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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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Fire and Ice

“Long ago, on a night I could not sleep, trying to come up with some way to help my fellow dwarves deal with the darkspawn over taking our homes, the Ancestors gave me a vision.” The mighty golem stood before them, eyes glowing with a sad gleam. “It was how to create the Anvil, and how to forge golems. With this knowledge I then went out and made my vision into reality, but not without cost. As you might understand, no mere smith, however skilled, has the power to create life. To make my golems live, I had to take their lives from elsewhere.”
“Elsewhere?” said Zelda. “You mean from... people?”
“Yes,” Caridin said solemn. “Using the lyrium flowing through the Anvil as well as a few other tricks, I was able to transfer the soul of a dwarf into the stone or steel body of a golem. This allowed the golem to move, speak, basically to live.”
“Sounds almost like blood magic,” said Morrigan. “Though 'tis something I have only ever heard about but never seen before.”
“It was an accomplishment I was quite proud of,” Caridin continued. “Especially when my first successful golem stepped down from the Anvil. That's when I was made into a Paragon, praised for my work, and for once the lines in the Deep Roads, after years of being pushed back by the darkspawn, it was the dwarves that were now starting to go forward.
“The souls I used were volunteers, dwarves and even the occasional human or elf, that knew the risks and were willing to give their lives to help protect their home. It was a system that worked, and plenty of dwarves came forward, but King Valtor became greedy. He began to force men... casteless and criminals... his political enemies... all of them were to be given to the Anvil. It was too late before I realized some of my apprentices were allowing this to happen. They were working for the king who was giving them special privileges.
“Furious, I dismissed them and went to King Valtor and told him he had no right to use the Anvil as a form of punishment or control. The Anvil was a tool for defense, and if he continued then I would take the Anvil away, destroy it even. As you might've guessed, it did not end well.
“It was through the same apprentices that I felt the hammers blow myself. It was then when I realized the height of my crimes, and knew the Anvil was an abomination.
“Because I had dismissed the apprentices, they were not able to make a fully functioning control rod, and with my will to destroy the Anvil, I was able to release myself from its hold. Then along with several other golems, we hide the Anvil deep in the Deep Roads and laid traps before it to deter any who might seek it out.”
“Such as us,” said Arawin. “But if you want it destroyed so badly, why haven't you done it already?”
“I made it so no golem could, with or without a control rod. That is why, seeing you here before me, I know you will be able to destroy it with no problem if you were able to get through my traps unharmed.”
“I wouldn't say unharmed. But you want us to destroy it?”
“No, we can't destroy it,” Rylen said. “The Anvil is a priceless dwarven heirloom and we need it to fight the darkspawn! Do you know what this will mean for Orzammar?”
“I do,” said Caridin. “But it must not be allowed to cause further harm. I cannot allow it to be used to entrap souls any longer.”
“NO!” came a loud shout from behind them. Branka ran up from the door, the control rod along with her golem behind her. “The Anvil is mine! No one will take it from me! Not even you, Caridin.”
“Do you not understand what I have said?” the golem yelled. “It is evil, it is something that should have never been created. You!” he said, glowing eyes fixing on Arawin and Zelda. “Please, help me destroy it. Help me be rid of it's curse!”
“What do you think, Arawin?” said Zelda. “Would it still be worth it, knowing what the cost is?”
“Everything comes with a cost, Zelda. Especially when it comes to finding a way to end the Blight. Grey Wardens must do what they need to do in order to save as many lives as they can.” Zelda nodded and Arawin turned to Caridin. “We need the Anvil now more than ever. There is a Blight on the surface, and we promise to only take volunteers.”
“No,” Caridin said, his voice becoming more malicious. “Whatever your intentions in the beginning, it will always end the same. I cannot allow you to do this, no matter the reason. So if that is your choice, then you will not be allowed to leave this place alive. To me golems! Destroy these intruders!” The golems around them began to move, eyes lighting up. Everyone readied themselves but were unsure how they were going to fight steel and stone men.
Branka laughed behind them, and holding up her control rod, several other golems began making their way through the door. They ran straight for the other golems, taking them on and pushing them back.
Caridin went right for Zelda and Arawin, slamming his fists down where they were standing. They had both jumped out of the way, Arawin rolling behind his back, looking for a place to stick Fang but his entire steel body showed no weak spots. She rolled again, right before his large heavy foot could squash her to the ground.
Zelda ran at the golem, ramming his side with her shield. She hit but instead moved backwards, head spinning from the impact that hadn't even moved him. Recovering quickly, she moved just in time before Caridin could grab her. Neither of them were sure on how to defeat him. The acid they had used to break the anvils previous could have worked on his steel body, but it was all gone now, Zevran's stash completely depleted.
There has got to be a way to defeat him! Zelda moved and struck, but made only small scratches on his body.
What else is there that can destroy steel? Arawin moved to Caridin's other side, sending Fang to points on a normal body that would have been vulnerable, but did nothing to the golem. She then brought Dar'Misaan forward and struck it across his back. The blade sparked and the bolts jumped from metal to metal. Zelda pulled Silverbrand back, nearly getting electrified herself. Caridin stopped moving and groaned as if in pain.
“Arawin, be careful!” Zelda shouted. “That nearly got me.”
“Wait, did you hear that?” Arawin asked ducking one of Caridin's arms. Once Dar'Misaan was disconnected from him, he was able to move again. “The bolts from Dar'Misaan hurt him!”
“Yeah, and hang on!” Zelda shouted as she got an idea. She looked over at the Anvil and the warm light floating up from behind it. “The magma. That should do it.”
“Right, now we just need to get him to move over the edge. Easy, right?”
Zelda smirked at Arawin's sarcasm before looking back at their friends, seeing them ducking and jumping out of the way of golem fists. There was also golem fighting golem, their large fists cracking on stone chests. “Branka!” Zelda yelled. “Help us, please! We need you!”
The mad Paragon had been smiling from ear to ear as she watched her golems fighting. Hearing Zelda calling for her, Branka already knew what she needed and ordered two of her golems forward. They ran straight for Caridin and rammed into him. Caridin was much larger than them, however, and was easily able to push against them, keeping himself in place.
“Arawin, now!”
Taking Dar'Misaan, Arawin struck it against Caridin's back. The bolts jumped, racing all the way across his body, freezing his limps. The two stone golems were able to push him back, speeding toward the edge of the precipice.
“NO!” Caridin screamed. With Dar'Misaan no longer touching him, he could move again, but it was no use as the two golems gained speed and soon pushed over the edge, going along with him. Arawin and Zelda ran to the edge and looked down to see the three golems half way in the magma, slowing sinking in. The last thing they saw of Caridin was his hand as he reached up toward them.
“So it is done then, and the Anvil is finally mine.” Branka stood behind them, staring up at the Anvil. The golems fighting for Caridin had ceased once he fell into the magma.
“Yes, you finally have the Anvil,” Oghren moaned. “Are you satisfied now?”
“Would you look at it?” Branka said ignoring Oghren. She ran up to the Anvil and touched it, gently gliding her fingers across its smooth surface. “So beautiful.”
“Aye, I should have known,” Oghren heaved. “I thought once you found the Anvil you'd be satisfied...”
Branka still ignored him as she examined the Anvil, gazing at every inch.
“Alright, Branka,” said Arawin. “We got you the Anvil, now you need to up hold your end of the bargain. Who should be the next king, Bhelen or Harrowmont?”
“You're still on about that stupid king business?” Branka huffed, reluctantly taking her eyes from the Anvil. “I don't care who takes the throne. I have what I want.” But seeing neither Arawin nor Zelda relent, Branka rolled her eyes. “I still don't care, but seeing that you two won't let it go, how about I at least make you a crown. Present it to the Assembly and they will place it on any head you say.”
“That doesn't help matters much,” said Arawin.
“But it appears that's the best we're going to get from her,” Zelda said as Branka went to the Anvil and began forging the crown.
“So what are we going to do, then?”
“I don't know, but we'll think of something.”
It didn't take long for Branka to make the crown. Long enough for everyone to get some rest , but shorter than they thought it would take for a crown to be made.
“There it is,” Branka said shoving the crown into Zelda's hands. “An ugly lump of hot metal to go over a couple of empty heads. Now leave. It will take me some time to fully realize the mysteries here.”
“Just know,” said Zelda as she looked at the crown. “That you can only use volunteers to make the golems. I don't want to hear you've been forcing people or anything like you did with your house.” Branka waved her off and went back to the Anvil. “Uh, maybe this was a bad idea. She can't be trusted.”
“She's the only one that can work it,” said Arawin. “And yes she's mad, but if she does do anything like that, then we'll come back and destroy it.”
Branka turned back to them, seeming not to have heard what they said. “When you get back and everything in Orzammar is situated, have the new king send me men and your volunteers. I assume you wrote down how to get here, yes?”
“Branka are you sure you won't reconsider?” said Oghren. “Can't you come back with us?”
“Oh, stuff a rag in it, Oghren,” Branka waved. “Move on! Find a few whores. Sodding stone, I never thought you’d be the pining type. Now begone.” She went and put her full attention on the Anvil and everyone knew there was no way of talking to her now.
***
The road back to Orzammar was long, getting to the point that they couldn't wait to see the stone city again, and especially couldn't wait to see the sun again. Or at least that's how the humans and two elves felt.
At first Oghren mopped a little, letting Rylen take the full lead as he followed the map he had drawn to get back to Ortan Thaig. Once Oghren got to a certain point, because Zelda and Arawin really couldn't tell if he was over Branka or not, he started helping Rylen when they came to a fresh cave-in. This made their journey back a little faster with both dwarves leading now, but it was still tedious. But despite the length, it gave Zelda and Arawin time to consider who they were going to announce as king.
“I don't like Bhelen,” said Zelda. “He seems very manipulative and evil. The fact I handed over forged documents to those deshyrs makes me sick. I can't believe I did that.”
“Don't think too hard on it,” said Arawin. “You weren't yourself, especially with your phobia. And I don't think I like Harrowmont either. He just seems too old fashioned and I believe he's only trying to be king so that Bhelen doesn't get the throne.”
“Well, we have no choice, we have to choose one of them. There are no other candidates.”
“Too bad Branka just threw this at us to decide. I'm sure the Assembly would've let her pick a third candidate if she thought neither Bhelen or Harrowmont were worthy.”
“Actually,” Zelda said staring straight ahead. “I don't think it would matter if she was with us or not. We have her crown. I think we could say whatever we wanted and the Assembly would listen.”
Arawin soon picked up on what Zelda was saying and stared straight ahead herself. “You know, I think you're right. And this is a much better choice than the other two. Yes, much better.”
“Then that is what we will do. I'm glad we can finally agree with each other.”
“So am I. Makes things easier.”
When the familiar roads outside of Orzammar began to surround them, they were soon greeted by the mines-commander and some of his men. One of his scouts had spotted them and had ran back to the city to announce their arrival. Morrigan before they left the Dead Trenches, had scyed Wynne to tell her they had found Branka and were on their way back. The mage had then told the Assembly and look-outs were posted in the Deep Roads to spot their return.
After the mines-commander took them to the cleansing rooms where they got a much deserved rinse, he then lead them through Orzammar to the Diamond Quarter and then to the Assembly Hall. On their way, dwarves lined the streets, eager to get a look at the Grey Wardens and their companions that had just returned from the Deep Roads. When they arrived at the Assembly Hall, they found Wynne, Sten, Sora, Rupee and Kunjo waiting for them right outside the chamber. The guards opened the door with the mines-commander's order and everyone walked into the circular room.
The Assembly had been called together once the Grey Warden arrival had been announced. Already they were arguing, determining whether they should wait for the Grey Wardens or not. Deshyrs stood on raised areas that went around the room, yelling at one another with the Assembly steward standing in the middle of the room, trying to bring order back. At the opposite side of the entrance stood Bhelen and Harrowmont, separated by a wall and several guards, arguing with each other just as much.
“Lords and Ladies of the Assembly, I call for order!” the Assembly steward cried. His voice booming against the walls. “This argument gets us nowhere!”
“Then why don't we call for a vote right now,” said Bhelen. “Let's not wait any longer. This Assembly is not leaving until a successor can be chosen, so let us get it over with.”
“You would like that, wouldn't you?” Harrowmont glared. “But unfortunately it doesn't matter if we vote now or not, the result will be the same.” This caused another commotion in the Assembly and the steward was forced to claim silence once more.
“I apologize for the interruption, Lord Steward,” the mines-commander said once he saw the opportunity to approach. “But the Grey Wardens have returned.”
The steward, hearing this, looked toward Arawin and Zelda and relief seemed to cross his face. “Thank the Ancestors,” he said. “Grey Wardens, could you please take the floor.” He then addressed the Assembly. “Lords and Ladies of the Assembly, the Grey Wardens have arrived and will now give their report.” The whole Assembly grew quiet and each pair of eyes fixed themselves on the human and elf standing before them.
“Well, Warden?” said Bhelen, his eyes on Zelda only. “What news do you bring?”
“I would like to know as well,” Harrowmont said with only his eyes on Arawin.
“We have found Paragon Branka,” Zelda said addressing the entire Assembly.
“She is alive and has forged for us the very crown that will sit on the head of your next king.” Arawin lifted the crown and showed every dwarf in the chamber.
“That is a Paragon's crown indeed,” said the steward as he took the crown and examined it. “So she chose a king?”
“She did indeed,” Zelda answered. “We also found a few other things. Oghren.” Zelda gestured for Oghren to join them in the center.
“Oghren, what do you have to add to this?” the steward asked.
“Branka still lives,” he said. “Though she’s as mad as a nug at a tanner’s shop. She finally found the Anvil of the Void and chose to stay in the Deep to work it. She tasked these Grey Wardens to give her crown to Orzammar’s next king, chosen by the Ancestors as the first in a millennium to lead a golem army against a Blight.”
“Truly? The Anvil of the Void has been found?” said one of the deshyrs. “Is that what Paragon Branka was looking for?”
“It was,” answered Arawin. “And now it has been found and reclaimed from the darkspawn. Golems will soon be walking Orzammar's streets once again.”
“If this is true, then once you make me king, I will send Paragon Branka men as soon as possible,” said Bhelen.
“Except that you will not be king,” said Harrowmont. “Branka would not choose someone like you to lead her people.”
“And she would choose you? An old man wanting to keep Orzammar in the past instead of driving it forward? Branka might be mad, but she has more sense than that.”
“Actually,” Zelda said interrupting them. “Branka is more than mad, but her sense is still good, and she did not endorse you, Prince Bhelen.”
This made Bhelen stare at her dumbfounded. “Are you serious? Do not say she would allow this usurper to take the throne!”
“Neither did she endorse Lord Harrowmont,” Arawin added. Once again a commotion began. Harrowmont and Bhelen as well as all the deshyrs threw questions at them, trying to figure out what was going on.
“Silence!” the steward yelled, ceasing the bombardment of questions. “Please, let the Wardens speak.” He then focused on them. “Tell us Grey Wardens, who did Paragon Branka endorse to be the next king of Orzammar if not the only two candidates?”
Arawin and Zelda looked at each other and smiled, then faced back to the Assembly. They spoke together.
“Prince Rylen Aeducan.”
The whole Assembly was shocked as they yet again began yelling out questions and accusations. But no one was more shocked than Rylen himself. He had been standing with their companions in the doorway, trying to keep out of sight. When he heard Arawin and Zelda say his name, he stepped forward but did not go fully into the chamber. Both Arawin and Zelda went over to him and brought him to the center of the chamber and soon everyone grew silent when they saw him.
“What is this treachery?” Bhelen growled when he stared down at his brother. “How is Rylen alive and how can you bring a condemned criminal to the Assembly and declare him king? He is casteless and cannot take the throne!”
“But Paragon Branka has spoken,” said Harrowmont who didn't seem upset at all about the change of events. In fact he seemed happy about it. “Her word is law, and I would have to agree with her decision.”
“This is true,” said the steward. “Paragon Branka has chosen her king.” He then made his way over to Rylen and presented him the crown. “Prince Rylen, do you accept this crown?”
Rylen stared at it confused, tongue tied. He glanced over at Arawin and Zelda. They nodded at him. He then looked back at Sora who stood at the entrance. She wasn't smiling, but the look on her face was that of hope. He knew she was thinking about Rica, because her sister was always on her mind.
Rylen faced back to the crown. It was made of gold and looked heavy and awkward. He had never really wanted to be king. He had liked his position as commander and had looked forward to getting it back. Long ago when Bhelen had revealed to him the Assembly might choose him to be king over Trian, he had said he would decline if it had occurred. He wanted to decline now, but as he continued to stare at the crown, he began to understand why Zelda and Arawin had chosen him instead. It was the very same reason why he would have been chosen over Trian.
“I accept,” he said lowering his head and allowing the steward to place the crown upon it.
“Then may I present to the Assembly the new king of Orzammar.” The steward bowed to him, and soon all the deshyrs followed.
“No! I will not abide by this!” Bhelen shouted.
“Let it go, Bhelen,” said Harrowmont. “The Ancestors have spoken.”
“No, this is not right.” Bhelen made his way down to the center and faced Rylen. Several guards came and placed themselves in between them, pointing their weapons at Bhelen. “I will not allow you to do this to me, Brother. Not again!”
“I don't know what happened to make you this way, Bhelen, but you need to stop this before things get worse.”
“I will not accept you as my king!” Bhelen lunged forward, but did not get very far as the guards seized him.
“Bhelen, control yourself,” said the steward. “Guards, hold him and take him to the dungeons.”
“Hang on, just a second,” said Rylen. “Bhelen please, despite what you did to me, you are still my brother. We were friends once, an inseparable pair when we were young. What happened to you? Why did you frame me? Why did you kill Trian and Father?”
“We were friends,” said Bhelen. “But then you left me once you were able to join the Assembly. You left me to be pushed and ordered around by Trian, which was all he did, even when I was old enough to join myself. I thought that perhaps once I did, you would save me from him, but you didn't. You were too involved with your own affairs. You had no more time for me, or even any room for me to join in your little party that always liked to follow you around. I thought I might even be able to be your second, but you never gave me the chance.”
“Bhelen... I... If this is how you felt, then why didn't you tell me? If you wanted to be my second... If you wanted to join with me instead of Trian, then all you needed to do was ask! You are my brother, Bhelen! I would have done anything for you!”
“I once respected and even looked up to you, Rylen. I once would've believed anything you said, but not now. Now I only hate you.”
“Bhelen,” Rylen said softly. “I really wish you had come to me with this.”
“So then what are you going to do with me, Brother?” Bhelen said looking at the floor. “Are you going to seek your revenge now?”
Rylen looked down upon his younger brother, feeling horrible for how things had gone. Bhelen was right, he had left him behind once he was able. Rylen hadn't meant to do it, but it had just happened. “I'm sorry, Bhelen, as much as I don't want to, I fear I have no choice in the matter. Bhelen Aeducan, I here by stripe you of your caste and sentence you to death. May the Ancestors forgive you of your crimes, and I hope you can forgive me of this if not anything else.”
“You are only doing what you need to do, Brother,” said Bhelen. “I would have done the same thing.” The guards went to take him away, but Rylen stopped them once more.
“Wait, there is something I want you to know,” he said to Bhelen. “I will not punish your son. I will allow him and his mother to stay in the palace with me. This will take away his chance to become king and I might be making a mistake later on when he is old enough and may want to seek revenge for his father, but he will not be punished for your crimes.”
Bhelen looked up from the floor at his brother. His eyes filled with confusion. “Will you tell him the truth?”
“I will not lie to him.”
“Good. Let him know everything. Let him know that I killed my own blood in order to reach the top, and I would've had it too, if I had only checked on the one loose end. Make sure he knows that, so that he knows not to make the same mistake.”
“He'll know, Brother. I'll make sure of it.”
Bhelen nodded and for the first time in a long while, the two brothers smiled at each other.
As the guards took Bhelen away, Rylen felt a heavy weight on his heart. He wasn't sure if he had done the right thing. Feeling a hand touch his, he turned to see Sora making her way to his front.
“Thank you, my king,” she said getting on one knee and bowing. “I'm very grateful that you are allowing my sister to stay with you. Rica will not prove worthless.”
“And what do you think you're doing?” he said staring at her. “Stand up.”
“My liege, would you like for me to remove this casteless whelp from your presence?” said one of the guards.
“Don't talk about your new commander like that,” said Rylen. “Sora Brosca is no longer casteless and neither is her sister Rica. I hereby raise them both up to warrior caste. And Sora, if she accepts, will be the new commander of my armies. What say you, love? Does that sound good to you?”
Sora stood and stared at him. “Can you even do that?”
“Uh, not officially no, but if you accept I will make it happen. That's a guarantee.”
“Then I accept gladly, your Majesty,” Sora said bowing deeper than before.
The Assembly then went into a mush of loud and angry voices, but with a quick word and gesture, Rylen was able to bring them back to focus, making Zelda and Arawin even more sure on their decision.
We do good work, don't we? said Arawin.
Yes we do, Zelda agreed. It was a good joint decision. Hopefully we'll make more of them in the future. Now, I think we should make our leave.
What about our troops?
Don't worry, Rylen won't let us down. Let him deal with the Assembly first, then we'll talk to him about the real reason why we're here.
***
Zelda and Arawin waited outside of the Assembly room for Rylen to finish. All their companions had gone off to rest, with Zelda having to chase Alistair away so he could get something to eat. Arawin couldn't help but to feel a little jealous at their behavior, for Zevran had been one of the first to leave without hesitation when they told everyone to go. She still couldn't understand why he was acting the way he was, like being around her was causing him pain. If that was the case, then why didn't he just leave for good? It appeared the only thing keeping him around was his vow to help her for her sparing his life.
Soon the doors opened and all the deshyrs came pouring out, strangely enough, smiling. Neither Zelda nor Arawin had heard what was going on in the Assembly, but it appeared as if Rylen had said something to bring everyone together. He came out right after the deshyrs with Sora by his side. She was looking rather smug, very happy with the results.
“Okay, Rye, now that that's over with, I'm going to go tell Rica the news,” Sora said as she kissed him. “I'm sure she's freaking out right now, not understanding what has happened to Bhelen.”
“Go ahead, love,” said Rylen. “I'll join you shortly.” He kissed her again before Sora ran out of the hall. Rylen then turned to the two Grey Wardens. “Ah, Zelda! Arawin! I'm glad you're still here because I really want to thank you for this. I didn't think I wanted to be king, and I'm still not sure about it, but Harrowmont says I'm a natural. He's very happy for me, saying that he was glad the Ancestors chose me. Couldn't have been a better choice. But I do need to ask, why did you pick me?”
“Why not?” Arawin said shrugging her shoulders. “To me, Harrowmont only seemed to want to be king so Bhelen didn't take the throne.”
“And Bhelen, well...” Zelda trailed off. “I think you know the reason there.”
“Oh, I understand that all right.”
“So with those two choices, we realized that we actually had a third, and that it was better than any of the other two.”
“But if I hadn't've been here, or if I had've declined, who would you have picked?”
Zelda and Arawin looked at each other.
“We really don't know,” Arawin answered. “We figured if you declined then we would just have to swing it.”
“Well, you put me in a serious position,” he said. “I really had no choice but to accept. I was a wanted criminal, supposedly sentenced to death in the Deep Roads. Yet there I was, alive and in your company.”
“I guess we sort of forgot about that,” said Zelda. “But it worked out for the best. Now, here you are, the newly appointed king of Orzammar and ready to bestow us with our badly needed dwarven troops.”
“Ah yes,” Rylen chuckled. “The treaties. Don't worry, Wardens, I will send all the men that you need. The dwarves of Orzammar will uphold the treaties signed long ago. Forever we have been your allies, and that is not going to change in my rule.”
“Good. Then with that settled,” said Zelda. “We'll go ahead and set off tomorrow. Let everyone get some rest before we go down the mountain back to Redcliffe.”
“I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to stay longer, but I understand,” said Rylen. “But before you go, I feel as if I owe you more than just troops. The both of you have done more than to just help Sora and I, you also helped to reclaim Ortan Thaig as well as the Dead Trenches and the Anvil of the Void. All of them are amazing finds and have helped to restore moral. When I can, I'll send out expeditions to reclaim them. But as for thanking you for it, is there anything you wish of me?”
“Troops is all we need,” said Zelda. “But thank you anyway.”
“Actually,” Arawin said reaching into her pack. “There is one thing. I saw stones similar to this one being sold in the Commons. Could you tell me what it is and what it could be used for?” She pulled out the red stone she had acquired in the Gauntlet and handed it to him. Rylen examined the stone and his eyes shot open.
“Blessed Ancestors, this is a runestone! And a pretty powerful one at that.”
“Really? What's a runestone do?”
“Depends on the rune carved into it. This one in particular happens to be a Grandmaster rune of fire. It can be placed into weapons, giving them special enchantments.”
“I have one as well,” Zelda said handing him hers.
“How did you two acquire these?” Rylen asked after examining Zelda's. “This one is a Grandmaster rune of ice. Both are very rare.”
“They were given to us by very special people,” said Zelda. “In a very special place.”
“Hm, well however you acquired them, if you wish to use them then I can do that for you. It takes lyrium to attach a rune to a weapon, and a lot of lyrium at that to work with Grandmaster runes. Plus you actually need someone who knows how to do it, and I have just the person in mind. Follow me.”
Rylen gave Zelda and Arawin back their stones and started walking out the Assembly before he stopped and looked at one of the many guards that also began to follow them. “I guess I can't just walk into the Commons alone any more now, huh?”
“No, my liege,” said the guard.
“Well, do you mind taking this heavy thing and giving it to the steward? I believe he is the one that takes care of the crown.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” The guard took the crown from him and went back into the Assembly Hall.
“Thank the Ancestors,” said Rylen. “That thing is so heavy, I was starting to get a headache. Now, where were we? Oh yes, going to get your weapons enchanted.”
“Wait, your Majesty,” said Zelda. “Should you be showing us this?”
“First of all, neither of you have to call me 'your Majesty' or anything like that. You are my guests and Grey Wardens, calling me Rylen will be just fine. And second, I probably have things I should be doing right now, but you two are more important at the moment, so let's go before something stops us.”
Rylen lead the way through the Diamond Quarter and to the Commons, making his way through the market and right up to a bazaar. Dwarves who were just now hearing what had happened in the Assembly began to gather when they saw the guards surrounding the two Grey Wardens and their new king. Rylen however, ignored it all as he greeted the dwarf running the bazaar.
“Atrast vala, Garin! It's been a long time, has it not?”
The dwarf looked up from what he was doing and blinked several times at the crowd suddenly at the front of his shop. “R-Rylen?” he stuttered. “Is that r-really you?”
“Yes Garin, it is I. Still alive and coming to you for a favor.”
Garin then burst into cheers and hugged Rylen tight. “I h-heard you were a-alive, but w-wasn't s-sure. Then I heard y-you became k-king?”
“Do the guards behind me give it away?”
“I-It's good to see you again, R-Rye, or y-your Majesty.”
Rylen sighed. “I don't think I'm ever going to get used to that. Garin, you are a true friend and can still call me 'Rye' if you want. But I need a favor from you. See these two Grey Wardens behind me? In order for me to thank them properly for what they did, I need the best runesmith I know to enchant their weapons. Can you do it?”
“That d-depends,” said Garin. “Are t-their weapons sufficient?”
“Well, this is the one I would like enchanted,” said Arawin handing Garin both her runestone and Fang.
Garin took the rune first and marveled at it before studying Fang. “Ah, y-yes. Elven made, very o-old, forged of dragonbone. Very receptive to enchantments. The b-blade also appears very happy.”
“Happy? What does that mean?”
“Once a weapon b-begins to reach a certain age and has b-been used in many battles, it s-starts to come alive, is the best way I can p-put it. Your blade has s-seen many famous battles and you are a-also a very good caretaker and w-wielder. Have you n-noticed the blade works more with you than a-against?”
“Well yeah, but I just thought that was because it was a good blade,” Arawin said scratching her head.
“It is, a-and it has accepted you a-as its bearer. Otherwise it would've not w-worked for you at all.”
“So are you saying that it will take the rune?”
“T-The blade is very eager to r-receive this rune. It's b-been begging for it.”
“What about my sword?” Zelda asked as she handed Garin her runestone and Silverbrand as well. “It might not be as impressive, as it's human made, but I know it's old. Been in my family for generations.”
Garin looked Silverbrand over before smiling at Zelda. “Don't p-put it off so quickly. This b-blade is very happy t-too. Human made, old, yes, made of silverite, and has also a-accepted you as its bearer. Your r-rune it will gladly t-take.”
“So you can do it then, Garin?” Rylen asked.
“Oh yes. V-Very much so. It will t-take a lot of lyrium though.”
“Price isn't a problem. I'm king after all, so this will be on me.”
“Rylen, you don't have to do that,” said Zelda.
“No, this is my way of saying thanks, although I still feel as if it's not enough, but I suppose it will do for now. Go ahead Garin.”
Taking Fang first, Garin went to the back of his bazaar and placed the dagger on a stone slab. He then placed the runestone right on the blade and grabbed a large vial of dark blue lyrium.
“Is it safe for him to be handling pure lyrium like that?” Zelda whispered to Rylen.
“Of course it's safe,” he said. “Lyrium doesn't affect us dwarves the same way it affects you humans and elves. We can handle lyrium just fine without horrible side affects. Course I have been starting to wonder about that. Garin only started acting strange and stuttering after he cut himself and a few drops of lyrium went directly into his bloodstream. But don't worry too much, Garin might be a little out of it at times, but when he's at the forge, he's as straight as an arrow. Just watch.”
Garin soon opened the vial and poured all the lyrium over the blade and stone. Immediately something happened as Fang started to glow and the runestone began to melt. The stone turned to liquid and the metal of the dagger absorbed it in. Once the entire stone was gone, the blade stopped glowing and Garin picked it up by the hilt.
“H-Here you are,” Garin said handing Fang to Arawin.
“But it doesn't look any different,” she said staring at it.
“It w-was a success. J-Just take it and y-you'll see.”
Arawin reached for it and instantly as she took the hilt, flames ignited on the blade. They flickered in front of her eyes—red, orange, and yellow, emitting warmth. She stared at them amazed, and without thinking, she reached up and touched them. The flames licked her hand but did not burn it. They felt warm and Arawin even touched the metal but found it to be still cool.
“It isn't hurting me,” she said.
“Of c-course not,” said Garin. “I t-told you the d-dagger accepted you. It will not h-hurt its wielder, n-nor any who you c-consider an alley or a f-friend.”
Arawin held Fang in front of her, feeling for the first time the blade as if it was singing, cheering even that it was now enchanted. She felt closer to her blade than she ever had before, and was glad it had accepted her.
Garin went back to the stone slab and did the same thing to Silverbrand. Once he was done, he handed it to Zelda. When she took it, ice began to form from the cross-guard, making it's way up the blade till it reached the tip. The crystallized ice emitted a coolness and small vapors of icy air even fell from it, disappearing before hitting the floor. Zelda did the same as Arawin and touched the metal, finding the ice on her sword bringing no harm to her as well as the metal feeling no colder then it would have been.
“It's a good thing we're friends now, huh?” said Arawin as she marveled at Silverbrand.
“Yeah,” Zelda agreed. “But think of what our duel would've looked like if we had these runes then.”
“We'd probably both be dead.”
“I don't think that, but it might've made it more exciting.”
Arawin brought Fang up and struck it against Silverbrand. The fire met the ice and it sizzled, sending steam into the air.
“Maybe you're right,” said Arawin. “We could always duel again, you know.”
“Possibly,” said Zelda as she whirled Silverbrand around Fang and pushed it off, sending more steam and sparks into the air. “But not now. There's still too much work to be done.”
“You always know how to bring the mood down, don't you?” Arawin smiled at Zelda though as she placed Fang in its sheath. “And what work are you talking about anyway?”
“How about our little bet?” Sora pushed her way through the guards and stood in front of Arawin. “Or are you too scared to go through with it?”
“Ha! Now that's work I can do!” Arawin laughed. “Lead the way, shortie. I'll drink you straight under the table!”
“Oh, you're gonna eat those words,” Sora said as she lead the way.
“Thank you, Garin,” said Zelda. “And Arawin thanks you too.”
“Y-You are quite w-welcome, Grey Warden.”
“And thank you too, Rylen. This is great.”
“It was no problem. But come on, this I have to see. Sora is a notorious drinker. I don't know how Arawin plans on beating her.”
“Don't you have king business to attend to?”
“Hey, I got to make sure my commander doesn't drink herself to death, right?” Rylen shrugged his shoulders.
“You go ahead,” said Zelda. “I'll come and watch later. Right now I should find our friends and tell them everything has been taken care of and we'll be leaving tomorrow.”
***
When Sora and Arawin reached Tapsters Tavern, they found it to already be packed due to dwarves celebrating their new king. Oghren sat at the bar, having already started his own drinking contest with himself.
“Hey! What did I say about your kind coming in here!” the barkeep yelled when he saw Sora. Sora growled at him but Rylen stepped forward.
“Excuse me, but I don't think that's the proper way to address the new commander of my army.”
“Oh! Your Majesty, I... I didn't know.”
“No you didn't,” Rylen smiled. “So I assume it's okay for her to be in here now, despite the tattoo?” The barkeep nodded his head. “Good, because anything these two drink tonight will be on me. In fact to celebrate, every drink bought this night will all be on me!” This sent the crowd of dwarves cheering and a huge smile crossed the barkeep's face.
“Yes, ser!”
“Right,” Sora said rubbing her hands together. “Now that we know Rylen is paying, I know exactly what I want. Barkeep, get us two mugs of ale and an entire bottle of Dragon Piss.”
“Dragon Piss?” Arawin said stumped. “It's not actually dragon piss, is it?”
“And if it was, would you be afraid?” Sora smiled mischievously.
“Of course not! Come on, let's do this.”
Taking the two mugs and the bottle of liquor and two shot glasses, they made their way to the only empty table in the tavern.
“Now,” said Sora. “How shall we do this? Is there any particular game you would like to play?”
“Bits is a good game,” said Arawin. “And one I'm really good at.”
“What?” Sora said making a face. “No, no, no. Bits is a child's game. If you really want to be serious then how about we play Suicide.”
“Alright, what are the rules.”
“Basically, say I start, I propose something to you and you can either accept or not. If you refuse, you have to take a penalty shot.” Sora gestured to the Dragon Piss. “If you accept and lose then you still have to take a penalty shot. If you win, then I take the shot and you get to propose something. And the proposals can be anything you want as long as it has something to do with drinking. Also, Rylen here will be our referee. He'll keep track of all the mugs and shots we take as well as decide who the winner was if it's a close call. Sound fair enough?”
“As long as he doesn't play any favoritism to you, then yeah, sounds fair.”
“Don't worry, Arawin,” said Rylen. “Sora would kill me if I didn't play it fair. Otherwise how can she really say she's the best?”
“Alright, I'll go ahead and get us started,” said Sora. “How about we start slow since I don't really know how well you're going to take to our ale.”
“I can take to it just fine,” Arawin said crossing her arms. “Dwarven ale happens to be my favorite.”
“Good, then I propose we see who can drink the fastest. First one to finish their mug wins. Rye, make sure you're paying attention. Ready?”
Both women grabbed their mugs and held them up. Rylen counted down and once he gave the signal, both women drank down their mugs in quick succession. Sora beat Arawin but only by a quarter of a second.
“Sora wins! Sorry Arawin,” said Rylen. “But when it comes to swallowing liquids fast, Sora is the best.”
“You would know, right?” Arawin said after wiping her mouth.
“Right, here you go, elf.” Sora pushed Arawin's full shot glass to her. “Drink up.” Arawin looked at the contents, noting the golden color and strong smell of concentrated alcohol. She had never heard of Dragon Piss before, but she was willing to try anything. Taking the glass, she poured the liquid down her throat. It burned the entire way down. Arawin made a face as she smacked the glass on the table.
“Ah, that burns,” she hissed.
“Good though, right? Or do you think you can't take the heat?”
Arawin stared at the dwarf. “Oh I can take it all right.” If I could take darkspawn blood burning every single inch of me, then I can take this shit.
Ow, I don't think I can.
Arawin had to suppress her laugh at Zelda's discomfort. Then go away for tonight. I'm not going to go easy just for you.
You got it. Have fun, but don't go overboard. We do need to get up early tomorrow.
Yes, Mother. Arawin felt Zelda's laugh before she completely disconnected herself. “So I lost,” she said to Sora. “What's your next proposal?”
For the next several hours, stretching into the night, Sora and Arawin battled, seeing who could drink more without passing out. They gathered a crowd around them as their drinking games became more aggressive. As they went on, Oghren even stepped in to join the fun.
“Sooo, you gi'ls really thin' you can drink?” he slurred.
“Oghren... phew.” Sora said waving her hands in front of her face. “Are you sure you want to start with us? You're ahead of both of us by about twenty mugs I'd say. Maybe more.”
“Shut up, woman and jus' 'ell me w'at you want.”
“Let's see who can drink faster, huh?” Taking two full mugs, Sora and Oghren did the same thing she and Arawin had done first. At the end Sora still won even after Oghren had cheated and started before Rylen could give the word.
“Dirty scoundrel, you cheated and I still won. I am the queen!”
Oghren slammed down his mug and swayed. “Ha! You seem ta know ho' ta swallo'. I got sometin else you could swallo' if you wan'.”
“Oghren get out of here before you kill yourself.” Sora pushed him out of the chair and he fell on the floor, passed out. “That's Oghren for ya.”
“He seems fun, though,” said Arawin. “But back to us. What's the count, Rye?”
“You, six shots and ten mugs. Sora, four shots and eleven mugs.”
“What? She's ahead of me now?”
“That mug she had with Oghren put her in the lead, so I'd get drinking real quick if you want to catch up.”
“Hey! I need another mug over here!” Arawin shouted. “No dwarf is gonna out drink me.” The barkeep brought several new mugs over and Arawin took one and drank it down. “There, eleven. Now we're even.”
“With mugs, maybe, but not shots,” said Sora. “You're ahead of me with those, so go ahead and try and think of something that's going to make me lose.”
As the night went on, the mugs piled up and the contents of the Dragon Piss were nearly depleted. Arawin and Sora became so drunk it soon got to the point that they lost count of their mugs and shots, Rylen unable to keep up with them. Towards the end they abandoned their game and just started to have fun, drinking and singing together, Sora teaching Arawin one of her favorite bar songs. Together, they both stood on the table, their arms wrapped around each others shoulders and their free hand grasping a mug.
“Ooohh, I've heard of dwarves who get in fights 'bout every time they drink. And those who need to have a woman just to help them think. And if you want to see a dwarf whine and beg and plead. Just pour out all his ale and take away his mead! There's never been a Paragon of Wisdom or of thinking. And though I tried a time or two, I ne'r got raised for stinking. But hang around here long enough and don't you go a blinking. 'Cuz someday I am gonna be the Paragon of Drinking!”
They clinked their mugs together after the song and drank them down. Rylen and one of his guards having to catch the two women before they fell off the table, laughing together.
“So, I heard there was a commotion going on in here.” Arawin looked up and through her blurry eyes saw Zevran standing next to the table.
“Hey, Zev,” she said smiling at him. “Care to... join us?”
“Actually, Zelda asked me to come and retrieve you. It's past midnight, you know.”
“So?” Sora said staring at him. “This bar is open twenty-four-seven! It's a dwarven bar for crying out loud!”
“You know, I think it is time you quit, love,” said Rylen. “I think you've had enough for one night. Maybe for a whole month.”
“Oh, come on Rye, just one more! Please!”
“No, Sora. Now come on, let's get you home and to bed.” Sora was too limp to fight him as he hoisted her up, his guards helping to carry her out.
“Are you going to need help with her?” Rylen asked Zevran.
“No, I can handle her,” he said. “Both of them are quite interesting that they don't fight as much when completely drunk.”
“Yeah, I know. You'd think it would be the opposite, right? Anyway, good night and good luck.” Rylen and his guards, carrying a half passed out Sora, then disappeared out the doors and into the Commons.
“Alright, Ara, come on, let's go,” Zevran said turning to her. He found her staring at him in a half dream state.
“Are you sure no more?” she asked with a slight slur.
“I'm sure, now come on.” He helped her to stand but realized she wouldn't be able to walk at all with how her legs didn't seem to want to work. Scooping her up in his arms, he went out into the Commons and made his way to the Diamond Quarter. When he went up the stairs, at first he thought she had fallen asleep. She had not moved for awhile, but then she began to stir.
“Hang on, let me walk,” she said pushing on him and trying to get down. Zevran had to stop in the middle of the stairs so neither of them could fall. He put her down but had to keep her steady.
“No you can't. Look at yourself.” He had to laugh at her, though. Arawin was very comical with her swaying stance and inability to stand still for very long.
“I didn't drink that much. Course it was more than her. I think I won.”
“We'll find out tomorrow, okay? Let's get you into bed first.” He went to pick her up again but she pushed him away. This brought her off balance and she began falling down the stairs. Before she could, Zevran grabbed her and pulled her up but not without losing balance himself. They both fell on their butts, with Arawin hitting the wall, laughing hysterically. Zevran laughed along with her as she rolled on top of him. There, she kissed him, laying on top of his stomach and in between his legs.
Zevran didn't fight her, instead taking her in and enjoying it. Arawin might have tasted of strong liquor and maybe a hit of vomit, but it was still good, making him want more. He gently took her off, though, finding it much easier than last time, knowing that it probably had more to do with the fact she was stone drunk than anything else.
“Zev, what's wrong?” Arawin asked when she noticed what he had done.
“Just... not tonight, Arawin.”
Arawin pouted a little and laid her head on his chest, curling up into a ball. “Why don't you want to be with me?” Her voice was soft and weak sounding, giving it a vulnerability Zevran had never heard before. He suddenly had an urge to tell her everything.
“It's not you,” he said timid. “It's... it's me. Look, Arawin, you are a wonderful woman, beautiful and smart. It's hard for me to say this, hard for me to be near you even, but something happened to me before I came to Ferelden. Something horrible and... and... and you're asleep.” He looked down at her to see her eyes closed. She was fast asleep and had probably not heard a word he said. “Oh, what am I going to do with you?” Zevran said chuckling a little. He lifted her up and carried her the rest of the way to the room in Harrowmont's estate they had shared. Once inside, he placed her down on the bed and began taking off her armor so she could be more comfortable. Arawin stirred at his touch and she rolled over to him.
“Zev,” she said shallow.
“Hmm?”
Her eyes stayed closed. “Please don't leave me.” Zevran kept still. “I lost my mother, Nelaros. Please don't make me lose you too.” Arawin seemed to drift off after that, her whole body going limp.
“I won't,” he said taking the sheets and putting them over her. “Although it would probably be best if I did... for the both of us.”
Zevran stared at her for a few seconds before turning around and leaving the room, shutting the door behind him.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond