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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
- 76
- 77
- 78
A/N: Yes, I know calling this chapter after the awesome 30 Seconds to Mars song may be a little cliché, but I feel the song works for what's in this chapter. I also did the same thing to the last two chapters, so you're just gonna have to deal with it. Bioware owns everything Dragon Age, and I can't believe I made it to the final battle!

This is War

They stood at the gates of the great city, staring into the void that surrounded them. Smoke billowed from the buildings burning inside. The wind brought it to their noses along with the smell of death and blood. The bodies of their fallen comrades littered the ground. In the distance, the sounds of battle rang: swords hitting swords, arrows piercing through flesh, the cries of the dying and the victorious.
The two women standing at the front of the army stared up at the gates. Their eyes fixed upon the twisted metal and splintered wood that once stood glorious, showing all who saw them that they were approaching the vast city of Denerim.
Zelda turned toward the elf beside her. “Are we ready?”
Arawin met the eyes of the human. “We have to be. Otherwise, all that we've done to get here will be for not.”
“Many sacrifices were made, many deaths.”
“And many more to come.”
“Then let us end this quickly,” said Zelda. She turned around and saw the eyes of their companions behind them. All faces that used to be strangers, but now close and dear friends: Alistair of the Grey Wardens, Morrigan of the Wilds, Leliana, bard of Orlais, Sten of the Baraasad, Zevran of the Antivan Crows, Wynne of the Circle Tower, and Oghren of Orzammar. An unlikely group of misfits and outcasts, but neither of them could have chosen a better group of friends. She saw the armies that followed them. All of Ferelden was here with them now; humans, elves, dwarves. All united for a common purpose. “This is how Ferelden should be.”
“This is how all of Thedas should be,” said Arawin. “But, unfortunately, only something as large as a Blight could bring such a thing.”
Zelda turned back to the gate, along with Arawin. “Do you think it was worth it?”
“Of course it was!” said Arawin, a little alarmed to have heard such a thing from her. “If it wasn’t, then we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t have all those soldiers behind us. We wouldn’t have our friends and family by our sides, staring death in the face. All for us. All for the purpose of ending the Blight before it can even begin.”
“Then let us end this. Let us be rid of it!”
“That’s what I like to hear! And just so you know, once we get through this, you owe me a drink.”
Zelda laughed. “And I’ll join you. After all this, I could use a shot of dwarven ale.”
“A moment I never thought I’d hear,” Arawin chuckled. “This whole Blight sure does bring out a lot of them.”
“Yeah, like moments of truth. I learned a lot about myself on this journey. Things I never thought possible.”
“Think we all did,” said Zevran as he made his way to Arawin's side. “Because I know there were moments of lies. When we lied to each other, and lied to ourselves.” His golden honey eyes looked longingly into Arawin's emerald green ones.
“We've had moments to live,” said Leliana. “Times when we all felt alive.”
“But also moments to die.” Alistair made his way over to Zelda. “We've seen much death, and dealt it ourselves.”
“And all those moments brought us here,” said Arawin. “Now it comes to the moment we've all been waiting for. To fight.”
“To fight,” repeated Zelda.
They stared into each others eyes. The glow of blue and green shining. “To fight!”
“It’s a brave new world,” said Zelda.
“And we will fight to the death!” Arawin cried.
Together they roared, lifting their swords in the air, ice and flame illuminating the sky. Their companions joining them, their voices carried far into the city, into the armies which answered their cry with their own. The roar vibrated the ground and shook the very soulless creatures that stood in their way. Together they ran, side by side, swords drawn, feet pumping.
It will end tonight.
One way or another.
***
The city burned, smoke obscuring vision, choking as they ran through. Zelda and Arawin ran side-by-side, going straight into the fray, darkspawn falling from swift strikes from their blades. Behind them their companions, feet beating fast to stay with them. When they reached the opening to the city, they all split off, going after any darkspawn they saw.
Zelda plowed forward with Alistair as Arawin stopped and stayed behind with Leliana. She took out Far Song, notched arrows, and sent them flying into the air. Each darkspawn she hit went straight down, Leliana doing the same. Morrigan and Wynne stood to the sides, casting spells and aiding where ever they could. Morrigan mostly using fire and lightning, while Wynne used ice and stone as well as healing when needed. Sten and Oghren fanned out, taking out more than one darkspawn at a time with the wide arc of their weapons. Sten towered over most of the darkspawn, sending them flying, or the occasional body part, into the air with each swing. Oghren, in his berserker state, hacked away, slicing the darkspawn in halves. Zevran stayed close to Arawin, but soon began to move away as he swiftly and agilely cut a path through the darkspawn, taking them out with precision. Rupee and Kunjo leaped about, bringing darkspawn down and saving soldiers from unexpected ambushes.
Arawin soon replaced Far Song and grabbed Fang and Dar'Misaan, joining Zelda and Alistair in the massacre. She went straight for a hurlock archer, ducking it's arrows. She pointed Dar'Misaan at it, the bolts jumping all over the metal, but when lightning struck the hurlock, it did not come from her blade. Arawin stopped and turned as fireballs flew over her head, landing and igniting the darkspawn in front of her. Coming from the gate were the mages, each running and casting spells or going to help fallen soldiers. And coming beside them were templars, weapons drawn and fanning out to help where needed.
Zelda smiled broadly when she saw Esumi run through the gate. The elven mage stopped in front of a genlock. It growled at her as it gripped it's crude dagger and went to charge her. Esumi raised her staff and down from the sky a bolt of lightning struck the genlock on the head, causing it's body to explode. She then went on to the next darkspawn, two bodies joining her. Zelda recognized one as Cullen, making her chuckle, knowing the reason why the templars were there was because of him. The other body, however, she soon recognized to be her little brother, Keiven. A sight she had hoped not to see, but knew it was unlikely.
A roar brought her attention back and Zelda whirled, shield blocking a strike from a greatsword by a hurlock. She pushed the darkspawn away, arching Silverbrand forward and slicing through the hurlock's armor. It roared and backed away, but then re-gripped it's sword and went after her again, only to be taken down by an arrow right between the eyes. Zelda didn't have to turn around to hear the call of the Dalish as they made their way into the city, arrows flying all around.
It was Arawin's turn to smile when she heard Lisha calling out orders, instructing the Dalish hunters to fire and charge. She glimpsed Lisha firing arrow after arrow with Dayno by her side, taking down any darkspawn that threatened to get too close.
Another cry then brought her attention to a young woman as she ran through the battlefield, screaming as two genlocks chased her. Arawin went after them but was beaten by Sora as the dwarf came flying down from the broken base of a statute. She landed on top of one of the genlocks, her axe slicing straight into it's neck. The other was taken down by other dwarves as they came round the broken statue with Rylen giving out orders and sending his men to different areas.
Zelda and Arawin backed into each other as they looked around the battlefield. Elves, dwarves, humans, all their friends, all fighting together to stop the Blight. It made them both very happy to see their plan coming together.
It shattered though when a loud shriek ringed through their ears. They both cried out from the sudden noise, pain racking their brains, eyes blurring from tears. It was the pain of the Joining, the pain of the blood as it began to scorch in their veins. They looked up to see the giant form of the archdemon as he flew high above the city. He looked down, eyes glowing and fire licking the sides of his mouth. Arawin and Zelda fought hard to release themselves from his grip. They fell to the ground, closing their eyes and clenching their teeth tight.
“Zelda! Arawin!”
It brought them both back up just in time to slice their swords into a few darkspawn going after them during their vulnerable state.
“What in ze world were you two doing?”
“Damien!” Zelda cried. “You came back!”
“Yeah, I-”
“You idiot!” Arawin yelled as she socked him in the jaw. “How dare you leave us!”
“Gee, Belle, I didn't know you missed me zat much,” he said rubbing his jaw.
“It's the only way she knows how to show it,” Zelda smiled. “But it's good you did come back.”
The battle soon died down as the last of the darkspawn were killed. Riordan made his way to the center of the area and gestured for Zelda and Arawin to join him. They went over along with their friends and the leaders of the armies that had joined together.
“Good, we were able to fight our way through the gates,” he said. “We're doing better than I expected.”
“That will change quickly,” said Sten.
“Bloody nug runners!” Oghren bellowed. “We're outnumbered three to one.”
“I find those damn good odds,” said Sora. “Bring 'em on!”
“I'd have to agree,” Arawin answered. “Course four to one wouldn't be a problem either.”
“Iell, I see you're still just as reckless as when you left.” Lisha came beside Arawin and smiled down at her.
“That might not have changed, but there's plenty of other things that did.”
“So what's the plan?” Esumi asked. “What do you need us to do?”
“The plan is to get to the archdemon,” said Riordan. “Which is not going to be easy.”
“Really? And I zought zis was going to be a walk through ze park,” said Damien.
“No, it's not, and even with all that are gathered here, the army is not going to last very long. More darkspawn will be coming, but once the archdemon is taken out, then they should retreat back underground.”
“Then what do we need to do?” Zelda asked.
Riordan went quiet for a moment and closed his eyes as he concentrated. “I can sense two generals. They must be taken out before going after the archdemon. If not, then the archdemon can call them for aid and we won't be able to get to it.”
“Where are they?”
“One is close, in the market district, and the other is farther. I believe it might be on the other side of the alienage. I suggest that you two split up your companions into three groups. Have one stay here to guard the gates, keeping any more darkspawn from entering the city, while the other two teams go after the generals.”
“And what will you be doing, Riordan?” said Alistair.
“I will be going alone after the archdemon. I think attacking it somewhere high will be the best solution.”
“So you're going to Fort Drakon, then?” asked Zelda.
“Yes. It is the best place. I suggest at some point you all head there. And if I should fall...”
“Don't worry, Riordan, we'll take care of it,” said Arawin.
“I know you will.” Riordan nodded to them all. “Now, Commander and your Majesties, I suggest you split up your teams and head straight in. Good luck, and may the Maker watch over you.” Before heading off, Riordan bowed to them with Arawin, Zelda, and Alistair bowing back. They were unsure, but they felt that it was the last time they would see him.
“Now, let's get this underway,” Arawin said rubbing her hands. “Zelda, you know I'm going after the general threatening the alienage. My family is still in there.”
“I wouldn't think of trying to keep you away from them, Arawin,” Zelda smiled. “You go there while I'll head to the market and take care of the one there.”
“Sounds good. Now to determine who's going with who.”
“Don't even think of leaving me behind, Amora,” said Zevran. “I will gladly follow you anywhere, even to death itself.”
“Zevran...” Arawin said strained. “You shouldn't say that. You might not be able to follow.”
“I don't care, you're not going anywhere without me. Assassinating you was the luckiest thing that could have happened to me, and I refuse to let it go.” He took and kissed her hard, not even letting her begin a protest.
“And you know I'm coming with you,” Alistair said to Zelda.
“I already counted you by my side, Alistair. There's no reason for me to leave you behind. Now,” Zelda turned to all of their friends who had formed a circle around her and Arawin. “Who shall go with who? Arawin, are you done?”
Pulling herself away from Zevran, Arawin looked around at their friends as well. “First distribute the armies. Lisha, take the Dalish and have some of them stay here on the wall to shot down any darkspawn from afar.”
“As you say, Iell,” Lisha bowed.
“Sora, have the dwarves stay here too, giving ground cover.”
“Fine, fine,” Sora said waving her hand. “But don't think I'm going to stay here forever while you have all the fun.”
“Esumi, Cullen, take the mages and templars into the city and spread out,” said Zelda. “Try and help as many of the citizens as you can.”
“We will do that,” Esumi assured her.
“Right, protecting the people is what we do,” said Cullen. “We will not fail.”
“Sweet, and we still get to kill darkspawn, right?” Keiven asked.
“Yes,” Zelda said shaking her head. “Although I'm very tempted to make you go and find a wardrobe to hide in.”
“Very funny, Sis.”
“I also want the Redcliffe soldiers to fan out into the city, too. We need to kill every single darkspawn in the city. Now, Wynne, you can come with Alistair and I, Mor-”
“Morrigan is coming with me and Zevran,” said Arawin.
“Fine.” Zelda and the witch glared at each other for a moment before she went on. “Damien, Sten, Oghren, Leliana, stay here and take charge. Damien, I might regret this later, but you can lead them.”
“What? You're serious?” Damien said shocked.
“You can do it, plus there needs to be a Grey Warden down here to help detect any darkspawn that might be coming. Plus with you in charge, there might be less risk of you running off on us again.”
Damien cocked a smile at her. “I won't run from zis battle, Chère. You can count on me.”
“I hate that you're leaving me down here,” Leliana said to Zelda. “But you do know what is best.”
“Unfortunately we can't have everyone come,” said Zelda. “But it's only for now. I expect to see you later, my friend.”
“You better come back, or else I will be sorely disappointed in you.” Leliana pulled Zelda into a hug before going and giving Arawin and Alistair one as well.
“So it ends here, then?” said Sten as he made his way to Arawin and Zelda.
“Yes, and thank you for everything, Sten,” said Arawin.
“I have done nothing. You have carried us this far. Do not doubt that. And, if we live through this, I will know of only two kadans outside of Par Vallon.” He bowed to them before making his way next to Leliana.
“You know, we haven't known each other for very long, but I've come to actually tolerate you girls,” said Oghren.
“Thanks, Oghren,” Zelda smiled. “And we've come to tolerate your stench.”
“Doesn't everyone sooner or later? Ha! Listen Wardens, on a serious note, we still have a long way to go. 'When from the blood of battle the Stone has fed, let the heroes prevail and the blighters lie dead.' As one of the blighters, I sodding salute you. Let’s show them our hearts and then show them theirs.”
Both Zelda and Arawin nodded as Oghren made his way to the group that would be staying at the gate. They looked around, all their friends smiling at them, ready to get going.
“Come on, let's go,” said Zelda. Alistair, Wynne, and Rupee began to follow her, with Zevran, Morrigan, and Kunjo following Arawin. Cheers sounded as they made their way through the crowd. Cries of encouragement and hope ringing out the loudest.
***
The market burned. There was nothing recognizable about it. Rubble and splintered wood was everywhere, along with bodies and blood smeared pavement.
“These poor people,” Wynne said covering her mouth. “If only we could have gotten here sooner.”
“I know, but we shouldn't dwell on it,” said Zelda. “It's best we focus on saving the ones still alive than mourning the ones already dead. We can mourn later.”
“Let's get to it, then. But...” Alistair paused. “This general, how are we going to know which one he is?”
“We feel for him, of course. I'm sure we'll know it when we do.” Zelda closed her eyes and scanned the area. It felt like the Deep Roads, corruption everywhere with darkspawn dotted about in masses. It wasn't until she found a bright pinpoint, a pulse of powerful darkness did she stop and open her eyes. “He's there, just on the other side.”
“Zelda! Zelda!”
Before taking off toward the general, Zelda turned to see Esumi and Cullen running up to them. Esumi looked stricken, and Zelda soon understood when she did not see Keiven amongst them.
“Zelda, I'm so sorry, but I lost your brother,” Esumi said breathless.
“Little blighter just took off,” Cullen mumbled.
Zelda looked at the both of them. “What? Did you expect him to stay with you the whole time? He should've never came in the first place.”
“I know, and I'm sorry,” said Esumi. “But he is pretty good with a sword, and I think I know where he went.”
Zelda raised an eyebrow.
“I believe he went with your friend, Arawin. Something about that mage who's going with her caught his eye. He couldn't stop staring at her.”
“Morrigan?” Alistair said shocked. “I thought he had a thing for Leliana? A cute little crush.”
“Well he is an adolescent boy,” said Wynne. “And he does tend to follow any beautiful female he sees, but I say as long as he's with someone, neither of you need to worry.”
“You're right, Wynne,” said Zelda. “Keiven will be fine if he's with Arawin. We need to be more focused on killing this general for Riordan. Then taking care of the rest of the darkspawn.”
She went forward as a group of darkspawn rounded the corner. She felt the others behind her as well as several soldiers as they went. They collided with the group, swords flying and blood splattering. Zelda cut her way through the darkspawn, trying to relocate where the general was. Alistair who had been right beside her was left behind when an ogre tore through the group, forcing them to separate. Alistair stayed behind to fight it while Zelda kept running. She ran past what looked like the front entrance to Eamon's estate. She prayed to the Maker that Fergus had made it out in time. She would never forgive herself if she lost him for a second time.
The bright and pulsing dark power that was the general flared itself in front her, making Zelda swirl right before the giant axe took off her head. The hurlock stared at her with burning eyes, eyes that seemed far too intelligent for a darkspawn. Zelda stared back as they began to circle each other, her shield held up with Silverbrand glittering. The ring, Lifegiver, also began to glow on her finger, sending out tiny pulses of light and energy that Zelda could feel.
The hurlock attacked first, swinging the great axe faster than Zelda thought. She blocked the strike with her shield, but the blow nearly made her lose her balance. Her shield and arm shook, and she cringed from the pain. He went to strike at her again, but this time Zelda made her move. She took the opportunity of his open stance and lunged forward, planting Silverbrand in his side. Ice began to coat over his armor, but he ripped himself out before it could completely take effect. The hurlock then brought his axe down, forcing Zelda backwards, the axe cutting through the front of her leathers.
Zelda ignored the pain and placed up her shield and ran at him. They collided, the hurlock roaring in her ear as she pushed him back before bringing Silverbrand around and slicing into his side once again. The hurlock stepped out of her push and went to sweep his axe at her feet, but Zelda blocked his blow before forcing her attack on him again. She kept him on the defense, using speed to keep him where she wanted him before slamming him with her shield. The hurlock went down on the ground and she lifted Silverbrand, bringing the blade down, but only hitting rock as the hurlock rolled out of her way.
He stood, grabbing his axe and glared Zelda down. Again they became locked in a death gaze before Zelda heard a loud scream. Her eyes left the hurlock's only for a second as she looked behind him to see Goldanna falling to the ground as a genlock ran after her.
“Help!” she screamed, backing herself up against a wall.
“Maker damn it!” Zelda cursed. She moved just as the hurlock's axe came down where she had just be standing. Zelda ran around him, ducking his next blow as she rammed into the genlock, knocking it off balance and then slicing it's abdomen open.
“Damn it, Goldanna!” Zelda yelled. “What are you still doing here?”
“Do I know you?” Goldanna said peering up at Zelda with suspicion.
Zelda growled as she pulled Goldanna up by her collar. “I'm your brother's future wife! And don't you forget it. Now get out of here!” Zelda threw Goldanna to the side just as the hurlock's axe came down. She tried to get her shield up in time, but was too late as the axe came down on her right arm. It hit, forcing her to drop Silverbrand and cried out when she felt the bone inside break. Goldanna screamed behind her and crawled backwards, placing her back against the wall.
“Ah, sod!” Zelda yelled. “Goldanna, run! Now!”
“I can't!”
Zelda cursed as she blocked a swing from the axe. The hit was harder than the last one, and she was nearly brought off balance. She needed to get away from the wall, needed to get the hurlock away from Goldanna. There was no way she could protect herself along with Alistair's stupid sister pinned as she was.
Another swing from the axe slammed her against the wall. Her head began to spin, but she found she could still see and think clearly. The ring around her finger sent out a pulse, and Zelda felt slightly renewed. The new sensation gave her the strength to push off the wall, using it as leverage to place her shield in the hurlock's chest. She pushed him with all her might, giving out a war cry before she finally felt him fall to the ground. In a quick sweep, she brought her shield down on his head. She heard his skull crack, and blood poured out from underneath his helmet. Zelda then quickly grabbed Silverbrand, and even with her broken arm, drove the blade right between the hurlock general's eyes. When it was done, she crawled off him and lend herself against the wall, breathing heavy.
“You're really going to marry my brother?” Goldanna asked.
“Why do you care?” Zelda said breathlessly. “You said you didn't have a brother.”
“I just want to know who to stay away from. You're scary.”
“Good.”
“Zelda! Holy Maker, are you all right?” Alistair ran over and fell to his knees in front of her.
“I'm fine, Alistair. This general is dead.” She lifted her broken arm and winced making Alistair glare at her.
“I'm sorry I couldn't help you.”
“That's alright, but your sister helped... in her own way.” Zelda gestured over to Goldanna.
“What?”
“I don't know what she's talking about,” Goldanna said. “And why aren't you checking on me?”
Alistair stared at Goldanna before looking back to see Wynne and Esumi coming to join them. “Hey, one of you tend to Zelda, the other... please check on Goldanna.” Wynne knelt next to Zelda and began healing her arm while Esumi made her way to Goldanna.
“Hey, I don't want no knife-ear touching me!” Goldanna shrieked when Esumi tried to examine her.
“Watch what you say, woman,” Cullen said narrowing his eyes at her.
“Please, if you want me to heal you, I have to exam-” Esumi tried to say.
“No! If I'm going to be treated like this, then I'll get out myself. Out of my way!” Goldanna stood and pushed her way past Esumi.
“What was that all about?” Esumi questioned.
“That would be my sister,” Alistair frowned.
“I really wished I hadn't have saved her,” said Zelda.
Wynne smacked her arm, making her wince. “I never want to hear that from you again, Zelda. Do you hear me? I think Arawin's personality is leaking in too much.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Zelda chuckled.
“So the general has been taken out here,” said Esumi. “What should we do now? Should we go and help Arawin and the others?”
When Wynne was done, Zelda stood and flexed her arm. “No, Arawin will be fine. What we need to do now is cut a path to Fort Drakon. Riordan may be making the final blow, but he's still going to need our help. So let's start heading there.”
***
“Sodding bastards! How dare they!” Arawin ground her teeth as she stared at the burning Vhenadahl. Flames licked up it's trunk, turning it black, while the branches up high were obscured by a thick layer of smoke.
“So much for your hiding place,” Zevran said as he stared up at the smoky branches.
Arawin growled. She scanned the alienage. Bodies of elves, darkspawn and soldiers were everywhere, along with burning buildings and cracked stones stained with blood.
“Shianni!” she cried. “Soris!”
“Cyrion!” Zevran joined. “Valora!”
Arawin ran over to her cousin's house, finding it burning, but empty. “Damn it, where are they?” Kunjo whimpered a little as he stared in the burning house. He then sniffed the ground and barked, pointing his nose away from the door. “Can you find them, boy?”
With another bark, Kunjo sped off with Arawin, Zevran and Morrigan on his heels. He ran to Arawin's own house where they saw Shianni and Soris standing outside.
“Oh, Arawin!” Shianni nearly screamed when her cousin came round the corner. Shianni gripped Arawin in a bear-tight hug, and shuddered from trying to hold back tears. “Thank the Maker you came back.”
“Did you think I was really going to leave you for good again?” Arawin smiled at her cousin, glad to see she was still alive along with Soris. “Where's my father and Valora?”
“Gone already,” said Soris. “They left before the darkspawn attacked.”
“How did you guys know?”
“I saw the horde coming sitting up in the Vhenadahl,” Shianni explained. “So I told your father and he and Valora along with a few others left.”
“And why didn't you two go with them?” Arawin said glaring at both of her cousins.
“Because we planned on fighting,” Shianni said meeting Arawin's glare. “This is our home too, you know.”
“What? Absolutely not! Neither of you have enough combat experience to go against darkspawn!”
“I don't care, Arawin. You're not fighting our battles for us anymore. I appreciate what you did, but now Soris and I need to fight for ourselves since you're not going to be here.”
“That's right,” Soris agreed. “Besides, I do know how to fight enough. I still have the crossbow Nelaros gave me. Plus the two blades you used.” Soris pulled out the crossbow while Shianni showed Arawin the dagger and longsword she remembered all too well.
“I thought we got rid of those.”
“You left the dagger here,” said Soris. “Then I went back and collected the longsword and crossbow from where we dumped them. I don't know why, but I did, and now I'm glad. We can use them to help defend our home.”
“I still say no,” said Arawin. “But I know neither of you will listen to me.”
“Nope.”
“Fine. Just watch yourselves and stick close to me. Soris, stay at the edges and try to shoot them in the head. Shianni... you better not get yourself in trouble.”
“Don't worry, I'll watch Bonita,” Zevran smiled. “I promise no harm will come to her in my care.”
“Better not.”
“Don't worry so much, Arawin,” said Shianni. “You did teach me a thing or two.”
“Yeah, that's why I'm worried. Now can you tell me what's going on? The alienage is on fire with bodies, but there isn't anyone around.”
“The darkspawn only came here when some guards ran in. They then trapped the darkspawn behind the gate. They've been pounding on it ever since and I don't think the gate is going to hold much longer.”
“Then let's go have them open it. Why wait?”
“'Tis true. It is best to get this over with,” said Morrigan. “But first I think we should deal with the stalker before the darkspawn.”
“Stalker?” Arawin said puzzled.
“Yes, the little guy who's been trailing us,” answered Zevran. “Here.” He reached around the corner of the house and pulled out a young man with blonde hair.
“Hey, let me go!” he struggled.
“Wait a sec,” Arawin said as she examined him. “Are you Zelda's little brother? Keiven, right?”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“What of it? Why the sod are you following us? Why aren't you with your sister?”
“I don't always have to be with her. Besides, she didn't even want me to come anyway.” He shrugged out of Zevran's grip and straightened his chainmail.
“I would have to agree. You're too young.”
“No I'm not! I'm just as skilled as any mage here, plus I know how to use a sword!”
“And how old are you, exactly?” Morrigan asked eying him.
Keiven stared at her, eyes growing big and checks flushing with color. He looked away from her when his face became completely red. “I'm old enough,” he whispered.
“Oh, I see what's going on,” Zevran smirked. “Tell me, Keiven, you came with Esumi, yes? Why are you not still with her?”
“She's got Cullen to protect her now. She'll be fine.” His eyes quickly darted to Morrigan before going back to the ground.
“And you think Morrigan needs a protector? Obviously you don't know her.”
“What?” Morrigan laughed. “Are you here because of me? Are you sure you want to follow me around? I'm not what you think.”
“Then... show me.” Keiven straightened himself and stared at Morrigan with a bright red face. “A knight never leaves his lady's side, no matter the danger. You have my service, my lady.” He then took a deep bow to her. Morrigan only shook her head.
“Silly child.”
“I'm not a child,” he said straightening up again. “I'll show you.”
“I don't have time to watch over you. Run back to either your sister or Esumi. I'm sure both of them are wondering where you ran off to.”
“No need, they know where he is,” said Arawin.
“So then tell Zelda we're sending him back,” said Morrigan. “We don't need-” A cracking sound cut her off and everyone looked to see the gate at the other end of the street burst open. An ogre plowed his way down the street, forcing everyone to scatter.
“Zev, look after Shianni!” Arawin cried as she took out her blades and ran after the ogre.
“On it! Come on, Bonita, and stick close to me.” Zevran helped Shianni off the ground and together they ran toward the gate where many elves and soldiers were beginning to fight the swarm of darkspawn coming through. Zevran leaped forth and sliced his daggers across a genlock's throat before rounding and sinking them into the belly of a hurlock. Behind him, Shianni swiped forward and took out a genlock's legs before sticking the longsword into it's skull.
“Bonita, I'm impressed,” Zevran said, slightly stunned at what he had just seen. “I didn't know you had this side to you.”
“Like I said,” Shianni smiled. “Arawin taught me a few things.”
Zevran laughed as he took a quick look around. He saw Soris had made his way up on top of the gate and was firing his bolts down at the darkspawn. Morrigan and Keiven had some how made it to the other side of the gate, Morrigan using her magic while Keiven stood in front of her, using his sword and shield and the occasional spell to defend her. The sight made him laugh once more. Arawin, however was still back in the alienage, fighting the ogre alone with Kunjo. Zevran wanted to desperately go and help her, but he had promised to look after Shianni, and taking her over to the ogre was something he knew Arawin would not approve of.
A scream behind him forced him to turn away. Shianni was pushed to the ground by a hurlock carrying a staff. It went to bring it down on her head, but Zevran acted quickly, placing his body in between Shianni and the hurlock. The staff came right down, cracking on his shoulders, sending a shock wave down his spine. He fell and winced from the pain, momentarily not being able to move.
“Zevran!” Shianni cried. “Are you all right?”
“Ah,” Zevran cringed. “Go Bonita, get out of here.” He lifted his dagger to block the hurlock from smacking it's staff down on him again. He rolled on his back, ignoring the pain as he kicked the hurlock's legs. The darkspawn stumbled back, but didn't fall. It then lifted it's staff and a dark energy began to collect at the point. It hit Zevran, freezing him to the ground, pain racking through this body.
“Let him go!” Shianni got in front of him and crossed her swords, blocking the hurlock from attacking again. The hurlock bellowed then struck it's staff against Shianni's side, knocking her to the ground.
“Damn it, Shianni, get out of here!” Zevran tried to say through his clenched teeth. He fought the spell, but it kept him pinned. Shianni looked up at the hurlock horrified as it stared down at her, the same dark energy forming at the tip of it's staff yet again.
The hurlock then went backwards, an arrow protruding from it's shoulder. The spell disrupted, the hurlock looked at it's shoulder only to have two more arrows imbed themselves in it's other shoulder. The darkspawn was forced back again from the impact. Another arrow then struck it's chest and the hurlock roared when a new presence presented itself.
“Ion, can you move?” Lisha stood over Zevran and Shianni in a protective stance, bow drawn with two arrows notched.
“Lisha...? No, I can't...” Zevran cringed.
“Damn emissary.”
“Wh-who are you?” Shianni said looking up at Lisha with wide-eyed wonder. “Are you... Dalish?”
“Stay down, Da'len,” Lisha said keeping her eyes on the hurlock. “Proper introductions can be done at another time.”
The hurlock emissary roared, preparing to strike again. Lisha aimed her bow but then something flew by her head, landing in the hurlock's chest. The flames from the dagger burst, igniting the hurlock and causing it to shriek with pain.
“Lisha, get back and protect them!” Arawin screamed as she ran past. “The general is mine!”
“Be careful, Iell!”
“No need to worry.”
Dar'Misaan streaked with blue bolts as Arawin brought it down on the hurlock's legs. In the same move, she spun, grabbing Fang's hilt and ripping it out of the general's chest. Blood splattered everywhere from the wound and the emissary grunted. It took it's staff and went to swing at Arawin, but she ducked, giving her the opportunity to cross Fang and Dar'Misaan together. The fire and lightning joined, and as she swung the two blades forward, the bolt of fire struck the hurlock general in the chest and sent it flying backward. The general landed on it's back, blood squirting from it's mouth and wounds. Arawin didn't allow for the general to recover as she took both Fang and Dar'Misaan to it's throat and detached the head.
“One general down, and the other one is right... about... now.”
“Good, that means we can move on,” said Morrigan as she replaced her staff. Keiven walked right beside her, breathing heavily and looking disheveled.
“We're not doing anything until you take care of Zevran,” Arawin said.
“Right.” Morrigan went and quickly undid the spell on him as well as healed his wounds. Keiven went and did the same thing for Shianni.
“Shianni, why did you go and do that?” Soris cried as he made his way over to her. “Don't scare me like that again.”
“Same with me,” said Arawin. “But... good job. And you too, Zevran. Thanks for keeping her safe. And Lisha... thanks.”
“My pleasure, Iell.”
“But what are you doing here? I thought I told the Dalish to take the walls?”
“You did, and Lanaya and Dayno are making sure they do what they need to do.”
Arawin smiled at her. “Glad you came. Oh, and these are my cousins, Shianni and Soris. And you two, this is Lisha, the Dalish hunter I told you about.”
“Oh, it is an honor,” said Shianni. “And thank you as well.”
“You are a good fighter, Da'len, but you need to know your limits. Obviously a hurlock general might be a bit too much for you.”
“I'll remember that next time.”
“Well there's not going to be a next time,” said Arawin. “Instead, you two are going to get out of here. Go find my father and Valora, and for the Maker's sake, be careful!”
“Right, Cousin,” said Soris. “We'll head out now.”
“I love you, Arawin. You be just as careful.” Shianni hugged her before she and Soris took off.
“Do you think someone should go with them?” Lisha asked. “To make sure they get out all right.”
“They'll be fine,” said Arawin. “They know the back allies and how to get out of the city. Right now we need to focus on joining back up with Zelda and the others, then heading to Fort Drakon. That's where the real fun is going to be.”
***
The gates to the city were quiet, but it didn't last long. The Dalish on the walls fired their arrows down into the darkspawn that made their way through. The dwarves on the other side waited impatiently for the ones that did make their way across. Once they did, hell broke loose as axes and swords cut against darkspawn flesh.
Sora was perhaps having too much fun as she brought down every darkspawn that threatened to try and take her. Rylen enjoyed watching her fight although he didn't have much time doing that as darkspawn also began to rain down on him. Leliana stayed toward the back, up on a broken wall, shooting arrows and occasionally yelling out whenever a strong darkspawn would come through. Beside her was Lanaya, casting spells and healing. Vines and roots would strike out from the ground at her command, ensnaring the darkspawn and keeping them from moving. This allowed for Sten and Oghren, who were also fighting side-by-side to take them out in long swings. Damien was at the front, hacking away at the darkspawn with furry, letting his Reaver training take hold. Veillée and Victoire danced along side him, taking every darkspawn they came across down.
“Keep pushing, men!” Damien cried. “I think zey're slowing!” After taking down a genlock, Damien stopped and stared out the gate. There were still darkspawn out there he could feel, but for the moment they had ceased the attack.
“Where are they?” Sora cried coming beside him. “Come on, Grey Warden, tell me where to turn next!”
Damien had to shake off his rage before answering. “Calm, Petite. Zey're out there but at ze moment, zey've ceased.”
Sora growled. “Why don't they show their ugly faces!”
Damien laughed at her. “My, I think you're worse zan Belle. Both of you 'ave anger issues.”
“Are you talking about Arawin? Pff, that little red-headed elf has nothing on me!”
“I-” Damien froze as he felt the sudden approach and roar from several ogres. He looked out past the gate to see three of them charging toward them. “Ogres!”
“Alright! Sora yelled beside him.
“Leithio i philinn!” Dayno cried from the wall. Several arrows flew down on the ogres, hitting them in the chests and shoulders, but none of them went down.
“Attack!” Sora and Damien said together. Both the men and dwarves surged forward, ramming into the ogres. The great beasts lowered their horns and impaled several soldiers. They then grabbed and ripped others apart, and threw some against the wall.
Sten and Oghren ran straight toward the closet ogre. Oghren ducked the ogre's hand and swing his axe straight into the creature's thigh. Sten went to the front, using the distraction Oghren gave him to leap in the air and stab his blade into the ogre's chest. The creature roared and went down, nearly taking Rylen out who had moved just in time.
The other two ogres, however had penetrated through the line, making their way into the city. Following them was another whole swarm of darkspawn that used the chaos the ogres caused to renew their attack.
“Blighted darkspawn!” Damien cursed. He knew their short victory was too good to be true. He rolled away from one of the ogres trying to grab him, before sticking Veillée in a hurlock's throat. “Rylen, we may need to pull back!”
“Pull back?” Rylen yelled from across the battlefield. “Is that even possible?”
“No sodding way!” Sora cried as she torn her axe from a shriek's head. “We're not giving up. I'll never hear the end of it from that sodding elf!”
“But Petite, we're out numbered!” Damien looked to see one of the ogres pick up a boulder and prepare to throw it at the elves on the wall. “Dayno! Lanaya! Look out!” The two elves jumped just in time before the boulder smashed against the wall, causing it to crumble.
“What are we going to do?” Leliana made her way to Damien's side, her arrows depleted and dagger covered in blood.
“I... Wait, what is zat?” Damien squinted his eyes, trying to focus on the distant objects running toward them. He could not sense they were darkspawn, but he could see they were huge as they smashed their way through the trees.
“Rylen!” Sora screamed. “The golems are finally here!”
Four golems burst their way through the gate followed by more dwarves. The golems immediately went after the ogres, taking them down with ease before squishing the other darkspawn.
“What ze...? Golems!” Damien looked at the steel men with compete surprise. “I thought zere wasn't any more.”
“Not since Arawin and Zelda helped to rediscover the Anvil of the Void,” Rylen said as he smiled proudly at the golems.
“My king,” one of the dwarves who had come with the golems said bowing to him. “I'm sorry we're late.”
“Gorim, old buddy!” Rylen clapped his old friend on the back. “It's great to see you!”
“You too, my lord, and I can't believe you're king! You're going to have to explain it to me when we get back home.”
“Of course, but tell me: are these all the golems Branka was able to make?”
“At the moment, yes, or at least how many we allowed her to make. I hate to say this about our Paragon, but she's as nutty as squirrel poo. Sorry, I've been on the surface too long.”
“I would have to agree,” Rylen laughed. “But thanks to you, I think the gates are now secure.”
“Zere's still darkspawn out there,” said Damien. “But at ze moment zey're staying at bay.”
“So can we go and join everyone else now?” Sora asked impatient.
“Yeah, let's go. Dayno, Lanaya, will you be all right without us?”
“We will,” Lanaya answered.
“Right. Leliana, Oghren, Sten, come on! Let's go help kill an archdemon!”

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
Song: This is War by 30 Seconds to Mars
All Sindarin belongs to JRR Tolkien
Sindarin Translation:
Leithio i philinn (Lay-thee-o ee fee-leen) - Fire the arrows!
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Blood Bond