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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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An Alliance

“What's it zat you want to know?”
“Everything,” said Zelda. “Or at least as much as you can before more guards come looking for us.”
“Hang on a second,” Arawin said taking Fang away from Damien's throat. “Zev, you can come back out!” Zevran appeared out of the armory, apparently not in the best of moods. “Zevran, do you mind going and making sure the coast it clear?”
“I will, if you wish,” he said, his mood not seeming to change. He nodded towards Arawin and the others before making his way down the hall and out of sight. Arawin hated doing this to him, but she had to keep the Grey Warden secrets safe, even if she knew he would never blurt them out to the world. There was also the fact that she wasn't sure he would understand.
“Go ahead,” Arawin said to Damien. “Start talking.”
“I told you my name was Caron, oui? Well, zat was the last name I was given after I was taken from my home and given to a nobleman. You see, I was born amongst a tribe of dragon worshipers in ze Nahashin Marshes. And before you go making any assumptions, we were peaceful.”
“Uh huh,” Alistair said glaring at him. “So I suppose you have nothing to do with the Disciples of Andraste?”
“I don't know who zese 'Disciples' are. Zere are many types of dragon worshipers in Thedas, and not all are hostile. My tribe, like I said, was peaceful. The thing zat distinguished us from other tribes was not only zat, but also when we took dragon's blood into our bodies. I was not even a minute old when a priest took me from my mère and poured ze burning liquid down my throat.”
“What?” Zelda said stunned. “You mean your tribe made newborns drink dragon's blood? That's insane! Didn't your mother try and stop it?”
“Why would she? She 'erself went through ze process when she was a baby and so did my père and zeir parents and so on until ze beginning of my tribe. It was a right to live, to see if one was worthy of belonging. To see if one was excepted by our god. I survived, of course, as did my younger sister, yet my brother before me did not. Not all survive, and it is with newborns zat the survival rate is much less.”
“It makes sense now,” said Zelda. “You did have a similar fighting style I saw with the Disciples, but you seemed in more control than they did.”
“It's more zan likely because zey drink the blood at a later time. From what I heard of other dragon worshipers, zey train their young to prepare for the drinking. Since we take it in once we're born, zen our entire youth is spent learning 'ow to control and harness the power given to us. We call ourselves Reavers, and it is ze dragon's blood zat masks the darkspawn blood within me, but it doesn't mask it completely. You three can not sense it because you haven't been Grey Wardens for very long. Older Grey Wardens can sense me, such as Riordan. It's ze same for darkspawn too. I can hide from lower level ones, but not from alphas or emissaries, and of course ze archdemon.”
“I guess that would explain it,” said Arawin. “But what happened? You said you were given to a nobleman?”
“Your Chantry is what 'appened. Zey did a type of Exalted March, raining down on my tribe and killing everyone. My sister and I were ze only ones that escaped alive. We were only able to do so because we were out in ze fields with our mère collecting the seasons last harvest. We saw something happening in ze village, so my mère told us to hide while she went to 'elp. She never came back, and soon we were found by a templar who was only able to find us because 'e sensed my sister's magic.
“Because we were so young, myself ten, Sacha seven, 'e decided to take us instead. I tried to fight 'im, but it was no use. He was too powerful, but I apparently impressed 'im enough. Ze templar took us to Val Royeaux where Sacha was given to ze Circle, and I was given to his brother, a nobleman who took me in and decided to train me as a chevalier.
“Ze whole time I was there, I ran away every chance I got. I would head for ze Circle to collect my sister, but I zink that's why I was always caught and brought back. I would be beaten for running away, but ze nobleman still trained me, seeing the potential I could give 'im. It wasn't until I was eighteen did I finally get away from him when I was recruited into ze Grey Wardens by Duncan.”
“Duncan?” Alistair said surprised. “You knew Duncan?”
“Oui, it was about ten years ago. Ze Grey Wardens of Ferelden were beginning to form. Duncan wasn't ze warden-commander yet, and 'e was visiting a friend in Val Royeaux, I believe. After seeing me fight, he came to me and asked if I wanted to join ze Wardens. I said yes, but my master wouldn't let me go, so Duncan was forced to conscript me.”
Alistair, Zelda and Arawin continued to stare at Damien suspiciously, still trying to determine if he was telling the truth or not. He had no reason to lie to them, but there were still unanswered questions.
“I know Riordan,” said Alistair. “He was present at my Joining. I also know of a few other Grey Wardens in Orlais that Duncan mentioned. You, he never said anything about.”
“Probably because I disappointed 'im. Even zough I was a Grey Warden and finally free from my master, I still didn't want to be tied down, so after a few years of arguing with ze warden-commander, I finally left to search for my sister. I lied to you before about coming 'ere. I wasn't told to check on Riordan, I only knew 'e was here from my guards talking about him. I came because ze darkspawn drew me in.”
“And the reason why they feared you more than us?” asked Zelda.
“When I found out what 'appened, what zey were saying about Grey Wardens and ze three of you, I knew I had to do something, so... I went to try and assassinate Loghain, but as you can tell, warriors don't make good assassins.”
“That would explain Cauthrien's presence, then,” said Zelda after a moment of silence. “Loghain was never one to have a body guard around him before because he was respected and feared.”
“He still should be. Loghain is a formidable fighter still, even for 'is age.”
“Pff, wish you could've done it,” said Alistair. “It would've saved us a lot of trouble.”
“Not really,” Zelda said. “Things actually would have been made worse. But no matter, I think that settles it, then.”
“So you believe me now?” Damien asked.
“Yes, even though I think confirmation from Riordan would still be good, which means now would be the best time to get back to the estate.”
“Then follow me,” said Alistair as he took them down the hall. “I think I know the way out, although I'm not sure we'll be able to get out of here without another fight.”
First before they went, they allowed Zelda and Arawin to change into their normal armor. It made no difference now if they were spotted. When the two were done, they made their way and turned the corner to find Zevran waiting for them and then headed down the hall even further. As they knew they would, more soldiers came at them when they went through the doors that lead out of the dungeon area. It was easy enough to fight them off and make their way through the rest of the fort and out the front.
When they reached the outside, Arawin took the lead in order to take them through the back allies and back to the Redcliffe estate. Once there, they were greeted by Leliana and Wynne who were pacing in the front hall. Leliana cheered with joy once she saw them while Wynne attended to wounds any of them might have had.
“And who is this?” Leliana questioned when she spotted Damien.
“This here is Damien, another Grey Warden,” Zelda answered.
“It's a pleasure to meet you,” Damien said bowing to her.
“Really, another one? You're numbers have almost doubled, haven't they?”
“Almost, but five Grey Wardens still isn't enough. We need more.”
“Well, all of you I think need to go speak with Eamon. He'll want to know you're back, safe and sound. Plus Anora is with him, and she wishes to speak with you as well.”
“What does Anora want?” Arawin asked.
“I'm not sure.”
“Well let's get there and see what they both want,” said Zelda. “Damien, you come too. Eamon, I'm sure will want to know who you are and after we're done with him and Anora, we'll go see Riordan.”
“As you wish, Chère. Lead ze way.”
***
“Maker's breath! It's good to see all of you have returned safely,” Eamon exclaimed when he saw everyone come into his study. He stood from his desk and made his way over to Zelda and Arawin, hugging both of them. “I hate to admit I was worried there for a moment.”
“There was no need for that,” said Arawin. “You know we're tough.”
“Indeed you are, but it's still something that shouldn't've happened. Anora thankfully took care of it.” Eamon looked over at a seat next to his desk where Anora sat. The queen soon stood, Erlina right at her side. She nodded toward the Grey Wardens and walked up gracefully to where everyone stood.
“It is very good to see the two of you again,” she said. “I'm glad everything worked out as it should have.”
“It did,” Zelda nodded. “Eamon, you did meet Riordan, yes?”
“I did,” Eamon answered. “And I have given him a room to stay in for as long as he wishes. I think it wonderful you found another Grey Warden, but it's horrible what Howe did to him as well. And let me just say, Zelda, that there are more people out there happy about what you did than angry.”
“Howe had very few loyal followers, so I know of what you speak. But the point I was getting at is Riordan wasn't the only other Grey Warden that came. This here is Damien from Orlais as well.” Zelda pushed the Orlesian up to meet the arl who looked at him surprised.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, monsieur,” said Damien.
“He was locked up with us in Fort Drakon,” Zelda explained.
The surprise soon left Eamon's face and he smiled at him. “Again, horrible things Howe and Loghain have done. To treat Grey Wardens like this, especially during a Blight should be a crime. Just as with everyone else, my house is open to you. Although you might need to share a room with someone. I don't think I've ever had this many house guests before.”
“Merci, any place would be better zan a cell.”
“I'm sure it would.”
“So I heard you wanted to speak with us, Anora?” said Zelda.
“Yes, I did, about several things, actually,” Anora nodded. “The first can be discussed here, but the other I would like to converse with you in private.”
“Of course.”
“First though, I would like to say I'm sorry for what happened to you at Fort Drakon. I know you really weren't suppose to be taken there, so I can only imagine my father had something to do with it. But you need not worry about any repercussions, I have taken care of everything.
“As for the reason why I sent Erlina after you to save me was because after learning of Howe's treachery, and how he basically had my father under his thumb, I knew you were probably the only ones I could trust.”
“So you really do think Loghain would've allowed Howe to kill you?” asked Alistair. “You seriously think we'd believe that?”
“Anything is possible, Alistair,” said Zelda.
“Exactly,” Anora agreed. “And when it comes to Howe, I'm sure he would have had it all planned out.
“When my father came back from Ostagar, I first believed what he told me, that the Grey Wardens had betrayed us and he pulled out his troops once he knew the truth. But the way my father said it did make me suspicious. It was as if he didn't believe it himself. It wasn't until I learned he was in league with Howe did I realize something was wrong. As I investigated, I learned that it was actually Howe pulling all the strings. At first he would come to my father asking to be able to do something, such as purging the alienage. My father would always seem to say yes with no questions asked. It got to the point that Howe stopped asking him and began doing whatever he wanted. I tried to confront my father first, but he had become so distant by that point, not even I could get through to him, so I went to Howe, and you can guess how it ended.
“That was why I thought I could only trust you. I knew Howe wouldn't ask my father if killing me was the next step. Even if my father protested against it, I'm sure Howe would've done it anyway, and found a way to blame it on you. So this is why I think we need to work together. I love my father, but I can't continue to ignore the fact that he has gone mad, gripped by a paranoia so severe it prevents him from seeing sense. He saw me as a threat, yet even now I’m certain he will be telling the nobles you are dangerous murderers that have kidnapped and mind-controlled me. He may even believe it.”
“He will use it against us, I'm sure,” said Zelda. “But I'm not exactly sure he can take the throne without you.”
“Without Howe he will be easier to defeat, but it's still going to take a lot of work. My father is still a hero after all, and still well loved. Many nobles still look to him for guidance, and if he says the Grey Wardens are the enemy, many will believe it.”
“It’s true,” said Eamon. “Our position in the Landsmeet is not strong, and this does little to help us.”
“Which brings me to my next point,” Anora continued. “In order to defeat my father you will need ammunition, and I found out something from Howe that might help. There is something going on in the alienage. I'm not exactly sure what, but it's making the elves restless.”
“Don't tell me it's being purged again,” Arawin said crossing her arms.
“No, the purgings stopped awhile ago. The alienage is still closed, but for what reason, I don't know. The only way to get in is with a pass, which I can provide for you. Once inside, I'm sure you can find out for yourself.”
“Then that's exactly where I'm going,” Arawin said taking the slip of paper from Erlina. “Finally, I get to go home, and no excuses this time!”
“Yes, I suggest you head there as soon as possible,” said Anora. “But before you do, I think it might be time to have the private discussion first, Wardens. I shall head to my room and wait for you there. Erlina.” Anora bowed to everyone before leaving the study with Erlina behind her and headed down the hall to her room.
“Well... she's quite spirited, isn't she?” said Eamon.
“What do you think she wants to talk to us about?” Arawin asked.
“She wants us to support her as queen,” Zelda answered. “Right Eamon? I assume that's what you two were talking about before we entered?”
“Yes, it was,” said Eamon. “Anora does not wish to relinquish her throne so easily, and to someone she thinks is incompetent to rule.”
“And I would have to agree with her,” Alistair chimed.
“Don't be so hard on yourself, Alistair. You have Theirin blood, which means you are a natural born leader. With a few months of experience, you'll make a fine king. Already I can see qualities in you that Maric had: How to lead troops to defend your land. How to stand and fight for justice. How to show compassion to those less fortunate, and how to trust to the Maker’s guidance to know right from wrong. And you know who to turn to for aid should that training fail. You will be fine.”
“Yeah, Alistair,” Zelda said smiling at him. “You've got Eamon and I. We'll help you in anyway we can. You know that.”
“I know I do,” Alistair sighed. “And I especially know I have you, but it's still scary.”
“So what do you think Eamon, should we go and speak with her?”
“Yes, I think you should. Anora can either be a powerful ally or a powerful enemy, and the sooner we know which one she is, the better.”
Zelda nodded, understanding exactly what she needed to do. “Come on, Arawin, let's go get this over with first.”
“But my home. The alienage!” Arawin pouted.
“I promise this won't take long, then you can go and nothing will stop you.”
“So close.” Arawin sighed heavily as she followed Zelda down the hall. Only the two of them went, everyone else stayed knowing it was only them Anora wished to speak with.
So why are we talking with her again?
Because Anora is the key to winning this Landsmeet. She knows that and I'm sure Loghain knows that as well. No matter how much I hate to admit it, we need her support in order to win. I don't know what to decide just yet, but speaking with her isn't going to kill you.
I just want to see my family so bad.
I know, just a few more moments, I promise.
Once they reached Anora's bedchambers and entered, they found the queen waiting for them. “Greetings, Wardens,” she said to them. “I'm glad you came, although it was a lot sooner than I thought you'd come.”
“We already knew what you wished to speak about,” said Zelda. “So there was no reason to delay.”
“I suppose not, and to you Zelda, I really hope you except my condolences for what Howe did to your family. Eleanor was very dear to me, and I'm glad to know Howe died at your hands. It seems proper.”
Zelda fully faced Anora and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Perhaps I should just be blunt,” Anora continued. “I can see that both of your voices will be strong ones in days to come. It is you that Eamon listens, and with good reason. My father must be stopped, but once that is done Ferelden will need a ruler. I would welcome your support for my throne.”
“So you do wish to keep the throne?” Arawin asked.
“Of course. I see no reason why I should be replaced just because Cailan is dead. Throughout our five years together on the throne it was always I who ruled while Cailan was busy with his less important matters. Although I'm sure Alistair is a biddable enough candidate, he is not fit to rule.”
“Are you so sure?” said Zelda. “I believe he is capable.”
“I have no doubt you would believe it, but you are his friend and are blinded. You do not see what others on the outside see. Alistair makes a fine Grey Warden which is why I think he should stay one.”
“He will still be one, just a king along with it.”
“But I thought Grey Wardens couldn't take titles? That they forsook their rights and heirs when they took their vows.” Anora eyed Zelda and she could tell the queen was trying to read her, trying to figure her out. Zelda stood her ground.
“That is true, but such circumstances require a different decree. Because you and Cailan were unable to produce an heir, Alistair is the last living one, and with the country in such distress, he will be able to take the throne. It'll be the same for me as well, or at least it will if the charges against me are lifted.”
“Ah yes, those,” Anora said looking down at the ground. “They are false, of course, no doubt something Howe cooked up. Wardens, I ask you this: support me for the throne and I will do what I can for you. Zelda, you will have Highever back and the charges lifted, and for you Arawin, whatever it is that you seek.”
“So I would get something out of it too?” Arawin said raising an eyebrow. “That's not a bad offer, although Alistair would more than likely do the same thing for us.”
Anora sighed. “True enough, but I must go back to my original argument. Supporting me is what's best for Ferelden. You will be seen as my father’s enemy, yet you will be in support of his daughter. You will be seen as supporting the interests of Ferelden as opposed to solely those of the Grey Wardens. In return, I add my voice to yours. Do you see? Together we can do what alone we cannot.”
“So you want an alliance?” said Zelda.
“That is exactly it.”
Zelda thought for a moment. It was something that made sense. Anora was loved, and being the key to winning, would be the best thing for Ferelden. But that was not tradition. “Alistair is Theirin blood,” she said. “You are not.”
“No, but it takes more than blood to rule,” said Anora. “Or do you not remember your history of King Arland?”
“I remember,” Zelda said crossing her arms. “He was the tyrant who ran the Grey Wardens out of Ferelden. Alistair is nothing like him, but I do see what you mean. The thing is, is that you underestimate Alistair. What you see from the outside is not what I see from within. I know him, and I know he can do this. He wants to do it, for the good of Ferelden.”
It was then that Zelda received an idea. It was something she didn't like and even became a little ill from considering it more, but she knew it was the one thing they could do to make everyone happy.
“Then perhaps he's changed,” said Anora. “If so then I assume that is thanks to you.”
“Well there is one thing that could happen that might make things right.” Zelda looked directly into Anora's eyes. “You and Alistair could marry.”
Zelda didn't need to look over at Arawin to know her face was completely frozen in shock. Her mouth hanging open, eyes budging as she stared at her completely unable to, for once, not say a word.
Anora seemed just as shocked from the proposal but her face barely moved. “You mean marry Cailan's younger brother? They look so much alike, I'm not sure... And what about you? I had the impression the two of you were very close.”
“I do love him if that's what you're getting at,” said Zelda. “But unfortunately Alistair and I will never be able to stay together. I will have to go back to Highever, start over, and he'll eventually have to marry someone to try and produce an heir.” Zelda looked away from Anora, not realizing how much it stung to say something like that. “So you can see why this is the best compromise.”
Anora nodded, ringing her hands. “It is, and it would be in the best interest of Ferelden. Very well, Warden, if that is what you wish, then I shall marry Alistair, but only on a few conditions. First, he will have to agree to it as well, and second, he allows me to continue ruling. He will not interfere with any decisions I make and will completely submit to whatever I say.”
“Why would he agree to those terms?” Arawin blurted.
“Arawin, please,” said Zelda. She turned back to Anora. “He may not agree at first, but I know I can convince him to do it.”
“Then I will let you go and speak to him now,” said Anora. “Once you are finished, please return to me so I know the answer.”
***
“Are you crazy?” After the initial shock wore off, Arawin had to use everything she could to keep quiet until they were far enough away from Anora's room. “Please tell me I didn't hear what I think I heard in there!”
Zelda stopped in the middle of the hallway but kept her eyes forward. “You heard correctly.”
Arawin placed herself in front of Zelda to force the warrior to look her in the eyes. “Well I don't believe it. There is no way I could believe it!”
“You're going to have too, Arawin.”
“You really except me to believe you're going to go to Alistair—the man you're suppose to love—and tell him he's going to marry that bitch! Sod no!”
Zelda narrowed her eyes. “Do you think I want to do this? Do you think I like the idea of him marrying her? I don't! But it's what's best for Ferelden.”
Arawin nearly screamed. “Ah, Maker! I'm getting so sick of hearing that! 'It's what's best for Ferelden!' 'It's in the best interests of Ferelden!' Gah! Shut up already! What about what's best for you!”
“That's not relevant right now.”
“Except it is!” Arawin said getting in Zelda's face. “You're telling me it doesn't bother you?”
Zelda backed away. “Of course it bothers me. I don't want to see him get married to any woman, especially her, but it's something that's going to happen eventually. Might as well get it over with.”
“Get it over with? Get it over with! You're even more nuts than I thought!” Arawin flung up her arms. “Getting married isn't something you should just get over with! Seriously, did something in Fort Drakon loosen a bolt in your brain? Yes, he will have to marry eventually, but let him choose who it will be, cause you know what he's going to say when you tell him he's going to have to marry Anora.”
“I already know what he's going to say,” said Zelda starting to lose her patients. “But I know I can convince him otherwise. That it's for the good-”
“Don't even say it! Because it's not good! Not good for you, not good for him. In fact, the only thing it would be good for is Anora. The only reason why she's agreeing to this is so she can keep her throne. This way no matter who wins, she wins. If she has to marry Alistair, do you know what she's going to do to him? Horrible things! Those terms are just a start.”
Zelda's stare stayed fixed on Arawin. She knew the elf spoke the truth and that this was hurting her more than she let on. She could perhaps take Alistair marrying another woman, but Anora was someone she couldn't stand. It would be horrible to see them together, and she knew Alistair wouldn't want it either.
“So what am I suppose to do, then?” she asked looking away. “We need Anora's help. There's no getting around that. And there's no way I'm putting her on the throne.”
“Then we go back in there and tell her a lie,” Arawin said more calm. “We say that you changed your mind. That because you love him so much, you've decided it would be best to let her take the throne so you and Alistair can have a life together. We'll say we'll support her, but then when the time comes, Alistair will really be our choice.”
Zelda looked up at her, a sadness creeping through her heart. “But lying would be... wrong.”
“Seriously?” Arawin chuckled. “Out of the two of us, you should be the one who knows better that politics are nothing but lies. I'm sure Anora hasn't told us the truth at some point. This is just one big game.”
“You're right,” said Zelda. “This is just one big game, and lying is one of the ways to win. Oh, but my father, he told me to try and not lie, to try and always tell the truth, but...”
“What would he have done?” Arawin asked. “In this situation, what would your father have thought best?”
Zelda stood up straight as she thought. “He would have been against Loghain, even if I wasn't a Grey Warden. He would have saw what Loghain had done and said it was wrong, and would've fought to make things right again. Maybe that's why he allowed Howe to kill him, because my father was just as respected and powerful as Eamon is.” Zelda sighed. “My father would've done everything he could to get Alistair on the throne. And he would've opposed Alistair and Anora marrying, especially if it meant breaking my heart.”
“So you see what I'm telling you, then? Don't go to Alistair and tell him what you planned. Instead we'll go back and tell Anora the lie and be done with it.”
“But...” Zelda bit her lower lip. “What if I don't want it to be a lie?”
“Then that's a choice you're going to have to make,” said Arawin. “If putting Anora on the throne and having both you and Alistair go about your lives together is what's best for you, then I won't object.”
Zelda wiped away a single tear that had escaped her eye. “I can't do what's best for me, but lying to Anora is what we'll do. That way we'll have her support and hopefully win the Landsmeet. But I don't really want to go back to her right now. It's too soon.”
“Then let's go do something else,” said Arawin. “Maybe this would be a good time to speak with Riordan now?”
“Yeah, that would be good.” Zelda began walking again, to the other side of the hall where Riordan's room was.
“You know,” Arawin said coming up beside her. “Why is it you and Alistair can't marry?”
Zelda kept her eyes straight. “It just can't,” she said after a few moments.
“Why not?”
“It just can't.”
“I'm still not seeing why-”
“Arawin, we just can't, okay!” Zelda stopped and glared at the elf. “It's not a possibility so don't bring it up again.” She started walking again, leaving Arawin puzzled. She tried to probe Zelda, but the human completely blocked her off, leaving her even more confused. Eventually Arawin let it go and followed after her.
Riordan's room was located all the way on the other side of the hall, right next to the room Zelda and Alistair shared. When they reached the door, they found it open but did not go immediately inside. Riordan's voice could clearly be heard from within the room.
“Why did you attempt such a thing?” Riordan asked, his voice sounding stern.
“I zought it would help.” Damien sounded ashamed, unhappy.
“Such things would never help our cause, Damien,” Riordan said, his voice sounding very fatherly. “I know you were trying to help but there are better ways of doing it than assassination. Wardens are not assassins, we do not get involved in the politics of a country.”
“But what about what's going on now? Alistair, Arawin, Zelda... zey are getting involved.”
Riordan sighed. “That is something different. Certain situations may be overlooked at times, but they are at least getting involved the legal way. The last time the Wardens got involved with politics the way you tried we were banned. Do you not know the history of Warden-Commander Dryden?”
“I do,” said Damien.
“She was a good commander, but got involved in something she shouldn't have. Maybe Alistair, Zelda, and Arawin shouldn't be involved with this either, but it's too late now. As for you, I'm not sure what to do with. You ran from the Wardens in Orlais, so according to them you are no longer apart of the Order and are not under my command. What you decide to do from here is up to you.”
“Would you like for me to stay and fight ze darkspawn?”
“All Wardens will be needed in the battles yet to come, and unfortunately it will only be the five of us, unless you decide to leave. I can't force you to stay, but just know, Damien, that if you do decide to leave and we are unable to stop the Blight here in Ferelden, it will eventually find you. The darkspawn will find you no matter what.”
“I know. I was the one zat came 'ere, after all. On my own.”
“So you know what I mean. Alright, go ahead, you are dismissed. I know Zelda and Arawin are waiting to speak with me outside.”
Zelda and Arawin straightened and took a step back as Damien came out the door. He looked over and smiled at them. “Don't be embarrassed, Belle, Chère. We both knew you were zere the moment you came.”
“Yeah, but I don't think we were suppose to hear that,” said Zelda.
“It doesn't bother me,” said Damien. “So go on. Perhaps I'll see you later, oui?” He bowed to the two women before making his way down the hall and to what appeared to be the kitchens. Arawin and Zelda then entered the room to find Riordan waiting for them.
“Ah, why hello there,” he said smiling at them. “It looks as though neither of you are worse for wear after your stay in Fort Drakon.”
“Yeah, well I really wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a nice place to relax,” said Arawin.
“I don't think I would either,” Riordan laughed.
“Riordan,” said Zelda. “May I ask what that was all about with Damien?”
“Which part?”
“He's really not considered apart of the Order anymore?”
“No matter what was said, Damien will always be a Grey Warden. The taint running in his veins will never go away, which means he can never run away fully from the darkspawn. But he did forsake his vows, leaving the Order to find his sister, and to pursue his own goals. He perhaps should've never became a Warden, but Duncan insisted he would make a good contribution. He was right in same ways, but not in others.”
“That's one of the reasons why we wished to speak with you,” said Zelda. “About Damien and about what you plan on doing for this Landsmeet and the Blight.”
“Well, for Damien, like you heard, I can't really do anything about him. What he told you about being a Reaver and his dragon tribe upbringing is true. But the thing is with Damien is that despite his fighting skills he is more of a runner than anything else. I can already see it in him. He is wanting to take off again, so if he does, I can't stop him.
“The Landsmeet I can't really do anything about either, and quite frankly, I don't even want to get involved. I'll let the two of you deal with it, and as for the Blight... that is exactly what I'm trying to figure out now. The first thing I think I'll do is go back to the Denerim estate and try to find the archdemon blood taken from our vault. If it's anywhere, then there will be the best place to look first.”
“So is that what you were looking for?” asked Arawin.
“Yes. Archdemon blood is the main ingredient when making Wardens. A drop in a chalice prepared with darkspawn blood and lyrium is all that is needed. But it's also the reason why so many die.”
“I wouldn't be surprised if Howe destroyed it,” said Zelda. “I can see him doing that.”
“I highly doubt it though,” said Riordan. “Archdemon blood is very hard to destroy. Not even fire will destroy it, so I doubt Howe found a way, although it still may be a possibility I won't fully throw out just yet.”
“So if you find the archdemon blood, does that mean you could make more Wardens?” Arawin asked.
“Yes, but it would be dangerous, and perhaps not the best thing to do at this moment in time. It would be best having four or five veteran Wardens fighting the archdemon than twenty or so fresh recruits. They would be just as inexperienced as when they weren't Grey Wardens.”
Both Arawin and Zelda understood. Even though they would have liked to have more Grey Wardens, they knew from what Riordan had told them earlier that no more Wardens were coming. And making many inexperienced recruits wasn't going to make things better.
“Right, we'll go ahead and let you get to what you need to do,” said Zelda.
“Yes, but before you go,” Riordan said coming up to them. “I want to give you two the lock-wheel code to the Grey Warden vault. It's located in a warehouse off the Market District. Go ahead and take anything you need there, though there isn't much left.”
“Thank you Riordan, we will do just that.”
Riordan nodded to them then went over to a desk located next to his bed and began flipping through a large tomb. Arawin and Zelda exited the room and stood out in the hall.
“So, off to Anora again?” said Arawin.
“I suppose,” Zelda sighed. “Maker I don't want to see her again, nor do I want to lie to her, but I guess it has to be done, right? Just promise me one thing, Arawin, before we go.”
“What?”
“Don't mention what I was about ready to do to Alistair. I don't think he'd understand.”
“No, he wouldn't, and I won't tell him, okay?”
“Thank you.” Although Zelda wasn't actually sure Arawin meant it. She wasn't even sure herself why she didn't want Alistair to know. It wasn't going to happen now, after all. She believed it may have been because she didn't want him to see her weak before Anora.
***
Anora was quite happy when they told her their plan. She seemed relieved that not only was her throne secure no matter what, but that she also didn't have to marry Alistair in order to secure it. Zelda's own love for Alistair was probably the key that allowed Anora to believe their lie, as she was quite convincing, even to Arawin, that the plan was genuine. Zelda still didn't feel great telling Anora this, but she knew it was the only way to get the queen on their side.
“So it is settled, then,” said Anora. “I will support you at the Landsmeet and then when the time comes, you announce me as queen. Do we have an agreement?” Anora held out her hand.
“We do,” Zelda said taking and shaking her hand.
“Good, this means no matter how things go, the nobility will see that they will have a strong leader placed on the throne.”
“If that's the case, then what's stopping them from choosing Loghain over us?” Arawin asked.
“I guess nothing,” said Anora. “But they won't because I won't be supporting my father. They will gravitate to whoever I tell them to. Once I reveal my father's treachery and show my support for the Wardens, it won't matter that he's a hero or a great general. They will only see what I tell them.”
She seems rather full of herself. Arawin was annoyed with her already, wanting desperately to get away.
Zelda had to try hard to keep from laughing out loud. I know she is, but so are you at times. But either way, we need her support and now we have it.
“Thank you, Anora,” Zelda said bowing. “I appreciate what you're doing for us, but if you don't mind, there's still a lot of things we must do and need to get going.”
“Yes, I understand that you do. And thank you as well for allowing me to keep my throne. I promise you won't be disappointed.”
Bowing once more, Zelda and Arawin soon left the room. They made their way back down the hall again to the main entrance of the estate. Arawin's eagerness to get away nearly taking over the both of them.
“Alright, alright,” Zelda said. “You're free now. Go!”
“You're not coming?”
“I actually think it would be best if we split up again. You take your group and head to the alienage and I'll take mine and go to the Gnawed Noble Tavern to finish what we started. I still need to see what nobles are here and who they support. Even with Queen Anora on our side, this still needs to be done. I would also like to find Bann Sighard to make sure Oswyn made it back, and find Bann Alfstanna to make sure she knows the truth about her brother. I hope Leliana still has the ring.”
“Good, smaller groups will travel better anyway.” Arawin turned to the kitchens where she knew most of her companions would be. “Right, I'll go collect everyone and get them ready so we can go. Maker I can't wait for this! I want to see my family so bad! I hope everyone's all right.”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond