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Blood Bond	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4281 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 45
- 46
- 47
Departure

Zelda hurried through the halls as she prepared for their departure the next morning from Redcliffe. It had been an exciting time when Arawin finally contacted her a few days ago. She had told Zelda what they had found in Brother Genitivi’s house; a morpher pretending to be Genitivi’s assistant, Weylon, and trying to lead them off the path. Then later trying to kill her when she got too close to the truth, and finally killing himself rather than reveal his secrets. It was all quite unusual and Zelda wondered what it meant, but the most exciting part was when Arawin told her about the map.
After they were done, Zelda had found a map herself and found the location Arawin had told her about, right in the middle of the Frostback Mountains, fairly close to Redcliffe. She was glad they hadn’t gone to Orzammar now. With what Arawin had told her, and the location of Haven, it was best that the two groups join back together now in order to deal with the Urn.
Once she had the map, Zelda made her way over to Eamon’s room, where she knew Teagan and Isolde would be. Alistair had been with her when she talked to Arawin. He didn’t ask her what had been said once she awoke, as she was far too busy finding a map and circling a spot in the mountain region. He wanted to know what was going on, but he still didn’t ask, knowing that she would explain it to him in time.
As they made their way down the hall, Zelda asked Alistair to go get Leliana from the chantry and to bring her to Eamon’s room so they could have a meeting. He agreed and ran off to go find the bard.
When Zelda arrived in the royal bedchambers, Wynne was already there, teaching Connor. Isolde and Teagan were also there, as she knew. As soon as Teagan saw her, he asked if she had any news, as he saw she looked in a hurry. Zelda told him that she did, but they must wait for Leliana and Alistair to arrive before she would explain everything. Once Alistair and Leliana did arrive, Zelda folded out the map and told the story Arawin had told her.
“...and according to Genitivi’s journal, this is where he was heading,” she said pointing to the location on the map. “A village called Haven.”
“Haven? I’ve never heard of such a place,” said Teagan. “Are you sure?”
“It’s the best lead we have right now. I’m not actually sure where in the mountains the village is, how far or how hard it’ll be to find, but I suggest we leave here in a few days. That’ll give Arawin and the others times to fill in the gap between here and Denerim.”
“Is your fellow Grey Warden going to meet with you here?” Teagan asked.
“No, we’ve decided to meet outside of Haven, or in it, depending on how hospitable the village is. Since we’re already close enough, we’re going to more than likely find the village first, and Arawin and I thought it best to have one of us check it out before exploring further. The bond she and I share will help us to find one another once she’s close enough.”
“Oh this is good news,” said Isolde. “Finally something to give me hope.”
“Yes, and hopefully this will lead us right to the Urn,” said Zelda. “And once we do find it, we’ll head right back here and heal the arl.”
Isolde nearly burst into tears at her words, holding her hands together and looking happier than she had been in the last several days. Zelda was glad to see her look like this, glad to see everyone eager and ready.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked over to see Alistair’s smiling face. She smiled back, knowing he was probably more eager than anyone to have the arl cured. Eamon had helped to raise him, and after Zelda had found and given him his mother’s amulet, Alistair wanted to thank Eamon for having it fixed. He loved the amulet and Zelda saw he wore it everyday. She in turn, kept the rose he had given her on her person where ever she went. That day when they had finally connected, had finally confessed their feelings was the happiest day of her life so far, but it was also the worst.
Zelda hated the way she felt. Not what she felt for Alistair, but what her feelings for him did to her heart. They tore at it, wanting to rip it apart for the two men that she loved. One half was for Alistair, wanting to let go of the past and move on, but the other half wanted to push him away. This half was what made her feel guilty for all the things she felt, for all the times when she was happy with him and for enjoying every moment. This half would nearly cause her to cry every night because she felt bad for what she was doing to Rory.
But he’s dead, she would think. How am I hurting him? But it didn’t seem to matter how hard she tried to convince herself, the pain was still there. Even more so whenever her mind would drift and she would think of the very first two kisses she ever had. Zelda hated doing it, but comparing them was something that was always on her mind no matter how hard she tried. Alistair’s was better, there was no denying that, and not just because it was still fresh on her lips. Rory had been in a hurry, wanting to get her away as quick as possible. It might have been great then, but it was a bit stale and forced, hard even, almost as if he wasn’t sure he should be doing it. Only kissing her to convince her to leave. Wanting to say he loved her more than anything but not exactly sure how to say it without going with her as well.
Alistair’s, however, had been much softer, lighter, and not nearly as strained. It was something that felt natural, as if they belonged. He was not forceful, nor was he in a hurry. Only afraid maybe, unsure of what to do but going for it anyway. Instinct had driven both of them and they had fit so well together Zelda couldn’t help but to wonder if Rory hadn’t rushed, then their first kiss might have been like that. Maybe better, maybe the same. She would never know now, and it was hurting her.
Zelda loved being with Alistair, but the pain in her heart had her wanting to end what they shared, despite everyone seeing them together and saying it looked just right. She had been determined several times to tell him and to end it, but every time she tried, his smile would stop her. He was able to make the pain go away, and to make her feel like herself. She would never hurt when she was with him, only when he was away, with nights being the worst. Dreams, not just of darkspawn, would plague her, causing her to wake up suddenly, cold and sweaty. She would never get any sleep after those dreams, only get up, dress, and make her way to the balcony that they liked to share, sometimes standing up there all day, doing nothing but looking out over the lake. It was peaceful, and at night, sometimes the stars could be seen in the lake and the sky and lake joined to appear as if they were one. It was on these nights, when Zelda stood there alone that she knew she wouldn’t be able to end it with Alistair. What they had was something special. As for the pain in her heart, she would just have to bear it.
A few days after the meeting, they were all ready to go with only a few last minute preparations. Zelda made her way down the hall with Rupee beside her to the room Teagan had adopted as his office. He had asked to talk to her in private that morning, wanting to show her something before she left for the mountains. Zelda had been unsure at first, and had put off going before she realized she had little choice. She couldn’t ignore him any longer.
When Zelda came to his room, she saw that the door was open. She knocked anyway, peeking through the doorframe, hoping he wasn’t inside.
“Come in.” Teagan was seated at his desk. He turned his head and smiled once he saw her. He stood and walked over to the door. “Zelda, I’m glad you finally decided to come.”
“Busy today, Teagan,” she said. “Or else I would have been here earlier.”
“It’s quite all right, I understand. I just wanted to show you something, or give you is a better way of saying it. A gift.” Teagan gestured over to the bed, as his office also doubled as his bedroom. Zelda looked over to seeing nothing on the bed, but next to it stood a stand with a set of leather armor that looked exquisite and new. “I had hoped to give it to you sooner, but I was only able to obtain it from Reinesfere recently. Your father told me you preferred leather to plate, so I had this custom made for you. I had hoped to give it to you for your eighteenth year.”
Zelda had made her way over to the stand so she could examine the armor. She felt it’s nicely oiled skin, hard but flexible. The leather was inscribed, telling her that it was expensive. Once she had heard Teagan say it’s intent, she backed away.
“Y-yes, my eighteenth year,” she stumbled. “I remember you weren’t at the party. Something about you needing to take care of some serious matters in your bannorn. My father seemed disappointed.”
“Yes, and I’m sorry I missed it, especially since I heard you nearly took Vaughan’s manhood away.”
Zelda remembered that day, when she turned eighteen, not just from Vaughan’s harassment, but from all the other young men who had come to call on her. It was the day she became a woman, the day she became available. Her father had thrown a party, and many young noblemen had come, doting her with gifts, as was custom, to show their interest. But many of her suitors were men still living off their father’s land. They were only able to bestow on her jewelry, linens, and small trinkets from Orlais or Antiva. They showed wealth, but not connections. Teagan’s gift, however, was a set of brand new inscribed leather armor that would have been the most expensive and showy gift she would have received that day. It showed not only his wealth and establishment within his own bannorn, but also his connections, such as with his brother, and his respect in the Landsmeet. All things that showed the qualities of a good husband. He could provide for her and dote on her anything she pleased.
Zelda had not thought herself so desirable before, and as she looked at the armor and knew what Teagan meant to do with it, she backed away even further and turned to him. “Thank you, Bann Teagan,” she said. “It’s a generous gift, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.” She wouldn’t have if he had given it to her at the party, which was nearly seven months ago. At that point, she probably would have accepted him from anyone else instead of deciding to wait and see what happened. It was probably what her father wanted more than anything, as Teagan was a desirable bachelor. One of the only ones in Ferelden at the moment. Things could have changed drastically if he had been there.
Teagan placed his hands behind his back and grinned at her. “I understand perfectly well why you think you should decline it, but I want you to know that I wish for you to have it for a different reason now. Think of it more as a token of friendship. For all that you’ve done for my family.”
“Bann Teagan? Are you giving up on me so soon?”
“Unfortunately I must, my dear, but in truth I don’t think we were ever meant to be anyway. I see the way the two of you look at each other and how you act when he is around. So natural, so comfortable. Alistair is a lucky man.”
Zelda’s face softened, knowing that even if he was still interested, he at least wasn’t pursuing, which took a lot off her shoulders. “Yes, and I am a lucky woman.”
“That you are. So, would you please accept this gift as a token of friendship? I don’t know if there is anyone else who could wear it.”
Zelda looked back at the armor and examined it closer. The color of the leather was light blue, studded and inscribed with intricate detail. She could see the craftsmanship, and the hard effort and gobs of money that had gone into it’s making. It would be a crime not to accept it.
Zelda turned to Teagan. “I will, but only on one condition.”
“And what is that, my lady?”
“That you also provide new armor for my friends. I know Leliana is in need of some new leathers as well, and Alistair could do with something that isn’t rusted.”
“I’m sure we have something that will benefit them. I will make sure they get something.”
“Thank you.” They could have probably gotten new armor anyway, but they were afraid to ask, not wanting to over use Isolde and Teagan’s hospitality.
“You are welcome, my lady. And I just want to say, that I very well do appreciate what you and your friends have done for us. I don’t think there is any possible way that we could repay you.” Zelda tried to object, but Teagan stopped her. “You saved Connor, and are now going into what could be danger to try and find a cure for Eamon. The only thing I could think of to pay you back is to help you find your brother. I’ve already sent out search parties into the Wilds as well as all over Ferelden to look for Fergus. If he’s alive or dead, I’ll make sure you know.”
Zelda had to hold back tears. Her brother was the other thing that constantly plague her mind. “I... I appreciate it very much. Thank you. I believe that should be enough, even if you don’t find him. The thought and the attempt is enough.”
Teagan walked up to her and kissed her hand, but this time it was different. “Anything for you, my lady. Now,” he said clearing his throat. “If you wish, you may go ahead and try it on in here. I will go and check the armories to see what there is for your friends. And if you would like, you can leave your current set here as well, where I will make sure it’s taken care of just in case it’s special to you in some way. I know how warriors can get sometimes about their favorite weapons or armor.”
“I will do that, then.”
“Good.” Teagan bowed to her before leaving the room and closing the door. Zelda examined the leathers one more time. Rupee sat next to her, looking up at them and cocking her head.
“So what do you think?” Zelda asked.
Rupee whined and placed her paw over her head.
“Well, that’s just your opinion. As for me, it’s not a dress, so I like it.”
***
Zevran laid awake in his tent, staring up at the ceiling. He wondered whether he should go to Arawin tonight as it had been days since they left Denerim, and in that time neither one of them had gone to the other in the night. The way she was acting made him worry. She was quiet, only speaking when necessary and somewhat kept her distance from the others. It seemed that every time he looked at her, he would see the ring on her finger spinning and her face concentrated on something that wasn’t there. Zevran didn’t understand fully what had happened to both her and Shianni, but he knew enough.
Arawin was so protective of her cousin, maybe a little over protective. But if he was right, then the way she acted when she learned he had tried to get with Shianni was understandable. Rape was not a thing to joke around with, and it was one thing that Zevran did take seriously. He had seen too many women taken without consent to not. It left a void in their life. It made them damaged, along with the people around them, and this was something he could see plainly in Arawin’s eyes.
Zevran had decided to leave Arawin be as they made their way through the bannorn toward the Frostback Mountains. He didn’t wish to anger her further, even when there were times he thought he should go. It was starting to get chilly after all, and he knew her tent would be cold. His own tent was freezing, but he put up with it the best he could. Arawin had given him his black cloak back while she took one Morrigan had made for her with the linens she had bought at Denerim. Morrigan had made them all cloaks as well as linings for their armor. Zevran wore them gladly, as he was not used to the harsh Ferelden winters, but Arawin had refused hers, only wearing the cloak with it open. She did not seem as affected by the cold as one would think with her scant armor, but Zevran knew that she, besides Morrigan perhaps, could take the cold better than any of them. Even Sten would occasionally find himself wrapping his cloak tightly around himself whenever the wind blew past, biting into their faces.
Zevran watched as the howling wind shook his tent, threatening to rip it from the ground. He knew Arawin was out there, taking the first watch as that was what she did every night, always volunteering the first watch. He and the others had not argued with her as they knew she needed time. He wondered if he should go out to her now, but that would be unnecessary as she would be relieved soon by Morrigan. It was best if he just forgot about it for one last night and got some sleep.
He closed his eyes and took his hands from his head to lay on the pillow ready to let sleep take him when he heard the sound of light feet softly making their way toward his tent. His eyes shot open when his tent flap became unfolded and someone stepped inside. He grabbed for his dagger but dropped it when he saw it was only Arawin. Zevran raised his eyebrows at her as she stared at him, leaning on her bare knees. She wore nothing but a white shirt that buttoned up the front.
“Zev? Did I wake you?” she said softly.
“No, but I would like to know what you’re doing.” He sat up and looked at her. Her expression was different than before. There was no anger there but she did seem uncertain and confused.
“I...” She looked down from his gaze and picked at the grass of his floor. “I just... I feel horrible.”
“And what do you have to feel horrible about, mi querida?”
“The way I treated you,” she said looking up at him. “You should understand that Shianni... she’s the world to me. She’s more than my cousin, she’s my sister and I’ve protected her ever since we were kids. She’s two years younger than me although she acts older sometimes.” She smiled at this and it was good to see her smile after so long.
“She is a bright girl.”
“Yes, which is why what happened to her... I can’t help but feel... It was suppose to be a good day, but I’m sure you know how it ended.”
“Some, but not all. Do you want to talk about it?”
Arawin focused her gaze back to the ground. “It should've been me,” she said almost too softly to hear.
“Hermosa... no,” Zevran said going to his knees. “You should never wish something like that on yourself. Come on, tell me, what happened?”
Arawin still kept her focus away from him, her eyes fixed on the golden ring that her fingers lightly spun. He could tell she still didn’t want to talk about the incident, and he wasn’t going to push her.
“So what is it that you want, Hermosa?”
The spinning of the ring stopped, but she still didn’t take her gaze from it. “I came to you tonight because, well...” Her voice became soft again. “Because I wanted to apologize.”
“I’m sorry, what was that?” Zevran said playfully, trying to lighten the mood as he could see and even feel her pain.
She looked at him with heat, but it wasn’t murderous. “I said I apologize!” she said louder. “Happy?”
Zevran grinned. “There is no need for that, Hermosa. It is understandable. But I do have to say you look more lovely with that glint than you did with the sulking.”
Arawin snorted and crossed her arms. “Whatever.” She then lowered her arms and gazed at him intently. “But I came here for more than just to apologize.”
“Oh?” His attention on her piqued and he saw the longing in her. Arawin crawled and hovered over him, pushing him back on the ground. Zevran kept himself prompt on his elbows as their eyes never left each other.
“I need you.”
“You need me, do you? Why what could you possibly mean?” Zevran’s gaze intensified as he looked down her open shirt to see she had come to him prepared.
“You know what I mean,” she said. “And if you don’t give it to me-” She pushed him flat to the ground and straddled his hips. “-then I’ll just take it.”
He had no doubt that she could, as she was very forceful. He could taste it in her kiss as she pressed her mouth to his, sliding in her tongue and beginning a duel. Her hands rubbing his bare chest, moving in circles. Zevran grabbed her hips as they were now exposed. He was hardening and loving every touch and taste of her. Even though it had only been a few days since they had last been together, with her at least, it felt more like weeks or even months. The aggression she brought with her into the bedroom was the same she used when fighting. It was intoxicating and nearly brought him over the edge more times than he could remember. With Arawin he had to keep on his toes which was what made it fun and wild.
Arawin was becoming more forceful as she removed her mouth from his to undo her shirt and slide it off her arms. She then made her way down his body, leaving a hot trail across his abdomen with her tongue. Her fingers quickly undid his trousers and pulled them off, freeing his legs. Her hand wrapped around his length, squeezing as her mouth took in it’s tip.
Zevran moaned, but placed his hands on her head, keeping her from going any further. He grabbed onto his control, a control he had obtained from years of practice and many lovers. He knew Arawin didn’t like what he was doing, as from the relatively short time they had been together, he had learned she liked being in control. It was one of the reasons why sex with her was so fun. She would fight with him for control, to be on top, to be the one dealing the pleasure. But tonight Zevran decided it wasn’t going to be for him. She had said she needed him, so that’s what she was going to get.
Arawin growled at him when he stopped her. She tried to take his whole shaft in her mouth, but he shifted his hips and grabbed her by the shoulders, bringing her on top of him and her mouth back to his.
“Come here, Hermosa,” he said once they disconnected. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m trying to do you.” The heat blazed in her eyes and Zevran grinned at her.
“But you said you needed me, yes?”
“Don’t fight me this time, Zevran. I need this more than you know.”
“Oh, I know, so let me take care of you.”
Arawin went on her hands and knees and tried to protest, but he slipped from under her, trailing down her abdomen just as she had done to him. He stopped briefly at both her breasts to suckle her pink mounds before moving down and finding her center.
He knew she would protest, so he needed to act fast. Deftly he grabbed her thighs, spreading them so his tongue could enter her channel. It was ready for him, wet and savory. His tongue moved in and out from between her folds, taking in all her juices as he ate at her hungrily. Arawin moaned from his invasion and lowered her hips, allowing him to go deeper. She cried out, but then raised herself up, trying to retreat from his mouth. Zevran anticipated this. Both his hands took fistfuls of her checks, and yanked her back down. He soon found her swollen nub and took it between his teeth, suckling and pressing it with his tongue. Arawin’s cry only made him more forceful as she tried to escape again, her climax pending and ready to explode. Soon she peaked, and her body shook as she came. It raced through her veins and caused her to cry out his name.
Zevran slipped out from under her and positioned himself behind. He bent over, kissing her back and sliding his fingers down the ridge of her spine. Arawin looked back at him, her head swimming as she started coming down from her high. Zevran smiled at her as he positioned himself at her entrance, teasing her still wet and wanting channel. Arawin showed her teeth in a silent growl.
“Qué quieres, Hermosa?” he said laying his head on her back. “Quieres esta?” He slid in slowly, pulling out slowly. Arawin shuttered.
“Say it again.”
Zevran chuckled at her. “Como cuando hablo Antiñol?” His pace picked up but he still kept it at a smooth and slow beat.
Arawin answered with a whimper.
“What do you want, Hermosa?”
“You.”
He was more than happy to oblige. Zevran pulled all the way back without leaving her, then slammed into her backside as hard as he could. Arawin answered with a scream, rocking her hips back and forth.
“Zev!”
“Sí?” He slammed into her again, then again, doing this for a while but never picking up speed.
“Oh, you bastard!” she screamed with his last thrust. Zevran laughed as he went back to his slower rhythm.
“What? I thought you said you wanted me?”
Arawin glared at him but her grimace disappeared as he began to pick up speed, grabbing onto her hips. She pushed back on him, grinding her behind into his lap. Zevran curled over on her back from her movements, speeding up just a little. His head was beginning to spin, and he nearly lost his control. Digging his nails into her hips, he regained his composure and pulled out of her. Arawin looked back snarling and raised up to attack. This was something Zevran anticipated and ducked her arms, grabbing her around the waist and wrestling her to the ground. He pinned her arms to the sides of her head and leaned over her, their noses touching.
“Bastard.”
Zevran hummed against her neck, kissing and teasing the sensitive spots. He rubbed his chest against hers, feeling both their hard nipples brush each other.
“What do you want, Hermosa?”
“Stop asking me that!” Arawin growled. “You know what I want!”
“Do I?” he breathed in her ear. “You said you wanted me, but that could mean so many things.” He licked her earlobe, playing with it with his tongue. Arawin wiggled underneath him, but whether she was trying to get free or not, he couldn’t tell. She shifted her hips then wrapped her legs around his waist, causing his throbbing length to settle at her entrance again. She pulled herself up, pressing his head to her nub. She pressed harder, and Zevran moaned in her ear as he slipped in between her folds, her thighs squeezing his hips.
“You want me, too,” she said softly. “So take what you want, or else I will.”
Zevran let go of her hands and they found their way to his hair. He bite down on her shoulder as they pulled and he pushed into her. This time he didn’t hold back, but pressed with all his force, driving into her as fast and deep as he could go. Her hands yanked at his hair causing pain, but instead of stopping him, the pain fueled him to go faster. Her cries raked in his ear. His own moans matching hers as her hips smashed with his, creating perfect friction and heat.
Pushing away from her, Zevran hovered over her withering body. Arawin cried and shouted. Her hands left his head and snaked on the ground, moving and wrinkling the sheets and grabbing and yanking out grass.
They both could feel their climax coming. Both could feel the intending fire.
Zevran shoved into her, finally giving her release, and when Arawin came, she came hard. Her back arched, head flying back with a splitting cry. Fire blazed over her whole body, rushing through her veins and engulfing her with it’s pleasurable heat. Her coming yanked Zevran out of his control, driving him into his own climax. It pulled at him, draining him of everything that he had. He fell on his hands as the fire began to engulf him, blazing through his body into every inch. It lasted long and brought them to a level neither of them had ever been to before.
Zevran breathed in heavily, sweat dripping from his nose as he slowly came down. He looked down at Arawin. She breathed out heavily as well, eyes closed and hair clinging to her face. The tattoo on her eye glittering from the layer of sweat and from the glow of her skin. He nearly couldn’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman laying under him.
“Ara?” he said softly.
Arawin opened her eyes and stared into his. She then sat up and Zevran went to his knees, letting her move into a sitting position.
“Thank you,” she said. “I needed that.”
He smiled. “Hermosa, you know you can come to me whenever you need anything.”
“I had no doubt about that.” Arawin grabbed her shirt and began putting it back on. She went to the entrance and looked back at him. Zevran saw that she no longer had the sadness in her eyes as before, but there seemed to be something else there that he couldn’t quite place, though as he thought about it, he knew he had seen that look before.
Arawin left his tent without saying a word. Zevran stayed where he was as he watched her go. Something within him told him where exactly he had seen that look before, but he pushed it away, not wanting to reopen closed wounds. But as he placed back on his trousers and laid down, he somewhat wished that Arawin was still with him. She always seemed to fall asleep on him after their excursions, only either leaving later in the night if they were in his tent, or he would leave if they were in hers. He wondered why she didn’t stay and knew that look was the key.
He repositioned himself back where he was before she had come to him. Zevran stared up at the ceiling again, knowing he wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight.
***
“Hang on just a second, one more, and... there!” Zelda backed away from Alistair to get a better look at him in his new armor. Teagan had found him a set of heavy chainmail, and as Zelda looked at him, she was liking it a lot.
“So how do I look?” he said after adjusting a few pieces.
“I think you look better in this than regular chainmail. More... robust and valiant, and definitely more handsome.”
Alistair’s smile grew, nearly taking up all his face. “Good, because I like it too. And can I just say how beautiful you look in your new leathers as well?”
“You most certainly shall,” she said. Zelda liked the new armor Teagan had given her. It was very comfortable and fit her perfectly. The leather hugged her tightly but also gave her good movement and flexibility. The stockings as well were thick wool, to keep her legs warm in the cold that was coming.
Alistair pulled Zelda into an embrace and kissed her lightly. He squeezed her close, but it was a somewhat uncomfortable fit. He sighed and let her go. “Well, I now know how Cullen feels.”
“Could you please explain?” Zelda said confused.
“Oh, Cullen just hates his armor because he can’t feel Esumi when he wears it. And even though this isn’t heavy plate, it’s still enough to keep me from feeling you.” He blushed at the statement. Zelda found it charming that he still turned red on occasion. There were still things both of them were unsure about.
“You can still feel me, Alistair. All you need to do is put your hands on my face, and you’re lips to my lips. Like this.” She took his face and brought it to hers where they kissed for awhile. Alistair’s hands found her face before making their way down to her waist.
“Ahh, look at you two!”
They both jumped and parted from each other, embarrassed even though they didn’t have to be. It was common knowledge by now that the two Grey Wardens were together.
“Don’t stop on my account,” Leliana said as she entered the room. “I think it’s cute.”
“You could have knocked, you know,” said Zelda.
“And miss out? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Besides, seeing Alistair so red makes him so adorable. It’s fun.”
“You might like it, Leliana,” said Wynne as she entered behind the bard. “But for me it’s a little too sweet for my tastes, and I’m an old lady who should be making lace hearts and fuzzy blankets with animal motifs.”
“But you’re not like the average old lady,” Zelda said.
“You’re right, and don’t forget it, so don’t ask me to darn any of your socks. I’m afraid I forgot my sewing kit back at the tower.”
“Oh, so you can’t fix the hole in my tunic or the rip in my pants?” Alistair asked playfully.
Wynne crossed her arms. “No, so I suggest you get new ones before we leave.”
“You’re so mean, Wynne.”
The old mage’s face beamed. “No, I just refuse to be stereotyped. But...” She sighed heavily. “If when we’re out in the forests and you really need something done, then I’ll see what I can do.”
“Speaking of which,” said Zelda. “I believe it’s time to go. Is that the reason you two are here? Have you got everything ready?”
“Absolutely,” Leliana exclaimed. “My quiver is full, and my bow restrung, as well as the new leathers fitted and oiled.”
Zelda examined Leliana’s new attire. She was given new reinforced leather armor. Her longbow was also new, made of whitewood. She had also acquired a steel dagger for close combat that was attached to her belt. Alistair’s heavy chainmail was made of red steel and so was the new shield that he wielded. It had upon it the herald of Redcliffe, a tower sitting upon a red rock. He thought it an honor to wield such a shield, as he was proud to show his liegiancy to Arl Eamon. He kept his sword, however, not wishing to lose the last thing he had from Ostagar. The Grey Warden sword he carried had been enchanted to be more powerful against darkspawn and had been given to him by Duncan.
“And I also did the liberty of preparing these for you,” Wynne said as she handed everyone a red cloak. They were made of thick wool, and were warm to the touch. Zelda knew that Wynne had enchanted them to stay warm all the time, making them fire cloth cloaks.
“Thanks Wynne, we're definitely going to need them with the weather turning now.”
“You’re welcome, my dear.”
Everyone fitted their cloaks and rearranged their things before heading out the door. As they went to pass the chamber Eamon was in, they found Cullen and Esumi waiting in the hall for them.
“Be careful, Zelda,” Esumi said hugging her. “And make sure you hurry back as soon as you find anything.”
“Don’t worry, I will,” said Zelda. “I know Keiven is eager to have you back.” The two women took in a laugh and Zelda was glad to see Esumi smiling again. She was also glad to see that her eye had been healed, for the last time she saw the mage, she had a black and swollen eye. No one had thought at the time it would be a bad idea to let Esumi have a stroll around the arling if she needed it. After all, she had been cooped up in the castle for a long time, and it might be even longer still.
Esumi had asked Wynne to watch the arl so she could get some fresh air. Wynne had of course agreed, and Esumi and Cullen had made their way through the castle and down to the village. It was a good walk, as they hadn’t been able to spend much alone time together for awhile. They had stopped at the windmill to take in the view before moving on. That’s when things began to go sour as Esumi went on ahead down to the village while Cullen stayed at the windmill for a moment. He had seen a patch of Andraste’s Grace and wanted to pick them for her.
When Esumi reached the village, she came across many hostile and angry villagers. It had somehow leaked down to them that not only was their arl poisoned and dying, but that it was a mage who did it. That along with the usual hostility toward mages caused them to act the way they did when they saw her. She was a mage and they didn’t like her being there, as they had chased off several mages once they found out about the arl.
They confronted her, and Esumi tried to explain that she was the one keeping the arl alive, but they didn’t seem to care, believing she was lying. Cullen reached her too late. One of them had struck her, knocking her to the ground. Cullen was there just in time to keep them from completely falling on her. A stand off then occurred, as Cullen was alone with no sword and his abilities would be useless against the villagers. He tried to explain to them the same things Esumi had, but despite him being a templar, they still didn’t believe him, and even questioned why a templar would defend a mage like he was.
Zelda and Alistair reached the growing crowd before any more damage could be done. Even if they still felt the way they did about mages, the villagers were not going to disobey Zelda’s orders, as she ordered them to leave Esumi and Cullen alone. They soon disbanded and Zelda and Alistair helped Cullen to get Esumi back to the castle. It was then decided that it would be best if Esumi stayed in the castle for her own safety, as it was unknown how much longer Zelda would be in Redcliffe.
Now, only a few days after the incident, Esumi had been healed completely by Wynne, and was looking much better. Cullen on the other hand looked horrible, and hovered over Esumi like a jealous husband. Zelda wondered if he looked like this all the time now, as he did not look like a templar looking after a mage at all.
Esumi said good-bye to Wynne as well to Leliana and Alistair. “I will do my best to keep the arl alive until you guys get back, but please don’t be mad at me if I fail.”
“Esumi, don’t say such things,” said Alistair. “If he does die, it won’t be your fault.”
“But he won’t,” Wynne said taking Esumi in another embrace. “You are too good of a mage, my dear. Don’t doubt yourself.”
“Just don’t doubt yourselves either,” Esumi said wiping a tear from her eye.
Zelda took Esumi in an embrace as well, fully knowing the real reason why she was trying to hold back tears. “He won’t die,” she whispered in her ear. “And neither will the arl. I will make sure of it.”
“I know you will, Zelda. You have more determination than I’ve seen in anybody except your brother. You two have so much in common.”
“We wouldn’t be related if we didn’t.”
They said good-bye one last time before making their way out of the castle and down to the village. When they made it down they were greeted by a crowd of villagers, along with Murdock, Teagan, Isolde and Connor. The villagers looked gloomy, as they were sad to see Zelda and her friends leave, but they knew what she was leaving for. Zelda also knew they were gloomy from the reports going around that Lothering had been taken by the darkspawn. There was said to be no survivors, and the reports had come from Loghain’s troops who had traveled to Lothering. They found it completely covered in the foul corruption with darkspawn still roaming. There was no report of where the horde had gone after Lothering, but the whole south was now suffering from the corruption with signs that it was slowly making it’s way up north.
Zelda knew they needed to hurry with not only waking the arl, but in gathering their army. The dwarves were the last treaty, but she knew it would probably not be easy.
It was a long good-bye as they made their way through the crowd, receiving blessings and well wishes from the villagers. Zelda felt good that she had been able to help these people as they seemed truly thankful for what she had done. Now all she needed to do was wake their arl and deal with the Blight in order to restore everyone’s lives.
When they finally made it out of the crowd, the group began their accent up the stairs. They walked to the top of the cliff where they looked back to see a more robust village than when they first arrived. They then faced west, and headed toward the mountains.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond