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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
- 78
- 79
- 80
We Are the One

Zelda entered Morrigan's room. The witch still stood by her fire. She turned when she heard her door open and frowned when she saw Zelda come in alone. “So you've come back,” she said disappointed.
“You don't sound happy about it,” Zelda said narrowing her eyes.
“I was hoping you'd come back with double your number, but I guess not.” Morrigan turned fully around and stared at Zelda with disdain.
“The answer is no, Morrigan.”
“Then you are a fool,” the witch said sharply. “Do you know what you're throwing away?”
“I know enough,” Zelda said taking a stand. “And I'm not giving you what you want.”
Morrigan clenched her teeth, but stayed put. “I told you all I want, nothing more.”
“Well I'm still not giving it to you, so go then. Leave us like you said you would.”
Morrigan slowly shifted her head to the side, narrowed-eyes still fixed on Zelda. “I will not, because I made a promise. I told Arawin I would stay no matter what you decided. I now wish I hadn't.”
“So do I,” Zelda huffed as she turned and left the room, slamming the door behind her. She stepped over to the other side of the hall and stopped in front of the door to her and Alistair's room. There she stood for a moment, calming her nerves and gathering herself before she entered.
Alistair stirred on the bed as the light from the hallway glided on his face. He looked up to see Zelda standing in the doorway. Quickly she went in and closed the door when she saw him covering his eyes from the brightness.
“Zelda... there you are,” he said still squinting. “I was getting worried about you.”
“You didn't look like it,” Zelda said trying to force a smile. “You were asleep.”
“Okay, maybe I did fall asleep waiting for you, but I really was worried.” Alistair removed himself from the bed and went over to where she stood. “Zelda... what's wrong?” Even in the dull light of their room he could see the lines in her face. He could tell something was wrong and she was trying to hide it.
“Nothing,” she said going by him and over to the bed. She began removing her armor and clothing.
“Zelda... I can tell you're lying. What did Morrigan want to talk with you and Arawin for? And why did it take so long?”
Zelda stopped in the middle of peeling off her undershirt. “It was just... over the coming battle. She wanted to know... details.”
“Details? What kind of details?”
“Just things. Nothing you need to worry about.” Zelda turned and smiled at him before getting under the covers. “Are you coming?”
“Yeah, I'm... coming.” Alistair still wasn't sure. She was hiding something, and he knew no matter how hard he tried, she wasn't going to tell him.
Slowly he got under the covers with her, wrapping his arms around her waist and squeezing her close. Her own fingers laced with his and it wasn't long before she was fast asleep. Alistair waited to make sure she really was before carefully getting out of bed. He put on a shirt and trousers, and made his way over to the door. Rupee raised her head when she heard the door creak open. Alistair placed his finger over his lips and Rupee lowered her head back down as he slipped into the hall.
He saw that Morrigan's door across the hall was slightly ajar. Slowly he went and opened it, letting light flood into the hallway from the fire on the other side. Morrigan was sitting on her bed, a small smile on her face.
“You took longer than I thought.”
“So you were excepting me?”
“I was expecting you to be curious,” Morrigan said standing. “Knowing Zelda, she would have told you about our little meeting the moment she went back to you, but not this time. This time I'm sure she was silent.”
“She did... refuse to tell me,” Alistair said looking at the ground. “And I want to know the reason why. I want to know what made her like that. What did you tell them, Morrigan?” He looked back at her, and Morrigan saw a determination in his face she had never seen before.
“So she really has hardened you,” she said taking a few steps closer to him. “Good, because now the decision is yours to make. In a way, it was always yours, but I was unsure you could handle it. Now I know I was wrong.”
“Decision on what?”
“I offered both Zelda and Arawin a way out. A way to kill the archdemon and live, for any Grey Warden.”
Alistair stared at the witch perplexed. He was confused, and even more so that Zelda hadn't told him. “I don't understand, why would Zelda not tell me something like this? A way out? A way to survive? That would be good news! Unless... What's the catch?”
“Why would you think there was a catch?”
“Because nothing this good just falls into someone's hands without a catch. Zelda wouldn't have kept it secret unless it was something horrible.”
“Not so horrible as you may think.” Morrigan walked back next to the bed. “I only ask for one thing, and it's something only you can give me.”
“Really? And what would that be?”
“I ask that you perform a ritual with me, one that must be done tonight, and soon.”
Alistair stared at her, his curiosity battling with his instincts to run. “What type... of ritual?”
“A consummation, one that involves you and me for one night.”
Alistair's eyes shot open when he realized what she meant. Things were beginning to become clear now. He was beginning to understand why Zelda had kept this from him. “You want us to have sex? Why? How is that going to help with not dying?”
“The details are unimportant. All you need to know is that the ritual will work, and it will keep whoever kills the archdemon alive.”
Alistair clenched his fists. He was getting tired of people telling him such things. “No Morrigan, you will tell me the details! Otherwise, I won't do it.”
Morrigan's eyebrows raised. “So you're at least considering it? Are you sure you wish to know? You may not like what you hear.”
“I already know I'm not,” Alistair frowned. “I really don't know how having sex with you could result in anything good. But... if it saves Zelda, then I'm willing to close my eyes.”
“How noble of you. Fine. I would prefer not to tell you, but it appears I have no choice. When the archdemon is slain, instead of it's soul traveling to the Grey Warden you killed it, or to the nearest darkspawn, it will instead travel to the child that will be within me.”
Alistair let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes, understanding everything now. Morrigan wanted him to impregnate her, which he knew was something that would have struck Zelda to the core. “So you want a child-”
“A child with the soul of an Old God, nothing more,” Morrigan continued for him. “I do not seek an heir, nor do I seek anything more from you. Once the archdemon is slain, then I will be gone, and you will never see me again.”
“Or the child?”
“Or the child.”
Alistair rubbed his face with both his hands. He wished he had never come in here. He wished he had just taken Zelda's word. “Why me?”
“Because you are the only one suitable. Please don't make me explain more. That's really all you need to know.”
Alistair threw down his hands, hating everything now. “Alright, fine, I won't ask anymore about it.”
“So... what say you, then?” Morrigan asked cautiously.
Alistair stared at the witch, hating what he was about ready to do. Zelda would hate him, he knew it, but he also knew that if Riordan failed, then both Zelda and Arawin wouldn't hesitate. He could try to beat them to it, but not with both women.
“I'll do it,” he said. “But only on one condition.”
“Oh?” Morrigan said curious. “You're making ultimatums now?”
“You obviously have a way to be impregnated by a Grey Warden. Will this also work for Zelda and me?”
“I... don't know,” Morrigan frowned. “In our case, only you are tainted and I am receiving it. But as for you and Zelda, it is a different matter.”
“Is there anyway?”
“There may be, but I would have to study it.”
“Then do that, and once you have an answer... you don't have to show yourself. Just send it or something. Zelda deserves to be happy, and if I can give her this...”
“I will see what I can do,” said Morrigan. “But I promise nothing.”
Alistair nodded his head, then his body shook as he realized what he was about ready to do. “So... what do I need to do? And how long is this going to take?”
“How long depends on you,” Morrigan said as she walked over to him. “Relax Alistair, this does not have to be as bad as you think.”
“You don't know what I think...”
“No, I don't, but I am not my mother. You will survive this.” Morrigan gently took his hand and lead him to the bed. Alistair followed reluctantly, already feeling ill-prepared.
“Please... don't let Zelda know.”
“If you wish, but you won't be able to hide it from her forever. Eventually she'll figure it out when whoever kills the archdemon does not die as well.”
“When that time comes, I'll deal with it, but not now. I want her to love me a little longer.”
“Fair enough. Now just relax and believe me when I say you will not hate this quite so much as you believe.”
***
The light from the archdemon burst, exploding out and pushing everyone around to the ground. It was blinding, deafening. Everyone had to cover their ears and close their eyes. It wasn't until their ears stopped ringing, and the little spots clouding their vision disappeared were they finally able to take in the scene.
Zevran and Alistair were the first ones to stand, staring over at where the archdemon used to lay and where now Zelda and Arawin laid, completely still. They both ran over, falling upon the two women.
“Zelda! Zelda!” Alistair cried as he grabbed her shoulders and shook her slightly. “Zelda, it's over. You did it. Please, wake up.”
Across from him Zevran was doing the same thing to Arawin. He pulled her into his arms and stared down at her pale face, holding her limp body. “What's going on?” Zevran asked. “Why are they not responding?”
“I-I don't know,” Alistair choked. “I don't understand. I performed the ritual. They should've survived. Where's Morrigan?” He looked up to try and find the witch, but saw she was no where in sight.
“Morrigan? Ritual? What are you talking about?” Zevran held Arawin close to his chest, panic all over his face.
“It's...” Alistair had to fight back tears. He didn't understand anything. Had Morrigan lied to him? Or had it not worked? He grabbed Zelda and held her in his lap. Her lifeless movements finally causing the tears to break free. “Wynne! Please... help!”
Both Wynne and Esumi came running along with everyone else. They formed a circle around the two men as Wynne and Esumi went to check on them. Wynne lowered herself next to Zelda and placed her hands over the warrior's face.
“Alistair, put her down,” she said. Reluctantly, he gently placed her on the ground. He then removed a lock of hair from her eyes and watched intently as Wynne scanned her body.
“Wynne... please. Do something,” he said through his tears. “This isn't suppose to happen.”
Wynne looked at him with compassion, feeling that she had been in this situation before, but only the other way around. She continued her scan, occasionally looking over at Esumi who was doing the same thing to Arawin. The elven mage had the same worried look as she did.
“Come on, teacher,” Keiven whimpered. “Please don't let my sister die.”
“I'm trying my best, Keiven.”
“Lethallan,” Lisha said as she knelt next to Esumi. “Please do what you can.”
“I am,” Esumi said. “But... wait, I think... Wynne! Can you feel that?”
“Feel...?” Wynne soon gasped as she felt it too. “They're alive, barely. Esumi quick, use the connection!”
“Right.”
They both concentrated, focusing all their magic on the two Grey Wardens lying beneath them. Several tense seconds went by, minutes before Zelda and Arawin gasped for air at the same time. Alistair grabbed Zelda and pulled her into a bear-tight hug, his tears increasing.
“Al-Alistair...” Zelda said weakly. “What's....”
“You did it, Zelda. Both you and Arawin.” He pulled her away slightly and looked in her bright eyes. “The archdemon is dead. The Blight is over.”
Zelda stared back at him confused, her mind groggy and slow. Arawin was the same way as she stared into Zevran's eyes. Neither of the women understood why they were still alive, but at that moment, as they looked from their men to their friends and family that surrounded them, the realization that they were alive and had killed the archdemon was now becoming clear.
The Blight was finally over.
***
They were carried down Fort Drakon and through the city as soldiers, templars, mages, elves, and dwarves lined the streets to get a look at the heroes. Their companions kept a protective barrier between them and the admirers, with the two men holding their precious cargo close and possessive.
They reached the palace, which had been turned into a temporary clinic for all the wounded. There they were taken into a private room where Wynne and Esumi treated them and where they stayed as the city cleaned up the darkspawn mess.
Some time passed after the battle, allowing for clean up and the restoration of the city. Once things were situated to decent standards, the city was then reopened to the population. Citizens flooded back in, rebuilding their homes and opening back up the market. Things were starting to look up again and even more so when Alistair's coronation was announced.
Two weeks after the archdemon was killed, Alistair walked down the throne room in lavish armor with all of Ferelden's nobility watching him. He made his way up the steps to the throne where the gland cleric ordained him as king. Turning, he waved to the crowd and was accepted. That same ceremony, Alistair also made sure his two fellow Grey Wardens also got recognized, giving his first public speech as king.
“My friends, we are gathered to celebrate those responsible for our victory,” he said still standing next to the throne as he addressed the crowd. “Of those who stood against the darkspawn siege of Denerim, there are two in particular who deserve commendation.” He gestured and both Arawin and Zelda began making their way to him. Both of the women dressed in their armor which had been fixed and oiled for the ceremony. Alistair smiled at them broadly, particularly at Zelda who was looking at him with great pride.
“These are the two who led the final charge against the archdemon. They remain with us still, and are inspirations to all they saved that day.” He placed himself in between them and had them turn to the crowd. Everyone cheered, and Zelda and Arawin could see their friends and family below them. Zelda saw Fergus standing with Keiven, still using a cane to hold himself up. Arawin scanned the area and saw her entire family standing with Zevran in the front. She waved to them and they waved back with huge smiles on their faces.
“So, may I introduce to you two very important people,” Alistair continued. He turned to Zelda first. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I formally present my betrothed, who will soon be your queen, Zelda Cousland.” There were more cheers from the crowd, particularly from the area her two brothers were standing.
“And here,” Alistair said turning to Arawin. “I present the new Warden-Commander of Ferelden, Arawin Tabris.” The crowds excitement increased, and Arawin saw her family hugging one another with her father crying.
Alistair then raised his hands and the crowd died down their praise before turning his full attention on the two women on either side of him. “My friends,” he said. “It is hard to imagine how you could have aided Ferelden more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favor, so I will offer you a boon of your choice. Arawin?”
“Oh, well, I actually have two,” Arawin said as she stared out at the crowd.
“Alright. Tell me them and I'll see what I can do.”
“First, I wish to see my people treated fairly, for once. The alienage was in horrible condition before the Blight. We should not leave it like that.”
“No, I don't think we should.” Alistair turned to the crowd. “With that said, I shall declare the alienage here in Denerim its own bannorn which means it will have a say in the Landsmeet. What say you, Arawin? Would you like to be the bann?”
“What? Oh no, I'm horrible when it comes to politics, plus I'll be too busy as commander, but... I think my cousin Shianni would make a great bann.” Arawin found Shianni in the crowd and smiled at her. Shianni appeared shocked and could barely stay on her feet as Soris and Zevran had to keep her from falling over.
“Then when this is over with, have her come to me and we'll get everything official. Let it be known that the alienage will now have its own ruler and its own laws. Let this be a new beginning for both our people. What was your other request, Arawin?”
“The Dalish have been nomads for too long. Let them have land to settle on.”
“Land for the Dalish, huh?” Alistair said smiling and shaking his head at her. “Then so be it, they helped much with the Blight as well. The Brecilian Forest along with the Korcari Wilds will be designated for the Dalish to settle upon if they wish. I hope this too will help with the tension between our people.
“And what about you, love?” he said turning to Zelda. “I will let you have two as well. An engagement present.” He took her hand and kissed it.
“There is really only one thing I would wish,” Zelda said. “This should not be allowed to happen again. Do not let the sacrifice of the Grey Wardens be forgotten.”
“I agree. I think we can begin with a monument here in Denerim, dedicated to the Grey Wardens who have fallen—Duncan, Riordan, all of them. And it is high time some scholars were collected to learn more about the darkspawn. We’ll face them again, with the dwarves as well as here. I'll work with Rylen to get an alliance going. No longer will the dwarves be left in the dark, and no longer will we let a Blight take us by surprise.
“I also wish to announce that Highever has been officially returned to the Couslands. Fergus Cousland shall take up his father's teyrn and will be given what he needs in order to restore his former home. As for the Howes, their nobility shall be striped along with all their lands. Amaranthine shall instead be given to the Grey Wardens, where they will be able to rebuild the order to serve Ferelden.” The crowd cheered again and Alistair ended his speech. The crowd then dispersed and formed small, talkative groups.
“So, there's been a parade scheduled for the two of you just outside so Ferelden citizens can get a good look at their heroes. Ha, the Heroes of Ferelden. I think that has a nice ring to it.”
“Couldn't they have called us something different?” said Arawin. “Like, I'm the hero and Zelda is the sidekick or something like that?”
“What are you talking about?” Zelda smiled. “You're the sidekick.”
“I think we should have another duel to determine that.”
“It's something I've been waiting for.”
“Well I haven't,” said Alistair. “But whatever you girls plan, do it after the ceremony. Your adoring public awaits.”
“I think that can be arranged, but for now,” Arawin said as she stared down at her family. “I'm going to have a little fun first.” She took off down the stairs, calling Shianni and Zevran's names.
“So,” Alistair said once Arawin was gone. “What are your plans, love? I know Arawin is going to Amaranthine, but what do you plan to do?”
“Do you even need to ask?” Zelda said taking his hand. “You know you're going to need me. I'm staying right here. Arawin will do fine without me.”
“I'm glad to hear it.” He lend forward and kissed her. “But I also wanted to discuss... our wedding. When would be an appropriate time to have it?”
“Oh, well, that all depends,” said Zelda. “Normally after the engagement has been announced, I don't know... Maybe six months?”
“Really? Because Eamon said we should have it next week.”
“Next week? That's... that's hardly time!”
“He said since everyone's already here there's no need to send them back and forth. Plus he thought it would be good moral to have a royal wedding right after such a horrible event. I think I would have to agree with him. I really love you, Zelda, and being married to you right away doesn't sound so horrible.”
“No?” Zelda smiled. “I guess I could think of worse things. But as for the wedding, if it's going to be next week, then I need to start preparing right away. I'll need a dress, and I think I know the perfect seamstress for that...”
“If you're talking about Olivia,” said Alistair. “Eamon has her on her way, and I think she already has a dress being made for you, plus one you had her fix.”
“Oh good, she was able to fix it! That means Arawin will have a maid of honor gown. Oh this is exciting, but a lot of work.”
“A lot of work you don't have to worry about, love. Eamon's already got a lot of things taken care of.”
“I'll have to thank him later, then.” Zelda then looked out into the crowd. She wanted to join Arawin in speaking with their friends, but there was one other thing she needed to ask. “Alistair,” she said looking back at him. “When Arawin and I killed the archdemon... why didn't we die?”
Alistair swallowed before facing her fully. He had been waiting for this. “The Grey Wardens asked me that as well, and I haven't answered them yet, but I will you. After you fell asleep that night, I went to Morrigan, wanting to know what she had said to upset you so much. I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't have gone behind your back like that, but I knew that if Riordan failed, no matter what, you and Arawin would have killed the archdemon together. There was no way you were going to let me do it.”
“And you're right, too,” Zelda said glaring at him. “So... you performed the ritual?”
“Yes, and I'm not proud of it, but I wouldn't take it back for the world. You're alive, and that's all I care about. If I pay for it with you hating me, then I pay.”
Zelda softened her gaze. “I don't hate you, Alistair. I do hate that you didn't tell me, but I understand why. I shouldn't've kept it from you. It wasn't my decision to make. It was yours. I just hope the consequences aren't too severe.”
“Whatever they may be, we'll deal with it together in the future.” Alistair took her in his arms and hugged her. Before letting go, he kissed her with a longing passion. “I can't wait to be alone with you.”
“Me neither, so when I can get away, I'll meet you in our new, kingly room upstairs.”
“I'll be waiting.” He kissed her one more time before letting her go to mingle with the crowd.
Zelda went to Fergus and Keiven first, seeing her two brothers conversing and laughing.
“That's what really goes on in the tower?” Fergus laughed. “And how would you know? Aren't you a little young to know such things?”
“I'm old enough to understand how it works,” said Keiven. “But yes, it happens and it happens a lot! Just ask Esumi.”
The elven mage stood next to Keiven, rolling her eyes. “I have no idea what he's talking about.”
“I don't think he does either,” Zelda said joining in.
“Sis, congrats!” Keiven said leaping into her arms. “I didn't know you were engaged. Why didn't you tell me?”
“It's something that's pretty recent, and it's apparently going to happen next week.”
“Wow,” Fergus laughed. “Seriously? You two don't wait for anything, do you?”
“We thought it best to get it over with. It'll be hard to get underway in such a short time, but I think we'll manage.”
“Of course you will.”
“Congratulations, Zelda,” Esumi bowed. “Or should I say, your Highness.”
“What, are you a princess now?” Keiven asked.
“Sort of,” said Zelda. “Being engaged to a king does bring me to a princess status, but don't let Arawin know that. I'll never hear the end of it.”
“No, I don't think you will,” Esumi chuckled. She then became more solemn and looked around the room a few times.
“You're worried about Jowan still?” Zelda asked.
“Yeah, with the Blight now over, all the templars returned to the tower, including Cullen. All the mages as well, except for Keiven and I, of course. Irving said we could stay as long as we needed to. But... I don't know what's going to happen with Jowan now.”
“Well, my plan isn't done yet,” said Zelda. “As soon as I can, I'll leave for the tower and everything will be taken care of.”
“Really, what are you going to do?” Keiven asked excited.
Zelda smiled at him. “You're just going to have to wait and see.”
“Oh, Zelda,” said Fergus. “I can already see those cogs in your head turning. I don't know who this Jowan is or why you want to save him, but I hope you succeed.”
“I'll let these two tell you about it, but right now I need to go and collect Arawin so we can move on to the parade. I'll speak to the rest of you later.” She hugged everyone before going to find Arawin.
“Oh you should've seen her! She was on that darkspawn like it was nothing!” Soris clapped Shianni on the back as he told the story.
“Now wait a second,” said Shianni. “You were mad at me during the time, now you're happy? I don't get it.”
“We're not fighting the darkspawn anymore, and if I want to brag about my little sister, then I will.”
“I'm sure you were wonderful, Shianni,” Valora said as she rubbed her protruding belly. “And to think, you're going to be bann of the alienage!”
“Yeah, what was that all about, Arawin?” Shianni asked. “Why'd you pick me?”
“Because you and me think alike.” Arawin went and wrapped her arm around her cousin's shoulders. “Who better to handle the duties? And I know you won't take any crap from the human nobles.”
“Oh no, she won't let them treat her like an elf,” Cyrion laughed. “They're going to have a hard time with her.”
“That's right, I'll show those nobles what an elf can do.” Shianni punched Arawin in the arm. “So I guess you did make a good choice.”
“Just be careful, Bonita,” said Zevran. “Nobles can be a cutthroat bunch. They may resort to certain means to try and get rid of you if you push too hard.”
“Then it's a good thing my cousin is the Hero of Ferelden. I sure hope no one would want to upset her.”
“I don't know,” Arawin said as she eyed Zevran. “But you won't have to worry about that. Zelda will make sure they treat you fair, won't you?”
“I'll do my best,” said Zelda. “I hate to take you away from your family, but we can't have the crowd outside waiting forever.”
“I guess not. Alright, I love you guys and I'll talk to you all later, but right now me and Zelda need to be paraded about.”
“Before you go,” said Zevran. “Do you mind if I ask you something privately?”
“Zevran, we don't have time-”
“I'm not talking about that,” he said while pulling her away. “Although it is a tempting thought. But no, I just wanted to know when you plan on telling your family about us and the real way we met?”
“Do I have to? They still love you.”
“I think we should,” said Zevran. “And they may be mad at first, but I think they'll accept it later.”
“I sure hope so, but you're going to be with me when I do. Don't think you're getting out of it.”
“Amora, of course I will. And as for today, please be careful. This is the perfect occasion for a Crow to strike.”
Arawin looked at him puzzled. “You mean the Crows may still come after us?”
“Well maybe not you and Zelda, although it's still possible. I'd have to say the contract on the three Grey Wardens is done with. The contributors are dead, so killing you would gain very little, except for maybe bragging rights. But for me, I don't know if they've figured out that I'm not dead yet, but they will eventually learn the truth, and come for me.”
“And when that happens, I'll be right by your side watching your back.”
“I wouldn't have it any other way, Amora.” Grabbing her face, Zevran forced a passionate kiss that might have been on purpose. Arawin had to force herself away as she heard gasps coming from the direction her family was in. She turned and smiled at them stupidly.
“Heh, I'll have to explain that later.”
“Like we didn't already know,” Cyrion chuckled.
“Mmm, just make sure you come back real soon,” Zevran hummed. “I've missed you.”
“I'll try not to make you wait long.” Arawin kissed him once more before joining Zelda.
Together they made their way through the crowd, trying to get to the other side. It was hard, as everyone they passed wanted to formally great them, offer congratulations and thanks. One that was able to actually get them to stop was Lisha.
“Once again, Iell, you have done more for us than we could possible pay back.” Lisha bowed to her. “Ma serannas, Arawin. You will always be welcome amongst the people as a sister.”
“Le hannon, Lisha,” Arawin said bowing back. “It has been an honor working with you.”
“The honor is mine. And I do hope you come and visit Dayno and I soon. You're archery training isn't complete yet, and neither is your tattoo.”
“After I get everything settled, then I'll come. It'll be interesting to see the two of you settled down.”
“I appreciate what you did, but I don't think Dayno and I will be settling. Perhaps if we still had Ariel with us, but now that it's just the two of us, we may still travel. We're not sure yet. Our future is still to be determined.” Lisha bowed to them one last time, offering her regards to Zelda before letting them continue on. They didn't get far, however, as they got stopped again, this time by Leliana and Wynne.
“I'm so proud of you two!” Leliana said as she went and hugged the both of them together tightly. “How exciting!”
“Alright, Leliana,” Wynne chuckled as she saw Arawin and Zelda suffocating. “You can let them go. They just recovered after all.”
“Oh sorry, it's just I'm so happy for the both of you. And I can't wait for the wedding! I've been penning ballads about our adventure to end the Blight, and I hope to perform one at the wedding, if you don't mind, Zelda.”
“Of course not,” Zelda smiled. “We would love to hear it.”
“Just make sure you get it done quick,” said Arawin. “The wedding is next week.”
“Next week! Then I need to think of a good ending and fast.”
“Don't feel like you need to rush it,” said Zelda. “If it's incomplete then I won't mind.”
“I know, but still, I wouldn't be a bard if I didn't have a complete piece done. I'm practically done anyway, it's just the ending I need to work on.”
“So how does it feel, you two?” Wynne asked. “Being heroes and all.”
“It feels a little strange,” said Zelda. “I don't feel like we did much. I know we didn't do it alone. Everyone helped in their own way.”
“I don't think many heroes can say they did do it alone. I'm not even sure it would be possible.”
“Well I love it,” Arawin answered. “It's about time I got recognized for my awesomeness.”
“Yes, Arawin, it's about time,” Zelda said rolling her eyes.
“What? It is!”
“So what are your plans, Wynne? Are you going back to the tower? I hope you stick around for the wedding at least.”
“Oh no, I'm not going back,” said Wynne. “After an adventure like this, I don't think I could ever go back. But I do plan on staying here. In fact, Alistair even offered me a seat in his council. I believe I will be the first mage in quite some time to have a seat next to the king.”
“Wow, I'm surprised at that,” Zelda said a little stunned. “He actually made a good decision without help.”
This made Wynne chuckle. “He's a good lad, and not too bad at being king either. When the two of you were recovering, he took over very fast. Of course he still needed help, and I was willing to offer what I could, but it almost seemed as if he was born to be king.”
“Good, that means we didn't make a stupid decision,” said Arawin.
“I'm glad you're staying, Wynne,” said Zelda. “It'll be nice to see you around.”
“It will be interesting. We still don't know how the Landsmeet will take a mage advising the king.”
“They may not like it at first, but once they see who it is then they'll accept it.”
“There's no way to not love those old bones, right Wynne?” Leliana teased.
“I sure hope so.”
Zelda and Arawin moved on after getting one more hug from Leliana and a kiss from Wynne. This time instead of being stopped, they stopped themselves when they saw Sten standing alone in the corner of the room.
“Sten, you big lug, what are you doing?” Arawin asked.
“Observing,” he said. “You humans have a strange way of celebrating, but I guess it's not all that different from when we celebrate a qunoran vehl.”
“A what?”
“One who serves as an example to others. A qunoran vehl would be a 'hero' to the Qunari people, except they would be dead.”
“Oh, well...” Zelda said. “Technically we're suppose to be-”
Don't.
“...A hero here doesn't have to be dead. The hero just has to have done something great. If the hero dies, though, then perhaps the honor is greater.”
“Perhaps.”
“So what do you plan on doing, Sten?” Arawin asked.
“I will be traveling back to Par Vallon, to my people. I have an answer for the Arishok's question, and I think I should give it to him.”
“You're going to at least stay for my wedding, right?” Zelda pleaded.
Sten stared down at her with his typical straight face. “If that is what you wish.”
“Thanks. And I'll make sure we have lots of cakes and cookies just for you. Shortbread, right?”
A sparkle passed through Sten's eyes, but only for a brief second. “That would be acceptable. Thank you.”
Their next stop was more closer to the door, as Arawin was tackled by Sora who pulled the elf and human to the small collection of dwarves which included Rylen and Oghren.
“Did you two really think you were going to get away without saying something to us first?” Sora heaved.
“Oh don't worry, I wasn't going to forget about you,” Arawin said punching Sora in the arm. “You little nug-sucking, toad.”
“Tree-humping, bronto dick.”
“You two,” Zelda laughed.
“So what is it? Your Highness, your Majesty?” Rylen asked.
“It's whatever you want to call me, Rylen. I don't care because I'm probably not going to allowing any of my friends to call me that anyway.”
“Fair enough, but just wanted to let you know, Sora and I have decided to stay for a little longer, as I heard your wedding is coming up, and I need to speak with Alistair about forming an alliance. I think it's about time Orzammar started getting its head out its ass and realized there's another world out there. If we don't start making ties to the surface, then we'll be lost.”
“Of course, Rylen. I know Alistair would very much love to form an alliance with the dwarves.”
“And as for you, Oghren,” Rylen said turning to the other dwarf. “Since you actually proved yourself—for once—I'm going to allow you to come back to Orzammar. You can keep your caste, and if Sora wishes it, you can even join back in the army as an officer.”
“Ah, thanks Rye,” Oghren said already sounding a little drunk. “But I think I'm gonna stay up here. The ale's actually not that bad, and I think I even found one of my old friends. I plan on visiting her at some point.”
“You have a 'friend' on the surface, Oghren?” Arawin asked.
“Yes, a friend. Well, we used to do more than that before she left for the surface. But I know she'll take me back. Felsi could never resist my good ol' Oghren charm.”
“I think I need to meet this girl,” said Sora. “And see what's wrong with her.”
“Nothin's wrong with her! She just left because... maybe I was whining for Branka more than I should've. I don't know, but I plan on looking her up anyway.”
“You do that, Oghren,” said Zelda. “And oh! If you do plan on staying on the surface, I'll talk to my brother about maybe having a place for you in Highever's soldiery. I know having an experienced fighter such as yourself would help with recruitment.”
“That's too much, Zelda, but thanks.”
“Don't mention it, Oghren.”
“So you're going to be a damned commander, huh?” Sora said to Arawin. “They're just giving that title away to anyone these days.”
“Actually, I'm a warden-commander,” said Arawin. “So get it right.”
“Whatever, makes no difference, right? It's not like you have anyone to command anyway.”
Arawin narrowed her eyes. “That'll change soon enough. Just wait until I get into Amaranthine! I'll have that entire place following my every order in a snap. Damn human nobles aren't going to push me around.”
“Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.” The elf and dwarf exchanged a laugh before Arawin and Zelda said their good-byes and moved for the door. They were excited to finally be getting out of the throne room but they still had one more person to talk to.
Damien stepped away from the wall and stood in front of them. He looked at both before moving in and kissing each one on both cheeks. “Merci, you two. Merci.”
“And what's this for, Damien?” said Zelda.
“What do you zink? Chère, Belle, zanks to you I am renewed. I felt lost, confused, zen after meeting you two, I don't feel zose things anymore.”
“So what are you planning on doing, then?” Arawin asked.
“First, I shall stay for the wedding, but zen I plan on going back to Orlais and asking ze warden-commander there to take me back. Maybe I can zen join you in Amaranthine, Belle. It would be an 'onor to serve under such a grand leader.”
“It would be nice to have you, Damien.”
Damien nodded. “I know Riordan told you about why I left ze order, to go and find my sister. I still 'aven't found 'er, and I don't zink I ever will.”
“Don't give up on her just yet. Maybe we can help.”
“Maybe. And if I ever get a lead, I won't leave without permission first. Right, Commander?”
“You bet your ass,” Arawin smiled.
“Zen go on, mes chéris. I know you're adoring public awaits.” Damien bowed to them and let them pass as they finally reached the door.
“Phew, we didn't forget anyone did we?” Arawin asked.
“I don't think so. Rupee and Kunjo aren't here. They're in the kennels getting some well deserved rest and food.”
“I was wondering where they were, but glad to hear it. So... what really does happen now?”
“I don't really know. It seems weird, don't it? That it's over, that we defeated the Blight before it even began. But for some reason, something tells me we're not done just yet.”
“I sure hope not, otherwise going to Amaranthine is going to be boring.”
“Well, whatever happens,” Zelda said smiling at Arawin. “I hope that we'll always be by each others side.”
“Of course we will,” Arawin said smiling back. “We're bonded, right? Which means that we'll never be able to leave the others side. We're stuck together for life, and I'm not sorry for it.”
“Neither am I. Now come on, Arawin. Let's go out and greet the public together as one. We're the Heroes of Ferelden.”
“Forever and ever.”
Arawin and Zelda wrapped their arms around each others shoulders and faced the guard at the door. They told him together they were ready, and with the turn of the knob, he opened it to their bright future.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond