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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
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Chapter List
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The Deep Roads

Dark and confining, their only light source was the glowing ball hovering over the tip of Morrigan’s staff. She walked in the middle, the glow shining far ahead so the two dwarves in the front could see where they were going.
“There used to be lyrium streams in the walls,” Rylen explained. “They would stretch throughout the whole Deep Roads, providing light. But of course, this darkspawn corruption has blocked them completely out.”
The tunnels they traveled within were small, but still fairly large with high arches over their heads. The floors were paved with smooth stone and pillars of granite stood on the sides of the roads. Everyone knew these tunnels had once been grand, beautiful and glorious, but now they were dark and dreary. Broken stones and pillars were everywhere, littering the floor and causing them to watch their steps. Black corruption also grew along the walls. Thick growth that seemed like a cross between fungus and algae completely covered the walls in some areas and filled the air with a vile stench. Arawin, Zelda, and Alistair could feel the taint all around them. It disturbed them a bit, as they were not sure if they would be able to tell the difference between the corruption and darkspawn who could be looming in the shadows, ready to strike. Zelda in particular felt the darkness as it seeped into her heart, making her cold and chipping away at her control. The walls seemed to breath beside her, almost as if they were closing in slowly.
Stop it, she felt Arawin push on her.
Sorry. It’s just so dark and...
I know, so try and focus on something else.
But what else was there to focus on? Zelda knew she had to keep her mind off it, but it was hard when it was all around her. “So where are we in reference to the surface?” she asked Rylen. “And how long have we been traveling?”
“More than half a day now,” he said without looking back at her. “We’ve been going southeast, and I’d say we’re probably just about ready to head under Lake Calenhad.”
“What?” Zelda said stunned. “You mean we’ve gone that far in only half a day?”
Rylen smiled back at her. “Why do you think us dwarves prefer traveling underground than on the surface? One can always travel faster by the Deep Roads, or at least that’s how it used to be before the darkspawn took over. On the surface you have to deal with mountains and lakes and forests, but down here, it’s nothing but a straight shot to where ever you want to go.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad,” said Alistair. “Why didn’t we use this path when we were going to Orzammar?”
“There’s no chance,” answered Rylen. “All entrances to the Deep Roads outside of Orzammar have been closed due to the darkspawn, and they’ve also been lost. In fact the only two entrances I know of are the ones located at Gwaren and in the middle of what I believe you call ‘the Bannorn’. It was the entrance used by your King Maric and a couple Grey Wardens long ago. Not exactly sure why they went in the Deep Roads, but it’s been closed since.”
“And how do you know how long we’ve been traveling?” asked Arawin. “I can’t tell anything down here. I don’t know if it’s morning, evening or what!”
“It’s evening,” said Oghren. “And we can tell because it’s called ‘stone sense’.”
“Stone sense?”
“All dwarves have it,” said Rylen. “Or at least the ones that don’t live on the surface. I’m sure you surfacers could develop it too, but it would take you having to live in Orzammar for some time.”
“Time we don’t have,” said Zelda. “So we’ll just leave it to you two on directions and hours.”
They followed along the roads deeper, stopping occasionally at junctions. Rylen would look at the map and determine which way to go. They would also hit the occasional blockage of rubble, forcing them to use the tunnels to the side, which were ones created by darkspawn. Neither of them liked using such routes, as they were unpredictable and there was more of a chance finding darkspawn within them than on the actual roads. They had been lucky so far, however, and had not run into any type of threat.
Soon they reached an area different from all the rest. The room was large and circular and there were many intersections and crossings. They stood in the middle and looked around at the several different exit tunnels they would need to try and determine which one to take.
“Caridin’s Cross,” said Oghren as he looked around. “I can’t believe those two lunatics actually tracked this place down. This used to be one of the biggest crossroads in the old empire. You could get anywhere from here. Including Ortan Thaig.”
“Yeah, all of these passageways can lead you about anywhere,” Rylen agreed. “Some of them could even lead you out of Ferelden and up north under the Waking Sea and into the Free Marches and beyond.”
“How far south do the Deep Roads go?” Leliana asked.
“I’m not really sure,” said Rylen. “But I do know they only go about a few miles into the Amaranthine Ocean before stopping. And I believe they stop right at the northern boarder of the Anderfels, before the Donarks. But we could be wrong, as in some places, the darkspawn corruption is so bad we can't get passed to explore further.”
“So which way to Ortan Thaig, then?” said Morrigan.
“That’s the thing... I’m not sure.”
“Well I do,” said Oghren. “Before she left, Branka dug up some maps of the ancient empire. It’s a little tough to tell with so much of it collapsed now, but near as I can figure Ortan Thaig is southeast of here. So that tunnel right there is our best bet.” He pointed to a tunnel with half of it blocked by debris, but still passable.
“Sounds fair enough,” said Rylen. “But before we move along, I think it best if we set up camp here and rest. We still have a long way to go.”
Everyone agreed and they began unpacking but did not put up tents, instead laying their sheets close together in a tight circle around the fire. Once they got a good fire going, and dinner was being made, everyone sat around. They sat close, trying to take in the heat to escape the cold of the Deep Roads.
“So tell us about this Anvil,” said Arawin as she scooted close to Zevran. “What’s so special about it anyway?”
“What’s so special?” Oghren bellowed. “Are you as stupid as you are ugly? The Anvil is the very thing that kept the darkspawn back, or at least it did until it was lost.”
“So you dwarves didn’t keep very good track of it, I see.”
“The darkspawn just overwhelmed us,” said Rylen as he washed off the tattoo under his eye. “We don’t have help down here since you surfacers don’t care about the darkspawn unless they create a Blight. But the Anvil was special because Caridin used it to make golems.
“Caridin was a smith caste, and became a Paragon after inventing the Anvil. On it, he could forge a man made of either stone or steel. They were powerful, strong, able to take down several darkspawn at once. They could take blows and still keep going where a normal dwarf would be dead. No need for sleeping or eating, they were the perfect army, but apparently, not even they could keep the darkspawn back for long.”
“So is that the reason why Branka is trying to find the Anvil?” asked Zelda. “She wants to put it to use again?”
“Branka hated darkspawn with a passion,” said Oghren. “The fact the Anvil was lost to them made her determination to find it even worse.”
“But how does it work? How did stone and steel come to life?”
“Nobody knows,” Rylen answered. “Caridin was the only one who knew the truth, and he was lost with the Anvil.”
Oghren snorted. “Branka was sure she could figure it out, though, once she found it.”
“Yeah, she did have a brilliant mind, as I recall,” said Rylen. “If a bit nuts at times.”
“That’s my wife you’re talking about, so watch it,” Oghren growled.
“No offense, but it is the truth.”
“Truth or not, let’s just leave the mental status of his wife alone for now,” said Zelda.
After cooling the tension between their two dwarven guides, dinner was made and passed out to everyone. Once they were all done eating, Zelda and Arawin took the first watch together. They didn’t plan on staying at Cardin’s Cross long, and after Zelda and Arawin would get their rest, they would move on to find Ortan Thaig.
It was the first time in several months since the two women sat beside each other in front of a fire. Arawin poked the logs with a long stick as Zelda watched, hugging both her and Alistair’s cloak around her shoulders.
“So, Arawin,” Zelda said staring into the flames. “Now that we’re on good terms, do you mind if I ask you a question? I mean, I don’t want to ruin anything between us so soon, but it’s just something I’ve been wanting to know.”
Arawin shifted her eyes over to her without moving her head. Zelda could feel her trying to figure out what she wanted, but she kept her out. “I don’t really like how this is going,” said Arawin. “But it appears I have no choice.”
“No, you do...”
“Not really. Besides, you’re probably going to find out the answer at some point, right? And even if I don’t like what your question is, it’s just something I’m going to have to live with, as there’s no turning back now with this bond.”
“True, but if you don’t want to answer, then you don’t have to answer.” Zelda leaned back. “This relationship you have with Zevran... Where do you see it going?”
“Huh?” Arawin had somewhat suspected it, but it still surprised her. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, do you love him?”
Arawin turned away from her and looked over in Zevran’s direction. He looked fast asleep on the other side of the fire, but with him, he could have easily been awake. “No,” she whispered.
“Are you so sure?” Zelda whispered as well, understanding why Arawin had gotten so quiet. “Because I feel something different from you at times.”
“It’s not love, just a general respect for him. He’s a friend, and even though we sleep with each other, that’s all it is.”
“Arawin, you know you can’t fool me.”
The elf turned her attention back to the fire and began poking it again. “It’s not love.”
Zelda sighed. “Maybe, if that’s what you think. But I believe that maybe you don’t know what love feels like because you’ve never experienced it before. I guess it’s not something you can just recognize, although I’ve always heard that once you do feel it, you know exactly what it is. But then again, maybe it’s not the same for everyone.”
“What are you trying to get at, Zelda?” Arawin said as she put down her stick.
“It’s just an observation. What I feel from you and what I see from him.”
Arawin turned to her quickly. “What... what do you see from him?” she asked timid.
“It’s just the way he looks at you sometimes, especially when he thinks no one can see him. Then there’s also the way he hovers over you protectively, like you’re some precious jewel he's been ordered to guard. Maybe you are and maybe you aren’t. I don’t know, like I said, it’s just observations.”
“Hm.” Arawin stared back at the fire. “I think you’re reading too much into it. He tried to kill me, and when I spared his life, he gave me his word he would follow me until the end of the Blight. If anything that’s why he acts like that. Not because he...” Arawin swallowed, unable to finish the sentence.
“And what if he does?” Zelda asked.
“Trust me, he doesn’t. He’s an assassin, born and raised to kill, not to love.”
“So then why continue on with it? Why don’t you just end it?”
“End it?”
“If neither one of you love each other, or if you don’t think something like that is possible in the future, then maybe it’s best to end it now. A relationship like yours can only end in two ways; either you both realize you have feelings for each other and finally confess them, letting your relationship reach the next level, or you both realize nothing can ever grow between the two of you, and you go your separate ways. Perhaps since you already know that it’ll be the later, then maybe you should just... end it.”
Arawin looked down at the ground and grabbed her stick again. “I don’t think so.”
Zelda figured as much. “Is it because you’re not being honest with yourself?”
“No, and it’s not because I want to disagree with you either. It’s just...” She stared up at Zelda, seeing her bright blue eye and her green speckled left one. “As a Grey Warden, you know we can never have a normal life, a normal relationship. The thing I have with Zevran, it doesn’t matter if we have feelings for each other or not, it will never be able to go to the next level. Grey Warden’s don’t have that luxury. Never can we have a family or love since we must commit everything to our duty first. And in all the stories I’ve ever read or heard about Grey Wardens, we die young and have no time for anything serious.” Arawin took a deep breath. “You know this. You know you and Alistair won’t last. Not just because you’re both Grey Wardens, but also because he’s going to become king.”
It was Zelda’s turn to look down at the ground. She understood what Arawin was saying all too well. Once Alistair became king, then their relationship would have to end. There was no way they could continue. “You’re right. We were doomed from the start.”
“You already know the fate of your relationship with Alistair,” Arawin continued. “But as for me and Zevran, who knows. Maybe when the Blight is dealt with he’ll leave, perhaps he’ll go back to Antiva or something. Either way, our relationship is doomed as well. That is why I say I don’t want to end it now. This is the closest we’ll get to having something normal. Don’t you want to stay with Alistair as long as you can before it must end?”
Zelda nodded. “I do. And even though it’s going to hurt when it happens, I think it would be even worse if it ended now. I think I understand why you’re hiding your true feelings now. You’re just trying to protect yourself, something I didn’t do.”
Arawin went and poked the fire again. Sparks flew up as a large log fell upon the ashes. She could feel Zelda’s distress and knew that the end of her relationship with Alistair was just on the horizon. After they were done with Orzammar, they would be going back to Redcliffe, and from there, the Landsmeet.
“How about this: When you end it with Alistair, I’ll end it with Zevran.”
“Huh?” Zelda said looking up from the ground. “No, you don’t need to do that.”
“Why not? Why should you be alone? Not unless you want to join us. I’m sure Zevran wouldn’t mind.”
“I know he wouldn’t mind,” Zelda smiled. “But I couldn’t. I don’t think I’d ever be able to be with another man after Alistair.”
“So then I won’t either. We’ll just have each other, cause we’re going to have each other no matter what. And if I have to spend the rest of my short life in the company of someone, then I’m glad it’s you.”
“Hmm, you know when I first met you I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Neither did I,” Arawin chuckled. “But things have changed. You’re still a princess to me, but not the whiny, spoiled type. Instead, I see you now as the warrior princess, one that will take action and doesn’t let anyone push her around.”
“Especially not you.”
“No, I’m the only one that can,” Arawin said as she nudged Zelda through the bond. “See?”
“So does that mean I’m the only one that can push you back?” Zelda said as she did the same thing.
“You’re the only one I’ll let get away with it... for now.”
The two women laughed silently together so they did not wake any of their companions sleeping around the fire.
***
It was only hours later when everyone gathered up their things and they headed toward Ortan Thaig. Rylen and Oghren in the lead, occasionally checking their maps to see if they were on the right path. More and more they had to use the side tunnels as the further they went, the worse the Deep Roads became. Blockages thick with heavy rock kept them from moving forward, sometimes even making them have to backtrack. It was tedious traveling, and left them at the mercy of their dwarven guides. Oghren and Rylen would even argue whenever they came to two paths that looked to be going the same way. They would eventually go down one, then occasionally turn around and go back down the other. Arawin and Zelda had no concepts of time or of where they could have been under Ferelden. They just followed Oghren and Rylen, hoping they would come to Ortan Thaig soon.
“We’ve got to be close,” said Rylen when they came to another blockage. He was looking at Oghren’s map and pointed toward the middle. “I think we’re here, but it’s hard to tell with all the turns we had to take.”
Zelda looked at the map, hoping to see something that might tell her what could have been on the surface, but she found nothing familiar.
“No, we're more here,” said Oghren pointing further down on the map.
“Where are we in reference to the surface?” Zelda asked.
“Uh, I think underneath what you guys call the 'Hintherlands'?” said Rylen.
“It's actually pronounced 'Hinterlands',” said Zelda. “But that's interesting we already went that far south. We might even be underneath the Korcari Wilds.” Zelda thought for a moment. “Hmm, I wonder. Hey Morrigan, where in the Wilds did the darkspawn emerge?”
“I'm not exactly sure,” the witch answered. “Somewhere in the far southern region according to my mother. And if you're thinking we might be close to that exit, you might as well stop. Even if I did know where it was in the Wilds, I would not be able to find it down here.”
“There isn't any entrances that I know of down this way,” said Rylen. “If the darkspawn emerged somewhere around here then it wouldn't surprise me if they created their own exit. They tend to do that from time to time.”
“Well it's not like I'm wanting to get out or anything,” said Zelda. “It was just a thought. Seeing where they came from might be helpful.”
“Except it won't matter now,” Oghren huffed. “We're stuck.”
They came to another blockage, this time with only one side tunnel that appeared, further down, to be leading them back the way they came. They all stood in front of the rubble, looking from it to the tunnel, trying to figure out what they should do.
“This is the way we need to go. Ortan Thaig should be just beyond these rocks.”
“Yet they're the things keeping us from it,” said Leliana. “I don't think we have a choice.”
“No, we can always back-track,” Rylen suggested. Everyone groaned. They'd been back-tracking more then they wished.
“What if we tried to clear it?” Alistair suggested.
“It would be the same the last several times we tried to clear a cave-in,” Arawin said. “We think we're getting somewhere then more rocks come tumbling down.” It had happened several times, nearly trapping a few of them within a rock pile.
“And I for one don't want it to happen again,” said Zevran, who had been one of the ones nearly trapped.
“So you think we should go down the tunnel, then?” Alistair asked. “But that would also lead us back the way we came.”
“So? At least it's a new tunnel. Come on.” Arawin began walking down the tunnel before anyone else could object.
“Huh, so she just does whatever she wants and doesn't care what anyone thinks?” said Rylen. “I think she and Sora might have been carved from the same stone.”
Zevran chuckled as he and Rylen walked next to each other. “That would be her. There's nothing stopping her fiery spirit.”
“Yeah, I can see why you love her. It's the same reason why I love Sora.”
“Uh, except I don't love her... in that way,” Zevran said becoming somewhat awkward.
“Really? The way you two act. It seemed as if you two were together.”
“No...”
“Hmm, you surfacers sure do have strange relationships.”
“Your dwarven version of a prostitute is strange as well.”
“I wouldn't know, I've never been to the surface.”
They walked for some time, finding that the tunnel twisted and turned in several directions. They also noticed it was beginning to become wider until they reached a cavern that stretched high. What appeared to be sunlight shined down from unseen holes. Everyone looked up to try and see where the light was coming from, but even if they could, there was no way to get to them as they were too high with nothing to climb on.
“Wow, it's amazing what's been under our feet,” said Zelda as she stared. “To think we could be under the Wilds right now. What if we-” She stopped when she felt it, first passing through Arawin as she was in the lead, then to Zelda who felt it through the bond then feeling it on her own. Alistair stiffened next to her and everyone stopped when they saw the three Grey Wardens straighten and stand still.
“Darkspawn ahead of us,” said Alistair. They had been lucky so far, not running into any darkspawn on their way through the Deep Roads, but it appeared that it had now run out. Arawin, Zelda, and Alisatir stared ahead, getting a feeling for the darkspawn ahead of them. They had been afraid they would not be able to feel them because of the taint all around them, but their fears were unnecessary. The taint actually made the darkspawn more clear. They could pinpoint all of them as they shined like little dots on the web of the taint. Arawin began to move forward with everyone soon following her. They came to a much larger cavern, stopping and crouching behind a giant stalagmite as they saw the scene before them.
Darkspawn were before them—hurlocks, genlocks, an ogre—they were fighting what looked to be giant spiders, the two groups attacking one another.
“Giant... spiders?” Arawin said swallowing hard. “There are giant spiders down here?”
“Of course,” said Rylen. “The Deep Roads are crawling with them. Course these aren't just any type of giant spider. Most of them are corrupted as the only thing they really have to eat down here is darkspawn.”
Arawin moaned and backed away a step.
“Don't tell me you're scared of spiders, Hermosa?” Zevran teased.
“N-No! I just don't like... big ones.”
“Hm, I do believe we might've found a weak spot,” said Morrigan. “'Tis unexpected as you didn't seem afraid when ever I became one.”
“That's different. I know it's you and you're not going to stick me with your fangs and wrap me up with your nasty, icky webs.”
“Icky?”
“Shut up,” Arawin said through her teeth. “I'm not afraid of spiders.”
“It's all right, Hermosa,” Zevran said playfully. “I'll make sure they don't wrap you in their icky webs.” He ducked as she swung at him.
“Hey guys, stop,” said Zelda as she continued to stare at the darkspawn and spiders. “We don't want to attract their attention.”
“What are we waiting for anyway?” asked Oghren. “We should go out there and take care of them.”
“We should, but I think it best if we wait and let them take care of each other first. Let them do all the work.”
“Not a bad idea,” said Arawin. “Waiting actually sounds good right now.”
“You only want to wait so you don't have to deal with the spiders.” Zevran tickled his fingers across her back, making Arawin jump.
“Stop it!”
Zelda smiled, happy for once that it was Arawin's anxiety leaking through. She knew exactly how afraid Arawin was, but she wasn't going to blurt it out loud.
Everyone soon settled down and came together when the ogre let out a huge roar. There were four spiders around it, each one biting at the ogre's legs when ever there was an opportunity. The ogre smashed the ground, instantly squishing one of the spiders, but another one jumped on it's back and stabbed down with it's fangs. The ogre roared again, standing up straight and tried to reach behind him to yank the spider off. The other two leaped up on the ogre's front, stabbing and gripping to the ogre's rough skin with their hooked feet. The ogre spun, trying to toss them off but they could tell the spiders venom was starting to take affect as the ogre began to slow down. It was able to grab one of the spiders off it's front, ripping it's body apart. The other two spiders leaped off and backed away from the ogre. Once it saw they were off him, the ogre then went forward but soon fell to it's knees then to it's belly and moved no more.
“Crap. I was hoping the ogre would win,” Arawin muttered.
The two spiders then went over to the dead ogre and began wrapping the massive body in silk. They only got half way before crude arrows fell upon them as more darkspawn came on the scene. Other spiders chased after them, biting and some even shooting their venom straight from their fangs into the air. The green liquid landed on the darkspawn's armor and flesh, causing it to sizzle and melt to the ground. The darkspawn fought hard, but even though their number was greater it looked as if the spiders were winning.
One genlock, close to where they were, stuck a spider in one of it's many eyes with it's rusted dagger. The spider then reared up, dagger still within it's socket and sprayed the genlock in the face. With a cry the genlock fled and ran straight to where they were hiding.
“Shit! Someone kill it!” Zelda cried.
Leliana pulled out her bow and an arrow and aimed it at the genlock, but it was already too late. The genlock looked up and with it's one good eye, saw them. It was all it took as Zelda and Arawin felt the taint ripple even as Leliana's arrow took the genlock out. The other darkspawn, feeling the ripple as well looked in their direction, forgetting about the spiders. All at once they began running forward, eager to get at their ancient enemy. With no other choice, they all pulled out their weapons and began running forward to meet the darkspawn head on.
Rylen lead the charge, going straight toward a genlock. Half way he lifted his maul and once close enough, he brought it down. It smashed the genlock's head right on it's shoulders, spraying blood and brain matter everywhere. Rylen looked away to keep any of it from getting on his face before knocking the body to the side and making his way to another darkspawn. Oghren followed him, swinging his axe, cutting off the darkspawn's limbs and shattering their armor. They were veterans at fighting darkspawn and it clearly showed.
Arawin flew past them, stabbing a hurlock through the chest with Fang then rounding and impaling another with Dar'Misaan. The lightning from the blade crackling as the hurlock screamed and exploded. Black blood splashed all over Arawin but she kept going, only wiping it away from her eyes.
Morrigan and Leliana stayed back, firing spells and arrows at the darkspawn. One of Leliana's arrows found it's way into the throat of a genlock right before Alistair ripped it apart with his sword. Morrigan lifted her staff and ice encased a hurlock before it could strike, allowing Zevran to shatter it with both his daggers.
Everyone fought on, taking down the darkspawn with relative ease. Arawin was the farthest from everyone. She beheaded a genlock and kicked it's body to the side before freezing in fear from what was coming after her next.
The spiders had not retreated, now eager to go after the fresh meat that seemed to so willingly walk into their abode. Arawin stared at the giant spider in front of her, frozen in place. The spider reared, greenish-yellow liquid dripping from it's foot-long fangs. Arawin shook, unable to move as she stared into it's many, swirling black eyes. It's front legs came down, ready to leap upon her.
“Arawin, move!”
Something hard hit her, moving her out of the way. Arawin fell to the ground and heard the spider hit something metal. She looked up to see Zelda pushing the spider off her shield with all her might. The spider, however, was strong and barely flinched from her push. Zelda thrusted Silverbrand forward, but the spider caught her blade within it's fangs and shook her back and forth. Zelda struggled to keep on her feet and to hold on to her blade as the spider pulled and yanked. Eventually she lost her grip and the giant spider threw Silverbrand to the side and charged at Zelda. She put her shield up just in time, but the spider was still able to wrap it's front legs around her and brought the warrior to the ground.
Her scream echoed throughout the cavern, causing Alistair to look away from the hurlock he was fighting. Seeing her in trouble, he quickly stuck his sword in the hurlock's abdomen and ran toward her, but was stopped by another hurlock and two genlocks. “Zelda!” he cried, but was unable to get to her.
Arawin sprang up, her fear gone as she saw Zelda being taken down. Gripping Fang, she ran at the spider's back. Fang went straight into it's abdomen, creating a crunching sound and causing a black, jelly-like substance to leak out from around the wound. The spider, feeling the blow, released Zelda and kicked with it's back legs. They hit Arawin in the stomach and sent her flying through the air. She smacked the wall, falling flat on the ground, head spinning from the impact. The spider abandoned Zelda and scurried over to the half-conscious elf.
“Arawin!” Zelda forced herself up and went after the spider. With her shield she smashed down on it's abdomen, forcing Fang further inside. The spider spun on her, it's legs raised and fangs dripping. A hiss sounded from it's tiny mouth and reared up. Zelda raised her shield, her only weapon now as she did not know where Silverbrand had been thrown.
Striking first, Zelda went forward, hitting the spider's fangs with her shield. She pushed as hard as she could, forcing the spider back, but not by much. She felt it stop then began to push on her. Zelda strained all her muscles as she tried to plant her feet in one spot, but the spider was able to dislodge her. It flung it's head and she went into the air, landing on her back. The spider went after her again, but stopped and hissed louder. Zelda looked to see Arawin behind it, Fang gripped with both her hands. She pulled on the blade, using it's hooked shape to carve a gash in the spider's abdomen. It split open, the black jelly falling out and spreading across the ground. The spider whirled but fell dead when a lightning bolt struck it's front, causing it's eyes to pop and sizzle.
“Zelda, are you hurt?” Alistair asked once he had gotten over to her. He helped her stand and handed her Silverbrand once she was steady.
“Yeah,” she breathed. “Arawin?”
“Fine,” said the elf as she came over, holding the back of her head. “No blood, just a large lump.”
“Are you sure you're fine?” Zevran asked once he joined them. “You hit that wall really hard.”
“Let me look at you,” said Morrigan.
Arawin shook her head. “No, there's no time. We need to keep moving.”
“She's right,” said Zelda. “There's more darkspawn on the way and I'm sure the rest of the spiders are waiting for us to let our guard down before attacking again.” The other spiders had disappeared some time during the battle.
“Right, then let's get moving,” said Rylen. “Come on.”
He began running through the cavern, the others following close behind him. They came to the other side, finding another narrow passageway. Rylen turned to go down it but a loud shriek split through their ears. The assassin darkspawn leaped from the shadows, bearing their sickled claws. Rylen brought his maul out just in time to block one of the shrieks as it fell upon him. The others bringing out their weapons as well, slicing and bashing their way through. One shriek forced Zevran against the wall. He ducked right before it could cut off his head. He slid Dar'Misu against the darkspawn's chest, but it's armor was too thick. Spinning on his toes, he ducked another swing from the shriek's claws and was able to find a weak point and jabbed his Crow dagger in between the darkspawn's armor in it's abdomen. It screamed, causing him to lose focus as the cry shook his ears. Black blood began to run down his hand, stinging his exposed skin. Quickly he let go of his dagger and backed off. He took off the glove and tried wiping off the blood, but was unable when the shriek came after him again. His Crow dagger still stuck in the shriek's abdomen, Zerven tried to retrieve it but couldn't with having to constantly duck and block the shriek's attacks. The acidic blood still squirting from the wound.
Arawin dispatched her own shriek with difficulty as her head still spun. She then looked over and saw Zevran in trouble, as well as the blood showering all over him. It was something she had feared, as well as Zelda and Alistair. They were immune to the taint, having the blood all over them would do nothing, but their companions were not. If any of them accidentally swallowed the foul blood or got it into their own bloodstream, then they would be doomed.
Running at full force, Arawin smashed her body into the shriek. It went off balance, tumbling to the ground and taking her with it. Dar'Misaan was first to find its way into the shriek's back, the bolts jumping and charring. A claw came up, but Arawin blocked it with Fang. She then rolled off the shriek, taking Dar'Misaan with her and slicing the darkspawn open. It's blood poured out, spilling all over her and some even finding its way into her mouth. Arawin stood up and spit it out, nearly gagging from the taste.
“Ugh, that stuff doesn't taste any better the second time around. Bleh.”
“Arawin, why did you do that?” Zevran asked her as he pulled out his Crow dagger from the dead shriek. All of the shrieks were dead now, and everyone stood, breathing heavy.
“You looked like you needed help,” Arawin said spitting out more blood. “Besides, if you had swallowed any of this shit, you'd be dead.”
Zevran wiped off his blades then found his glove. “Well, don't ever do it again,” he said. “You don't need to be risking your life for me.”
“Excuse me?” Arawin said glaring at him. “Isn't that what I said when you came to rescue me? What is this, some type of macho bull-shit you're trying to pull?”
“No! It's just-”
“Let me guess, in the Crows no one goes to anybody's rescue? Get over it, Zevran, you're not in the Crows anymore. You're with us now.” She stood in front of him, close, and he stared at her perplexed. “Now give me your hand.” Arawin grabbed it before he could react and she examined his skin. She sighed with relief. “Thank the Maker, it's just a light burn, didn't break the skin. Pulling back when you did was what probably saved you.”
Zevran took his hand away from hers, but somewhat reluctantly as hers felt soft and comforting. “You shouldn't worry about me,” he said rubbing it.
“I'll worry, and you'll like it,” Arawin said glaring at him. Morrigan soon came over and healed him. Arawin stayed and watched, awaiting her turn so Morrigan could still take a look at her. They felt no more darkapwn coming, which was why they stayed where they were to rest a little.
Are you sure you don't love him?
Don't start this again, Zelda. I'm not in the mood.
Of course you aren't. You're concerned, understandable when the man you love nearly became poisoned.
Arawin stared over at Zelda and narrowed her eyes. Zelda smiled at her, feeling her anger. She left her alone after that, however, knowing what she was saying was true. Arawin just needed to figure it out on her own.
***
“This is just perfect,” Rylen grumbled. “With all that running and fighting, I don't know where we are!”
“Please don't say that,” said Zelda.
“Seriously, what happened to that 'stone sense' of yours?” Arawin asked.
“I'm sure you get lost on the surface occasionally? It happens down here too.” Rylen scratched his head then moved his hand down to stroke a braid that was no longer there. He moaned slightly before flopping his hand to his side.
“So where do we go from here?”
“We keep going, is what,” said Oghren. “This tunnel's got to lead somewhere.”
“At least we hope, right?”
They began going down the tunnel again, weary of anything that might follow them, especially the spiders that disappeared. Arawin, Zelda, and Alistair focusing on the taint, confident now that they would be able to detect anymore darkspawn around them. So far the coast was clear, but they weren't going to let their guard down.
As they passed through the tunnel, they began to notice that it was changing. It was starting to no longer look like a cave, but a structure actually carved out from the rock. They began running forward as they saw an opening at the end, hoping that it was an exit back to the Deep Roads. When they came out, they were amazed to find it wasn't the Deep Roads, but a thaig.
“By the Ancestors!” Rylen breathed. “Is this... Ortan Thaig? Did we really just find it?”
They all fanned out to examine the thaig more closely. It had been some type of civilization before, large, not as big as Orzammar, but impressive. Stone buildings were everywhere, covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Many of the building's roofs had collapsed while others were missing walls. Statues laid broken on the ground and up against walls, some of them indistinguishable while others chiseled features could still be seen even under the black growth. The thaig, despite being rundown and broken still held an air of grandeur. Its greatness still able to be seen.
“This is amazing,” said Zelda. “I'm sure this place was beautiful before the darkspawn claimed it.”
“They say that it was,” said Rylen. “And this find, I can't believe we actually found it! Ortan Thaig! Maybe when we get back, I can lead an expedition back here to reclaim it.”
“That's if we ever get back,” said Arawin. “But what about Branka? We found the thaig she was looking for, but I don't see any signs that someone is living here right now.”
“No, but look,” Oghren said pointing to the floor. “Do you see these marks where the dust is less thick? People were camped here. Many people.”
Rylen examined the marks. “You're right, but are you sure it's Branka? These marks aren't necessarily fresh and there are other dwarves in the Deep Roads besides her.”
“I know it's her, just come and look at this.” Oghren went over to a statue and pointed to a chip in it's surface. “And right here.” He went over to another one and did the same thing. He then went to several others and showed chip marks to everyone. “That's Branka's mark. She liked to go around and take chips from walls and statues whenever she was in a new area—check their composition, or something like that. She tried explaining it to me once, but it went right over my head.”
“So if this is her mark,” said Alistair. “Where is she now? Still here?”
“No,” Oghren said shaking his head. “If she was, then I'm sure we would know by now. She always had somebody on guard, so sentries would be out by now. She was here with our house, but not anymore.”
“That's just great,” Arawin said kicking a stone. “So we found this thaig for nothing?”
“No, this is a great find for the dwarves,” said Rylen.
“Yes, for the dwarves, but not for us. We only came to find it because Oghren said that's where Branka was going, but since she's not here, where could she be? Oghren?”
“Branka only wanted to find Ortan Thaig because it's the birthplace of Caridin. She thought this would be the best place to start looking for the Anvil. If it wasn't here, then maybe there would be some clue to its whereabouts. But... there was another place she was thinking of going if she found nothing here.”
“And what would that be?”
“Bownammar.”
“What? Are you serious?” Rylen said shocked. “Branka was going to go to the Dead Trenches?”
“She certainly is crazy enough.”
“Wait, hold it,” said Arawin. “You've got surfacers here. Could you please explain to us what the Dead Trenches are?”
“The darkspawn breading grounds,” Rylen answered. “Or at least one of them. Bownammar was a city built by Caridin to honor the Legion of the Dead. It's also known as the City of the Dead for that reason, only recently called the Dead Trenches after the darkspawn conquered it. I guess it wouldn't be too much of a struggle to think Caridin could've taken the Anvil there.”
“Which is why Branka thought to find it if Ortan provided her with nothing,” said Oghren.
“But what if she did find something here?” Zelda asked. “She might not be going to the Dead Trenches.”
“I highly doubt that,” said Oghren. “The Dead Trenches is her next stop. I guarantee it.”
“So... does that mean we have to find the Dead Trenches now?” said Leliana.
“I'm afraid we don't have any other leads,” said Rylen. “Not unless we look around here and see if we can find anything that might tell us something.”
“Let's look around, then,” said Zelda. “It wouldn't hurt.”
They split up and searched the thaig, finding more evidence that a lot of people had lived in the thaig at some point. It had been abandoned for some time, however, as the tainted growth was beginning to reclaim the areas cleansed of it.
Zelda and Alistair had gone off together down a side tunnel that lead into a large room. It looked to be a banquet hall as the room was long and squared. A long slab of stone was also in the middle of the room. A tabletop perhaps, with its legs already broken and gone. There was also more evidence in here that the dwarves had found refuge. Blackened areas indicated this might have been where they cooked their meals.
“This is so depressing,” said Zelda as she looked around the room. “All the dwarves that must've lived here, gone just like that. This place covered in dust and cobwebs and taint... It's horrible the dwarves have lost so much because of the darkspawn.”
“It is,” Alistair agreed. “But I can't help to think how horrible it is that this might be the last thing we see before we die.”
Zelda stared at him. “Alistair, we're going to get out of here.”
“I know, but I'm not talking about now. I'm talking about later... if we survive this Blight.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I'm talking about our Calling. That's what it's called when a Grey Warden can't take the taint within their body anymore. They come to the Deep Roads to die. We go in alone and kill as many darkspawn as we can before we're finally overwhelmed.”
“I knew Grey Wardens died young, but I didn't know about that. How long...?”
“About twenty to thirty years. Depends on the Grey Warden. Duncan told me he was about to go on his Calling after I became a Grey Warden. He was having the dreams again. That's how you can tell it's your time. At first you have many dreams about the darkspawn, then eventually you can block them out, but soon they come back and you know it's getting close.”
Zelda went over and hugged him. “You say they go in alone?”
“Always.”
“We won't.”
“My Calling will come before yours. I've been a Grey Warden longer.”
“Only by six months,” Zelda said squeezing him closer. “I don't think that's going to matter much in the end.”
Alistair squeezed her back. “I wouldn't want you to, but it would be nice if we could meet our end together. You by my side... I can't think of a more perfect death.” He kissed her lightly on the lips, suddenly wanting to do nothing but hold her.
“I can't think of anything more perfect, either,” said Zelda as she rested her head on his chest. “But let's not think of this right now. We still have a lot to do before that happens. Let's focus on our task now, shall we?” She looked up at him and smiled and any depression Alistair had melted away.
“You're right, let's go.”
They went about looking through the room again, soon coming across a smaller room in one of the far corners. There was a bed in there, covered with dust, but next to it was a book, opened to the last page. Zelda went over to it and began reading, finding it was a journal. “Alistair, look at this.”
Alistair went over and read it as well. “I think this is Branka's journal,” he said. “Let's show the others.”
Grabbing the book, they both left the room and went back out into the thaig. They called for everyone to come. Luckily none of their companions had gone far.
“We found Branka's journal,” said Zelda as she placed the book down and opened it to the last page. “Listen to this: 'We found evidence today that the Anvil of the Void was not built in the Ortan Thaig. We will go south, to the Dead Trenches. The Anvil is somewhere beyond. My soldiers tell me I am mad, that the Dead Trenches are crawling with darkspawn, that we will surely die before we find the Anvil... If we find it. I leave this here in case they’re right. If I die in the Trenches, perhaps someone can yet walk past my corpse and retrieve the Anvil. For if it remains lost, so do we all. If I have not returned and Oghren yet lives, tell him... No, what I have to say should be for his ears alone. This is my farewell.'”
“What? Branka mentioned me?” Zelda moved away from the book and allowed Oghren to read it. “Well what do you know, she was still thinking of me. Old softie!”
“But you know what this means, right?” said Zelda.
“Yeah,” Rylen nodded. “It means we're going to the Dead Trenches. A place that's been lost longer than Ortan Thaig, and a place I know where we'll run into darkspawn. A whole lot of them.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond