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Blood Bond	By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4278 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Bioware owns everything Dragon Age. I claim no ownership and make no money/profit.

Chapter List
- 66
- 67
- 68
The Next Step

The next morning, Arawin was forced out of bed by Zelda who had to push her on the floor. Arawin awoke suddenly when she crashed on the hard, cold stone, cursing and yelling as her head pounded from both the night before and the impact.
“I told you we were getting an early start, didn't I?” Zelda said standing over the elf.
“You could've been a little more gentle.” Arawin held her head, feeling the sharp pain of the hangover every time she moved.
“I tried, but you are nearly impossible to wake when drunk. Now get ready so we can go. Everyone is waiting.”
It took awhile, but eventually Arawin readied herself and made her way to the front gate of Orzammar. Her head still throbbing as she saw the large crowd of dwarves and her companions in the middle. There she spotted Sora, also holding her head and was glad to know she wasn't suffering alone.
“So you're in just as bad a shape as I am, huh?” she asked the dwarf.
“I wouldn't go that far,” Sora smiled. “This headache might actually be more of a combination between our little competition and Rylen banging my head against the bed frame.”
“Uh... I didn't need to hear that.”
“What? You think he wasn't going to take advantage of me like that? When drunk, I'll nearly do anything. I'm sure your man did the same, right?”
Arawin rubbed her temples. “Actually, I don't remember a thing after leaving Tapsters. I know Zevran took me, but everything else is a blank.”
Sora laughed. “You know, maybe I was wrong. You certainly know how to handle your liquor, but...”
“Let me guess?” said Arawin. “You're still not impressed?”
“Right you are! Cause you know we never figured out who won. Which means you have to come back, right? We can't just let this hang loose, now can we?”
“Nope.”
“Well let's make sure this Blight is taken care of first,” said Zelda. “Then you can have all the dwarven ale you want.”
“Gee thanks, Zelda, I didn't realize I needed your permission.”
“You don't, but it might be best to focus more on the Blight than drinking right now.”
“Yeah, you're right. But wait! Why are you not suffering like I am? Shouldn't your head be hurting?”
“It did when I woke up this morning, but Morrigan made me a lovely concoction that worked wonders.” Zelda smiled down at her.
Arawin looked around to find Morrigan standing off to the side. “Hey Morrigan!” Arawin winced. “Do ya think...?”
“Uh, no,” the witch said shaking her head.
“Why not?”
“Do you remember the last time you did this? Back then I only gave you the potion because you were our only Grey Warden. Now you're not, so you can suffer.”
Arawin moaned then had to hold her head when her moan brought on new throbbing.
“I can see you're not feeling any better,” said Zevran. “Don't tell me I'm going to have to carry you down the mountain now.”
“Maybe only half way.”
“So you don't remember anything after we left the tavern?”
“No, why? Did something happen?” Arawin looked up at him, her bloodshot eyes staring into his.
“Uh... no. I'm just hurt you don't remember me.” He smiled at her, but there was something strange in the way he had said it. Was he playing with her? She thought she heard some seriousness in his voice, but then again her head was hurting so much she couldn't tell anything.
“It's not like I had a choice,” she smiled back. “Dragon Piss is really good, but boy does it have a kick!”
“So you did like it. Good,” said Sora. “Because I took the liberty of getting you this.” She handed Arawin a brand new bottle of the liquor. “A parting gift of friendship. And also saying sorry for stealing your bow.”
“Thanks,” said Arawin. “And I'll save this for when I come back.”
“I highly doubt that. Not with Oghren in your group now.”
“Huh?”
“This morning as you were getting ready Oghren went to Zelda and asked if he could join your group. Made the argument that there was nothing else for him here since he found Branka and found out she didn't love him anymore. Plus, traveling with you guys in the Deep Roads made him feel like a warrior again.”
“So Zelda said yes, then?”
“Yep, so good luck.”
“Joy...”
When everything was finally situated, Rylen stood in front of the gate and gave the order to open it. It was an order not only to open the gate to let the Grey Wardens back out onto the surface, but to also reopen Orzammar to the rest of the world.
As the doors opened, light shined in making everyone cover through faces from the brightness. The sun was barely in the sky, still dawning over the mountains and clouds, but they had been underground for so long, any light hurt their eyes.
Once her eyes adjusted, Zelda felt tremendous relief from finally being able to see sky and not having the weight of a mountain pressing down on her. The air was also fresh and cool with a gentle breeze flowing past the entrance, tossing her hair. “It sure feels good, doesn't it?” she said to Alistair as she stared up at the sky.
“Very much so,” he answered. “And I'm glad you made it.”
“So am I.”
“Let me thank you once again, Wardens,” said Rylen. “I don't know what type of position Orzammar would be in if you hadn't have shown up when you did.”
“It was our pleasure, Rylen,” said Zelda. “Just don't forget your promise.”
“Don't worry, I should have troops to you very soon. I just need to address the Assembly once more, but there shouldn't be any problem there. I know how to handle those deshyrs.”
“We knew you could.”
“Atrast tunsha, Wardens. May you have a safe journey to your next destination, and until we meet again on the battlefield.”
“Until we meet again,” Zelda said bowing to him. Rylen bowed back and so did all the other dwarves.
“Later, salroka,” Sora said to Arawin. “Don't get killed out there, now. You know your ass is mine.”
“Don't you get yourself killed either,” said Arawin. “That's my job.”
“Then I'll be here waiting for you to finish your job. Elves, phew. They never finish anything.”
“And dwarves never play fair.” Both the women laughed before Arawin began to follow her friends out the gate. “Farewell, falon!”
When they crossed the threshold, everyone looked up to the sky, happy to see clouds and the pink and yellow coloring of a new day. Oghren, however, was the only one that looked to the sky and seemed sick. He stopped and breathed in.
“Oghren, are you going to be okay?” Zelda asked.
“Of course I'll be okay, just give me a minute,” he said a little rough.
“Alright, take your time.”
Still staring up, he began laughing. “Ha! I'm not gonna let some high sodding ceiling affect me! Come on. Let's get this freak show on the road.”
***
The trip back to Redcliffe was just as long and tedious as the trip to Orzammar, but with Oghren now in their mix, it seemed more entertaining. Every night it seemed he would always get drunk and Arawin would occasionally join him since she and Zevran were no longer sleeping together. It was something that bothered her, as she wanted to know why he had suddenly stopped wanting to be with her. She didn't probe him about it, though, not wanting to ruin the friendship they still shared at least. Eventually through the trip, she had forgotten about it, happy enough with the fact that he was still with them and had not went off yet in the middle of the night. But even with all that, Arawin couldn't help but to feel lonely, especially at night, either when it was her turn to watch or just lying alone in her tent. Most of the time she would hope he would come and join her, but he never did, not even to sit up with her on watch. Soon she stopped expecting him to come and instead either fell asleep or concentrated on being aware of her surroundings, which she found she was getting better with.
It wasn't long before they finally had Redcliffe Castle in sight. Happy to soon be in nice, warm beds, even if it was only for a night, they picked up their pace but slowed down when they saw a welcoming party coming down the path. When they reached the party they found both Eamon and Teagan amongst the soldiers.
“I had scouts watching for you everyday,” said Eamon. “So as soon as I heard word you were coming, I wanted to be here to greet you. I can assume from your dwarven addition that you made it to Orzammar? How did that go?”
“Long and annoying,” said Arawin.
“But we were able to have the dwarves as our allies,” Zelda answered. “It's a long story, and one I would be happy to tell you on the way to the kitchens.”
“Ah yes,” Eamon chuckled. “I'm sure after such a long trip you are all hungry and tired. Then come, tell me all about it and I will also tell you of what has been going on since you have been gone.”
On their way, Zelda explained to both Eamon and Teagan about what happened in Orzammar, the others chiming in when they could. Once their story was told and everyone had a hot meal in their bellies, Eamon went ahead and recited the goings-on in Ferelden.
“The civil war has not gotten any better, I'm afraid, and neither have the darkspawn. It's been said the entire south region has been taken over with the darkspawn just on our borders. I've had men stationed on the roads to keep the darkspawn back and to protect any travelers, but it seems the further they can go out gets less each day. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep the darkspawn out of the arling.”
“Perhaps it would be best if you had the village evacuate,” said Zelda. “Maybe send them to Reinesfere since it is further north and has not yet been attacked.”
“I thought about that myself,” said Teagan. “But my bannorn is already filled with refugees as it is. I don't think it could take anymore.”
“What about the other bannorns?”
“All filled as well,” Eamon answered. “Every bannorn and arling, here to Denerim is completely packed with refugees. Some are not even allowing people in. I would evacuate the village, Zelda, but I think they may be safer here than on the road. At least here, they have the protection of the cliff and lake, but out on the road they would be completely vulnerable to attack.”
“That is true, and maybe that's the reason why Redcliffe hasn't been attacked yet. So if your people stay, then that means we should try and get this Landsmeet over with. Have you sent out the messengers?”
“All messages stating a Landsmeet will soon be called have been sent, and now that you all are back, I think it would be wise to get started right away. If it is all right with your group, I would like to leave for Denerim first thing tomorrow morning.”
Zelda nodded.
“Good, then I will start sending the call out tonight and make the arrangements. All of you, of course are welcomed guests, so feel free to make yourselves at home.”
The next morning, Eamon already had everything set at the top of the cliff where everyone met. He provided for everyone horses, as well as a carriage for those who didn't wish one. Arawin stared up at the chestnut stallion before backing away slowly towards the carriage that Wynne was boarding.
“What? Don't tell me you don't know how to ride a horse!” said Zevran.
Arawin huffed. “Living in the alienage, when would I ever have the chance to learn to ride a horse? Or what human would let me near one, unless I was cleaning it's stall?”
“I guess that's true, but you are a Grey Warden now. Didn't your order used to ride griffons into battle? If you're scared of a horse, then seeing you try to ride a griffon I'm sure would have been hilarious.”
“I'm not scared!”
“Then come here and let me teach you, hmm?” Zevran deftly climbed into the saddle of the chestnut and put out his hand to help her up. Arawin looked at it cautiously. “Come on, Ara. The horse is not going to bite and neither am I.”
“Fine,” she said taking a step forward. “But if you do anything, I'm going to let Fang burn you.” She took his hand and he lifted her on the horse, placing her behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and stared around his shoulder at the black mane and pointed back, brown ears. The horse snorted and took a step, making Arawin squeeze Zevran and bury her face in his back. “What's it doing?”
“It just took a step,” he laughed at her. “Come on now, it's not that bad.”
“This is too high and if you do anything stupid, I'm going to kill you!”
Zevran laughed again. “Oh, Arawin. You should know me by now.” He flicked the reins and the horse reared, causing Arawin to scream. The chestnut then began galloping forward, passing everyone as it ran down the road. Arawin's yells and curses echoing off the cliff.
Zelda laughed as she watched Zevran take the stallion off the road and into the forest, having probably too much fun scaring Arawin to death.
“Here you go, my lady,” a servant said as he handed her the reins of a dapple mare.
“Thank you,” Zelda said taking the reins. She looked over the mare, petting it's neck and face. It was a clean white with speckled gray mixed in giving it the dapple look.
“She's beautiful, but do you know how to ride her?” Alistair came beside her, a top his own white stallion.
“How appropriate you come to me riding a white stallion,” she said. “Except I'm not in any distress.”
“No, but if you need a riding lesson, I promise to be more gentle than Zevran.”
Zelda climbed the mare and settled into the saddle. “Do you really think the daughter of a teryn is going to go without learning how to ride a horse?”
“Actually, I don't know too many noblewomen who do, but then again, you aren't any ordinary noblewoman.”
“No, I'm not, so let's see what you got, ser knight.”
“Ladies first.”
“You're going to regret that.” Zelda clicked the reins and her mare took off. Alistair quickly followed. For a few moments they ran their horses about, racing each other with Zelda mostly winning, before finally collecting Zevran and Arawin and bringing them back to the cliff. Soon everyone was ready to go, and after much coercion from Zevran to get Arawin back on the horse, the whole caravan of carriages and horses began making its way down the path.
As they went, Alistair and Zelda walked their horses side by side, with Rupee in the middle. Kunjo barked and jumped next to the chestnut stallion both Zevran and Arawin were on, playing with Zevran who egged him on, making Arawin nervous.
“So, we're on our way to Denerim, right?” Alistair asked Zelda as he brought his horse closer to hers.
“That was the plan,” said Zelda. “Unless something changed that I don't know about.” She smiled at him when he frowned. “Don't look at me like that. Ask something like that, and you'll get that type of answer.”
“I'm being serious.”
“You have a funny way of being serious.” She chuckled at him. “Alright, what is it? It looks like something is troubling you. You're not scared, are you? I already told you we'd be protected-”
“It's not that,” he said petting his horse. “Well, I mean it sort of is. You know I still don't want to be king, but... that's not what I was going to ask.”
“Oh? Then what, Alistair?”
“I have no idea if we'll have time, but I was wondering if we might be able to... look someone up when we get there?”
“Look someone up? Like a friend?”
“Sort of, well not really a friend, I would say, but... a sister. I have a half-sister.”
“Oh! I see now,” said Zelda. “I didn't know you had a sister. Why didn't you tell me about her?”
“Because I just recently found out about her myself. Well, I knew about her when I was growing up in the abbey, but it wasn't until I became a Grey Warden could I really try and find her. After some searching, I found out she lives in the Denerim market district. I've always wanted to go see her, but never had the chance.”
“So you haven't contacted her at all?”
“No, like I said, no time. We were all getting ready to deal with the darkspawn, then Ostagar happened, and then all this. When would I've had time to contact her?”
“I guess you're right. So you want to go visit her when we get to Denerim?”
“I would love to, yeah,” said Alistair. “But with the Landsmeet and all, I don't think we'll have time.”
“Alistair, for something like this, we'll make time. You will see your sister. I know how much you've wanted to find a family.”
Alistair smiled. “Thank you, Zelda. I knew you would help me with this.” His smile broadened. “I can't believe I'm finally going to meet my sister. This is something I've dreamt about for so long. Do you think she even knows about me? I'm sure she does, she is older. Anyway, her name is Goldanna and she's married with a few kids. I... I can't wait!”
Zelda smiled at him, happy to see he was excited to see his sister. She was excited as well, but the thought of siblings brought her back to her own. She hoped Keiven would be all right at the tower and that Esumi was watching over him. She also thought about Fergus and wondered where he was. She wished and prayed that he was still alive, and soon he would come back to her.
***
When they finally reached Denerim, the site before the city gates was incredible. The guards had stopped allowing refugees into the city, making them set up camps just outside the gate. It was very similar to the way Lothering looked with tents pushed next to one another. Merchants had even set up their shops within the large camp so they could still sell their goods. It reminded them of the way merchants were set up in front of the Orzammar gate.
Arl Eamon's caravan made its way through the narrow pathway through the refugee camp that lead to the gate. Once there, the guards stopped to ask questions, but once they learned it was Arl Eamon, they immediately opened the gate and allowed everyone traveling with him through. When they entered the city, they saw it was just the same as outside. Refugees were camped everywhere, clogging the streets, only allowing a narrow pathway. Word had apparently spread fast that Eamon had arrived, and it was well known the Grey Wardens were traveling with him. Zelda and Alistair looked down from their horses at the many faces staring back up at them. Many of them looked awed, while others looked angry. There were people who both loved and hated them, and both clearly showed in the ever growing crowd.
“I don't like this,” Zevran whispered as he looked around. “Too convenient. It would have been better if we came in more quiet.”
“What are you talking about?” Arawin asked.
“Everyone now knows you're here and where you're going to be. This is a perfect opportunity for the Crows to strike.”
“I thought you said no one would come after us?”
“It's more than likely not,” he said still gazing around. “Because you're a Grey Warden, yes, most will not take your contract, but that doesn't mean none will. Killing a Grey Warden is an accomplished feat. Not only would the Crow who achieved it be paid handsomely, but they would also be allowed tremendous bragging rights. All three of your heads are trophies.”
“Yeah, but they can't kill us during the Landsmeet, right? We're protected from that.”
This made Zevran laughed. “No, Arawin. The Landsmeet only protects you from your fellow Fereldens, but not the Crows. They would not follow some ridiculous rule like that. Remember, we work outside the law.”
Arawin huffed. “Then let's hope none of your fellow Crows are stupid enough to take on three Grey Wardens at once.”
“This is true,” Zevran smiled. “One Grey Warden is enough, three is suicidal, but unfortunately I don't think that's going to keep you safe.”
“Why not?”
“Several reasons, one is because if a master is being pressured to have a certain contract taken care of by its benefactor, then that master can force a Crow to do it, no matter if they decide to take it or not. There's also me. I might have been thought dead at first, but now, I'm sure I've been spotted. So if we do run into any Crows not after you, then they will surely be after me. So please, Arawin, you along with Zelda and Alistair need to be careful. Try not to leave the safety of the arl's home as much as possible.”
“Zevran, you know I'm going to try and see my family, right? No one's going to stop me from doing it this time.”
Zevran looked back at her and saw she really meant what she was saying. There was no way he could convince her otherwise. “Alright, but I'm going with you when you do.”
This surprised her. “Okay, I suppose, but I think I can take care of myself better than you think.”
“I know you can, but I still don't want you to go off by yourself. It's too perfect an opportunity for the Crows to attack.”
Arawin hated him at that moment, not because he wanted her to be safe, but for his concern for her. It was driving her insane how his emotions would shift every now and then. One moment he acted like he cared for her deeply, the next he would deny her and leave her alone, then later he would return and be friendly. She hated how he played with her emotions, whether he meant what he was doing or not.
When they finally reached the arl's estate, several servants came out of the doors and took their horses. Eamon then showed them in, taking them to the main hall and having more servants show them where they would be sleeping. Once they were all settled, Arawin, Zelda, Alistair, and Zevran—who seemed to refuse to leave Arawin's side after their little talk—went back to the main hall where Eamon still was, giving instructions to the servants.
“Ah, there you all are,” Eamon said once he spotted them. “Are you all settled? Please, just like in Redcliffe, you are honored guests in this house, so make yourselves at home.”
“Thank you, Arl Eamon,” said Zelda. “But I don't think we should rest for long. We need to get this Landsmeet on its way. How long do you think it will take before we can begin?”
“Not for a few days,” said Eamon. “Many nobles are here, but more still need to come, and you are correct in thinking we need to act immediately. At the moment we have very few allies and little chance of winning. It would be in our best interest if you-”
“Arl Eamon! Arl Eamon!” one of the servants cried as she ran straight to him. She was out of breath when she stopped at his feet.
“Hold on there, my dear, take your time. What's wrong?”
“My master sent me,” she said once she took in several deep breaths. “Wanting me to tell you that Teryn Loghain is on his way here. He's coming to see you and will be here any moment.”
“Hmm, that's odd for Loghain to come without first announcing it.”
“It's because he's testing us,” said Zelda. “An unannounced visit may reveal things we don't want him to see.”
“Well there's nothing we're going to hide from him,” said Alistair. “Let him come.”
“Just keep your cool, Alistair. Just as it is with us, he is protected by the Landsmeet as well. There will be a time for revenge later, once the Landsmeet is-” She stopped mid sentence when the doors to the main hall opened and Loghain walked through. Next to him a single female guard Zelda recognized as Ser Cauthrien, and on his other side walked Rendon Howe. Instantly at seeing his smug face, Zelda felt her anger rise, murder the only thing on her mind.
What were you just saying about keeping your cool? said Arawin.
I had hoped he wouldn't be here, but I guess that was just wishful thinking.
Very wishful.
“Loghain... this is an honor,” Eamon said when the three newcomers came before them. Zelda took Eamon's side, noticing that Howe never even looked at her. He kept his eyes fixed on Eamon's, showing no indication that she was even there. “I did not expect the regent to personally greet my arrival.”
“How could I not?” said Loghain. “I wanted to make sure you were well, Eamon, after I heard about your illness. I also wanted to see what it was that makes you think you can call all the lords of Ferelden here when a Blight claws at our lands.”
“You know fully well the Blight is the reason why I'm here. Why we're here. It must be dealt with, Loghain, and you've been ignoring it.”
“There's only so much that can be done when the nobles don't follow suit.”
“That is why we need a king, one that can unit the nobles under one banner and deal with the Blight directly.”
Loghain shifted his eyes at Alistair but then back to Eamon. “Ferelden already has a strong leader: its queen. She can handle this Blight just as easily.”
“Are you so sure about that?” said Eamon. “Anora is a gifted leader, but I highly doubt she knows anything about darkspawn.”
“That's where I come in,” Loghain said narrowing his eyes. “As the leader of her armies, I will be able to defend Ferelden against them, but of course, I will need the unity of the country to do so. That is one thing we both can agree on.”
“But you think you can handle the darkspawn on your own?” Zelda asked. She studied him, trying to figure out his motive. “Do you even know anything about them?” Loghain stared at her, his eyes cold and hard looking, trying to intimidate her down, but Zelda stood her ground.
“Awe, I see you really are playing the nursemaid to stray elves and runaway nobles. And here I thought you only did that with royal bastards.”
“Well, he's admitting the 'royal' part. That’s a start,” Alistair muttered.
“You should know me, Teryn Loghain,” said Zelda. “My father once called you friend and ally. I am Zelda Cousland, daughter of Teryn Bryce Cousland, and rightful teryna to Highever.”
Howe smirked. “You really think so, do you?” Zelda glared at him. “The Couslands are dead, and the teryn of Highever has been rightfully given to the Howes.”
“You're nothing but a murderous viper, Howe. You killed my family, I demand blood rights!”
This made Howe laugh. “And what rights do you have? You're the one that ran away, relinquishing your claim.”
“I ran away because your men were burning my home and murdering everyone within. If I had stayed, I'd be dead too, so my blood rights remain as is!”
“Except they don't,” Loghain interrupted them. He stared directly at Zelda. “Your claim is denied because of witnesses stating you were the one that murdered your family.”
Zelda's eyes went wide. “What?”
“That was the whole reason for the bounty on your head and not just for what happened at Ostagar.”
“I did not kill my family!” Zelda nearly screamed. “How could... why would I?”
“How should I know?” said Loghain. “But Zelda Cousland, once this Landsmeet is over with and the rightful ruler of Ferelden has been crowned, then you will be placed under arrest for the murder of the Couslands.”
Zelda was lost for words.
“You can't do that,” said Arawin. “Even if she did kill her family, that crime happened after she became a Grey Warden and any crime before that is pardoned.”
“Is that so?” Loghain questioned. “And who told you this?”
“Duncan, our commander. I was the one that killed Vaughan, and he conscripted me so I would be freed.”
“So you're the one that I should be thanking,” said Howe. “Without your heroic efforts, I wouldn't have been given the arling of Denerim. The crown is especially generous to its allies.”
“So you're the one that's been purging the alienage. How dare you treat the elves that way!”
“Treat elves, or dogs?”
That's it! Zelda, if you don't kill him, I will. Arawin heated up, ready to tare his eyes out.
Trust me, Arawin, I want him so much more, but we can't touch him. Not now at least.
“Know this, Howe,” Zelda said glaring at him. “My blade will meet your throat sooner or later.” Howe only smirked at her, showing a confidence that said he didn't believe her.
“You must be very bold or very stupid,” said Ser Cauthrien. “To threaten the teyrn before witnesses. Don't think I won't forget it.”
Zelda flickered her eyes over Cauthrien's before facing Loghain. “Whatever you heard, I did not kill my family, and the Couslands did not relinquish their rights in anyway. Fergus is still out there, and he is the rightful teryn when he finally shows up.”
Loghain still kept his neutral gaze on her, never flinching. “If that is true, then there is nothing against your brother. If he is still alive and comes forward, then yes, he will be allowed to take back his teyrn.”
Zelda could only nod her head as she swallowed hard. Hearing that was suppose to make her feel better, but it didn't. Loghain would have only allowed such a thing if he was certain, which meant that Fergus really was dead. She was never going to see her brother again.
“But back to the reason why I'm here,” Loghain said facing Eamon again. “I had hoped to talk you down from this rash course, Eamon. Our people are frightened. Our king is dead. Our land is under siege. We must be united now if we are to endure this crisis. Your own sister, Queen Rowan, fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Would you see her work destroyed? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight with your selfish ambitions to the throne.”
“I am only doing what is best,” said Eamon. “Rowan fought to keep the Theirin bloodline, and that is exactly what I am doing here as well. I also cannot forgive what you've done, Loghain. Perhaps the Maker can, but not I. Cailan might've had his faults, but he still didn't deserve for you to just abandon him like you did. But that's why the Landsmeet was called.”
“So you're not going to call it off, then?”
Eamon shook his head.
“Fine, but just so you know, the emperor of Orlais also thought I could not bring him down. Expect no more mercy than I showed him. There is nothing I would not do for my homeland.” Loghain nodded to him before turning around and walking back out the door, Ser Cauthrien and Howe following him.
Eamon sighed when they were out of sight. “Well... that was bracing. I didn’t expect Loghain to show himself quite so soon.”
Zelda was still fumed over what had been said. She couldn't believe they were blaming her family's death on her.
“Don't worry,” said Alistair as he took her hand. “I'm not going to let them do this to you.”
“Can Loghain really do that?” Arawin asked.
“Yes, he can,” said Zelda as she stared into Alistair's eyes. “Howe is the only witness, so of course it's his word against mine, and since I've basically been on the run since it happened, it's going to be hard to fight.”
“But you're a Grey Warden!”
“That's not going to stop them. Howe doesn't care, as long as I'm out of the way, then he's free to do whatever he wishes.” Zelda ground her teeth. “Ah, I can't let him get away with this!”
“I would not ask you to,” said Eamon. “But bear in mind that he will be well-protected by his alliance with Loghain. He always seemed the kind of man who enjoyed kicking stray dogs. I would not have thought Loghain would trust him. It seems an odd choice.”
“Maybe it was something Loghain didn't have a choice in, but it doesn't matter now.” Zelda straightened herself. “We need to focus on the Landsmeet and what we need to do in order to get Loghain off the throne.”
“That is exactly it,” said Eamon. “As I was going to say before, what needs to happen is for you three to go and test the waters. Figure out what nobles are our allies and Loghain's allies, and who can be convinced to support us. Zelda, I'm sure this is a task you will be very good at.”
“Uh, well it's not just up to me,” Zelda said. “Arawin and Alistair have input as well.”
“Actually, Zelda,” said Arawin. “If you want to completely take over this one, I won't object. I know nothing of politics, so it would be best if you made the major decisions.”
“I would have to agree,” said Alistair. “I know nothing of politics either.”
“Cowards. Though I guess you two do have a point, but that doesn't mean I'm doing all the work. And yes, Arawin, you can visit your family, but let's figure something out first before you go. I can feel you're anxious.”
“Okay, then what needs to be done?” Arawin asked.
“First we need to figure out the key. What is the very thing we need to do in order to win this Landsmeet? We also need to count our allies. Eamon can't vote because he called the Landsmeet and is one of the opposing members, but Teagan can. Eamon, is Teagan coming? I saw him traveling in the caravan at first, but where is he now?”
“He went back to Reinesfere to check on a few things. You can count him if you want, Zelda, but I don't know if he'll make it in time.”
“When is the Landsmeet suppose to start?”
“In a few days, two perhaps. It all depends on how fast most of the nobles can get here. So far not many have made it, and with the Blight, who knows how many more will come.”
“So we're screwed, aren't we?” Alistair frowned.
“Not yet,” said Zelda. “Have some faith in me. We just need to know who's here now, which means our first stop should be the Gnawed Noble Tavern.”
“May I say something?” said Zevran.
“Oh, sure. I nearly forgot you were here, Zev.”
“I hide a little in the shadows when Loghain and Howe came,” he said. “They were the ones who hired me to kill you three after all. But I just want to warn you to be careful when going anywhere in Denerim. This is a perfect opportunity for the Crows to strike again, and I do believe with the way Howe was acting, I'm sure he's pressuring them to continue with the contract.”
“Oh, that's lovely to hear,” Alistair moaned. “Even more trouble.”
“We'll keep an eye out, but that's not going to stop us from talking to the nobles,” said Zelda. “Now, what time is it? Morning? I think there should be some nobles up by now, getting their breakfast at the tavern. It would be best to get them while they're eating.”
While they talked, Eamon was again called on by a servant out of breath. When the servant was finally able to speak, Eamon listened and soon turned back to the Grey Wardens.
“Wardens, I hate to interrupt you, but I just got some urgent news. Please follow me to my room and I'll explain there.”
They all looked at each other surprised before following him through the estate and to the back bedrooms. Eamon's was the largest with a study attached. When they walked in they found the study to not be empty. An elf stood next to the desk. When she heard them enter, she straightened proper, making Zelda believe she was a servant, but for a servant, her clothing was very rich, which meant she was a servant to someone very high and established.
“Arl Eamon,” she said in a very thick Orlesian accent, bowing to him. “Please, you must 'elp me.”
“You are Erlina, yes?” Eamon asked.
“Oui, I am” she said. “I am Queen Anora's 'andmaiden. She sent me 'ere to ask for your help.”
“Help?” said Zelda. “Why would Anora ask for help, especially from us?”
Erlina took a step closer and breathed in deep. “Ze queen, she is in a difficult position. She loved her husband, no? And trusted her father to protect 'im. When 'e returns with no king and only dark rumors, what is she to zink? She worries, no? But when she tries to speak with him, 'e does not answer. 'E tells her 'not to trouble 'erself.'”
“Are we so sure she's telling the truth?” said Arawin. “This could be a trap.”
“I assure you, zis is not a trap. My Queen is in danger, and is in desperate need.”
“Let's hear what she has to say first,” Zelda said crossing her arms. “It could be important.”
“Zank you,” Erlina sighed. “When 'Owe became the arl of Denerim, she goes to 'is home. A visit from ze queen to za new arl of Denerim is only a matter of courtesy. And she demands answers. Only 'e does not give her answers, but accusations, calling 'er every sort of name, 'traitor' being ze kindest, and locks 'er in a guest room.”
Zelda stared at Erlina perplexed. “Loghain would allow Howe to do that to his own daughter?”
“Who can say after what happened with King Cailan. 'E was like a son to 'im. But, I zink ze queen's life is in danger. I heard 'Owe say she would be a greater ally dead zan alive. Especially if 'er death could be blamed on Arl Eamon.”
“No, no, that doesn't sound right,” said Alistair. “Loghain might've killed Cailan, but killing Anora—his own daughter—that would be outrageous.”
“Except it wouldn't,” Zelda said after thinking. With much thought about the situation, Zelda realized the truth. Anora was the key to winning the Landsmeet, and both Loghain and Howe knew it. Anora probably even knew it herself. “If Anora was killed and her death could be blamed on Eamon and us, then we would lose for sure. It would show we broke the sanctity of the Landsmeet and be forced to forfeit, which means Loghain would win by default.”
“Those sons of bitches,” said Arawin. “They would really do that just to win?”
“They haven't done it yet, but if they're even thinking it, that means they must be fearing us, which is good. That means we do have a chance. So, it appears our plans are going to change. As much as I don't like Anora, we aren't going to have much of a choice. We have to save her.”
Neither Arawin nor Alistair looked happy at the notion, but they knew Zelda spoke the truth.
“So what should we do?” Arawin asked.
“I might be able to get my 'ands on some uniforms,” said Erlina. “You can zen get into 'Owe's estate with little trouble. 'E hires so many guards each day, a few more will not cause much stir. Once zere, I can lead you to ze queen.”
“Wait, you mean the Denerim estate?”
“Where else would he live?” said Alistair.
Zelda felt Arawin's demeanor shift, going from eager for a fight to dark and mellow. Something about that place was bringing up memories that Arawin was trying to fight, but was losing.
We have to go, Arawin. I know that place is where it happened, but we have to go.
Of course we have to go. I'm the only one that knows how to get there, right? Otherwise you guys would be lost.
Zelda wasn't sure what else to say. Arawin pushed her away, not wanting her to feel anymore.
“Alright,” said Zelda to Erlina. “We'll do it. Just give us some time to prepare.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond