is it?”
“I just... I just want to know if you’ve grieved at all. This whole time I’ve traveled with you, through all the chaos and darkness we’ve had to endure, not once have I seen you cry. Not that I think you should cry. Maybe you have when I wasn’t looking, but... It just seems like you’re holding something in. And... I want to help you with it, if you’ll let me. Just like you helped me.”
Zelda looked away from him, unsure what to say. The emotions within her that she had been able to suppress were beginning to stir. She fought to keep them from coming to the surface. “I’m fine, Alistair,” she said more stern than she wanted. “But thank you for your concern, even if it is unnecessary.”
Alistair could tell she was trying to push him away, but he had come too far to let her. This wasn’t the only time he had wanted to console her. In Reinesfere, when she had learned about the fate of her father’s teyrn and stormed away from the dinner table, he had followed her. He wanted to make sure she was all right, but as he stood in front of her door, hearing all the commotion in the room, he waited until he heard the sounds of sobs. But none never came. Instead there was no sound at all, making him nervous. He decided not to go in, as he was unsure of what to do. But now, as she stood in front of him, staring off at the lake, with yet again no sound coming from her, he knew he couldn’t walk away. He was determined to help her in anyway he could.
“No, you’re not fine,” he said. “You haven’t grieved at all, have you?”
She kept her eyes on the lake. “No.”
“Not even for your family?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Zelda sighed, wishing that he would leave her be. They had just had a great moment together. Why was he ruining it?
“Because,” she said looking down at the rose that was still in her hand. “I can’t afford it.”
“What? Why would you think that?” Alistair said puzzled.
She kept her gaze down. “I can’t show weakness, not with everyone looking to me for guidance. I didn’t cry for my family because I didn’t want to show Duncan I was unworthy of being a Grey Warden. I’m sure women in the Order are the strongest that one could find in Thedas, so why would they cry over something that can’t be helped?”
“I don’t think Duncan would've thought you weak. You just lost your family, your life. Anybody would grieve for that. Besides, I think all of us Grey Wardens have cried at some point. I know Duncan’s seen me do it more than once.”
Zelda finally looked up at him and he saw the same dullness in her eyes he had seen before. The same look from when they were dealing with Connor’s exorcism. He could see something beginning to surface that she was fighting.
“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. When was I suppose to grieve once we arrived at Ostagar? We had to go into the Wilds, then the Joining, followed by the battle and lighting the beacon. We lost a lot at Ostagar, and maybe I could've grieved there, in the Wilds, but I knew I couldn’t once I saw you. You were so distraught, ready to break that I knew I couldn’t break too. I needed to be your support, everyone’s support, as Arawin needed me as well even if she never admitted it. Then after that, Lothering, Reinesfere, Redcliffe, the Circle tower. No time. No room to breathe, let alone crash and burn over the past.”
Alistair couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Oh, now I feel horrible,” he sighed.
“Why? You shouldn’t feel horrible.”
“No, I should because it’s my fault you’ve had to bottle up your emotions. If I hadn’t been the blubbering idiot that I am, then you wouldn’t think you had to stay strong to support me.” Zelda shook her head, ready to protest, but Alistair stopped her. “Well, that’s not going to happen any more. As of now, I will stay strong and become your support.”
Zelda stared into his eyes, seeing that he was sincere about everything he was saying. He grabbed her shoulders to make her fully face him.
“It’s all right, Zelda,” he said. “Go ahead. You’re allowed to be weak. No one is going to judge you for it. Especially not me. You’re the strongest woman I know, so please, use me. Use my shoulder. Use anything to help you crash and burn. Cause I promise you, I will be here to help you put the pieces back together, just as you did for me.”
It was something that Zelda could no longer hold back. His words broke through her, shattering the rickety dam that had been holding back her lake of grief. Her eyes watered, and no matter what she did, there was no way of stopping it now. It was coming, and it was coming hard.
Alistair quickly shoved her to his chest, encircling his arms around her. Zelda let out a cry as she placed her head below his shoulder, curling her arms underneath her chin as she let all the grief and despair that had been building, rush out of her in waves. Each wave representing something different that had happened during their travels. They crashed on her, going backwards through time as images and emotions threatened to overwhelm all her senses. She couldn’t tell if she was standing. All she could feel was Alistair wrapped around her, keeping her from falling into the whirlpool of her grief.
Everything came raining down on her. Connor’s exorcism; her nearly being forced to kill him, and her determination to keep the family from being ripped apart. The Circle tower; all the death and sadness there. The loss of so many lives, both young and old, all thanks to the ambitions of a mad man. Reinesfere; learning about her family’s home and what Howe more than likely had in store for her if he could get his hands on her. Lothering; the sadness and desperation of the villagers. Hungry enough to attack Grey Wardens, fearing what was to become of them as the darkspawn stalked their steps. Ostagar; so much death, so much betrayal. She saw in her mind Daveth and Ser Jory, King Cailan and Duncan. All of them gone, all of them never to be seen again. Daveth and Ser Jory dead from the Joining, Duncan and Cailan dead from betrayal, from lies. Highever...
A new wave of fresh and stale grieve washed over her, threatening to drown her as she reached the night her family was taken from her forever. She shook her head, not wanting to go back, not wanting to see their faces. Zelda held her breath, clenching her fists into Alistair’s wet tunic. He gently rocked her, cooing in her ear, saying everything was all right.
“Let it out.”
Zelda let out a long and loud cry that brought fresh tears to her eyes. She didn’t want to go back, but she knew she had to. There was no turning back now.
She saw them, her mother and father as they held one another on the floor of the larder. Their sad faces, but yet still lined with love as they looked at each other as well as Zelda.
Do not grieve for us, darling, her mother said. We are in a good place. We are together.
We love you, said her father. He no longer had the pain in his voice that was there the night she left him. You make us proud, pup.
“Mommy... Daddy...” Zelda whimpered. She had not called them that since she was ten years old. It hurt to see them like this, it hurt to hear them say those words, but it was nothing compared to what she felt coming. A pain so deep and so hurtful that it made her afraid.
Rory came next, creeping into her mind. Zelda buried her face in Alistair’s chest as her thoughts shifted to their last moments. To the kiss that sealed her heart. She saw him clear as day; red hair clinging to his face from sweat, sparkling blue eyes, chainmail and sword bloodied and stained. He was so handsome, so determined to make sure she was safe. If only she had forced him to come with her, if only she had been more determined than he had been.
Don’t think like that. You know I would have stayed no matter what you did.
It was more true than Zelda would admit. Even if he had come with her to the larder, he would have stayed anyway to defend her mother and father and to make sure she and Duncan could escape. It was how he was, and Zelda didn’t expect anything less from him.
Time passed slowly once the crashing waves stopped. She wasn’t sure how long she laid in Alistair’s arms once the last of her grief dried away. She could still feel it there, but it wasn’t as potent. She knew it would never go away, not fully. Grief that came from losing something close to you never went away.
Zelda could hear Alistair’s heart as it beat beneath his chest. She felt comfortable and safe in his arms, with them encircled around her. One around her waist, while the other went over her shoulders and cupped her head, holding it at the bend of his neck. She didn’t want to leave the warmth of the circle, and he apparently didn’t want to let go. But slowly Zelda began to push away from him as the comfort and safety began to make her guilt swell.
“Thank you, Alistair,” she said wiping the remnants of tears from her face. “I needed that.”
Alistair let her up and peered into her eyes. “You’re welcome.” She smiled at him and as he smiled back he saw something in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. A light. It shined making the blue in her eyes more pronounced. They were more beautiful than he had ever seen them before. He couldn’t help himself.
Without thinking, he lend in, brushing his lips against hers. He first thought she would disapprove, back away and slap him for his invasion. So it was more of a surprise to him when she instead opened her lips, allowing him access. He went on instinct, pressing forward and taking her mouth into his. His arms were still encircled around her, so he brought her close, deepening the kiss. He felt her hands slide up his chest and around his neck. One went through his hair and pushed his head down towards hers. She tilted her head, allowing the kiss to reform at a different angle, so their noses wouldn’t rub.
He tasted her, loving her sweetness, loving the warmth that was coming from all over her body, loving the smell of the flowery scent. He felt his heart quicken as both her hands grabbed his face. His own hands running down her sides, feeling her curves before settling on her hips. He then froze and pushed away from her, terrified as he realized what he had just done.
“I-I... I’m sorry,” he said quickly.
Zelda had her eyes closed but slowly opened them to stare sensually into his. “Don’t be,” she said softly.
“That... that wasn’t too soon, was it?”
“No,” she said shaking her head. “Not at all. I liked it.” And she did. By the Maker she did.
Alistair felt his panic reside and he smiled. “Good. I’ll take that as a good sign. Maker’s breath, but you’re beautiful. I am a lucky man.”
Rupee had laid herself down to the side of them. She looked up and smiled in her own doggie way at the happy pair, her tail wagging with approval.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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