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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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Clash

“Why are you doing this?” Zelda asked.
“You’re the one that challenged me,” Arawin answered.
“That’s not what I mean. You ruined everything by coming here and fighting on Harrowmont’s side.”
“I warned you that I’d be doing this, didn’t I?”
They started to circle each other, both their weapons in hand.
“I command that you cease this,” said the Proving Master, although he was backing away from the two Wardens with his guards. “These grounds are not for this type of feud.”
“I am sorry, Master dwarf,” said Zelda. “But this has been coming for a long time.”
“Indeed it has,” Arawin agreed.
At the same time they both lashed out with their main weapon. Fang and Silverbrand collided, sending sparks into the air. Arawin brought up Dar’Misaan, but Zelda blocked it with her shield, the bolts bouncing off the shield’s surface. She then pressed forward, forcing Arawin back, but the elf quickly side-stepped her and went right for the human's flank. Zelda moved Silverbrand just in time to keep Fang from sticking in her side. She then swung her shield out, only barely missing Arawin as she flipped backwards. They swung at each other again and again, being barely able to block the other, or getting out of range. Their positions changed often, one defending from the other, then going on the assault as soon as they say an opening.
Zelda had an advantage over Arawin at this point, as the elf was already tired from her recent battles. The warrior was also stronger than her, but the rogue was faster, and even though she wasn’t fully recovered from the Proving, she was not going to allow it to keep her from fighting.
Ducking Zelda’s next swing, Arawin pivoted on her foot and rounded Zelda, making the warrior turn sharp. The move switched their positions, and Arawin began attacking Zelda with new vigor. Her jabs and strikes were quicker than Zelda’s, but not nearly as strong. Zelda only held up her shield, being forced to move backwards, but otherwise able to take every blow.
The crowd around them cheered as they switched again, then again, never staying the same way for very long. They went around the Proving Grounds, striking and grunting as they missed every time or was blocked. Their companions watched frightened, unsure of what they should do. Wondering if they should go down and try and stop it. Yet they knew if they did, then they would more than likely end up getting themselves hurt, as Zelda and Arawin appeared to be focused on nothing but each other.
Their cries and screams of frustration echoed off the doom of the Proving Grounds, even echoing out into the Commons. Messages had been sent out and soon many dwarves began pouring into the Grounds to see the two Grey Wardens fighting, swelling the crowd. The cheers grew louder, but still Zelda and Arawin ignored everything but the hate they had for each other.
In an attempt to get out from under Zelda’s powerful strikes, Arawin crossed Fang and Dar’misaan. Silverbrand landed in the middle and Arawin flung them forward, sending Silverbrand and Zelda backward. She stumbled a little from the sudden force, but recovered quickly in order to block Arawin’s blow with Dar’Misaan. Yet again, her shield blocked the bolts of electricity from reaching her. She could feel as they went through the shield, sending a tingling feeling up her arm. But then something else began to happen. Frustration and hate began to run through her, but it wasn’t her own. She could feel her own, as it was what drove her forward to knock Arawin off balance, but only for a second, as the elf regained herself and rolled out of the way as Silverbrand smashed into the ground. She also began to feel something else. A strike from the left, causing her to move her shield up, stopping Fang from embedding itself in her head. An attempt from below, causing her to parry Dar’Misaan with Silverbrand. She attacked, stepping forward and swinging her shield, but Arawin leaped out of the way.
They fought like this, somehow knowing, feeling, what the other was going to do and reacting to it a second before it happened. It caused their frustration to grow, their determination and hatred to intensify. The two hacked at each other, but each blow was blocked by either a sword or a shield. Every thrust was pushed harder by a shout of frustration as their goal of impaling the other was interrupted by yet another block.
They fought on, unyielding. The clanging of their metal could be heard throughout all of the great stone city.
***
Zelda and Arawin’s fight had lasted for three hours before the two stopped and stood facing each other as they did at the beginning. They had fought straight and hard for the entire time. Neither one willing to give up or not give it her all. Now, as they stood, they both breathed heavily. They were drenched in sweat. The hair from Zelda’s ponytail had come loose, and clung to her face. Their muscles trembled. Arawin’s legs were numb, and she knew her movements would no longer be quick and graceful. She felt sluggish with Fang and Dar’Misaan feeling like huge stones in her hands. Zelda felt that she could no longer hold up her shield. It was heavy on her left arm, and her sword arm wasn’t fairing any better.
Both women fell to their knees. Their arms dropped and hung loosely at their sides.
“I... can’t...” Zelda heaved.
“Neither... can... I...” Arawin pushed out.
“Then... a truce?”
Arawin stared up at Zelda but then nodded her head. Together they both held up their main weapons and planted the points in the ground. Simultaneously, they let go of the hilts. The two swords hit the ground and bounced before settling in the dirt.
The roar of the crowd was deafening as it shook the Proving Grounds. Arawin and Zelda looked through their greasy, caked on hair to see that the crowd had grown to twice, maybe three times its size. They had completely blocked out everything around them when they dueled. Zelda had even forgotten where they were as she noticed the crowd was full of dwarves.
She slumped over on her hands as her lungs burned for air. Looking over at Arawin, Zelda saw the elf was laying on her back with bent knees and chest heaving up and down. Arawin turned her head and the two women stared at each other again.
They began laughing.
“What in Andraste’s name are you two laughing at?”
Zelda looked up to see Alistair was knelt bedside her, face red from running and nerves. At the sight of his confused face, she was sent into convolutions and fell on her side, rolling to her back. Zelda couldn’t help herself. The laughter just poured out of her. She held her sides to keep them from splitting. Arawin doing the same thing.
“At least they’re in good spirits,” said Morrigan as she stood next to Alistair.
“Have you two nothing better to do than fight each other, then laugh about it?” Wynne was obviously upset, and their laughing didn’t make her any less.
“It’s just so funny,” Arawin said looking up at the domed ceiling, Zevran’s face coming into her view.
“Yes, you and Zelda trying to kill each other is especially hilarious. Hmm, didn’t I have you in this position before?”
“I had you in this position the first time we met.”
“Ah, yes. I thought it was familiar, but only backwards. Good fight, though. An exceptional display of strength, stamina, and speed. I will have to duel you later, perhaps?” His smile was mischievous.
“Let me rest first. This ground is surprisingly comfortable.”
“I know a better place,” said Zevran as he helped her to her feet. Alistair was doing the same for Zelda. Arawin was barely able to stand as her legs didn’t seem to want to support her weight. Zevran held on to her, keeping her steady. “Do you need help walking, mi querida?”
“I just need a nice hot bath and at least a weeks worth of sleep.”
“That sounds good, I think I’ll join you,” said Zelda resting in Alistair’s arms.
“You collect the water, and I’ll make the beds.” Both of them began laughing again. Their companions only shaking their heads. Zevran scooped Arawin in his arms and carried her out of the Proving Grounds behind Alistair and Zelda.
The crowd of dwarfs was still cheering as the Grey Wardens exited through the doors. The Proving Master, who had gone back to his balcony, stood and the crowd went silent. “Simply amazing,” he muttered. He then addressed the crowd. “Today, we have just witnessed the greatest battle in the history of Orzammar. A rogue and warrior with equal skill, dancing on the Proving Grounds, and gracing us with their knowledge of combat. Truly worthy of the Grey Warden name. Not one was able to out maneuver or over take the other. So I say, do not let this scene go out of your memory. Remember what you have seen here, for you have just become a part of history!”
***
Lord Harrowmont’s house was impressive, but Arawin didn’t really notice as she was too tired to care. Once her and Zelda’s duel had ended, and Zevran carried her off the Grounds, they found Dulin, along with Rylen and Sora, waiting for them outside of the doors. He expressed to Arawin how impressed he was with her, and that he would take them to Harrowmont right away.
Arawin didn’t really remember the way to Lord Harrowmont’s estate as she had passed out in Zevran’s arms on the way. He had awoken her and gently placed her on the ground once they stood in front of the doors to Harrowmont’s office. Dulin allowed for Arawin to regain herself before entering, so she could make a good impression. Though once they entered and Lord Harrowmont saw her, she was sure it didn’t matter even if she was still in Zevran’s arms. Harrowmont looked very happy to see her.
“Greetings, Warden,” he said. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“And you,” said Arawin.
“I would like to formally apologize for having put you through this. If these had been better circumstances, then I would not have hesitated to meet with you first thing. But these are unknown times.”
“It’s understandable,” Arawin said crossing her arms.
“And an apology to you as well, Rylen,” Harrowmont said to him. “You are a dear friend, but certain situations caused me to even block you out. I hope you will forgive me.”
“I understand as well,” said Rylen. “My brother has many tricks up his sleeve. I know why you might not have trusted me.”
“Anyway, now that I’m here,” said Arawin. “We need to talk about you sending troops to help with the Blight on the surface.”
Harrowmont nodded toward her. “And I will do just that, except I won’t be able to until I am king. Unfortunately that has not happened yet, and even with your efforts in helping me to maintain the late King Endrin’s throne, we are still no closer than we were before. You have your fellow Grey Wardens to thank for that.”
“Before you get any ideas,” Arawin said. She knew this was probably going to be an issue, one she hoped wasn’t going to be brought up, but Harrowmont had every right to know why it seemed as if the Grey Wardens had chosen both sides. “Zelda and Alistair are not helping Bhelen directly. They just decided to investigate him. You see, when we first came to Orzammar, we all got together and studied the both of you, wondering who would be best to support for king. We all agreed you were the best candidate, and would help you, but also decided that we needed to further investigate Bhelen as well.” Arawin hoped the lie would work and that also none of her companions would object to it. She could feel them behind her. Kunjo sitting at her side with Sten and Leliana in the background. Rylen and Sora were also there and Zevran she noticed was moving around. She found him somewhat distracting as he made his way from one side of her to the other. She wasn’t sure what he was doing. Observing the area better? Perhaps getting a feel of the situation. Either way, she wished he would stop, as he was acting peculiar. Almost protective.
“It is true,” said Rylen to Arawin’s relief. He had apparently picked up on her lie. “The other Grey Wardens are working for Bhelen to help undermine him.”
Harrowmont considered this and Arawin could see that he believed it. “That is an interesting idea, even if I still don’t understand it. But if Rylen says it’s true, then why should I not believe it, Warden.” He looked up at Arawin and she stood as straight as she could despite her tired muscles. “But whatever it was you were trying to achieve,” he continued. “I’m afraid it has backfired. The Assembly is still deadlocked despite your win in the Proving. Which of course brings me to another question: That duel you had with your fellow Grey Warden, did that have anything to do with the current situation?”
This was another thing she hoped wouldn’t be brought up. “Uh, no,” she said. “That had nothing to do with you and Bhelen. It was, uh... just something that needed to be settled. Grey Warden business.”
“Either way it was quite spectacular from what I heard,” said Harrowmont. “And whatever its true reasons were, it still didn’t help any with the Assembly.”
“As to be expected, but where does that leave us now?” Arawin’s face fell. This political game was getting annoying.
“It appears,” said Harrowmont. “That we are left with only one option. Tell me, Warden, what do you know of the Paragon Branka?”
“Oh, I know of her,” said Leliana. “She’s the only living Paragon at the moment. Became one by inventing a smoke-less burning coal which helped to reduce the black lung along with dwarven casualties.”
“That would be correct,” said Harrowmont. “And with Branka’s help, then I would have no trouble obtaining the throne from Bhelen.”
“But how could one person make a difference?” asked Arawin.
“Paragons are above the Assembly,” said Rylen. “Even the king. If the entire Assembly voted for Bhelen, but Branka voted for Harrowmont alone, then Harrowmont would win.”
“So where is this Branka, then?”
“That’s the problem,” said Harrowmont looking grave. “Nobody knows. Two years ago she took her entire house and went into the Deep Roads. She never revealed why or where she was going. She just up and left with no warning.”
“She did always seem a little loose in the head,” said Rylen. “To me at least.”
“Everyone thought that, but it’s not very nice to say about our only Paragon, Rylen,” said Harrowmont.
“And as our only Paragon she should've stayed and did her duty. If she hadn’t've left, or at least told us what she was doing, then this situation wouldn’t be happening.”
Harrowmont shook her head. “Branka never did like the idea of being a Paragon. She was from the smith caste, and that’s what she loved doing. Getting involved with politics was something she never liked. Avoided it every chance she got.”
Arawin understood why. “So what does this mean?” she said. “Are you asking me to brave the Deep Roads and look for her?”
“That is exacting what I am asking,” said Harrowmont. “But I'm not going to let you go in blind. I have been sending out expeditions to see if anything could be discovered, and it appears that at one point, Branka and her house were at Caridin’s Cross. If you decide to go, then I will provide a map for you so you can find your way there, course, from there you’re on your own.”
Arawin considered for a moment. She wondered if Bhelen was asking Zelda and Alistair to do the same thing. It made sense for him to do so, if this Branka was really that important. But the Deep Roads weren’t small. They were vast, stretching below not just Ferelden, but all of Thedas. Branka, if she was still alive, could be anywhere. Not to mention they were also dangerous. It was the breeding grounds for the darkspawn, where they came from. But it looked as if Arawin had little choice. She just hoped that the others had come to the same decision.
“If I go and find her, and she supports you as king,” Arawin said slowly. “Then you promise to send your troops as soon as possible?”
“You have my official oath, Warden,” Harrowmont said raising his hand. “I swear by my Ancestors that I will send you as many men as you need.”
“Thank you,” Arawin sighed. “Then we will go into the Deep Roads and bring her back. But there is one other thing I would like to ask you before I do.”
“You may ask anything, Warden.”
“I ask for a room and a nice hot bath. I’m very sore and tired and would like to gather up my strength before heading out.”
This brought a smile to Harrowmont’s face. “As you wish.” Harrowmont gestured and a servant dwarf walked straight to him. He told the dwarf to prepare several rooms as well as baths for his guests. The dwarf nodded and bowed before leaving the room to get everything prepared. “They will be ready for you shortly,” he said to her. “Please, make yourselves at home. I will gather what information I have on Branka as well as the maps to Caridin’s Cross.”
“Thank you,” Arawin bowed. She was very eager for a nice rest, even if it was going to be short.
***
Zelda stood looking at herself in a mirror several hours after her joust with Arawin. Her hair was down and wet from just stepping out of the bath and getting dressed. Before, she had went to speak with Prince Bhelen. He had congratulated her on an excellent fight. But as she stood there, she felt confused. Her fight with Arawin had shown her many things. She was unsure of what to do now as the conversation went through her mind.
“Well, you’ve simply outdone yourself,” said Prince Bhelen when she had walked through the door to his room. “They’re talking all over the city about how two Grey Wardens just dueled it out on the Proving Grounds. Very impressive.”
“Thank you, Prince Bhelen,” said Zelda. “Although I will admit that the battle had nothing to do with either you or Lord Harrowmont.”
“I thought as much, but it will make no difference, as things still haven’t changed much in the Assembly, despite how hard you worked to move the votes in my favor.”
It was something Zelda had expected, as with Arawin’s interference, Harrowmont gained supporters to match with Bhelen’s. She wondered how they were going to get past this, for the longer they stayed in Orzammar, the worse she got. The spells Wynne had placed on her were beginning to wear off, and she could feel it. She needed to do something and quick. When Bhelen suggested she go and find Branka in the Deep Roads, at first she began to panic, but didn’t show it. Finding Branka was one thing, but going into the Deep Roads was another. She wasn’t sure if she could do it as they were more confined than the city was. But she had agreed nonetheless as she had no choice.
Alistair walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She breathed in slowly and looked into his eyes through the mirror. “What’s troubling you?” he asked.
“I need to talk to Arawin,” she said. “Do you know where she might be?”
“Harrowmont probably gave her a room in his estate just as Bhelen gave you this one in the palace.”
“I need to speak with her before we go.” Zelda turned toward Alistair and saw he was a bit concerned. “Don’t worry,” she said hugging him. “We won’t fight again. I promise.”
“Please don’t. I don’t think we can afford to be split up. Again.”
“It was stupid, I know. But... necessary.”
“Maybe, but how are you feeling now? Are you going to be okay going into the Deep Roads? Maybe you should stay behind, and I’ll go with Wynne and some others.”
“No,” she said shaking her head. “I would be worried sick waiting for you. Besides, I need to go. It’s the only way.” Alistair squeezed her and she buried her head in his chest. The Deep Roads frightened her, but losing him frightened her more.
“It’s not the only way,” he whispered in her ear, but he knew it wouldn’t do much. She had already made up her mind.
“I think I should go find Arawin, now,” she said. Letting Alistair go, she walked out of the room and down the hall to the entrance of the palace. A commotion could be heard at the huge doors of the entrance way. Zelda and Alistair ran to see what was going on to find Arawin and Zevran stopped by the guards who refused to let them by.
“I am not here to talk to Bhelen. I am here to speak to Zelda, the Grey Warden. Now let us pass!” Arawin yelled.
“You are a supporter of the usurper, Harrowmont,” said the guard. “Warden or not, you can not come in here!”
“Let her pass,” said Zelda. “I can vouch for her.”
“But Prince--”
“I said let her pass!” Zelda said with intimidation.
“If Prince Bhelen should find out about this...”
“Then I will take all the blame. You had no part in this.” She then turned to Arawin. “I was just coming to look for you. We need to talk.”
“That’s why I came here,” said Arawin. “Is there a place we can speak in private?”
“My quarters.” Zelda gestured toward the hall that lead back to her room and they made their way forward.
“This place is huge!” cried Arawin as she looked around. “Harrowmont’s is a hut compared to this place.”
“Well it is the royal palace.”
When they made their way to Zelda’s room, Zelda shut the door behind them and then walked over to stand in front of Arawin. The two women were at a loss of what to say before Zelda turned toward Alistair and Zevran.
Alistair looked tense, ready to pounce and separate them if need be. Zevran, on the other hand, had a devilish little smile on his face, as if he were anxiously awaiting for their next match.
“Privacy... please!” Zelda said as she gestured for them to leave.
“Not if you two are--” Alistair went to protest.
“Out!”
Reluctantly Alistair and Zevran left the room. The last thing they saw before the door closed was Alistair’s worried face.
They faced each other once more.
“Prince Bhelen wants me to go in the Deep Roads to look for the Paragon Branka,” said Zelda. “He wants her support for the throne since the word of a Paragon is unquestioned.”
“Harrowmont asked me to do the same thing,” said Arawin. “Only he wants Branka to support him.”
“Is that why you wanted to speak with me?”
“That and... I just... wanted to say...” Arawin grimaced. “I’m sorry.”
“I was going to go look for you to say the same. I’m sorry, too. I don’t know what came over me.”
“We have two different personalities. Because of our origins, we just think differently, and things got out of hand.”
“That shouldn’t matter, though. We’re Grey Wardens, and how long have we been traveling together now? We just disgraced the Order in front of every dwarf in Orzammar and our companions. Oh, Maker! How they must hate us.”
“They don’t hate us,” said Arawin. “Disappointed, maybe, but not hate. None of them have left yet. But I think I know what the problem is between us.”
“What?”
“The potion.”
“Do you think we need to ask Morrigan to make it more potent?”
Arawin crossed her arms. “I think we need to stop using it.”
Zelda turned and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She could see Arawin’s reflection. She was standing in the same place Alistair had been. “I think I know what you mean. It’s something I’ve been noticing as well.”
“I believe the potion is doing more harm than good. It’s cut off more than our connection. I don’t understand you at all. I still can’t grasp why you wanted to support Bhelen. But let’s not get back into that.”
“Yes, I sense it,” said Zelda. “Nothing about you makes sense to me. And every time I try to consider your side, it’s like my mind just goes cloudy. And I’ve noticed that it’s worse right after we drink it. That’s when we disagree the most. That’s when we have the worst fights. We get along better after awhile and get along the best right before it’s time to take another dose.”
Arawin nodded. “Then do you agree?”
Zelda turned back to Arawin . She also crossed her arms, and the two appeared as mirror images. “I do, but there’s something I don’t quite understand about the potion.”
“You’re talking about the Proving?”
Zelda nodded her head. “How can the potion not allow us to even understand each other on a basic level, but yet, we were able to anticipate each others moves?”
“It might have worn off enough by that time to allow such a thing. Our connection grows everyday. You didn’t take anymore when we were separate, did you?”
“No.”
“Same for me. So it was at it’s strongest when we entered the city and tried to decide who we were going to support.”
“Yes, it was.” Zelda moved her hands to her hips. “So, do we have an agreement, then?”
“Not an agreement, a promise. We need to make this connection work for us, not against.”
“Then a promise to make it work. And also a promise to never fight again.”
“Well, we’re going to argue no matter what. That’s obvious.”
“But we won’t let it get to the point like it did here.”
Arawin placed out her hand. “Promise?”
Zelda clasped her hand in Arawin’s. “Promise.”
They shook, then with a tug, both women ended up in each others arms. They embraced for awhile. A sense of comfort and warmth passed between the two. They could feel their connection opening and growing already as they held one another. They both experimented with it. Closing and opening the connection to see what it was they could do. How much they could feel and how much they could not. What they could block off and what they wanted to share. It was an intimate moment for them both.
“Now make up and kiss.”
Arawin and Zelda looked toward the door to see it cracked open and half of Zevran’s face peering through.
“Zevran?” Arawin growled.
“What?” he said walking into the room. “I was only trying to help.” Arawin detached from Zelda and glared at him.
“Oh, really? And I’m suppose to believe that?”
“Where’s Alistair?” asked Zelda.
“Right here.” Zevran pulled Alistair out from behind the door.
“Oh, I was really hoping you two would kiss.”
“Alistair!”
“Hey, it was his idea.” He looked away from her shyly. “Sorry, but after he described it... I kinda liked the thought.” Zelda chuckled a little.
Arawin shook her head, but then perked when she felt an interesting idea pass from Zelda to her.
“You know,” said Zelda to Arawin. “Isn’t there this really old tradition that an argument resolved should be sealed with a kiss?”
Arawin smiled. “Yes, I know what you're talking about. It’s just the tradition is so old no one knows where it came from or even uses it anymore.”
“Then maybe we should bring it back?”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
They both leaned in and kissed, brushing each others lips. Their hands holding the others head, moving fingers through hair. Arawin and Zelda held the position for awhile before glancing over at Zevran and Alistair who were both wide-eyed and jaw-dropped. The girls giggled to see their men looking so stumped.
Zevran broke out of his stump first and strode over and grabbed Arawin by the arm. “You’re coming with me, woman!”
“Oh, no!” Arawin faux fainted as Zevran pulled her out of the room. “An assassin is taking me away! What is he going to do to me?”
“Plenty.”
“Oh, I shutter...” was the last thing Zelda heard as they disappeared down the hall.
“Odd, those two,” said Alistair, staring at the door.
“Oh, I don’t know. They seem to have fun with it,” said Zelda. “Maybe we should too.”
Alistair turned around to see Zelda staring at him in a provocative way. Her head tilted downward and her eyes glazed with intensity. It sent a tingle throughout his body.
“Wait...” he said. “You’re not acting this way because... of what they’re doing, are you?”
“Alistair, please. Arawin and I have been able to block out each other before, and that is what I’m doing right now. I cannot feel her, nor can she feel me.”
“Well, that’s good. So... how long do we have?”
“Mm.” Zelda strolled over to the door and rang a bell. In only a few seconds, a little dwarf servant entered her room.
“Yes, my lady,” she said. “What is it that you wish?”
“I need you to find my companions and tell them to gather supplies. We plan on entering the Deep Roads in about two hours. Have them meet at the gate in that time.”
“Yes, my lady. Is there anything else?”
“Also, I do not wish to be disturbed.” The dwarf curtsied then left the room, closing the door behind her. “Now, where were we?” Zelda said as she made her way to Alistair. She walked her fingers up his chest and curled her arms around his neck. “Let’s go to bed.”
“What can I say,” he smiled. “You’re wish is my command.”
***
Once both Arawin and Zelda were done with their, so called, resting, they met everyone at the gates to the Deep Roads. Their companions had gathered what they needed, having been supplied by either Prince Bhelen or Lord Harrowmont for their journey. Arawin and Zelda stood together, having finally excepted their bond and taking control over it thanks to their joust. They found it funny that they needed to fight each other in order to get along. But it had worked, and even though their companions had wished it had happened a different way, they were at least grateful the two were good now.
Arawin and Zelda found their bond interesting as they experimented with it, learning it all around and realizing it was easy to control. They found they could block themselves from the other and it seemed more effective than the potion did, but then be able to reconnect if they needed.
Rylen and Sora, after a short absence, soon joined them next to the gates. Sora had a sour look on her face while Rylen carried on his back a large silver maul.
“Why can’t I go with you again?” Sora asked a little steamed.
“We’ve already been over this, Sora,” Rylen said running his hand across his face. “I’m going in the Deep Roads with the Grey Wardens to guide them. I know the Deep Roads, and they’re going to need a guide, otherwise they’ll be in there forever. You need to be here to make sure my brother doesn’t try anything, as I know he probably will.”
“And what if he does? What am I suppose to do?”
“Whatever you can to stop it.”
Sora scuffed. She didn’t like the idea of Rylen going into the Deep Roads, or at least not without her. The fact that she needed to stay and watch was almost an insult to her. If it had been anyone other than Rylen asking her to do it, then she would have first kicked their ass then told them no.
“I still don’t like it,” she muttered.
“I know you don’t,” Rylen smiled. “But I promise to make it up to you once we get back, okay?”
“Yeah right.”
“Oh cheer up, Sora,” Arawin said bumping the dwarf with her hip. “Staying here is the best thing for you. You probably wouldn’t have been able to keep up with us anyway.”
“Pff, I don’t think you’d be able to keep up with me,” said Sora bumping Arawin back. “I’m still not impressed.”
“I’ll show you,” Arawin said with mischief. “I bet you I could drink you under the table.”
“Really?” Sora raised her eyebrows. “You think you can out drink a dwarf?”
“Sure. Besides, you look like a light-weight anyway.”
“Ha! You’re on, Arawin! Once you get back and dealt with this king shit, then you. Me. Tapsters.”
“I’ll be there! Last one to pass out wins.”
“And I’ll be there to catch you when you do,” said Zevran. “Ah, the things I could do to you...”
“You’ve done enough,” Arawin laughed. “Pressing me against the wall of the palace just because you couldn’t wait. Did I really drive you that mad?”
“Ah! Too much information!” said Sora as she covered her ears. “Nasty elves.”
Zevran chuckled. “Hermosa, apparently you know how to push my buttons.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to do it more often.”
“Or maybe now that you and Zelda are on good terms, you could convince her to join us?” Zevran brightened at the thought.
“Uh, we’re not that close,” said Zelda. “And what about Alistair?”
“He could join in. Don’t think I would pass up a chance to be with such a handsome man, and with two extremely beautiful women! I would have to be muy loco!”
“Oh, I guess he is a charmer after all,” Zelda smiled.
“Don’t be taken in by it,” Arawin warned. “Otherwise you’ll never be able to get out.”
“I’m sure it’s horrible for you, Arawin.”
“Oh, so horrible!”
“What are you guys talking about over here?” Alistair asked walking into their conversation.
“Nothing,” Zelda said. She looked over at Arawin and the two of them giggled.
“I don’t know if I like you two getting along now,” he said frowning.
“Just know this,” Zelda said kissing him on the cheek. “If Arawin and I ever giggle like that, then you’ll know it’s probably something you’re better off not knowing.”
Alistair looked confused but then nodded.
Zelda smiled at him and any confusion he might've had went away. “So, are we ready to go?”
“Yep, just waiting on you guys.”
“Well I’m all ready,” said Rylen. “I’ve looked at both maps from Harrowmont and Bhelen and know exactly where to go from here. The only problem is that once we reach Caridin’s Cross, I’m not sure where to go from there. Nobody knows where Branka went or even why she left.”
“No one but me.” Everyone looked toward the voice to see a familiar, red-headed dwarf. He was cleaner looking in heavy dwarven armor and a waraxe strapped to his back, and even though he still smelled of booze, it wasn’t nearly as bad.
“Oghren?” Rylen said puzzled. “What are you doing here?” Oghren ignored Rylen and walked right to Zelda.
“There ya are,” he said sounding a lot more sober. “I thought I’d spoken to a Grey Warden, but for some reason I’d chalked it up to the drink. Ah, I know you’re down here to look for Branka, and, uh, I need to ask a favor.”
“A favor?” she said timid.
“You know, you weren’t all that friendly last time we talked,” said Alistair. He stared down at the dwarf.
“Look, whatever I said or did while drunk is just something you should ignore,” Oghren said glaring up at him.
“Then that means about two thirds of what you say should be ignored,” said Rylen.
“Maybe,” Oghren agreed. “But this is the time when you should listen. I know why Branka left and I know where she was planin' on going.”
“If you do, then could you tell us?” Zelda asked.
“Not until you hear my favor and agree.”
“Go on, then.”
“I want to come with you.” Rylen scuffed but Oghren ignored him again. “Sure you know how to get to Caridin’s Cross, but I know what to look for when it comes to where Branka might've gone next. She was planing on finding Ortan Thaig, the home of Caridin and the most likely place the Anvil of the Void might be located.”
“What? Is she nuts?” Rylen blurt out. “The Anvil of the Void has been lost for centuries!”
“And that’s exactly why she wanted to find it,” said Oghren. “It was an obsession she’s had her whole life, finding the Anvil and freeing it from the clutches of the darkspawn. She figured after she became a Paragon she could finally do it, so she took our entire house and went into the Deep Roads.”
“Why did she leave you behind?” Zelda asked.
“She just did, but it doesn’t matter, I forgive her. So I’ll ask you again, Warden, I want to come, so let me help you find her.”
Zelda looked over at Arawin and a certain understanding passed between them. She then turned back to Oghren. “Alright, you can come. Besides, it’ll be faster if we actually know where we’re going.”
“Of course it would.”
“Great, now we have this wannabe warrior caste coming with us,” Rylen muttered.
“So you really are Prince Rylen,” Oghren said looking at Rylen for the first time. “I thought I heard a rumor going around that you were still alive and living with the casteless. And what was that ‘wannabe warrior caste’ thing you said? I’m still a warrior caste, they just took away my right to carry a weapon in public.”
“Then why are you carrying a weapon?”
“Gotta have a weapon in the Deep Roads, don’t I?”
“Arawin, Zelda, you should really reconsider him coming with us. Oghren is a drunk, even compared to dwarven standards, and nothing but trouble.”
“I’ll give you trouble,” Oghren growled. “You're not the prince anymore, just a casteless, no-good nug-sucker. If I killed you, no one would care.”
“And if you touch a hair on his head, I’ll gut you like a deep-stalker,” said Sora as she got between the two dwarves.
“Sora, stay out of this,” said Rylen
“What, you have to run behind your woman now? Ha!” Oghren laughed.
“If I had still been around, then you would've been stripped of your caste.”
“But you weren’t.”
“Okay, stop,” said Zelda. “We’re all going into the Deep Roads together, so we need to get along. We don’t need another Arawin and I in this group.”
“I'll say,” said Arawin. “If anyone is going to fight, it’s me and Zelda.”
“Now come on, you two learn to get along.”
“It’s fine with me,” said Rylen. “Although I still think you should reconsider.”
“I already told him yes, so there’s no going back. Now,” Zelda said looking toward the rest of their companions. “Who is all going with us?”
“That is something I wanted to talk with you about,” said Wynne. “I thought it best if I stayed here.”
“What, why Wynne?” Zelda said surprised. “We’re going to need you.”
“You’ll have Morrigan, and the reason why I think I should stay is because you’re going to need some type of way to communicate. While here, if something happened, then I would be able to scry Morrigan and tell you guys. At the same time, if when you find Branka, Morrigan can scry me and we’ll know when you plan on returning. I’ll also be able to know if something happens to you all and maybe get a search party after you, if possible.”
“That is smart,” said Zelda. “We will need to know if they decided to vote for a king anyway, without Branka’s word.”
“I wouldn’t put it past Bhelen to pull something like that,” said Rylen. “Paragon or not, he’s determined to become king no matter what.”
“Okay, then Wynne will stay, and so will the dogs to help protect her, just in case.”
“I shall stay too, then,” said Sten. This also surprised everyone.
“Huh, Sten?” said Arawin. “That’s not like you.”
“Maybe not, but I feel that I should.”
“So Wynne,” Zelda said taking the mage to the side. “What’s up with you and Sten? He seems to follow you around a lot.”
Wynne chuckled at this. “It’s nothing, really. He just respects me, but also it’s because he has a sweet tooth.”
“What?”
“Because of my age, I sometimes feel a little sluggish, so I like to carry sweets in my pack. Well one day when I pulled out a few cookies, Sten saw me and asked what they were. I was surprised to learn he didn’t know what cookies were so I offered him one. He ate it and from there has tended to follow and offer to protect me so then later I could buy him sweets. Cookies are his favorite but he also loves cakes and chocolates. I think shortbread cookies are his Achilles’s heel.”
“Really? I’ll have to remember that.”
Once everything was situated and decided, Sten, Wynne, Sora, Kunjo, and Rupee stood back from the gates. Zelda with Alistair and Arawin with Zevran, along with Morrigan, Leliana, Rylen and Oghren stared at the entrance, ready to pass its threshold. Zelda in particular stared at it, feeling the spells fading and knowing they would not help her anymore. She could feel the tightness again and everything seemed to be closing in on her and getting smaller.
“Zelda? What is this?” Arawin asked feeling her anxiety. “I didn’t know you were claustrophobic.”
“I never told you,” she said. “Never thinking it would be necessary.”
“Well this isn’t going to work. You better get over it right now, cause I’m not dealing with it.”
Zelda looked over at her. I wish I could.
You can, just concentrate. Zelda felt Arawin push on her and suddenly there was relief in her chest. The tightness gone and the entrance to the Deep Roads looking larger than it did only moments ago.
“Whoa.”
“Are you ready now?” Arawin asked.
“Yeah, thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Just don’t lose that concentration. If you start freaking out, then I’m cutting you off.”
“With you, then I should be fine.”
“Good, now let’s get going.”
They waited as the dwarven guards opened the large doors. The Deep Roads opened in front of them, dark and foreboding as they could feel the taint seeping out like thick fog. Slowly they all began walking toward it, stepping over the threshold and hearing the loud clang of the doors as they shut behind them.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond