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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Lifegiver Alistair should have asked Arawin where Zelda was because once he left the throne room, he was lost. Luckily for him though, he was able to stop a passing servant who told him he saw a woman of Zelda's description in a room down the hall. Alistair thanked him then began heading the way the servant pointed. He checked every room before finding her in the farthest one. She stood with her back to the door, staring out the window. When he slowly entered the room, she made no indication that she knew he was there. For a moment Alistair stood studying her. He was captivated by the way the light from the sun illuminated her, shinning around her like a halo. Her hair was brilliant, longer than before and instead of pulled back, for the Landsmeet, she let it fall loosely about her shoulders. Even though he knew she was mad at him, he still couldn't think of a time he thought her more beautiful. “I know you're there, Alistair. What do you want?” Her voice was neutral, hollow. He couldn't tell her mood. “Oh... well I came looking for you,” he said. “You left abruptly. Eamon had the nobles swear fealty to me before leaving. I could have really used you.” “I'm sure you did just fine without me.” Zelda kept her back to him and never moved. Alistair stared at her for a moment, trying to work out in his head the best way to approach. “Look,” he said taking a step forward. “I know you're mad, maybe I don't understand the real reason why, but-” “You don't understand?” Zelda turned just her head and Alistair saw her eyes darken. “You seriously don't understand?” “I know I should...” Zelda rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course you should.” She turned back to the window. “Go away, Alistair. If you don't understand, then go and don't come back until you do.” Alistair didn't budge. “No, I'm not going anywhere until we fix this. Until we fix us.” Zelda sighed and lowered her head. “Fine.” She fully turned to him. “I want an apology.” “If this is about me killing Loghain then I'm not apologizing. You knew how I felt and you knew it was going to happen if we won.” “Alistair, yes, that's what I expected to happen, but another opportunity came to light and you didn't even stop to consider it.” “There was no way I was going to have that bastard become a Grey Warden, not even the privilege of going through the Joining. Whether he lived or died, it wouldn't have mattered. You would have felt the same way if Riordan had offered it to Howe.” “You think you know me that well?” Zelda said narrowing her eyes. “I... I thought I did,” Alistair stammered. “But yes, I think you would've acted the same way, which is why I'm not apologizing.” Zelda rubbed her face. “Alright, maybe you're right, I wouldn't have wanted Howe to become a Grey Warden either, but that's not what I want you to apologize for.” “No? Then what?” “Again, if you don't know then leave and don't come back until you do.” Zelda turned back to the window but Alistair still didn't move. “Zelda,” he said cautiously. “You told me after seeing my sister that I needed to start doing things for myself. Well... I took that to heart, and maybe it wasn't the best thing to do at the Landsmeet, in front of everyone, but I stood up for myself for once. I'm... I'm sorry it had to be at you, though. Please, could you forgive me?” Zelda titled her head to see him in the corner of her eye. She felt stupid all the sudden, being mad at him like she was. All the things he had said were true, and she had been the one to give him the idea. He really did need to learn to think for himself. If not, then any noble would be able to influence him into anything, which would only lead to worse things. Alistair gave her a childish grin. “You should not be forgiven,” Zelda said trying to hold back her smile. “I know, but I love you Zelda. I love you more than anything.” He went closer to her and turned her fully around. “Marry me.” “What?” she said stunned. “Zelda, please,” he begged. “When the nobles were pledging to me, when you weren't by my side, I was so lost. I realized that I can't do this without you! I just can't!” “But... of course you can. Eamon will help you.” “Eamon may stand on my left, but who's going to be on my right? I can't think of anyone else being there but you. You should've seen yourself at the Landsmeet. You were beautiful, brilliant, strong and unstoppable. All the nobles kept their eyes on you and they still looked to you even when Anora appeared. Now tell me, who would serve Ferelden better as queen than you?” Zelda was still completely stunned. “Alistair... no.” “I'm not taking that for an answer,” he said getting down on his knees. “There is no other woman I can see myself with. There is no other woman I would want to spend the rest of my life with. You know you're perfect, and you know I'm going to need you no matter what.” Zelda looked down in his pleading eyes. She wanted it just as much as he did, but it was something that couldn't happen. “Alistair... I...” She looked away from him. “I won't be able to produce an heir for you.” Alistair stood and gently brought her face back to his. Tears were in her eyes making them bright. “I know, and it's going to be a problem. A big problem. But we'll work through it somehow.” “How?” Zelda sniffed. “At least Anora had a chance. At least any other woman who isn't tainted has a chance.” “It doesn't matter. I wouldn't have accepted any of them, especially Anora. Why? Because they're not you.” “Stop it,” she said taking her face out of his hands. “I might be good at appeasing the nobles, but other than that I'm useless, baron. I can't give you what you deserve.” She began to break out in tears. Alistair quickly pulled her in his arms. “You're not useless,” he whispered. “And you can give me what I deserve. In fact, you give me what I don't deserve, like your love. I have no idea how a man like me could have a woman like you, but I do and I'm not letting go. Fight me all you want, Zelda, but I'm not giving up.” Zelda cried for a moment as he held her. It didn't matter how hard she tried fighting it, being in his arms made her feel good, made her feel loved. She couldn't see herself without him either. Maybe they could still be together, and maybe if they tried hard enough, and if the Maker willed it, then the problem of no heir may not be a problem at all. She stopped crying but still stayed on his shoulder. Before long, she pushed herself off and wiped her eyes. “It's not going to be easy, you know.” “When has it ever been easy for us?” he said while stroking away a few teardrops from her cheek. “You really don't care?” “If I did, would I be here, right now, asking you to be with me and saying all those things? If the nobles don't like that you can't give me an heir, then they can just deal with it.” “The line will end with you, then.” “Actually, it was more than likely going to end with Cailan anyway. There were rumors about Anora.” Zelda nodded then sniffed once more. “Then... yes.” Both of Alistair's hands took her face and he kissed her deeply. “I love you so much, Zelda.” “I love you, too, Alistair.” He kissed her again before scooping her up in his arms. “You do forgive me, right?” “Of course,” she said but not without hitting him up-side the head. “Good, because I thought we should try whenever we had a chance.” “A chance for...? Oh.” Alistair nuzzled her nose before beginning to nibble on her earlobe. “That sounds fair,” she hummed. “Good, because I wasn't going to take no for an answer either.” *** “Welcome to the Pearl, my dear!” Zevran stretched out his arms and smiled broadly at Arawin. “You know,” Arawin said as she looked around the fairly decent lobby. “In all the years I've lived here, not once have I ever stepped foot in this place.” “Really? You mean you were never curious or intrigued?” “Not really, but wait... Why did you bring me here? I may have never been here before, but I do know what the Pearl is.” Zevran gave her a wicked grin. “Nothing like that, Amora, although it could be arranged. But I actually brought you here to meet a friend of mine.” “A 'friend' of yours?” “Yes... I saw her ship in the docks-” “Her?” “Does that surprise you?” Zevran said raising an eyebrow. “Or does that bother you?” “Neither, actually.” Arawin wasn't really surprised and she found she didn't care. She knew of Zevran's past and knew that sooner or later they would run into it, whether it be good or bad. They had already run into Taliesen, which turned out bad, so they were due to run into something good. “That is good to hear,” Zevran said sensually. “Because I know she is going to love you.” What Zevran had in mind was starting to form in Arawin's. At first she had no clue what he was talking about before, not remembering much from their last trip to Denerim due to some very hurtful memories. But now she was beginning to understand and it was starting to excite her. This surprised her more than she thought. Arawin had never thought of such things and had also never even considered them. It frightened her a little, making her question herself. On her own she would never do such a thing, but when she imagined it with Zevran... it gave her acceleration and she wanted it. “How do you know she's here?” “Because if I know my Isabela, there's no other place she would rather be. Now come, Amora, she won't be that hard to find.” Zevran took her hands and walked her through the door from the lobby into a larger room that served as a bar. It was very clean looking with carpet on the floor and expensive decorations on the walls. Even the barmaid serving drinks had on fine silks and laces. There were gentlemen of all sorts: mercenaries, soldiers, nobles, all sitting at tables, drinking and being entertained by scantly clad women and men, whose small amount of clothing was also very fine and rich looking. This was not at all how Arawin had pictured a brothel. Zevran watched Arawin's reaction to seeing the brothel. It wasn't because he wanted to know how she would react, but because he couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. He was drawn in by everything about her. Her shapely body, trimmed nicely by their long travels and difficult fights; hair of brightest red, now longer than when they first met. She hadn't cut it, but instead had it pulled back. He liked it better that way. It made it easier for him to see her face, her little pointed ears, and the delicate curve of her neck. He now knew he had made the right choice. He really did love her, and he was glad he was finally able to accept it. But the ability to accept also told him that he had also been in love with Rinna as well. He couldn't deny one without denying the other. But what he felt for Rinna was different than what he felt for Arawin. With Rinna it was miniscule when compared to Arawin. With Arawin he knew he would never leave her, never betray her. He would die for her. He never felt any of those things with Rinna. He may have loved her, but it was only in passing. Yet Zevran couldn't help but to think that without her, he may have never been able to feel what he felt for Arawin. Rinna opened his heart, and Arawin opened it wider. “Is this what your brothel was like?” Arawin asked. It brought Zevran back to reality. He shook his head. “Eh, I don't really remember too much about it, but I do know it was fairly decent. Not the worst but not the best.” “Hello there, and welcome to the Pearl.” A woman dressed in finery came from behind the bar and walked over to them. “Zevran Arainai, yes? I remember you.” “You remember me?” Zevran said. “Of course, I remember all our best clients. You were very well liked amongst the girls. They were sad to see you go. I am Sanga, if you recall, the madam of the Pearl. It's great to have you back.” “It's great to be back,” Zevran said kissing her hand. “If I remember correctly your favorite was Trina. You ordered her twice. Would you like for me to see if she's available?” “Oh, no thank you. Me and my beautiful friend here are trying to find someone. You wouldn't happen to be serving a lovely captain by the name of Isabela, would you?” “You mean Captain Isabela from Rivain? Of course she's here! She's another one of our best clients. She brought her men here to let them have some fun before heading back out to sea. I believe she's right in that corner over there.” Sanga pointed and both Zevran and Arawin looked to see a woman sitting at a table in the corner playing cards with two gentlemen. “Thank you, Sanga,” Zevran smiled. “You have been very kind.” “Are you sure you don't want me to find Trina? She'll entertain both of you if you wish.” “Maybe later, but tell her I said hello.” “I shall.” “So how many more of your past encounters are we going to run across?” Arawin asked as they made their way over to the corner. “I'm not sure, but I'll warn you if it happens.” “You dirty little bitch!” one of the men at the table yelled. He stood suddenly. “You cheated!” “I did no such thing,” said Isabela calmly. “I won fair and square.” “No, you're a dirty cheat,” said the second as he stood with the other. “There's no way you could've won.” “Give us back our gold, pirate wench! Or it'll be your head!” “You knew the rules, gentlemen.” Isabela collected the gold and stuffed it in her pouch. “If you want it back you can either play again or duel me. Which would you prefer?” “I think a good beating will do.” The first man took out his sword and lunged forward. Arawin watched as Isabela didn't move until the very last second. She ducked out of the way gracefully, the man's sword going straight into the wall and getting stuck. In the same move, Isabela also grabbed her daggers. One found itself in the side of the first man while the other went straight into the chest of the second as he charged forward. Both of the men went down nearly at the same time. “Please, you call that a beating?” Isabela laughed as she collected her daggers. “Looks like I win again.” The men were still alive, however, but stunned from what just happened. “Ah Isabela, I see you still have a way with men,” said Zevran. Isabela perked up at his voice and spun around. “Zevran, is that you? Well wonders never cease. I thought you'd be dead by now.” “You would think, wouldn't you? But no, I am still very much alive and traveling with a Grey Warden of all things.” He gestured toward Arawin. “My dear, this is Arawin, the lovely Grey Warden that decided to spare my life and gave me the opportunity to live free.” “Oh,” Isabela said as she looked at Arawin with curious eyes. “I've actually heard a lot about you. There are three of you, yes? I didn't realize how... pretty you were.” “That was some fancy sword work,” said Arawin. “I don't think I've ever seen anyone move that fast before.” “It's one of my specialties,” Isabela smirked. “A few techniques I've picked up over the years and combining them to make my own, personal way of handling things.” “In more ways than one,” Zevran mused. “Exactly.” “I fight in a similar fashion,” said Arawin. “Although you do have some interesting moves. Where did you learn them?” “Sweet thing, I am the captain of a ship called The Siren's Call. I have sailed all the seas of Thedas and have docked at every port. I couldn't really tell you where I learned such things. I just picked them up.” “So you did inherit the ship, then?” asked Zevran. “Who else do you think would get her? She's a great ship and treats me better than she did that slack-jawed husband of mine. Again, I'll have to thank you for disposing of him, Zevran. Without your help, then The Siren would still be in his incapable hands. And so would I.” “So let me guess,” said Arawin. “You were contracted to kill her husband?” “Yep.” “So that explains how you met. Did you order the contract, Isabela?” “Maker's blood, no,” Isabela brushed away. “Course it wasn't like I hadn't thought about it, but my husband had many enemies. I'm not sure which one ordered it, but I really don't care. He's gone and the ship is mine. Now, what is it that you wanted, Zevran? I know you're not here just to talk.” “No, my dear, I'm not.” “He wanted to introduce you to me,” said Arawin. “Wanted us to get to know each other a little better.” “Really, why?” “A little... experiment,” said Zevran. “I just want to know how far I can push her.” He looked over at Arawin and soon Isabela understood. “Oh, Zev, if that's what you wanted you could have just told me! You know I'm always willing to help you with anything.” Isabela smiled over at Arawin. “You really are very pretty. And such beautiful eyes! I love elven eyes.” “Yours aren't too bad either,” said Arawin. “In fact they're an interesting shade I don't think I've ever seen in a human before.” “You obviously haven't been to Rivain, but thank you. So, sweet thing, how well do you know Zevran?” “Very.” “So you know what he is?” “He tried to kill me, but I defeated him.” “Ah, it all makes sense now.” Isabela licked her lips. “You said you have a similar fighting style to me? I would very much like to see if you do. How about we go to my ship. I can give you a tour, then we can see what type of skills you have.” “I would like that very much.” “Zev, are you coming?” Isabela asked. “I wouldn't miss this for the world,” he smirked. “Lead the way, my dear.” “Certainly. This way, my sweets. I'll take you to places you've never been...” *** Zelda stretched out on the bed, feeling relieved, refreshed. She and Alistair had reconciled, and it was good. She couldn't even remember why she had been mad at him, nor did she really care anymore. They were going to stay together no matter what. It was a sobering thought, however. She was going to marry Alistair, but not only that, she was going to become queen of Ferelden. It was something she had never thought of before, never even dreamed of. Anora was queen and before that was Rowan. Both were woman Zelda had admired when she was a little girl, especially Rowan. She had been a warrior, a legendary fighter and leader. She had helped Loghain win the battle of River Dane, and supported Maric to regain the throne. She was the reason why Zelda had decided to be trained as a warrior, because she wanted to be just like Queen Rowan. But never had she dreamed that she would be queen as well. Never did she ever see herself as Rowan's equal. The thought made Zelda sit up in bed. It made her scared. Would she be a good queen? Would she be able to live up to Rowan's name? To the strong line of queens that stretched far into Ferelden history? She had proven she could handle the Landsmeet, but that was only one part of the big picture. She felt Alistair's hand creep up her spine making her shiver with delight. “What's wrong, love?” “Just... too much on my mind right now. Nothing too big.” “I would hope not, but I do think we should maybe get up now. I don't really want to, but there's still a Blight we have to deal with.” “Oh, right.” With all the hype with the Landsmeet, Zelda had nearly forgotten about dealing with the Blight. What she was worrying about now would have to wait. As they got ready, a knock came at their door and Zelda went to answer it. When she opened it, there she saw her brother standing in the hallway. He was leaning on a crutch, seeming barely able to keep himself up right. “Fergus!” Zelda exclaimed as she brought him into an embrace. “What are you...? Why didn't you send a servant? I would have come to you!” “No, no,” Fergus said pulling away from her. “The healer said I need to start walking more or I may lose the ability. But... can I come in and sit down at least?” “Oh, yes, of course!” Zelda helped her brother limp his way to the bed. “Um, I guess I should introduce you. Fergus, this is Alistair.” “Greetings, your Majesty,” Fergus said bowing the best he could. “I do hope you forgive me not standing and bowing properly.” “Oh no, you're... you're fine,” Alistair said nervously. “And please, I'm not the king yet.” “Okay then... your Highness.” Alistair cringed his nose making Zelda giggle. “It's okay, Fergus, you don't need to be very formal with him. You can just call him Alistair. After all, he is going to be your brother-in-law.” “Wow, Zelda!” Fergus said excited. “What have you been doing while I was gone?” “It just happened a few hours ago. You do approve, yes?” “I don't know.” Fergus tapped his chin as he studied Alistair. “You might be the next king, but do you think you're worthy of my little sister?” “Not at all!” said Alistair. “And why not?” “Because she's a wonderful woman; strong, smart, beautiful. I'm not worthy of her because I don't deserve something so great.” Fergus raised an eyebrow and looked at Zelda. “This is going to be our next king?” “It's not as bad as it seems.” “No, I guess not,” Fergus said looking back at Alistair. “At least with you by his side then Ferelden will actually have a chance.” “So... does that mean you approve?” “Of course, Zelda. Father would have approved as well.” “Thank you Fergus. It means a lot.” “Anything for you, little sister. But Alistair, as much as I would love to get to know my future brother-in-law, do you mind if I could speak to my sister alone?” “Oh, of course,” said Alistair. “I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about. I'll just go and get something to eat and find out where all our companions are and tell them we'll be leaving tomorrow.” Alistair went over and kissed Zelda before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. Zelda sat next to her older brother, still in shock that he was there. Still not sure if she was awake or dreaming. Seeing him up close she saw he wasn't really in that great of shape. He was very pale with sunken in cheeks which robbed him of his once handsome looks. Zelda could even see a long scar go across his face, starting at the top of his left cheekbone then going down, over his lips and ending at the right base of his chin. She hated seeing him like this, but knew that it was better than seeing him dead. “Fergus,” Zelda sighed. “What happened? How are you still alive?” “You know,” Fergus chuckled. “I've been wondering that very same thing.” “So can you tell me?” “First of all, I want to say that I've heard everything. Everything that happened at Highever, Howe's treachery, what you've been doing, and that you even killed him. I only wish I had been there with you to cut off his head. I also wish I had been there when Howe attacked the castle, but I think if I had been there, I might not have done better than you. I know you tried to save them, but knowing Mother and Father, they wouldn't have let you go unless there was no other choice.” “Father was wounded pretty badly,” said Zelda. “Even if I tried, I don't think he would have made it to a healer in time. And Mother refused to leave his side.” “Just as I expected from her. What about... Oriana and Oren?” Fergus had to bite his lip to keep from stuttering.” “I'm afraid they were... dead before I could get to them.” Zelda hugged her brother. “I'm so sorry, Fergus. There were a lot of people we lost that night.” Fergus hugged her back. “I know, and I know you tried. I've grieved for them, but it still hurts.” “I don't think it'll ever stop hurting.” “No, it won't, and neither will any of my doubts. I know I probably couldn't have done anything different, but I did have suspicions. Howe seemed different to me when I left. I couldn't quite place it, but something was there. I guess I should have known when I got to Ostagar. First thing Loghain did was to send me and my men out into the Wilds to scout. He told me to check out a place that they knew the darkspawn were not, so it would be safe. But when we got there, we had actually entered right into the heart of the horde. Now that I think about it, I know Loghain was lying. He had sent me there, knowing what was there and hoping it would kill me. With all the Couslands out of the way, he could then give Highever to Howe and they would be set.” “But... you didn't die.” “No, and I'm still not sure how.” Fergus released himself from Zelda. “My men and I fought the darkspawn hard, but it was useless of course. I told them to retreat, but I don't think any of them made it. I don't remember how I was knocked out or when but I do remember a strange dream. I was being lifted over the horde. All the darkspawn looked up at me, pointing and staring and also seeming afraid for some reason. I never looked up to see what might have been lifting me, my head just didn't want to move. “I then woke to find myself in a household in Lothering, busied and beaten all over. The woman told me in the middle of the night I just seemed to appear at their doorstep like I dropped out of the sky. Seeing how bad I was, she and her daughter carried me in one of the bedrooms where her daughter healed me the best she could. She was an apostate, apparently. I didn't really care, and told them I would keep their secret since I was very grateful for what they did. They didn't know who I was at the time, just some random soldier from Ostagar that happened to wind up on their doorstep. They were eager to hear about Ostagar, however. The woman had two other children in the army, a son and daughter. I told them I didn't know since my men and I were attacked when scouting in the Wilds. “I stayed with them for a week, maybe. At least until I got my strength back. That's when her children came back. They talked about betrayal, the king's death and loss of his armies, and how they suspected it was Loghain who had done it. That's when I began to suspect about what happened to me, but it wasn't until word about Highever reached my ears did I really start to understand what was going on. “Before the darkspawn attacked Lothering, I found I was strong enough to move on, so I said thank you and good-bye to the family, and that when I could I would pay them back. But now I'm not sure I'll be able to, even with the teyrn back.” “Were they killed in Lothering?” Zelda asked. “No, or at least I hope not. The woman's three children were fairly good fighters and I had over heard them talking about going to Kirkwall if the horde ever made it to Lothering. Hopefully they were able to escape and get to Kirkwall safely. Hawke I think was there sire name. When I get a chance, I'll have to look into it.” “So what happened after that?” Zelda asked curious. “Where did you go? Why didn't you try to find me?” Fergus laughed. “Even if I did want to find you, Zelda, do you really think I could? At first I thought I was all alone. It wasn't until I saw the wanted posters did I know you were alive and a Grey Warden. I also knew what you were trying to do with the rumors about the surviving Grey Wardens building an army to over throw Loghain, and that Howe also knew you were alive and was trying to get his hands on you. There was nothing about me, however, which told me both Howe and Loghain thought I was dead. I decided to keep it that way, not only because I was still weak but also because you seemed to be doing a pretty good job yourself. I knew that eventually a Landsmeet would be called and when that did happen, you would need my help. So I waited, and eventually what I thought came true. Eamon summoned a Landsmeet with the Grey Wardens against Loghain. That's also the same time Teagan's men found me and brought me to Reinesfere. Teagan then made it there on the way to Denerim and together we came to the Landsmeet where our votes were the ones that helped you to win. You're welcome for that, by the way.” “And I am very grateful. Don't think I'm not.” “I know.” Zelda watched as Fergus pulled something out of his pocket. She saw it was a ring, red in color, smooth and bright. “What's that?” “It's the thing Mother gave to me before I left. She said it was called 'Lifegiver', a powerful ring that bestowed upon its wearer life and energy. It was supposedly forged by a very powerful blood mage long ago. I'm not really sure how the Couslands came to have it, but Mother said it's been in the family for generations. She gave it to me to keep me safe. I laughed, thinking it was nothing more than a simple ring, but I took it and wore the stupid thing anyway, just to make her feel better. The thing is though... I think the reason I survived might have been because of this ring. It's hard to explain, but I do feel something coming from it. Life? Blood? Not quite sure, but I know it kept me alive when I should've been dead.” “Mother did usually know what she was doing,” said Zelda. “If you were wearing it when you encountered the horde, then yes, I would have to agree.” “If that's the case, then here,” Fergus said giving her the ring. “I think you may need it more than I do now. You'll be going up against the horde soon and the archdemon. You're going to need all the support you can get.” Zelda took the ring and placed it on her left middle finger. She examined it in the light, seeing that the ring did glow as if it were made of blood, but she felt no negative energy coming from it. “Thank you, Fergus. This will indeed help. So what are your plans now? Are you going back to Highever anytime soon?” Fergus sighed and leaned against his cane. “Not at the moment, no. I don't feel like going back just yet. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. Too many hurtful memories.” “I understand.” “I will have to go back eventually. Eamon said I could stay here as long as I needed, so I think I'm going to do that until I have no choice. So I'll be here, Zelda, if you need me.” “And I'll be here too. And when you do decide to go back, tell me, and we'll go together.” Fergus smiled and hugged his sister again. They shared the embrace, happy to have finally found each other and to know they were no longer alone or the last of their line. *** It was the next morning, and everyone was prepared to go. They were heading back to Redcliffe, where they would plan the next step against the darkspawn. Eamon and Teagan had already left, telling them before he went to meet up with him as soon as they were able. “Riordan, are you coming with us?” Zelda asked. She saw him coming down the hall with a full pack. “I'm afraid not,” he said. “I will be leaving, but instead I'm going to take a detour first. I'm going to find the horde and see what direction it may be going.” “Oh, I want to come,” Arawin moaned. “Sorry, but I can travel a lot faster by myself. I will meet up with you later in Redcliffe.” “And what about Damien?” Zelda noticed the Orlesian wasn't anywhere in sight. In fact, she hadn't seen him since the Landsmeet. “Gone, as I suspected,” said Riordan. “I believe he may have sneaked out in the middle of the night.” “Wish he would've said good-bye, at least,” Arawin heaved. “For as long as I've known him, Damien has always been a loner. The fact that he even stayed here this long is what surprises me the most. But I must get going. Damien will just have to wait.” “Right, Riordan. Be safe now.” They all bowed to him before he said his last good-byes and left through the gate. Before leaving, the rest went off into the market to get anything they may have needed. Arawin and Zevran went into the alienage to say good-bye to Arawin's family. It was a sad departure, laced with dread for none of them wanted either Arawin or Zevran to leave again. “Why do I have the feeling I'm never going to see you again,” Shianni frowned. “Don't think like that,” said Arawin. “You'll see me again.” “I hope so. Take care, Cousin.” She gave Arawin a long embrace before letting go and giving one to Zevran. “Watch over her, please. Sometimes she gets herself in situations not even she can get out of herself.” “Oh, I know, Bonita,” Zevran smiled. “And don't worry, I'll take good care of her.” Zelda and Alistair said good-bye to Fergus as well. Zelda was particularly unhappy at having to leave her brother, who she had just recovered. “Make sure you stay out of trouble,” said Zelda. “And don't forget to have a healer look at your leg every now and then. And-” “Alright, Mother!” Fergus laughed. “I've been taking care of myself for almost a year now, I think I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, Zelda. Just worry about yourself.” “I can't help but to worry about you.” “Then maybe Mother didn't die after all.” Zelda shook her head at him before saying their last good-byes. When everyone gathered back together they went to the gate. There refugees were still huddling outside the city, waiting to be let in. As they walked through the gates, all the refugees looked at the group and began cheering. It was a sound none of them expected, but apparently they were no longer seen as the enemy. Now, they were the sign of hope, a signal being lit in the darkness. And this time, there would be an answer.
Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
Scene between Arawin, Isabela, and Zevran in a one-shot called 'Push'While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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