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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
- 72
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- 74
The Landsmeet

“No, no, no! You are not wearing that!” Zelda went over to Alistair and pulled off the shirt he had half way on.
“Why not?” he asked. “It looked fine.”
“No it's not. Look, it has bloodstains! You cannot wear this.” Zelda took the shirt and threw it in the waste bin. “You need to wear something cleaner, and you should wear your Diligence armor. Now where is it?” Zelda went about the room, throwing things in the air as she searched for every piece. “This isn't good, I'm missing a greaver, and... shit, I should've had the servant clean the breastplate last night! It has a splotch on it!” Throwing the armor on the bed, Zelda then ran to the door and called out for a servant.
“Zelda, I know the Landsmeet is today, but could you please calm down.” Alistair stood next to the bed doing whatever he could to stay out of her way.
“Calm down?” she said turning to him. “I can't calm down! I have to get you ready. I have to make you look good in front of the nobles. You need to look pristine, perfect. And we need to be punctual.”
“Do I need to look proud as well? That begins with a 'p'.” Alistair smiled, trying to lighten her mood but it didn't work.
“Please Alistair, not today. I don't think I'll be able to take it.”
“Excuse me, my lady, but did you call for me?” An elven servant stood in the door frame and Zelda ran right over to him and shoved Alistair's armor in his arms.
“Take this and get it cleaned up as best you can. I don't know how long we have, but when I come to retrieve it, it should at least shine.”
“Uh, yes, my lady. Right away.” The elf took off down to the armory. Zelda then hurried over to the dresser and began looking through all of Alistair's clothes. Anything she didn't like she threw on the floor.
“Maker's breath, Alistair! Do you own anything that doesn't have a hole or a stain?”
“This sock I'm wearing is still intact.”
Zelda growled as she shut the drawers. “Now I need to go to the laundry and hopefully find you a clean shirt. This is just great! Why didn't you prepare anything like I asked you to last night?”
“Well, I... You know I have no clue what I'm doing.”
“Oh, Maker help me,” Zelda moaned as she sat on the bed and placed her face in her hands. “This may just be a disaster.”
“No it won't,” he said sitting next to her. “I'm sorry, I'm just making this harder on you, aren't I? How can I help? Do you want me to go and get a clean shirt?”
“No, you're more than likely to pick something that won't match. And, ugh, I know you're trying to help, but it's okay, I can do this. I just wish Arawin hadn't have gotten drunk last night. I told her not to. This headache she gave me isn't helping matters at all. At least she and Zevran got back together last night. That's good.”
“They did? Good for them.”
“Yeah, for them maybe. They made up during the party, then afterwards got drunk, then made up again. All night. I don't think she got any sleep at all. I almost didn't either, thanks to them.” Zelda rubbed her eyes and Alistair saw how tired she looked.
“How long do we have?” he asked. “Maybe you should get some rest first.”
“No, I can't,” she said standing. “We don't have long, maybe an hour. Now let me see...” She began pacing about the room. “What needs to be done? I need to get you ready and presentable. Then as for the Landsmeet itself... I already know which nobles will support us fully and which ones are on Loghain's side... We have Anora, so that should help... Arawin has the slaver papers, so bringing that up will get people on our side, so I better make sure she brings them... Then mentioning what he did to Eamon, taking a mage out of a templar's custody will be something the grand cleric won't like to hear... And also what he let Howe do, torture and murder... That should hopefully do it.” She stopped and looked over at Alistair.
“You know you're amazing,” he said.
She half smiled at him. “Thank you Alistair, but what are you doing? Come on, get up and go get yourself a shirt!”
“But you said-” he tried to say as she shoved him out the door.
“Ignore what I said. Just get a plain white shirt, now go!” Zelda pushed him into the hallway and watched him go to the laundry rooms. She then went back to the bed and sat down, placing her face in her hands once again. “Oh please, Maker, Andraste, I don't care who. Please just give me what I need in order to win today. All of our lives are in my hands.”
***
A servant had told Zelda Eamon had already left and he would stall the Landsmeet until they got there. Zelda worked hard to get Alistair ready, forcing him to do a quick shave as she went to get his cleaned-up armor. When he was finally ready, Zelda took care of herself, fixing her hair and making sure her own armor was clean and straightened. She made sure Arawin did the same thing before everyone met in the main hall.
“Are we all going?” Leliana asked.
“You all can be witnesses, but only Alistair, Arawin, and I can be in the pit,” said Zelda. “We need to take the main roads to get there, and-” She stopped and tucked in a corner of Alistair's shirt before continuing. “And we need to leave now, Eamon has already started it.”
“What about Queen Anora?” said Wynne. “Do we need to wait for her?”
“No, if anything she's already there too.”
“So then why are we late?” asked Arawin. “It seems like we're giving a bad impression.”
“We're actually not late,” Zelda explained. “It's... it's hard to explain, but coming in after it starts gives Eamon some time to get some ground. We'll let him take care of the starting speeches, then I'll take over when we get there.”
“Good, because I don't think I'll know what to do at all,” said Arawin. “I'll leave it all up to you.”
“Not all. I am having you present the slaver papers, so make sure you have them.”
“Don't worry,” Arawin said patting her pouch. “I have them right here.”
“Good, now let's get going.”
Zelda lead their large group out of the estate. They were minus Riordan and Damien, but they already knew Riordan wasn't coming. As for Damien, they had not seen him since he left Riordan's room.
Zelda took them to the palace district and right to the palace. Once inside, she showed the others which way to go while she, Alistair, and Arawin went another. Zevran didn't want to leave Arawin's side, but he had no choice. Eventually he followed Morrigan down the hall that would lead them to the balcony of the throne room where the Landsmeet was taking place. Zelda took Alistair and Arawin down the other end of the hall to the area they would be in. The area Zelda knew Loghain would be standing, probably giving a speech now to the crowd of nobles and witnesses.
When they got to the door to the Landsmeet, however, they found themselves blocked by Ser Cauthrien and several guards. “Halt there, Wardens,” she said.
“Ser Cauthrien, you cannot keep us from going in there,” Zelda said staring her down. She knew Loghain had placed her there just for that reason.
“I can't allow you to do this,” Cauthrien said shaking her head. “I don't understand why you've allowed it to come to this. You've torn Ferelden apart to oppose the very man who ensured you were born into freedom. But do not think you will get past me to desecrate the Landsmeet itself. The nobles of Ferelden will confirm my lord as regent, and we can finally put this to rest, once you are gone.”
Zelda stepped down to Cauthrien's level and stared the fellow female warrior in the eye. “Do you really not see what Loghain has become? You are his right hand, his guard. You cannot look me in the eye and tell me you don't see anything different.”
Cauthrien kept her stance but her face twitched as she kept the eye contact with Zelda. “I have had... so many doubts of late. Loghain is a great man, but his hatred of Orlais has driven him to madness. He has done terrible things, I know it, but I owe him everything. I cannot betray him, do not ask me to!”
Zelda softened her gaze. “Then let me stop him. You know it’s the only way.”
“You did surrender when I came for you, even if you shouldn't have.” Cauthrien sighed and looked down. “I never thought duty would taste so bitter. Stop him, Warden. Stop him from betraying everything he once loved. Please... show mercy. Without Loghain, there would be no Ferelden to defend.” She moved out of Zelda's way and gestured for her guards to do the same thing.
“Thank you, Ser Cauthrien. You're doing the right thing.”
“I hope so.”
They stood in front of the door. All three of them took a deep breath at the same time before making their way through.
***
The throne room was packed. Not just with nobles, but also with witnesses who lined the balconies. Most of the nobles taking part were on separate balconies, over looking the pit that Zelda, Arawin, and Alistair walked into. There were more nobles in the pit as well, gasping and moving aside as Zelda lead the other two forward. She looked up at the balconies and saw Bann Alfstanna, Bann Sighard, as well as their companions. Eamon was on the other side, looking down as he spoke. Teagan was not next to him which made Zelda go cold. She had really hoped he would have made it.
“...my lords and ladies of the Landsmeet. Teyrn Loghain would have us give up our freedoms, our traditions, out of fear!” Eamon spoke. “He placed us on this path, yet we should place our destiny in his hands? Must we sacrifice everything good about our nation to save it?” He looked down to see Zelda and the others and nodded. There were cheers after he spoke along with grunts and murmurings. A loud clapping broke through the noise and Zelda saw the crowds part as Loghain stepped forward.
“A fine performance, Eamon, but no one here is taken in by it. You would attempt to put a puppet on the throne and every soul here knows it. The better question is, 'Who will pull the strings?' Will it be you or... ah.” Standing together, Zelda and Arawin made their way to the middle to meet Loghain face to face. Alistair stood on Zelda's right side, slightly behind her. “And here we have the puppeteers,” Loghain finished as he studied both Zelda and Arawin. His gaze then settled upon Zelda.
“Zelda Cousland, you know the charges against you, yes? That you are charged with the murder of your family and of the entire staff in your home. And once this Landsmeet is over, you will be placed under arrest.”
“That's only if whoever is placed on the throne doesn't pardon me first, Loghain. Cause I will be pardoned from false accusations.” She kept her stance, eyes hardened and unyielding, never leaving his.
“Perhaps, but your friend here won't be so lucky,” Loghain said looking at Arawin. “She too will be placed under arrest for the murder of Vaughan Urien, one that I know she even confessed too.”
“What?” Arawin growled. She took a step forward, ready to attack him.
Calm yourself, Arawin. He's just trying to rial us up.
Well it's working. Arawin snorted but kept herself in check.
“And don't forget, Zelda,” Loghain said looking back at her. “Your murdering of Arl Howe is still to be tried as well.”
“Discussions for a later time,” said Zelda. “But this Landsmeet was called to discuss the Blight as well as deciding the future ruler of Ferelden.”
“Then tell us, Wardens,” Loghain went on shifting his gaze between Zelda and Arawin. “How will the Orlesians take our nation from us? Will they deign to send their troops, or simply issue their commands through this would-be prince? What did they offer you? How much is the price of Ferelden honor now?”
“You go off topic yet again, Loghain,” said Zelda. “The Blight is the threat now, not Orlais.”
“There are enough refugees in my bannorn now to make that abundantly clear,” Bann Alfstanna proclaimed. Others said similar things, shouting they could no longer support their own people, let alone refugees.
“The south has fallen, Loghain!” Zelda looked up at the balcony to see Arl Wulff, the arl of the Western Hills. “Lothering, South Reach, my own arling, all have been taken by the darkspawn. Will you let darkspawn take the whole country for fear of Orlais?”
“The Blight is indeed real,” Loghain said as he scanned the entire room. “But do we need Grey Wardens to fight it? They claim that they alone can end the Blight, yet they failed spectacularly against the darkspawn at Ostagar, and they ask to bring with them legions of Chevaliers. And once we open our borders to the Chevaliers, can we really expect them to simply return from whence they came?”
“Again, Orlais is not the issue,” said Zelda. “And it was not the Grey Wardens who asked for aid from Orlais. It was King Cailan. But what about your crimes, Loghain? You speak of the ones against Arawin and I, but you are not without fault either.” Now, Arawin.
Arawin stepped forward and pulled out the slaver papers. “You sold Ferelden citizens into slavery,” she said brandishing the papers around. “Elves from the alienage were being taken by Tevinters to be made slaves.”
“What’s this?” Bann Sighard cried as he grabbed the railing. “There's no slavery in Ferelden. Explain yourself.”
“Yes, explain!” several others cried. Most of the nobles appeared outraged that something like this could be happening right under their noses.
Loghain lifted his hands to quiet them down. “There is no saving the alienage. Damage from the riots has yet to be repaired. There are bodies still rotting in their homes. It is not a place I would send my worst enemy.” Arawin growled. “There is no chance of holding it if the Blight comes here. Despite what you may think, Wardens, I have done my duty. Whatever my regrets may be for the elves, I have done what was needed for the good of Ferelden.”
“That was my family!” Arawin yelled. “I nearly lost my father!”
Arawin, control yourself. Not here, not yet.
It was hard for Arawin to do so, but eventually she backed off from Loghain.
“It was a necessity,” said Loghain. “You cannot fight a war without harm.”
“Harm, yes,” said Zelda. “Some of it cannot be helped, but what about the harm that was done intentionally? You and Howe were working together on many things, so why did you allow him to torture innocent citizens? Was it because they would have exposed your lies?”
“Yes, Loghain,” said Bann Sighard. “I would really love to hear why my son may never be able to walk again.”
Loghain narrowed his eyes at her. “Howe was a grown man responsible for his own actions. He will answer to the Maker for his crimes, as must we all. But you know that. You were the one who murdered him. Whatever Howe may have done, he should have been brought before the seneschal. There is no justice in butchering a man in his home.”
“Really?” Zelda said narrowing her eyes as well. “Why don't we ask my father about that?” This gave Loghain pause and Zelda knew she had hit something, which allowed her to press forward. “Yes, you allowed Howe to kill my father because you knew he would have been a threat to you. Just as Eamon is, which was why you tried to dispose of him as well. But that's where you failed. Sending an apostate to poison the arl, especially the apostate you chose, was something you should have planned on more.”
“You really think I would do something like that?” Loghain questioned. “If I was going to go against Eamon directly, or your father, I would have sent my own soldiers.”
“Is that so?” said Bann Alfstanna as she peered down from the balcony. “Because my brother tells a very different story. Apparently both you and Howe snatched a blood mage out of the Chantry's justice, then when he tried to stop you, you allowed Howe to 'take care' of him.”
“You better explain yourself, Teyrn Loghain,” said the grand cleric as she peered down from the balcony, obviously angry at what she was hearing. “Interference in a templar’s sacred duties is an offense against the Maker.”
“I will answer for it later,” Loghain said to her. “That will be something between me and the Maker.” The grand cleric didn't like his answer, but she was unable to argue further. Loghain focused back on Zelda. “But enough of this. I have a question for you now, Wardens: What have you done with my daughter?”
Zelda kept her eyes on Loghain but Arawin looked around the room, just now noticing the queen was not there.
“We have done nothing with your daughter,” said Zelda.
Loghain shook his head. “No, you took her by force, killing her guards along the way. Why have you taken her? What could you possibly prove by doing such a thing?”
“We did not take her by force,” Zelda protested. “We saved her-”
“I believe I can speak for myself.” Zelda and Arawin looked behind Loghain to see Anora standing in a doorway. She walked into the room as all eyes fell on her. “Lords and Ladies, please hear me. These Grey Wardens are treacherous. They kidnapped me and tried to force me to support them, saying if I didn't they would have me killed. My father's soldiers were able to free me, however, and I am here now to reveal their evil plans.”
“What?” Zelda, Arawin, and Alistair all said at once. What confidence Zelda had about winning was now completely draining away. Anora had been their only hope.
“Anora? No, no,” said Zelda losing her demeanor. “That's not true at all. We did not kidnap you. What are you doing?”
“Doing what I need to,” said the queen as she took her place next to her father. “Did you think I would believe your lie? Two can play at that game, Zelda.” She smiled wickedly at her.
That's it, I'm going to kill her now! Arawin's rage burned, but Zelda collected herself again, cooling it down.
“It was a setup, wasn't it?” she said to Anora. “Howe really wasn't going to kill you. You were just playing one of your little games.”
“Oh Howe wasn't apart of it,” Anora explained. “I think he would have killed me if he needed to. I did need him out of the way, though, which you helped with very nicely. The setup was when you came back to get me, and Ser Cauthrien was there waiting for you.”
“So that's how she found out so quickly,” Zelda whispered. “I should've known.” She kicked herself mentally for not having seen it and for letting herself be tricked. Her father had taught her better than this.
“Yes, you should've. I thought you were Bryce Cousland's daughter.”
“I still am,” Zelda said straightening herself.
“As you can see,” Loghain said speaking to the crowd. “The Grey Wardens tried to win this Landsmeet with threats. Do we really need someone like that leading us? Anora has made a fine queen so far, why change that now? With me at the head of her armies, we will be victorious against the darkspawn and any other threat that comes before us. We Fereldans have proven that we will never truly be conquered so long as we are united. We must not let ourselves be divided now. Stand with me, and we shall defeat even the Blight itself!”
There were cheers, murmurs, whisperings. Zelda could tell she was losing them.
“My fellow nobles,” she said looking about the room. “Anora has proven to be a fine ruler, and Loghain has proven himself time and again what he is capable of, but neither of them have faced what we face now. Grey Wardens are the only ones that know how to truly defeat a Blight. No archdemon has ever been stopped without them, and I wouldn't want to test that now. We are alone when it comes to fighting the Blight. No help is coming. Not from Orlais, not from the Free Marches, nothing. Standing united is what we need to do, but we need to stand behind a leader that will be able to take us through this Blight and prevail. Alistair is of Theirin blood and he knows what it takes to get it done. So stand with him, stand with us, and we will prevail.”
Zelda looked around the room one last time, seeing all the nobles as they considered both speeches. Eamon then gestured for the vote to begin and one by one the nobles began giving their sides. Zelda closed her eyes and looked to the ground, counting in her head as they went.
“Waking Sea stands with the Grey Wardens!”
“Dragon’s Peak supports the Wardens!” Banns Alfstanna and Sighard, Zelda knew she could count on those two.
“We must stand by Loghain,” a noble shouted.
“Loghain is the only choice,” said another.
“South Reach stands with the Grey Wardens.”
“The Western Hills throw their lot in with the Wardens. Maker help us.”
Zelda stood still as she listened. It sounded as if they could win, but as the nobles continued, her hope began to diminish.
“Loghain.”
“Wardens.”
“Loghain.”
It went on and on. They kept a small lead, but then Loghain caught up and soon surpassed them. He lead by one vote. Zelda listened desperately, trying to figure out who was left. Who would be the ones that decided their fate.
“Reinesfere supports the Wardens!”
Teagan's voice nearly made Zelda open her eyes, but she kept them shut. He had made it, that was good. His vote put them in a tie, but a tie was no good. A tie would solve nothing. She strained as she thought: Who was left? From what she had heard, all the nobles there had spoken. Would it end with a tie?
“Highever gives its support to the Wardens.”
Zelda's eyes shot open. She quickly scanned the room, finding Teagan standing next to his brother and beside him, leaning against the railing for support-
“Fergus?”
“Hello there, little sister,” Fergus said smiling down at her. She stared at him, dumbfounded, unsure on what to say or think. He looked horrible, skin pale and clinging to his bones. His eyes dull and somewhat lifeless, but Zelda could still see the determination in them. The same look they both received from their father.
A huge smile slowly crept up her face as she looked at him. She was happy he was alive, happy to see him, but also very happy because his vote put them ahead and declared them the winners.
“What? No!” Loghain shouted when he saw Fergus. “That is not possible. Fergus Cousland cannot give say.”
“But he can,” said Eamon. “You even said before me and others that if Fergus Cousland were alive you would give him back the teyrn of Highever. He is the rightful heir, and with Howe's death, and Fergus's resurfacing before the Landsmeet, his vote counts.”
Loghain ground his teeth, and Zelda smiled even more. He had been sure Fergus was dead, but now that he was alive, he couldn't take back what he said, especially not in front of the entire Landsmeet.
Loghain then looked about the room, frustration on his face as he realized he had just lost. All eyes were on him now, waiting for his reaction. “Traitors!” he shouted pointing a finger all over the room. “Which of you stood against the Orlesian emperor when his troops flattened your fields and raped your wives? None of you deserve a say in what happens here! None of you have spilled blood for this land the way I have! How dare you judge me!”
“Step down gracefully, Loghain,” said Zelda. “You've lost. At least keep your dignity.”
Loghain stopped and locked his eyes on her. “This is not over. You will not win so easily as that. You want this pup as king? Then I suggest we test him.”
Zelda looked at Loghain surprised. “You wish to duel him?”
“I accept,” Alistair said taking a step forward. He glared at Loghain, ready to take the regent down.
Zelda wanted to protest but there was nothing she could do about it. Loghain had initiated a duel and Alistair had accepted. She looked up at the nobles in the balcony. “Do all agree?” she asked.
“We do,” the whole group said together.
“It shall be fought according to tradition,” Bann Alfstanna stated. “A test of arms in single combat until one party yields. And we who are assembled will abide by the outcome.”
“Then so be it,” Zelda said lowering her head.
Is this wise? she felt Arawin push.
No, but there is nothing I can do about it. Either Alistair wins and we prevail, or Alistair loses and we all die.
But... we won the vote!
It doesn't matter anymore now.
The group in the pit began to spread, creating a circle in the middle. Alistair and Loghain stood on either side, their weapons still sheathed as they stared at one another with piercing eyes.
“Be careful, Alistair,” Zelda whispered. “He may be old, but he's still a great fighter.”
“I know,” Alistair said without looking away. “But I'm doing this for Duncan, for the other Grey Wardens. I'm doing this to prove myself.”
“But you don't need to...”
“No, I do. Not just to you or the nobles here, but to myself. I need to prove to myself that I can do this.”
The two began to circle each other, stepping carefully around the ring. It began without warning, Loghain striking first. Alistair barely had time to block him with his shield. The regent hit harder than he thought, nearly forcing him back. Alistair pushed him off his shield, then grabbed his own sword and went forward, striking at Loghain as hard as he could.
Their battle went on, each one striking and parrying the other with great force and skill. Loghain looked calm and reserved while Alistair was sweating, looking tired and spent. Zelda stood at the side lines, watching him, hoping he could do it, knowing he possibly could, but she also knew about Loghain's skills. He was notorious, and was considered a hero for a reason.
Loghain sent another strike toward Alistair, but Alistair pushed up his shield, hitting Loghain's sword half way. The shock wave sent Loghain's arm back, making him off balance. Alistair took the opportunity and charged, hitting Loghain fully in the chest with his shield. Loghain went down, falling to the ground and losing his sword along the way. Alistair kicked it away from his hand and pointed his own sword down at the regent.
“You've won,” Loghain said looking up at him. “I yield. You really are Maric's son, and I'm sorry I underestimated you.”
“And I'll make sure you never do it again.” Alistair lifted his sword.
“Alistair, stop!” Zelda ran to the middle of the circle and kept him from bringing his sword down on Loghain's head. “We accept his surrender. You can't do this.”
Alistair looked at her completely stunned. “What? No!”
“Lay down your sword, it's over.” She kept herself in between them.
“I didn’t just hear you say that,” he shouted at her. “You’re going to let him live? After everything he’s done? Let me kill him, already!”
“It's not that simple.”
“I wouldn't have stopped you when you were going to kill Howe.”
Zelda still didn't move, but neither did he. Both of them glaring at each other.
“Wait!” It got both of them to look away, towards the door where they saw both Riordan and Damien make their way through the crowd. “There is another option,” said Riordan.
“There is no other option,” Alistair growled.
“I found what I was looking for,” Riordan said to Zelda. “What will make the Joining possible.”
“You mean you can make Wardens now?” Zelda asked him. She was beginning to understand what he was saying.
“Wow, wow,” said Arawin as she began to make her way into the circle, also understanding what was going on. “Are you saying you want to make Loghain a Warden? Why?”
“I know I told the two of you making new recruits would do more harm than good, but not with Loghain. Because he is already an experienced fighter and general, he would actually be a worthy candidate.”
“No, absolutely not!” Alistair shouted. “Riordan, this man abandoned our brothers and then blamed us for the deed! He hunted us down like animals. He tortured you! How can we simply forget that?”
“It's not something to forget, Alistair, but having someone like Loghain a Warden would be beneficial to us.”
“No, I will not allow it!” Alistair turned back to Loghain who was now standing. “Get out of my way, Zelda.”
“Why are you acting like this?” she asked him. Zelda had never seen him like this before and it scared her. “Why can't you even consider it?”
“I can't see how you can! He killed Duncan, Cailan, nearly everyone at Ostagar! Then he allowed Howe to kill your family, let slavers nearly take Arawin's family away! And you want him to live?” He got right in her face. “I should be asking why you're acting this way.”
Zelda stood her ground. “You're being unreasonable, Alistair.”
“No, I'm doing what you told me to do. To think for myself, to stop relying on others, and that includes you.”
Zelda was taken aback by his words. Harsh words she never thought she'd hear from him.
“He's right, Zelda, let him kill me.” Zelda turned around to see Loghain staring at her. “Let him take his vengeance. It's what I deserve for what I've done.”
“Loghain, no...” Zelda shook her head. “You may have made mistakes, but you're still a hero to the people. You can work to get your dignity back.”
“Can I really? I don't think my title as the Hero of River Dane can save me anymore. Maric is gone, Cailan is gone, and that is something I can't take back. I betrayed my country, I deserve to die, and Alistair deserves to make that final blow.”
“Father, no,” said Anora. “You can't do this.”
“Hush, Anora. This is my choice.”
“Stop treating me like a child. This is serious.”
“Daughters never grow up, Anora. They remain six years old with pigtails and skinned knees forever.” Loghain went and faced Zelda. “Your father would have been proud of you. I know I'm leaving Ferelden in good hands.”
“He wouldn't have wanted this to happen.”
Loghain smiled at her. “They'll now start to say you are your father's daughter, which is true, very true.” He then moved away from her and went straight to Alistair. “Go ahead, son. I surrender everything to you.”
Alistair nodded then took his sword and swung it across Loghain's neck. Loghain fell to the ground, blood spurting from his throat. Anora cringed when it happened, then ran and bent over her father, kissing him good-bye and closing his eyes. When she stood, she wiped her own eyes then looked around the room.
“It is done. Loghain Mac Tir has been sent to the Maker.”
There was silence in the room for a moment before Eamon spoke.
“It is settled, then. Now on to the task of appointing the new ruler of Ferelden. As the mediator for this decision, I appoint Zelda Cousland. Do all accept?”
“It is acknowledged and accepted,” said Fergus. The rest of the nobles followed.
Zelda stood in the middle of the room. She looked toward the empty throne. She had already made the decision beforehand, but now she was questioning it. With how Alistair reacted, she wasn't sure anymore.
If you put Anora on the throne, I'm going to kill you.
The choice isn't as simple as it was. But I guess there's no other options.
Zelda went to address the Landsmeet. “I appoint Alistair Theirin as king. He shall rule and lead us through this tragedy.”
The nobles approved.
“So be it,” Eamon smiled. “Then Alistair shall take his father's throne. Anora, the Landsmeet has decided against you. You must now swear fealty to our king, and relinquish all claim to the throne for yourself and your heirs.”
Anora glared up at him. “If you think I will swear that oath, Eamon, you know nothing of me.”
“How appropriate,” Arawin smirked. “You lost, yet your still fighting.”
“This is not over with, Wardens,” Anora said fixing her eyes on both Zelda and Arawin. Arawin kept her smirk but Zelda only looked away, staring at nothing.
“Alistair, can you do something about her?” Arawin asked.
“Uh, like what?” Alistair went to look at Zelda but she did not face him. “I guess lock her in the tower for now. If I fall against the Blight, then she can have her throne. If not... then we’ll see.”
“You would do that?” Anora said surprised. “After all this?”
“I said if I fall, Anora. If I fall, the throne falls to you. I won’t kill you while there’s a chance that can happen. Somebody has to treat this Blight seriously.”
“Very well, then,” said Eamon. “Guards, take her away. Your Highness, would you address the Landsmeet?”
“Oh... right.” Alistair went beside Zelda and Arawin in the center of the room. Zelda still didn't look at him. “Um, let's see... I never knew him, but from all I’ve heard of my father, what defined him was his commitment to protecting this land.”
“Seriously, that's what your going to say?” Arawin said cocking at him. “Why don't you say something about the Blight, maybe?”
“This isn't easy, Arawin.”
“No, my Prince Alis, I didn't think it was.”
Alistair glared at her before facing back to the Landsmeet. “Anyway, the Blight. Yes. I may be Maric’s son, but I am also a Grey Warden. I took an oath. I swore I would stand and fight the darkspawn, no matter the cost to myself. I can’t break that oath just to wear the crown. I have to go with my fellow Wardens to face the Blight. When the Blight is over, I’ll come back and take up my duties... whatever they are... as king. Until then, I think Arl Eamon will have to be my regent.”
“Then I can do Maric’s memory no less honor than you do,” Eamon bowed. “I accept. And may the Maker bless your efforts against the darkspawn.”
“Uh, good, then I would also like to appoint my fellow Grey Warden, Arawin, as the leader of my armies.”
“What? Wow,” said Arawin. “That's a pretty big title for an elf. You sure you don't want to give that to Zelda?”
Alistair looked over at Zelda but noticed she wasn't there anymore. In fact she wasn't anywhere. “I guess not,” he said.
“Then I'll accept for now,” said Arawin. “Just have them get the armies moving.”
“Right,” Alistair continued. “The Blight is coming and no one can deny it now. So let's face it together. Go back to your bannorns, collect you men, and prepare yourselves to march against the Blight when I call. Together we will beat this foe and take back what was lost!”
The crowd cheered and everyone was happy with the outcome. There was only one who wasn't, and only Arawin knew who.
***
“You know pouting won't help matters.” Arawin found Zelda after the Landsmeet was over. She was standing in an empty room just off the main hall they were just in.
“Not now, Arawin.” Zelda stood looking out the window, not turning to see the elf.
“Look, I know things didn't turn out the best way, but we still won, right? So could you please tell me why you're unhappy?”
Zelda sighed and looked down. “Don't even pretend. You know why.”
“I might not know much about noble stuff, but Loghain was going to die no matter what, right? I mean, wasn't that the terms we set? If we won, he died, if he won, we died?”
“Yes, and I was willing to accept that, but then Riordan came and offered an alternative. It was something that would have allowed Loghain to regain his honor.”
“But didn't he still keep it?” Arawin went closer to her, trying to understand the best she could. “Wasn't surrendering and allowing Alistair to kill him a noble way to die?”
Zelda went to looking out the window. “Yes, but...”
“Oh, I see it now,” said Arawin. “Loghain's death upsets you, but you're only using it as a shield to hide the real reason.”
Zelda stayed silent.
“I don't know how you stood it. If Alistair had talked to me like that, I would've knocked him out. But then again I guess you couldn't have really done that in front of all the nobles. Seeing their future king knocked out wouldn't have been a good start.”
“Arawin...”
“Zelda, stop this. It's understandable to be upset for what happened, but get over it. Alistair is going to need you more than ever now.”
“He seemed to have done just fine without me,” Zelda said finally turning to Arawin. “The nerve of him. Maybe I should've knocked him out. What would you have done if Zevran did that to you?”
“For one, Zevran never would, but if he did, then I would've knocked him out as well... if I could. He knows me too well. And I would have done it even in front of all those people. But let's just get past that part. It's over with now. Alistair is going to be king, and-”
“And that's it,” Zelda finished. “We're done. I just wish it hadn't ended like that.”
Arawin shook her head. “You know Alistair doesn't think it's done. You kinda need to tell him, don't you think? And I'm still not understanding why you two can't stay together. Your brother is back, right? So doesn't that mean he'll be taking over Highever? You're free now.”
“It's not that simple, Arawin.”
“Or you're just making it too complicated.”
“No I'm not. It's just how things have to be. As for what you said in the Deep Roads about you and Zevran... don't do it. Stay together. I couldn't ask that of you right after getting back together.”
“Then you don't do it either.” Arawin tried to feel what Zelda was thinking, but the human had her completely blocked off. After an awkward silence went by, Arawin finally turned to leave the room.
“Doesn't make any sense,” she said out in the hall. “So I guess I'm going to have to do something about it.”
“Oh, and what are we doing now?” Zevran asked. Arawin looked to see him leaning against the wall next to the door.
Arawin smiled. “Damage control. I assume you heard us?”
“I had to make sure you were in there.” Zevran gave her his signature smile.
“Ugh. Come on. I need to find Alistair.”
They made their way back to the throne room where they found Alistair surrounded by nobles. They were giving him fealty, an unofficial ceremony Eamon proposed in order to unit Ferelden behind Alistair for the battle against the Blight. The official ceremony would take place, Maker willing, after the Blight was defeated. They decided to wait until everyone was done before going up to him.
Arawin could see Alistair looked uncomfortable, even with Eamon by his side, occasionally whispering in his ear. She saw him every so often look around the room, no doubt seeing if Zelda had returned yet. He obviously needed her.
“Poor man,” said Zevran. “He has no idea what he's doing. Are we sure this was the right choice?”
“It was when Zelda was by his side.”
Finally the last noble bowed to him and Arawin and Zevran made their move. Alistair looked out of it and completely overwhelmed.
“Greetings, your Majesty,” said Arawin. “May I have an audience?”
“Arawin, please don't,” Alistair moaned. “Or at least not yet. Oh, this whole king business is so hard! I don't know if I can go through with it.”
“You did just fine,” said Eamon. “You'll get used to it soon enough, but if you don't mind, I need to be getting back to my estate and getting ready to leave. I suggest you gather your companions and any supplies you may need and head to Redcliffe as soon as possible. I must leave tonight, however, so until then, your Majesty.” Eamon bowed before leaving.
Alistair moaned again and shook his head. “I sure hope he's right. So what do you want, Arawin? Are you here to make fun of me some more?”
“Oh you know I'll make fun of you for the rest of your life, Alis, cause now I'll get to call you King Alis! But for the moment, no, I'm not here to make fun of you. I'm actually here because of Zelda.”
Alistair perked up at her name. “Zelda? Is she okay? Where is she?”
“She's... a little upset.”
“She is? Oh Maker, what did I do?”
“A very bad thing,” said Zevran.
“Well I'm not here to argue who was right and who was wrong or anything,” Arawin continued. “I'm just here to fix what's going on between you two. Zelda thinks because you're king now, the two of you can't be together anymore.”
“What?” Alistair was completely surprised. “Why would she think that?”
“She won't tell me, and she won't let me feel the reason why, either. I thought it had something to do with Highever at first, but now that her brother is alive and able to take the teyrn, there should be no reason why you two still can't be together... right?”
“Actually... I don't know.” Alistair frowned, uncertain.
“Well I don't see why the king can't decide who he wants to be with, right? You know, I shouldn't tell you this, but I will anyway. Before the Landsmeet, Zelda was going to come to you and try to convince you to marry Anora.”
“What? She... she wasn't!”
“It was apparently for 'the good of Ferelden'. Bunch of hot air, if you ask me, especially after what she did. Bitch. Anyway, I say that if anything is for 'the good of Ferelden', the one that sits by the king's side should not only be one that he loves, but one that he trusts as well. It should be someone that has the people's respect and love, and of course, it should be someone that can get the king out of any situation he may have put himself in.”
Alistair stood for a moment in thought. “You know, you're right, Arawin. It should be someone with all those things, but most importantly, it should be who I choose. Excuse me.” Alistair went between the two and out the room, determination showing on his face.
“You did that on purpose, didn't you?” Zevran asked.
“Of course I did,” said Arawin. “He needs her, and even though Zelda may not admit it, she needs him. Giving them a little push isn't going to hurt. Now all we have to decide is what needs to be done before we leave for Redcliffe again.”
“Well, if you have a mind, I have an idea. Two in fact.”
“Oh?”
“First, is I think we should go to your family and tell them who I really am, and how we really met. Don't you think they deserve that?”
“Uh, yes... but, not now. Let them like you for a little longer.”
“Alright,” Zevran said shaking his head. “But we're telling them eventually.”
“And your second?”
“Do you remember last time we were in Denerim? You gave an interesting proposal. I just thought since I saw a certain ship dock itself in the harbor while we were up in the tree, that we might go and find out if it's still an option. No?”
Arawin tried to think back on what she had proposed, but nothing came to mind. However, the look in Zevran's eyes told her his idea was one that would be tempting.
“Alright, you have my attention. What did you have in mind?”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond