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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
- 68
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Captured

“Blessed Andraste, please forgive me. I have failed.”
“Are you all right?” Zelda asked, crouched next to the man Howe and his guards had been torturing before they arrived.
The man was skinny, pale, his eyes sunken in his skull, dull and lifeless. “Who...?” he said looking at her. His eyes then shifted to Leliana and they seemed to brighten. “Alfstanna, is that you little sister? No... I don't know you... any of you.”
“Your sister is Bann Alfstanna of the River Bannorn?” said Zelda.
“Yes,” he said softly. “And a much better bann than I would ever have been. Yet... I still failed in my duty. I failed the Maker...”
“What's your name?”
“Irminric. I was a knight-lieutenant of the Circle, sent after a malificar to bring him back to justice. He had turned blood magic upon templars and mages to escape from the tower. We went after him, cornered him at Redcliffe. He gave up, let us take him to Denerim for execution. Then the teyrn's men took him away. I went to get him back, then ended up here.”
“Oh you poor man,” said Leliana. “How could they do this to a templar? I thought nobles had no authority over them.”
“They don't,” Zelda answered. “And they certainly can't take someone out of a templar's custody, not unless they're a Grey Warden, anyway. But Irminric,” Zelda said to him. “This mage, was his name Jowan by chance?”
Irminric nodded. “Broke his phylactery, but we still found him. He was stricken and didn't even put up a fight.” He looked to Leliana again. “You are real, aren't you? If you are not Alfstanna, then please, tell her to pray for me. Tell her I have failed my duty and that I'm sorry.”
“You can tell her yourself,” said Leliana. “Bann Alfstanna should be here, shouldn't she, for the Landsmeet?”
“She should be,” said Zelda. “And she's not going to be happy about this.”
“Come on, Irminric,” Leliana said giving him her hand. “Let's get you out of here.”
Irminric shook his head and curled up even more. He tightened the blanket around him they had placed upon him to cover-up his nakedness. “I am no longer able to go anywhere. The Maker has not yet forgiven me of my sins. But please, take this, give it to Alfstanna. She will understand.” Leliana took the ring he handed to her, and Irminric placed his head on his knees and began saying the Chant of Light. They reluctantly left him there, but they needed to keep going. They're next step was getting back to the queen and getting out of there as fast as possible.
They went back to where they left their helmets and picked them back up, but instead of going through the arl's room again, saving Arawin some grief, they found another exit, which lead them closer to where the queen's room was. They found Erlina still at the door waiting for them.
“It worked,” she said. “Ze barrier has disappeared. My lady is getting ready.”
“Good, because we don't have much time,” said Zelda. “Howe is dead and I don't know how long we'll have before his body is discovered.”
“Howe is dead?” came the surprised voice of Anora. She stood in the doorway wearing a set of armor similar to the ones they were wearing. “I assume that was your doing, Warden?” she said staring directly at Zelda.
Zelda had never met the queen personally before. She had only seen pictures and from afar. Now with the queen directly in front of her, even in armor, Zelda could see Anora was a formidable woman who had an air about her that demanded respect. She was just like her father.
“Yes,” she said. “I have finally avenged my family.”
“It seems fitting,” said Anora. “But I believe this is something we can discuss later. As you might've guessed, I am dressed like this so I don't get recognized. Once we get back to Eamon's, then I'll be safe.”
“Do you really think your father is going to have you killed?” Arawin asked skeptical.
“I don't know,” Anora said gazing at her. “But if he allowed Howe to keep me prisoner here, then who knows what else he might do. I would rather take my chances with you.”
“Okay, then let's go.” Zelda lead the way, going down the hall and into the main hall before being brought to a sudden halt. There, in the main hall stood Ser Cauthrien and a whole brigade of Loghain's men.
“Wardens!” she called once they stepped into the hall. “In the name of the regent, I am placing you under arrest for the murder of Rendon Howe and his men-at-arms. Surrender, and you may be shown mercy.”
Zelda stared at her stunned, unsure how Ser Cauthrien had found out so quickly. “What? How did you...?”
“You do not ask the questions here,” said Ser Cauthrien. “I am here to place you under arrest. Will you go willingly or by force?”
Zelda stared at Ser Cauthrien, another formidable woman. “I will go,” she said. “You don't know the whole story.”
Ser Cauthrien seemed surprised by Zelda's surrender but soon regained her superior stance. “I'm glad that you are doing so. Men, take her as well as the other Warden. Loghain doesn't care about the rest.”
“Wait, what?” Arawin shouted. “Why am I being placed under arrest?”
“That is not my concern. I was given orders and I must follow them.”
“Ser Cauthrien, please,” said Zelda as two men came behind her and took her arms. “Take me only, say Arawin wasn't with me. She didn't do anything.” Ser Cauthrien ignored her.
“I'm not going without a fight!” Arawin said bringing out Fang.
“And I'm not going to let them take you either,” Zevran said joining her.
“If that's how it's going to be, then guards, grab her!”
All the guards came down on them at once, forcing them to separate. It was a fight that didn't last long as several warriors knocked Zevran to the ground and one smacked Arawin in the head hard with his shield. She was knocked out cold, and the guards scooped her up as Ser Cauthrien ordered everyone out, leaving Zevran, Leliana, Rupee, Kunjo, Anora, and Erlina alone in the main hall. Both Kunjo and Rupee whimpered as they watched their mistresses being taken away, unsure if they should follow or not.
“No! No, no!” Zevran yelled as he stood. He went to go after Ser Cauthrien and her men, but Leliana grabbed him and held him back.
“Let me go, Leliana. I have to get her back!”
“Zevran, this isn't the time. We first need to get Anora to the arl's estate, then we can go after them.”
“That's right,” said Anora. “I don't know what my father is planning, but there is a way to get them out, but first we need to tell Eamon. Lead the way.”
Reluctantly, Zevran followed Leliana as they went through the estate and back to where they hide their armor and into the allies. Without Arawin guiding them, they did occasionally get lost, but eventually found their way back to the Redcliffe estate.
When they entered, they found Eamon and Alistair in the study. Alistair was pacing back and forth but stopped when he saw them enter. At first he looked happy as a smile crossed his face but it soon dissolved away when he saw Zelda was not amongst them.
“Eamon, we have a problem,” said Anora.
“Problem?” Eamon said startled. “What happened? Where are Zelda and Arawin?”
“The Wardens have been captured. Ser Cauthrien is taking them to Fort Drakon.”
Shock slowly crossed Alistair's face as his jaw dropped. Anger then replaced the shock and he turned red. “How did this happen?” he said almost too calm.
“Zelda killed Howe,” said Leliana. “Somehow Ser Cauthrien found out right away and she was waiting for us in the main hall. Zelda went willingly, but Arawin fought, only ending up being knocked unconscious.”
Alistair turned a murderous gaze to Zevran. “I thought you said you weren't going to let this happen!”
“Don't blame this on me,” Zevran said just as angry. “I fought as well but there were too many guards. We were overwhelmed! I can't stand this just as much as you. They have Arawin too!”
“Calm down, both of you,” said Eamon. “We need to discuss our options.”
“There is something that can be done,” said Anora. “And if we do it quickly then it shouldn't affect the Landsmeet. We just need to get them out of Fort Drakon, which won't be a small feat.”
“How?” Alistair asked, putting his full attention on her. “How do we get them out?”
“They will have to be broken out.”
“But what about the repercussions?” said Leliana. “Won't those affect the Landsmeet?”
“Howe isn't protected by the Landsmeet like my father is, so why they were taken in the first place doesn't make sense, but don't worry, I shall take care of it. Zelda and Arawin will be fine for the Landsmeet, but they need to be freed first.”
“Then I'm going,” said Alistair as he gathered his sword and shield.
“Alistair, no,” Leliana said trying to stop him. “Zelda said-”
“I don't care what she said!” he yelled. “I'm going to free her.”
“And I'm going with you,” said Zevran. “I let this happen, so I need to redeem myself.”
“Fine, if you two want to be the heroes, then go ahead,” Leliana heaved. “But first you need to make a plan. I don't think the guards are just going to let you in and walk out with two prisoners.”
***
It stung. Her body hurt all over, but she couldn't tell where it was coming from. Her? Zelda? Maybe both. Arawin slowly became aware that she was freezing, her unclad body laying on cold stone. Her mind also began to slowly recall what had occurred. Ser Cauthrien capturing them, then bringing them to Fort Drakon where they had been striped down to nothing but their smallclothes and beaten. Arawin tried to remember why, but couldn't understand it. Loghain's men did it, and so did Howe's. Revenge she supposed for the lies and rumors going around about them. Arawin really didn't care, though. She had been through worse beatings, but there was still something going through her. It was despair, sadness, fear. None of which was coming from her.
When Arawin opened her eyes, her head spun. That knock to the back of her head from a shield still throbbed, being for the moment, the worse injury she had. When her vision cleared, she saw Zelda huddled in a corner of the cell they were in. She was shaking and crying hard.
Damn it.
Arawin ignored her pain and pushed herself to her knees and crawled over to Zelda. “Hey... hey! You need to stop that.”
Zelda sobbed, her crying still hard. One tear-drenched blue and green-speckled eye looked up at Arawin.
“Zelda,” Arawin said stern. “Why are you crying?” She could feel Zelda's distress, threatening to take her over.
“I killed him,” Zelda said weakly.
“What? Killed who, Howe?”
“I thought it would make everything better. I thought avenging my family would make everything right. But I still feel hollow inside. And... and I'm all alone.” This made her place her face back in her knees, her cries rejuvenating.
Arawin had to struggle for a moment to keep Zelda's emotions from overwhelming her. “That's... that's not true,” she was finally able to say. “What about your brother?”
“Fergus is dead. I know that now. Loghain would not have promised to give Highever back if he wasn't. It's... it's too painful to think otherwise.”
“Well what about me, huh? You know you're never alone with me. And Alistair? How could you think your alone?”
Zelda peered back up at her. “It's... not the same. I... my family... all gone. All gone.” She went back to crying and Arawin had to force herself from being pulled in.
She didn't understand why Zelda was feeling like this. It wasn't because of what had happened once they arrived at Fort Drakon, but because of what she had done to Howe. Arawin knew killing him was what she had wanted to do for a long time, but revenge just wasn't her. Not like with Arawin, when killing Vaughan had made her feel whole. It had been the sweetest thing she had ever tasted, next to when she had killed her mother's murderer. But it had not been the same with Zelda. Instead, it left her empty, because it didn't matter what situation had occurred. The result would be the same.
Arawin tapped in to the only thing she knew that would be able to battle Zelda's despair and maybe even overwhelm it. Her own anger flared as she stared at the husk Zelda had made herself. “No, no, no!” she yelled. “I refuse to accept this! Zelda, this is not you, so stop this stupid crying!”
“Why?” Zelda said through her sobs, not looking up. “There's nothing wrong with realizing it's over. We lost. We're doomed.”
“I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that,” Arawin growled. “You're seriously not giving up on me because I won't let you. Now come on, we need to find a way to get out of here.”
Zelda shook her head, still not making eye contact. “There's no way out. Alistair can't even save me. Nobody can save us.”
“I don't believe that.”
“Maybe they can, but it'll take time. Waiting here is our best option.”
This made Arawin's anger even more furious. She flung it at Zelda, wrapping her in it, and refusing to let go. “Damn it, Zelda! I don’t play the damsel in distress, and neither do you! Now come on and be the warrior princess I know you are. Not the one trapped in the highest room of the tallest tower awaiting your Prince Charming to rescue you!”
This made Zelda finally look up. Her eyes were red and puffy, but she had finally stopped crying. “You're right,” she said. “We need to get out of here, but... I don't know how.”
“See, that's the Zelda I know. Even if you don't know how to get out of here, at least you're coming back to your senses.”
“It still hurts, though.”
“Of course it's going to hurt. It'll never stop hurting, but it's what you do with the pain that matters. You can't let it rule over you, Zelda. Seriously! All the things we've been through together, and this is the one thing that's going to get you down? Come on! You were squeezed and thrown against a wall by a broodmother, helped to defeat a high dragon, were mentally attacked by a demon, drank darkspawn blood and lived! Not to mention our numerous fights.”
Zelda wiped her eyes on her arm. “That is true. But... how are we going to get out of here? Fort Drakon is, well... a fort.”
“Hm, I'm not sure yet, but if you promise me you'll stop being such a cry baby, then I'll be able to think clearer.”
Zelda smiled for the first time after killing Howe. “I promise, no more crying. For now at least.”
“That's good enough. Now, let's-”
“Zat was a very good speech you gave your friend zere. Do you zink you could give me one?”
Arawin and Zelda stared over at the cell next to theirs. Within it, sitting in a corner with his back to them, was a man just as unclad as they were, with long, unkept black hair, suggesting he had been there for a long time. His dark blue eyes glittered at them as he smiled.
“Who the sod are you and why were you listening?” Arawin said heated.
“Just a fellow prisoner such as yourselves,” he said turning completely around. “And as for 'earing you, it wasn't hard with 'ow loud you were shouting.”
“Are you Orlesian?” Zelda asked.
“Does my accent give me away? Oui, I am Orlesian, which may give you a clue as to why I am 'ere, no?”
“Maybe, but you would've had to have done something else to wind up here,” said Zelda. “Loghain might not love Orlesians, but he's not going to lock you up for just being one.”
“Zat is true,” the man said getting closer to the bars. “I am 'ere for more, but from what I overheard, it was you who killed this Arl 'Owe?”
“What do you care?” Arawin said eying him.
“I was just curious.”
“Then tell us why you're here, then.”
“'Ow about I just help you to escape, oui? Zat way we can escape together. I've been 'ere long enough to know a few useful zings.”
“Sorry, but three's a company,” said Zelda as she covered her breasts realizing that he was a man, other than Alistair, staring at her naked body.
The man shook his head. “You don't 'ave to worry about zat, Chère,” he said. “I don't want or 'ave any women in my life except two, and right now zey are locked up in zat chest over there.” He pointed to a chest next to a large steel door. “I believe I even saw zem put yours in zere as well.”
“So our weapon are right there, huh?” Arawin said as she looked toward the chest. “That's kind of a stupid place to put them.”
“What's even more stupid is ze fact they only have one guard looking after us.” He nodded in the direction the guard was. Both women looked to see him striding back and forth in front of their cells, apparently completely ignorant of what was going on inside them.
“No, that's not possible,” whispered Zelda. “Why would they have only one guard watching us? That doesn't make sense.”
“Not unless there are more where we can't see,” said Arawin. “But either way, if our weapons really are in that chest, and if he really is the only one watching us at the moment, then I have an idea.”
Arawin waited until the guard came close to the cell before making her move. Slowly making her way up, she pressed her chest against the bars and pouted a little right as he walked by. It worked just as planned. The guard stopped and stared at her, his eyes lingering on her pushed out chest before going to her face.
“Unless you're bleeding, I don't want to hear about it,” he said with force.
“Well... it's nothing really,” Arawin said absently stroking one of the cell bars. “It's just lonely in here, is all.”
“Why are you telling me?” he said trying to act like he didn't care, but Arawin could tell he was intrigued. “You have each other.”
“I know we do, but... it still gets lonely, just the two of us, hugging each other close, trying to stay warm. It would help if we had a third, male body in between us.”
She saw him stiffen, his eyes glowing with the thought. He became even more enthused as Arawin felt Zelda inch up her back, apparently understanding what she had in mind.
“It would be really nice if you joined us,” Zelda cooed. She stood behind Arawin, using the elf's body to cover-up her own, which made the guard lick his lips. He then took a quick look around before focusing back on them.
“Well... normally I'd have someone here with me, but with Loghain sending so many soldiers out to patrol the Bannorn, we've been short staffed. So I guess... that means we'll be alone for awhile. And I can't just deny two beautiful women help, now can I?”
“No you can't,” said Arawin fluttering her eyes. “You really couldn't call yourself a man if you did that.”
“Yeah, cause only a real man can get between us.” Zelda then gently kissed Arawin on the corner of her mouth. Her eyes glittered as they flicked to the guard.
“Just... give me a moment.” The guard ran to the cell door and fumbled with the keys before finally opening it. Once inside, he locked the door and grabbed Zelda and forcibly kissed her.
“Hold on there,” Zelda said gently pushing him away. “Are you forgetting something?”
“What?” he said looking unsure.
“Maybe this?” Arawin tapped his armor.
“Oh, right. I guess that needs to be out of the way, huh?” The guard blushed as he tried to remove his armor, his fingers fumbling everywhere as he cursed, trying to undo the buckles.
“Here, let us help,” said Arawin. Together, she and Zelda began undoing the buckles, the guard watching anxiously, his hand occasionally grabbing some part of their flesh.
“You're really in a hurry, aren't you?” Zelda said taking his hand off her backside for the fourth time. “Naughty boy. Waiting is half the fun.”
“Sorry,” he said. “You two are just so beautiful, even for Grey Wardens.”
“You're too kind,” Arawin said as her hand slipped into his pants.
The guard hummed but then cried out when the knife she took from his belt found it's way underneath his ribs. “Damn you,” he choked. Arawin cut the knife across his belly and he fell to the ground, his blood spilling all over the floor.
“You two are really entertaining,” said the Orlesian. “But I guess I shouldn't except anyzing less from two fellow Grey Wardens.”
“What?” they both said at the same time.
“Wait, are you saying you're a Grey Warden?” said Zelda. “I can't sense that you are one.”
“Trust me, I am,” he said. “It's a long story.”
Arawin huffed as she took the keys from the guard and unlocked the cell door. “He could just be saying that.”
“And why would I claim such a zing with Grey Wardens being hunted down?” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “You tell me.”
“You could be just saying that to us,” Arawin said as she came up to his own door. “Tell us the real reason why you're in here and maybe I'll let you out.”
“It's because I'm Orlesian and a Grey Warden, zat's why,” he said going up to her.
“Prove that are you,” said Zelda joining Arawin's side.
“First, introductions should perhaps be made, oui? My name is Damien Caron, warrior and Grey Warden of Val Royeaux. I came 'ere alone, looking for my fellow Grey Warden, Riordan. When ze warden-commander did not 'ear from him, I was sent to investigate.”
“That still doesn't prove you're a Grey Warden,” Arawin said crossing her arms.
Damien narrowed his eyes at her. “Fine.” He cleared his throat. “'Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in ze shadows where we stand, vigilant. Join us as we carry ze duty zat cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know zat your sacrifice will not be forgotten and zat one day we shall join you.' Happy?”
Zelda and Arawin looked at each other.
He wouldn't have known that unless he took part of a Joining, said Zelda. And only Grey Wardens know about the Joining.
I guess that's true, said Arawin. But I still don't know. Why can't we feel him through the taint? There's just something about him. I don't think he's telling us everything.
I don't think that matters. He seems like an okay guy, and besides... we're going to need his help getting out of here. Zelda pushed back Arawin's protest. I know you're a good fighter, Arawin, but this is Fort Drakon. We aren't just going to be able to walk out the front door.
Arawin still didn't like it, but she trusted Zelda, which meant they had come a long way. Unlocking the door she opened it to find Damien smiling down at her.
“Merci, Belle,” he said. “I very much appreciate it.”
“Just don't over step your bounds,” she said brandishing the knife at him. “I'll be watching you.” She walked away from him, going towards the chest and finding the key to open it.
“Is she always like zat?” he asked Zelda.
“You have no idea.”
When they joined her, Arawin already had the chest open and was looking through it. “You were right, Damien, our things are in here.” She tossed Zelda Silverbrand and her shield and took out Fang and Dar'Misaan. “And I believe these are yours.”
“Ah, mes chéris,” Damien sighed as he took the two longswords. “'Ow I missed ze two of you. Veillée and Victoire, my very beautiful and powerful ladies.”
“The armor we wore to get into the estate is here as well.” Arawin handed Zelda her armor and the two women dressed themselves while Damien went and unclad the rest of the guard's armor and put it on himself.
“So, are we ready?” he said after adjusting his longswords on his back.
“I guess so,” said Zelda doing one last buckle. “This isn't going to be easy, but I think as long as we keep our helmets on and aren't recognized, then maybe we could just walk out the front door.”
***
Together Alistair and Zevran made their way through the streets. They were packed, making it hard for them to get through at times, but both of them were determined to make it to Fort Drakon. They were not disguised in anyway, wearing their regular armor and each carrying a sack that contained either Zelda or Arawin's armor. They had also placed their own weapons in the sacks so as to not draw too much attention, especially when they did reach Fort Drakon. Zevran still had his Crow dagger, however, hidden in his belt for easy access if he needed it.
Both of them didn't really care if they were recognized, although Zevran didn't like being out in the open. He was more used to traveling through shadows, alleyways and back streets, going from one place to another without being seen. But here in Denerim, he didn't know the allies or back roads. That was Arawin who knew them, and knew them well.
The thought of her made him quicken his pace. He knew she was a woman that perhaps didn't need rescuing, even though he had saved her quite a few times before, but breaking out of Fort Drakon was something completely different. She was not going to be able to do it on her own, even with Zelda. He still couldn't believe he had just let them take her. It still boiled in his blood what he had seen: her overwhelmed and being knocked unconscious. He knew he could have done more, could have stopped them right there, but he had been overwhelmed just the same. Then Leliana stopping him when they took her. Zevran felt he would never forgive himself if something awful happened to Arawin.
As Zevran picked up his pace, Alistair did so too. The thoughts of what Anora had said going through his mind. For some reason it didn't make sense. First of all, Zelda and Arawin were never suppose to be placed under arrest. They were protected by the Landsmeet with diplomatic immunity while Howe was not. He knew it had something to do with Loghain himself, trying to get them out of the way, especially Zelda who would be the biggest threat to him. Alistair gritted his teeth as he thought about it. Anora was able to get them out behind the scenes, but that would take too long, the Landsmeet would be over with, and who knew how Zelda would be by that time. Alistair hated that he hadn't gone with her. He hated how he was forced to stay back, worrying about what might be happening. And he hated how he had to rely on Anora to deal with the situation. What he didn't hate, however, and also something he didn't really understand, was breaking into Fort Drakon to get Zelda out. It was Anora who had suggested it, and it was her who had given them the idea they were going to use to get in.
When the two finally reached Fort Drakon they both stopped to stare at the massiveness of the tower. It was the tallest structure in Denerim, placed against a cliff face. It's roof the very spot where Maric had dueled Meghren one on one to gain Ferelden back from Orlais.
“This isn't going to be easy,” said Alistair as he stared at the top most point of the tower. “I have no clue where they'd be.”
“We'll find them,” said Zevran. “They'll more than likely to be in a high security dungeon cell. All we have to do is follow the screams.”
“That's not funny.” Alistair glared at him.
“I didn't mean for it to be. That's just what you hear in such places.”
Alistair fought to keep the image of Zelda being tortured from his mind, but it didn't work so well. Narrowing his eyes, he stepped forward, their plan playing through his head. It had to go perfectly in order to work, otherwise they might find themselves joining the two women in the dungeons.
As they entered the fort, several guards stood and went to attention. They had been sitting causally, talking with one another.
“Please state your business,” said one of the guards.
“We're here to deliver a package,” Alistair said as he presented the sack he was carrying. “It's a custom package for your commander.”
“Really? Are they both for the commander?” the guard asked, eying both of them suspiciously.
“Yes they are,” Zevran answered. “Your commander wanted the best.”
The guard snorted. “We were given no word of a delivery.”
“Well, they are somewhat of a personal nature,” Zevran said timidly. “Maybe your commander didn't want you to know about them.”
“Maybe, but just wait here and I'll get the captain.” The guard went off and disappeared into a side room.
“Ugh, I don't think this is going to work,” Alistair whispered. “They're suspicious already.”
“Don't worry, just leave it to me,” said Zevran. “There is no guard-captain alive that I cannot charm my way past.”
“Right. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, then, shall I?”
“So little faith... just you watch.”
“Alright, what's this about?” said the captain as he came out the side room. “What are you saying about a delivery for the commander?”
“A very special delivery,” said Zevran. “For which I have still not been paid, by the way.”
“You think that's my problem?” the captain said raising an eyebrow. “But if you're telling the truth then let me see what you have.”
“It's a personal item. I don't think your commander would like for you to see-”
“Just let me see the bloody thing,” the captain said taking the sack from Zevran. He dumped the contents on the floor and Zevran quickly snatched up Dar'Misu before anyone could see it.
The captain looked through the contents before picking up the breastplate and staring at it. “What in the world...? Bloody woman, what's she getting into now?”
“I told you it was personal,” said Zevran. “She was very specific to my master what she wanted for her more... adventurous side.”
The captain eyed him before handing back the breastplate. “She does act strange enough to want something like that. Fine, pick these things back up and you can go ahead in, but be quick about it.”
“Thank you.” Zevran bowed to him. “We'll make sure to let your commander know what a great captain you are.” The captain grunted before waving them off and going back into the side room. The first guard they encountered then opened the door, revealing a long hall and several other doors.
“The commander's room is on the fourth floor, right next to the dungeon entrance. Take the stairs at the end of the hall.”
Zevran thanked him and he and Alistair both bowed before making their way down the hall.
“That was close,” said Alistair. “Good thing the commander is female.”
“And if she wasn't, then I still would've had a plan,” Zevran smiled. “Really, Alistair, you still have no faith in me?”
“I do, but... I'm just more worried about Zelda right now. We need to get to them.”
“I completely understand, my friend. Let us get down this hall and maybe find someone who can give us the directions we really need.”
***
Zelda, Arawin, and Damien made their way through the fort, finding they didn't know the way out. Fort Drakon was so huge, it was almost impossible to know where they were.
“Did none of us pay attention when they brought us here?” said Arawin.
“I believe you were unconscious,” Zelda answered. “And I was sulking, so the answer would be no.”
“And don't look at me, Belle,” said Damien. “I don't even remember being brought 'ere.”
“That's just great.” Arawin readjusted her helmet. “We're never going to get out of here.” She fiddled with it some more, as it was too big for her and didn't want to stay in place. She didn't remember having this problem back at the estate, which meant this might not have been hers.
They continued walking through the halls, looking around for any sign that would lead them to the front of the fort.
“Hey! You three!” someone shouted from behind them. All of them froze and turned toward the voice slowly. It was a guard, a captain by the looks of it. He was briskly walking towards them, looking rather angry.
“What are you doing down here?” He directed the question at Damien who began to stutter.
“We just got lost,” Zelda answered, saving him from answering.
“Lost?” The captain looked at her puzzled. “Oh, then you must be the new soldiers I asked for.”
“Yes, we are. We were told to go find the commander for orders, but got lost along the way.”
The captain grumbled. “Bloody idiots, did they have to send me green recruits? And they only sent the three of you? I asked for more!”
“Well, things are pretty tight with the civil war and all. But I think they'll send more.”
“I know things are tight,” the captain barked. “Why do you think I asked for more soldiers? We only have one guard—one—watching the bloody Grey Wardens. Now don't you think there's something wrong with that?”
“Of course,” said Arawin. “You never know what those damn Grey Wardens will do. Sodding traitors. It's about time someone put them in their place!”
“You know, I like you,” the captain smiled. “Even if you are small for a soldier, you've got some spunk.”
“Just let me watch those Grey Wardens and I'll show them a thing or two.”
“You may get your chance. Now, if you'd follow me, I'll take you to the commander and she'll tell you where to go.” The captain turned back the way he came and reluctantly the three of them followed him.
When they reached the commander's office, there were already several soldiers within, standing at attention while the commander addressed them. When she was finished, the soldiers bowed to her and left, letting the captain speak.
“Ser, I found these recruits wondering about the fort, apparently lost. They're some of the ones I sent for.”
“Really?” said the commander as she went to study them. All three went at attention and stood in a line in front of her desk. “They don't look like soldiers to me. Where are you from?”
“Highever,” Zelda answered, though she wasn't sure who the commander had asked.
“Highever? All of you?”
Both Arawin and Damien nodded.
“So, the best they could send me are green recruits from Highever? Pff, pathetic. Nothing good ever came from Highever.”
“Things are tough everywhere, ser,” Zelda said trying to hold back her frustration.
“Did I say you could talk? See what I mean?” she said to the captain. “Highever breeds nothing but vermin. But if this is what I get then I'll just have to make due.” The commander sighed deeply and covered her eyes. “So tell me, what are your names?”
“I am Lilly, ser,” said Zelda. “And this is-”
“Are you the only one that can talk?” the commander said, glaring at her. “You ser,” she said to Damien. “What's your name?”
Damien staggered for a moment, unsure on what to do. If he opened his mouth and breathed a word, then they were doomed.
“Soldier, I asked you a question!” the commander demanded.
“He's mute, ser,” Arawin said before Zelda could intervene.
“Mute?” The commander looked confounded. “I've never heard of a mute soldier!”
“Times are hard and we need every soldier we can get.”
The commander groaned in her hands. “Andraste preserve me! Yet again, they send me the bottom of the barrel. Okay, so if he's a mute, then what's his name?”
“Uh, Darren, ser. And mine is Anna.”
“Alright, good, we're finally getting somewhere. So, Lilly, Darren, and Anna, here's what I'm going to have you do: I'm going to send you out on patrol down the western coast. You'll be going from Denerim all the way to Gwaren. That means you'll be going next to the Brecilian Forest, and I've heard there are darkspawn starting to take over that coast, so you've got your work cut out for you. But first, before I let you leave, you're going to the armory to get some proper arms. No soldiers under me are going to be carrying Highever arms. Bloody blacksmiths up north have their heads in the clouds or something. Now get out of my sight.”
“Yes, ser,” they all said except for Damien, who hummed it.
“Right, this way,” said the captain leading them out of the commander's office and to the armory which was right across the hall. “I'll get you some proper, regulatory swords as well as some proper gear. That armor you're wearing isn't good enough at all, especially yours,” he said pointing to Arawin. “That helmet is way too big. Here, let me see it and I'll get you a better one.”
“Uh, I can do it myself, Captain,” Arawin said backing away from him. “But thank you.”
“What are you doing? Get over here, that's an order! Wait. What's that on your face? It looks like one of those tattoos them Dalish wear.”
“No, you're probably just seeing a shadow.”
“No, come here!” The captain snatched Arawin's helmet off, despite her quick movements to get away. Once it was off, everything fell silent as the captain stood staring at her. His eyes big and his mouth gaping. “You're... you're an elf! And... wait a sec. You're that Grey-” He choked as a pointed tip poked through his chest. Damien yanked his sword out from behind the captain and let his body fall to the ground.
“Zat was, 'ow do you say... a close call?”
“You didn't have to kill him,” said Zelda.
“Except I did. We would've had to kill 'im eventually. 'Ow else were we going to get away?”
“He has a point,” added Arawin. “But now we really have to get out of here before someone comes and discovers this mess. But first, I'm getting a new helmet. There is no way I'll be able to fight with that thing.”
“We'll help,” said Zelda as both she and Damien removed theirs. “I hate these things, but they're the only things that are going to keep us from being identified.”
They searched throughout the armory, but were finding nothing until Zelda came upon an old styled helmet that looked small enough for Arawin's head.
“Here,” Zelda said tossing her the helmet. “Try that.”
Arawin caught it and placed it on her head, but it wouldn't go, seeming too small. “How in the world is this too small for me?” she said gazing it. “Was this made for a child or something?”
“I don't know and we don't have time to find out. Just force it on so we can get out of here.”
“Force it on? Are you daft?”
“For Andraste's sake, here, give it to me and I'll get it on.” Arawin couldn't really protest as Zelda snatched the helmet and jammed it on her head, smashing it down with her fists. “There, it fits.”
“What the... Zelda! I can't see!” Arawin tried taking the helmet off but it wouldn't budge.
“Oops, I guess I hit it a little too hard.”
“Oops? Oops! That's all you can say is oops! You better help me get this sodding thing off! And quite laughing, both of you!”
“Alright, I'll help you, just relax,” Zelda said after chuckling. “Sorry.”
“You'll really be sorry if you don't get it off.”
Zelda went and grabbed the bottom of the helmet to help pull it off but was unable to when she heard something at the doorway. Both she and Damien looked at the same time to see a soldier standing there staring at them.
“What are you guys doing in here?” he asked. “Wait, are you...? Andraste's blood!” He began backing off. “The Warden!” he yelled. “The Warden is free!”
“Shit,” said Zelda as she let go of Arawin.
“Hey, what was that?” Arawin shouted. “Zelda! What the sod is going on?”
“We've just been discovered. Come on Arawin, we need to get out of here. Now!”
“What...? Ah!” Zelda grabbed Arawin's hand and yanked her to follow. Damien went out the door first, his swords already drawn.
“I don't zink we'll be able to get out of 'ere without a fight,” he said. “So prepare yourself.”
“I think you're right, and this isn't going to be easy.”
“Hey, if you guys get this helmet off my head, then I can fight better,” said Arawin. “I got it so I can see out of one eye... sort of, but it would be a lot better off.”
“We don't have time, Arawin. You're just going to have to make due.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, I-”
“There they are!” At the end of the hall stood the soldier that had spotted them along with several others.
“Maker's breath, how did they get out?” said one of the soldiers behind him.
“I don't know, but we need to get them back in their cells. Come on men!”
The soldiers charged at them, and Zelda had to push Arawin back and onto the ground as she raised her shield to block a blow. The elf cursed at her but Zelda ignored her as she swung Silverbrand at the soldier, hitting his breastplate where ice formed. She blocked a few more blows before hitting the same spot. Where the ice was shattered, leaving a hole in his armor. The soldier backed off, frightened from Zelda's fierce appearance and the shiny ice that gleamed sharp and hard upon her sword.
Damien beside her fought with gusto. His two longswords, dancing together as he lead them along, cutting and taking down soldiers in their wake. Zelda saw he was an excellent fighter, a true warrior for sure, but there was something about his fighting style that seemed familiar, and not in a good way. The way he went for the soldiers, the way when he was hit how he didn't seem to show much, if even at all, any pain. Her suspicion of him grew, as she knew something still wasn't right.
***
“Oh tsk tsk, this is such a crime.”
“What?” The female sergeant stared at Zevran with suspicion. “What's a crime?”
“It's a crime for such a young and beautiful woman to be standing here, guarding a door in the middle of a fortress.”
“This is an important door,” she said. “It leads to the main prisoner cells. Only authorized personnel are allowed past.”
“Well then I applaud your sacrifice,” Zevran said as his eyes gleamed at her. “Since it's such an important door for you to be spending the best years of your life guarding.”
“Actually... it's not that important, and it always seems like I'm the one that has to stand here. There are others that could do this. Why is it always me?”
“Yes, why is it always you?”
“Three Satinalias in a row they’ve stuck me on barracks duty. Three! I've never heard of that happening with any other soldier. You know what, I'm going to go and have a little chat with my commander. Let someone else guard this stupid door.” She then stormed off leaving Zevran smiling and Alistair confused.
“Seriously, you're going to flirt while Maker only knows what could be happening to Arawin?” Alistair said appalled.
“It got her to leave the door, didn't it? Besides, you should stop worrying about how I do things and focus more on getting Zelda out.”
“You're right, let's go before she realizes what you did to her and comes storming back.”
Alistair took the lead as they made their way through the door. They went up a few flight of stairs before coming to another long hallway. They began walking down it before they heard shouting.
“The Warden has escaped! Assemble men, hurry!”
“That sounds like Arawin,” Zevran said smiling. “I wouldn't expect anything less. Perhaps we didn't need to come after all.”
“No, we did,” said Alistair. “I don't care what's happening right now, I'm not leaving without Zelda.”
“Then let us join in the fray, shall we? Where ever the soldiers run, we're sure to find them.”
Finding a whole group of soldiers, they ran behind them, following as they took them down the hall and around a corner where Alistair gasped to see Zelda fighting hard against several soldiers at once. Some soldiers around her were injured and backing off, but others came to take their place and he could tell she was beginning to get exhausted.
He ran toward her, pushing soldiers aside and occasionally cutting them down. Zevran was behind him, doing the same thing, but got caught when a soldier began attacking him. Alistair kept going but stopped, his sword lifted as it blocked a hit from another sword. A man with black hair and fierce dark blue eyes attacked him with hot fury. Alistair was being pushed back by the double longswords he wielded. He didn't look like a guard, even if he was wearing a guard's armor. There was something different about him, but Alistair didn't care much about it. This man was keeping him from Zelda, and he would take him down to get to her.
Zelda pushed a soldier down after shattering his shield. He screamed from the sudden impact and loss of his defense. When he fell, Zelda looked up and saw who Damien was attacking. She was shocked by the sight, and ran over to them.
“Damien, no! Alistair! Stop!”
Neither of the men seemed to hear her as they continued their fight. She made her way in between them, forcing Alistair back. Zelda raised her shield, blocking Damien's twin strikes then curved Silverbrand around to plant it within Damien's side, finally stopping him from continuing. He groaned from the impact and looked at her and she saw the fury in his eyes die.
“Are you going to listen to me now?” she said taking Silverbrand out, leaving no ice upon his skin.
“Zelda...? What...?” Alistair stuttered behind her. She turned around to see him confused but it was soon replaced with relief. Taking her and turning her fully around, he kissed her more passionately than he ever had before. His gauntlet-clad hand running through her hair while his other pressed the small of her back closer to him. When he finally released her, Zelda took a deep breath.
“I missed you too, Alistair,” she said nearly breathless.
“I really would like it if you never did this again,” he said. “Do you know how much I was worried?”
“I do... and I'm sorry. But I still stand by my decision of you not coming. This situation would have been a whole lot worse if you'd been with us.”
“I don't think so, but I don't feel like arguing with you right now. I'm just glad you're safe.” He took and kissed her again.
“So, uh... where is Arawin?” Zevran asked as he pushed aside a dead soldier.
“Hm?” Zelda looked around after breaking away from Alistair. She saw Damien on the ground, holding his side where she had stabbed him, but she saw no sign of Arawin anywhere. “Uh, I don't know. She was just right here.” But as soon as she said it, she knew immediately where the elf was. The fury radiating off her was like a hot beacon, telling her exactly where to go. “She's in there.” Zelda pointed Zevran to the door that lead into the armory. “And she's angry, so be careful.”
Zevran chuckled as he made his way over to the armory. When he peered through the doorway, he found Arawin inside, pacing around and still trying to remove the helmet from her head.
“Damn it! Where did everyone go! Zelda! Get this damn thing off me!”
“Ara? What have you gotten yourself into this time?” Zevran laughed.
“Zev? Is that you?” Arawin stopped pacing and spun around. “Ah, you sodding bastard, quit standing there laughing at me and help! Where are you?”
“I'm right here,” he said grabbing her shoulders, making her face him. “You know this is too funny.”
“No it's not! Zelda smashed this thing on my head and I can't get it off!”
“Alright, I'll help you,” he said still chuckling. “But it's still funny.”
“No, it's-”
“Just be quiet for a moment.” Zevran grabbed the bottom of the helmet and pulled. Several times he tried with no results before Arawin's head finally popped out.
“Thank the sodding Maker!” Arawin moaned as she rubbed her head. “I'm never wearing one of those damn things again!”
“I'd have to agree. It didn't flatter you in the least.” But his smile faded when he caught her face, forcing her to look at him as he examined the dark area around her eye where he knew the tattoo did not go.
“What?”
“I'm sorry, Arawin. This should've never happened to you.”
“Oh stop it,” she said smacking his hand away, although it felt good to see that he cared. “I've had worse than this.”
“It still shouldn't have been. I could've fought harder.”
“And I could've too. Now stop fussing over me. So what are you doing here anyway?”
“I came to get you out, with Alistair. Can't have our two most important Grey Wardens locked up, now can we?” She was glad to see his smile back.
Arawin wondered if there was more to it than that, but she didn't question him. Now was not the time either to ask or to tell him everything she felt. She was glad to see him, though, no matter the real reason for him coming. Smiling slightly, she gestured for them to join the others.
When back out in the hall, Arawin noticed the many dead bodies around as well as Alistair staring at Damien. “And who is this?” he asked suspiciously.
“I am Damien Caron,” Damien said standing.
“He was in the cell next to ours,” Zelda explained. “And he says he's a Grey Warden, but we're still not sure.”
“Really?” Alistair said raising an eyebrow.
“I zought we already confirmed zis, Chère?”
“It's still up for debate, especially—Damien is your wound healed already?”
“Hm, what wound?”
“The one I gave you, in your side when I stabbed you. It looks healed.”
“You never stabbed me.”
“Yes, I did.”
“I zink I would know if I 'ad been stabbed.”
“And I think I would know if I stabbed someone or not! There is something you're trying to hide, Damien, now what is it?”
“Zere's nothing-”
“Except there is,” Arawin said as she got closer. Taking out Fang she slammed Damien against the wall and held Fang to his throat. The flames burst forth from the blade, but they only reddened Damien's skin. “I noticed something, even with that helmet stuck on my head. When that soldier came in and saw us, he wasn't raising the alarm for us, he was raising it for you, wasn't he?” When Damien didn't answer, she pressed Fang closer, causing a tiny drop of blood to run down his throat. “So what was it that you did, huh? What are you really?”
“I really am a Grey Warden,” Damien answered. “I've already proven zat to you.”
“You haven't proven it to me,” said Alistair. “And Riordan never mentioned you.”
“So Riordan did make it to the arl's estate?” Zelda asked.
“Yeah, he showed up before Zevran and Leliana returned. Told me you two freed him as well as everything else he already told you. But Damien was never mentioned, and if I can't sense you, then you're not a Grey Warden, unless you can prove it to me.”
“He did say the words spoken during a Joining,” said Zelda. “Knew them from memory.”
“That might be so, but I need more proof.”
“I would give you proof, but...” Damien looked over at Zevran. “He's not a Grey Warden.”
Arawin turned to Zevran as well. “Zev, do you mind going out of earshot for awhile? I promise this won't take long.”
When she first looked at him, she saw how he was staring at her with interest. Apparently her acting the assassin this time was impressive to him. But when he heard what she asked him, Zevran's face hardened.
“I would prefer not to,” he said. “I'm just as interested in his story, but... I understand. I will be in here.” Zevran disappeared back into the armory and Arawin waited a few moments before turning back to Damien.
“Well?”
Damien sighed. “In order to become what we are, we must drink darkspawn blood infused with lyrium and a drop of ze blood of an archdemon. More die zan live from such a practice. Is zat good enough?”
Alistair still stared at him. It should have been enough, but he still wasn't sure. “That is a big Grey Warden secret, but it still doesn't explain why we can't sense you through the taint.”
“Zat is a long story,” said Damien. “Perhaps it would be best if we got out of 'ere first?”
“Or how about you tell us the short version?” said Arawin.
“Fine,” Damien sighed. “I'll tell you, if I must.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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- 69
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Blood Bond