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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
- 54
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Sacrifice

They found themselves all together again. The black gone and now they were within a room, the door they had entered closed behind them. Zelda was still on her knees with tears streaming down her face. Arawin stood beside her, staring down at the floor, arms hanging loosely at her sides. Everyone else was there as well, Morrigan, Wynne, Alistair, Zevran; and all looking weary and stricken. Alistair saw Zelda and the saddened expression on her face and went over to her.
“Zelda?”
She shifted her eyes to him and he helped her to stand. She grabbed on, hugging him tightly and not wanting to let go. This was what felt right, this was what she wanted more than anything, and to her relief, the guilt did not return.
“Alistair, now you’re doing it,” she said in his chest.
“Doing what?” he said squeezing her.
“Forgetting about yourself and worrying about me.”
Alistair chuckled. “Maybe, but you look like you went through more than I did. Do you want to tell me?”
Zelda looked around the room, seeing everyone else and knowing they all had gone through a similar experience. “Not now,” she said pushing herself from him, her eyes dry. “Later, when it's more appropriate. We still have work to do.”
“Alright,” he nodded.
Arawin watched the two as they held one another, seeing the love they had for each other in their eyes. It was nice to see but also sickening in a way. She then looked over at Zevran who stood on the other side of the room from her. She saw him distraught and wondered if she should go over to him, but her feet wouldn’t move. She wanted to know what he had gone through to make him look so hurt, but she wondered if he would even tell her, as he would probably want to know what happened to her as well. Arawin wasn’t sure if she could talk about it yet.
“That was very gruesome,” said Wynne. “I do hope we don’t have to go through something like that again.”
“Are you all so weak?” said Morrigan. She was the only one who didn’t seem hurt or saddened. She was her normal self. “Those were just illusions, mind tricks. If you let them get to you, then we will be lost for sure.”
“Not all of us are as cold-hearted as you, my dear,” Wynne said narrowing her eyes at the witch. “I’m not sure what happened with you or with anyone else, but that was definitely a life-changing experience for me. I am going to use what I learned and change myself for the best for the short time I have left.”
“As will I,” Zelda agreed. “But first let’s figure out how to get past this.” Zelda wasn’t sure how she had missed it, but on the opposite side of the door was a wall of fire reaching clear to the ceiling. It was massive and blazed with fury yet no heat radiated off. “This is amazing,” she said walking to it. “What do you think it is?”
“Another illusion,” Morrigan muttered.
“It’s not magic,” said Wynne. “Or at least no magic I have ever encountered. I think we have to cross it, but I don’t know if it’ll hurt us or not. I can’t get a sense of it at all.”
“Because, like I said, it’s not real.” Morrigan said studying the wall. “More illusions and trickery.”
“But what are we suppose to do?” asked Zelda.
“I think this might tell us,” said Arawin. She stood in front of an altar in the middle of the room. “It says ‘Cast off the trappings of worldly life and cloak yourself in the goodness of spirit. King and slave, lord and beggar; be born anew in the Maker’s sight.’ What do you think that means?”
“It means,” Zelda said coming up to the altar and reading it herself. “That we need to ‘cast off our trappings’, as in our armor and clothes.”
Arawin cocked an eyebrow. “It wants us to stripe?”
“Yes. Everything.”
They looked back at the others who all nodded at them. Zelda and Arawin then turned back to the fire wall and began unbuckling their leathers, removing their undershirts, and taking off their breast bands and smallclothes. They stood before the fire totally bare. Zelda blushed a little knowing Alistair was behind her, seeing her exposed. She knew he was as well, and she didn’t dare look back. Seeing him shirtless was enough to make her blush on its own.
There was no comment from the others, however, and this told Arawin that there really was something wrong with Zevran. She was sure he would have said something with so many beautiful naked women around him. And even a good looking man. But no words came from behind them, and she didn’t want to look back knowing she would not see the real him.
Zelda and Arawin then glanced at one another and nodded knowing that it was time to step through the wall. They took a step in unison and made their way toward the fire. They passed through it, and it was not as they expected. It was like passing through regular air; no warmth, no physical obstruction, no residence. It only took a few steps, and they were on the other side.
“You have done it,” said the Guardian standing before them now. Both Zelda and Arawin let out a breath they did not know they were holding. “You have been through the trials of the Gauntlet; you have walked the path of Andraste, and like Her, you have been cleansed. You have proven yourself worthy, pilgrims.”
“Really?” said Zelda. “This is...”
“How did our armor get back on?” Arawin asked. She stared at her chest, seeing the breastplate and also looked back at the others to see they were fully dressed as well. She also noticed the fire wall was gone.
“Does that matter?” asked Zelda.
“Guess not.”
“You have been cleansed,” repeated the Guardian. “And now, you may approach the sacred Ashes.” He gestured forward and everyone followed to the other side of the room. There a sight of great majesty presented itself.
A statue made of blue marble stood high on a platform with stairs leading up the front. Sunlight streamed down from stained-glass windows bathing the area in many colors. Fire torches blazed on both sides of the statue from behind, and in front on a table stood an urn. It was green and seemed to glow. Arawin and Zelda stared at the urn, stunned and finding it hard to move.
“I can’t believe it,” whispered Zelda. “It’s real and we found it.”
“I never thought...” Arawin tried to say. “It’s... It’s...”
“Well let’s go up and have a look, shall we?” Zevran said behind her, giving her a little push. Arawin gazed into his eyes. They hadn’t changed much, but she saw him smile and knew that whatever was bothering him, he was now trying to hide it. She smiled back and began walking forward, knowing she would get it out of him later.
Zelda was the first one up the stairs with Alistair by her side. When she reached the Urn she felt her heart fluttering. There was a strong presence radiating from it, strong but also gentle and kind.
“I didn’t think anyone could succeed in finding Andraste’s final resting place...” Alistair said. “But here... here She is.”
Wynne was next to join them. She breathed in deeply and closed her eyes, opening them when she released the air. “I could not have asked for a greater honor than to be here. I will never forget this feeling.”
Arawin, Zevran and Morrigan came at the same time and stood around, staring at the Urn as well. “I stand in awe. Really,” said Morrigan, although Arawin could hear the sarcasm in her voice.
“That’s a nice vase,” said Zevran. “I think I saw one just like it in a Orlesian market.”
Zelda stepped to the urn, unsure really how she should proceed. Carefully she lifted the lid and saw the fine ash that laid within. It was light and pure. No one had taken any ashes before, or it had been a long time since someone had. She nearly didn’t want to touch them, afraid she wasn’t worthy and may even contaminate them. But the fire had cleansed her, and she was worthy as she had completed the Gauntlet, although she still didn’t feel as if she was.
Carefully she dipped her hand in the urn and pinched a few ashes between her index finger and thumb. Only a pinch was needed and she placed the ashes in a small pouch. She then placed the pouch in her pack and covered the urn back with the lid. Backing away, she bowed and began to pray her thanks to Andraste and the Maker for allowing her and her companions to not only find the Ashes, but to also be able to take a pinch. Wynne and Alistair bowed and prayed as well, while Zevran and Arawin crossed their hearts and Morrigan just stood where she was doing nothing.
“Now that we have the Ashes,” she said. “Are we able to leave?”
“Hang on, let me take a pinch too,” said Arawin as she walked over to the urn.
“We only need one,” said Zelda.
“I know, but... I think I should take one as well. You never know.” She did the same thing Zelda had, and took a pinch of ashes and placed it in a pouch. Once she was done, she bowed to the urn and turned to the others. “Are we ready?”
“Yes,” said Zelda. “Let’s go ahead and leave. Course I’m not looking forward to facing Kolgrim. There isn’t another way out of here is there?” she asked the Guardian.
“No,” the Guardian said shaking his head. “There is only one way, and it is one all must take. You are only halfway through your journey.”
“Alright, then let’s go face him. It looks like we might have to fight the Disciples again after all.”
***
It was still bright on the mountain peak. The sun nearly blinded them when they stepped back out into the cold. Arawin and Zelda were again in the lead with the others not far behind them. They could see Kolgrim, along with his fellows, still standing in the same spot when they had first entered the temple. At first he was turned away from them, but then one of the warriors pointed, and Kolgrim spun to see. He glared and stalked up to Zelda and Arawin, stopping them midway.
“You have been to the Urn, but Andraste has not yet been freed!” he yelled. “What manner of treachery is this?”
He knows? Zelda thought. How is that possible?
“What are you talking about?” said Arawin. “We put the blood in the Ashes. Can’t you tell?”
“Lying harlot!” Kolgrim screamed, getting in Arawin’s face. She took a step back, surprised by his sudden invasion. “All of you!” he said backing away. “You have betrayed us, betrayed our Lady!”
“Now wait just a minute,” said Zelda. “We really did put--”
“Do you really think you can lie to me and get away with it? We are connected to Her through blood. What She feels, we feel!”
“Then I guess She’s not the real Andraste.” Arawin now took a step forward. “That thing up there is nothing more than a high dragon. Not some reborn, lost prophet.”
“How dare you!” Kolgrim said through his teeth. “For that you shall be thrown to her children and they shall tare you apart in small pieces! You all will suffer for your treachery.” The other Disciples now circled their group, not letting any way for them to escape. “But as for you,” Kolgrim said focusing his attention fully on Zelda. “You shall suffer the greatest because it was you who took the blood and made the promise. For that, I shall make you the sacrifice to our Holy!” Kolgrim grabbed Zelda’s arm and pulled her away. At the same time, the Disciples unsheathed their weapons and advanced on them.
“Don’t you even dare!” Alistair yelled. He split from the group and grabbed his shield. In the same swing he smashed Kolgrim in the head, loosening his grip on Zelda. Alistair took a stance between them and pulled out his sword.
“Alistair?”
“Get back, Zelda. I won’t let him take you.”
Kolgrim growled as he regained himself. He grabbed his axe and swung at Alistair who put up his shield, blocking the blow. Kolgrim pulled his axe back, swinging it around. Taking the opportunity, Alistair thrusted forward, nicking Kolgrim on the side, but had to raise his shield back up to block yet another swing.
Zelda had taken out her own weapons, ready to jump in and help Alistair, but two Disciples had flung themselves toward her, striking and attacking with powerful fury. She became distracted by their blows as they drove her away from the others. Chancing a glance, she looked over and saw the others battling it out on their own, at least two each just as she was.
She blocked another swing, then another, then another came nearly knocking her off balance. Zelda swung but hit nothing but air. Something hissed behind her and she looked over her shoulder to see a drake running toward the frenzy. It halted and snapped at her. Zelda raised Silverbrand to block it. The drake’s jaws clamped down on Silverbrand and ripped it from her hand. Zelda screamed as she was pulled forward from the sudden force. She landed on her hands and knees, right at the drake’s feet.
“Zelda!” Alistair cried as he took his eyes away from Kolgrim. It was a wrong move as Kolgrim took the opportunity and smashed his axe into Alistair’s side. The axe went right through his mail, embedding itself in his side. Alistair cried out in pain, dropping his weapons. Kolgrim yanked his axe out and kicked Alistair down to the ground but not before hitting him in the head with the flat surface of the axe.
“Alistair!” Zelda screamed, wide-eyed at the scene she had just witnessed. She went to get up, ready to murder Kolgrim, but was knocked back down by a claw. It stepped on her back and the drake roared in her ear.
“You are not going anywhere!” Kolgrim shouted. “For you all shall now suffer in the same fashion. Die by Her might. Behold, the fiery vengeance of Andraste Herself!” He had strolled over to the gong and grabbed the mallet. He swung, hitting the gong and releasing a ringing in the air. He hit it several times and soon a loud roar echoed through the mountains, answering the rings. Everyone stopped and stared up at the sky as a figure appeared in the clouds. The Disciples dropped to their knees and began praying. Arawin and the others took this chance and sliced some of the Disciples throats and stabbed others in the back. It didn’t kill any of them as the Disciples fell to the ground but soon raised up again and went back to praying.
Kolgrim made his way over to Zelda and yanked her from underneath the drake by her hair. She cried out as claws racked against her armor and hair follicles strained to stay in her skull. Once she was free of the drake, she tried fighting him, but Kolgrim grabbed her throat and raised her off her feet. He took her to the middle of the canyon and stretched out both his hands as he presented her to the figure in the sky which was starting to become larger.
“Oh Holy One! Rejoice as I have brought you your sacrifice! Her virgin blood shall sustain you and bring you closer to your full power! It is what she shall do for you as payment for deceiving you and mocking your greatness!”
Zelda tried fighting him, but his grip on her throat only tightened every time she struggled. His hand like stone around her throat, unmovable and hard. She could feel herself slipping as her strength began to leave her and the figure coming down grew larger but also grew fuzzier.
Help!
It was something Arawin didn’t hear but felt. She could feel Zelda’s distress, feel her cries for help, even feel the tightness around her throat. Arawin was finding it difficult to breathe but it wasn’t going to stop her as she started running in the direction Kolgrim and Zelda were. She moved on her own, not thinking of what she was doing, just raising Dar’Misaan high and bring it swiftly down when she reached them, cutting Kolgrim’s hand clean off. Zelda fell to the ground, coughing as the hand still around her throat lost it’s tight grip. She pulled it off and threw it to the side.
“How dare you!” Kolgrim cried as he took his good hand and grabbed his axe. He swung it at Arawin, but she ducked and stabbed him in the back with Fang. Kolgrim did not scream, only growled and twisted as he fought to hit her, blood from the stump flying in all directions. “You will not get away with this! You will die and be thrown in the fiery pits!” He swung again, and Arawin leaped, landing next to Zelda. Both of them scooted back as he approached, but Kolgrim was too quick. He raised his axe, ready to swing down on both of them.
“May the Maker burn you in—Ah!” A loud thump interrupted him as the dragon landed. Zelda and Arawin watched as Kolgrim disappeared inside it’s jaws, teeth clamping down on his mail and his axe falling out of his hand as the dragon lifted him off the ground. His screams were muffled by the crunching of metal and bone and soon Kolgrim completely disappeared down the dragon’s gullet, armor and all.
Screams of terror sounded behind them as the Disciples began standing and staring at their prophet in horror. Zelda and Arawin found they couldn’t move as they too, stared up at the dragon with fear. It roared, blasting fire in the air and licked it’s lips with it’s snake-like tongue.
“Arawin! Zelda! Get out of there!”
Morrigan's shout was enough to get both of them moving. Together they leaped on their feet and ran toward the others just as the dragon’s claw came crashing down on the spot they had originally occupied. They found Morrigan, Wynne, Zevran, and Alistair behind a large rock, hiding from the chaos that was in suing. Zelda saw Alistair lying on the ground, having been drug behind the rock. He was bleeding heavily and Wynne was over him, trying what she could to stop the bleeding.
“Alistair!” Zelda cried as she ran over to them. She fell to her knees and held Alistair’s face before looking at the mage. “Wynne, please, do something!”
“I’m trying,” she said concentrating on her work. “But the wound is very deep and he’s already lost a lot of blood.”
Zelda focused back on Alistair. His eyes were closed, but he was still breathing even if it was harsh. She removed the wet hair from his eyes and stroked his check as tears ran down her face. “Come on, Alistair, please pull through this. Don’t’ leave me. Don’t make me go through this again.”
Arawin felt her heart sink as she watched Zelda with Alistair. She may not have had the same feelings for him as she did, but she also didn’t want to see him die. He couldn’t die, not when they still had so much to do. She was beginning to get angry, wanting to go and kill something as the thought of losing a friend was beginning to become clear. Her emotions were interrupted, however, and her attention turned when the dragon roared close to where they were hiding.
They all looked to see the dragon charging after the Disciples. It swung it’s claws, knocking many of them off the edge of the cliff. One it grabbed and ripped in two, swallowing both pieces whole. The drake it landed on, crushing it’s skull and breaking it’s neck. The dragon picked up it’s limp body and hurled it over the edge. Other Disciples ran from her terror, screaming when she blocked their way and swatting at them with her claws and tail.
“What is she doing?” Arawin asked, unsure of what to think.
“Apparently she has finally grown intolerant of her so-called worshipers,” said Morrigan. “She is a dragon after all, an unpredictable creature, but why she has put up with them for so long is peculiar to me.”
“Who cares about that,” said Zevran. “What are we going to do? I don’t know if I can sneak past a high dragon.”
“If we’re lucky, once she’s done with her current prey, she will leave and then we’ll be able to make our move. Until then we stay here and hope she doesn’t catch our scent.”
“Too late,” said Arawin.
The dragon ripped apart her last Disciple and fixed her eyes on the group behind the rock as it wasn’t very tall enough to conceal them fully. She then roared and began running straight for them. Her throat grew bright and fire jetted past her teeth.
“Run!” yelled Morrigan as she placed up a shield, deflecting the fire. Zevran and Arawin jumped out of the way just as the jet hit. They saw as it consumed their friends, only being protected from the fire by Morrigan’s shield. The fire ceased and Zelda looked up from her crouched position over Alistair at the dragon. Anger streaked across her face and she grabbed her shield and Alistair’s sword and ran out from behind the rock and toward the dragon.
“Zelda get back here!” Wynne cried, but she was silenced when the dragon roared again and backed away a few steps when Zelda smashed into it’s front leg.
“No! Go back!” Zelda yelled at the dragon. “You won’t take us! Go back to your perch!”
“Has she gone completely mad?” Zevran asked. “Have you two some how switched places?”
“I... no,” Arawin stuttered.
“Zev, Ara, get out there and help her!” Morrigan screamed at them. The witch ran out past them and pointed her staff at the dragon. Ice shot out and coated the dragon’s skin but melted before dealing any damage.
Zevran grunted but pulled out his daggers and ran behind the dragon, stabbing it’s legs while ducking it’s tail. The dragon was too occupied with Zelda and Morrigan at it’s front, but soon kicked back with one of it’s hind legs and connected with Zevran, making him fly back several feet.
Arawin stood fixed in one spot, horrified and unsure what to do. By now she would have already gone out to help, perhaps even been the first to attack, but for some reason she couldn’t move. Her heart raced and she breathed quickly.
What is wrong with me? she thought. Am I really that scared? No! I’m not. I need to help my friends. Arawin grabbed her swords and looked over at the door leading to the temple. Sorry Mother, but you sure picked a bad time to make me promise to be cautious. Not with a Blight, and not with a dragon attacking my friends.
A cry brought her back to the dragon. She saw Zevran stand and run toward it, daggers gleaming in the sunlight. He thrust his Crow dagger forward and embedded it in a soft spot on the dragon’s inner thigh. The dragon bellowed and focused away from Zelda and Morrigan. It snapped down at Zevran, who rolled out of the way. Arawin cried out and ran toward him but was stopped when the dragon’s jaws snapped down between them. It saw her and turned, mouth open and clamped down. Arawin shifted but felt herself raise in the air. Dar’Misaan was trapped within the dragon’s teeth and Arawin still had a grip on the hilt.
Fang dropped from her right hand and she grabbed Dar’Misaan’s tip which was sticking out from the other side of the dragon’s mouth. She then placed her feet on the scales under the dragon’s jaws and held on to her sword as the creature thrashed it’s head in order to shake her off. Arawin pulled on Dar’Misaan and pressed her feet down. The dragon opened it’s jaws and roared, ceasing it’s thrashing. She felt the scales under her feet grow hot and bright and soon fire streamed from the mouth only inches above her. She pulled harder and felt something hot land on her shoulder. She looked to see dark red liquid dripping from in between the dragon’s teeth where Dar’Misaan was wedged.
“Arawin! Let go!” Morrigan yelled.
Arawin looked down and saw she was high, the dragon’s head fully erect. Zelda and Zevran down below were distracting the dragon to keep it from clawing at Arawin as she hung from it’s jaws.
“Let go you fool!”
Is she crazy? Arawin thought as she stared down at the hard and rocky ground below. No, I’m crazy for hanging on. She felt the heat on her boots again and the dragon lowered it’s head. This was her chance. Fire shot from the dragon’s head and Arawin jumped, hitting the ground. She tumbled and rolled until her lower back collided with a large rock. She felt the crack but ignored the pain as she got up and ran, limping to the others.
“Arawin!” said Zevran. “Are you all right?”
“No, I want my sword back.” It was still trapped between the dragon’s teeth, wedged so deeply that not even the dragon could get it out.
“No, leave it,” said Morrigan. “It’ll make a perfect conductor.” She lifted her staff, aiming right at the dragon’s jaws. A spell muttered from her lips and a bolt of lightning cast itself from the point of her staff. It collided with Dar’Misaan, electrifying the dragon’s mouth. The dragon roared and Morrigan intensified her spell, grunting as she poured more mana into the bolt. It grew thicker and brighter as it shot out from the staff. The dragon thrashed, spreading it’s wings and flapping them wildly. The powerful beats of it’s wings sent currents of wind, nearly knocking everyone down. Morrigan stayed where she was, intensifying the spell even more, sweat pouring down her face. Another bolt then joined Morrigan’s, coming from Wynne who was still behind the rock. Both bolts, channeling through Dar’Misaan, coursed through the dragon. The smell of charred scales filled the air and soon the dragon beat it’s wings no more and fell to the ground hard. Morrigan let down her staff and fell to her knees, breathing heavily and sweat covering her entire body. The dragon laid on it’s side, twitching but otherwise dead.
***
Zelda wasted no time once the dragon was dead. She ran over to the rock to find Wynne back knelt next to Alistair. She found her way to his other side and stared into his face. It was no different than before except he looked pale and clammy. His breastplate had been removed and his undershirt was soaked in blood.
“Alistair?” she said feeling his cold face. She felt his breath upon her hand but it was staggered and forced. Zelda glanced over at Wynne who she noticed was doing nothing. Wynne looked at her with a face that clearly said she was sorry.
“I’m sorry, Zelda,” she said softly.
“Wh-what do you mean?” Zelda said beginning to panic. “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you doing anything to help him?”
“I tried,” Wynne sighed. “The wound is too deep and there is a lot of damage. His lung has collapsed and he’s lost too much blood. He’s going into shock.”
“I don’t understand. Why can’t you do anything? What do you need? What does he need?”
“He needs blood.”
“Then give him my blood!” Zelda nearly screamed. “I’ve seen mages do it. I’ve seen them link two people together by magic and have them exchange blood. Do that to me!”
“It’s not that simple,” said Wynne. “He needs more blood than you can give him, and you might not have the right kind.”
“I... It’s... But...” Zelda stuttered as tears began leaking out her eyes and falling down her face in streams. “Is there anything you can do?”
“I can make him comfortable, but I’m afraid that’s all.” Wynne closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Zelda.”
Zelda looked back in Alistair’s face and saw the pain. She placed both her hands on his checks and placed her forehead on his. “No,” she began to cry softly. “Please don’t leave me. Please. Why is it every time I realize what my heart wants it’s taken away from me. Please, Alistair! I love you! Don’t leave me. Please! Please...!”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond