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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
- 7
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- 9
Rogue Recruit

The market in Denerim was busy. Zelda stood near one of the buildings, watching as people went about their business. The streets were alive with merchants, shouting out their goods, and buyers bartering for a good price. The smells of freshly baked goods, newly oiled leathers, and perfumes filled the air. Zelda munched down on a small loaf of bread and a cheese wedge as she watched the bustle of the crowd. Rupee laid beside her, enjoying a leg of lamb. The food was surprisingly good, even if it wasn’t what she was used to most of the time. She figured it was because of the rations that she and Duncan could only eat on the way here. And what they would eat on the way to Ostagar.
She saw Duncan at one of the bazaars. He was bargaining with the merchant for supplies that they would need. Duncan had given Zelda a few sovereigns so she could get what ever it was that she needed, since she was only able to leave Highever with the leather armor she wore and the sword and shield on her back. Along with the bread and cheese and lamb, she had also purchased a new set of undershirts, some simple clothing, and had her shield and sword polished and cleaned, as well as had her armor oiled and re-studded.
She now wore the clean shirts and freshly oiled armor, waiting for Duncan to finish with what he was doing. They had arrived at Denerim early in the morning, and did not plan on staying the night. Duncan had said they would most likely leave before nightfall, if they could, and travel as far and as fast as they were able to before having to rest. He was determined to reach Ostagar in a timely manner. Zelda was eager as well. She wanted to get to Ostagar and find Fergus and tell him the news. It pained her to think of her father and mother again, but she pushed it aside. There was no reason for her to be upset now. She had to be strong. Duncan had said that there were no women in the Grey Wardens as of right now, but the ones who had been apart of the order were strong women who could hold their own even against the strongest man. Zelda only hoped she could uphold the standards of the women of the Grey Wardens. Crying over something that couldn’t be helped was not going to do any good.
A commotion then broke out in the market, bringing Zelda out of her thoughts. She looked over toward the large gate that separated the alienage from the market district. The alienage was one place Zelda had never stepped foot in, and one she didn’t really have a desire to. Next to the gate were three soldiers and a man who Zelda assumed was their captain. He was yelling orders as the three soldiers were dragging an elf behind them. They appeared to be having trouble with the elf. She fought with them viciously, trying to free herself from their clutches. Zelda made her way towards the commotion, trying to hear what the captain was saying.
“I knew her attitude would change as soon as we passed the gates,” said the captain. “Showing courage for her family, but once we’re out here...”
The elf somehow managed to free herself, kicked one of the soldiers to the ground and grabbed his sword along with it’s sheath. She pulled it out and went in a defensive position, using the sheath as a weapon in her left hand. The three soldiers pulled out their own swords, the one that the elf had taken the blade from had another, and moved in on her.
“Get her back into custody!” shouted the captain. “I will not have this knife-ear make us look like fools!”
“Come on!” the elf growled. “I’ll take you all on at once!”
The soldiers began attacking her and Zelda was quite impressed at the ability the elf showed when it came to wielding a blade. Zelda noticed, however, that her fighting style was much different than her own, but it seemed to work for the elf.
At first, Zelda thought the elf would win, but then the captain stepped into the fight. He hit the elf in the head with his shield, knocking her to the ground. Apparently, the elf could not take four on one. He then kicked the sword out of her hand and began kicking her as well. His soldiers followed suit.
“You little bitch,” said the captain. “How dare you!”
Zelda couldn’t stand to watch the brutality and ran to the scene. Rupee reluctantly ran behind her, the lamb bone clutched in her jaws. “Stop this!” she demanded. “I order you to stop this at once!”
The captain and his men stopped and looked at her. They were surprised and annoyed. “And who are you to give us orders?” asked the captain.
“I am Zelda Cousland, daughter of Bryce Cousland, Teryn of Highever, and I demand that you stop torturing this elf.”
“Ha!” The captain laughed and so did his men. “You may be the daughter of a teryn, but you have no authority here. I only answer to the arl of Denerim, and he is not here at the moment. Besides, this elf has been charged with a hideous crime and has been trying to escape. We are given the right to obtain her with any means necessary.”
Zelda looked down at the elf. She was lying on her back, propped up on her elbows. Fresh bruises on her face and arms could be soon. Her lip also bleed and her intense green eyes seemed to stare into Zelda with no trace of fear. But the peculiar thing about the elf was what she was wearing. It was a dress of good quality, with green silk ribbons in bright red hair. But her hair was all messy and the ribbons were falling out. And the dress was covered in blood and had many rips and tares. Whatever had happened to this elf, Zelda wanted to know.
“Then I demand you at least tell me what this elf is accused of,” said Zelda as she tore her eyes from the elf and looked back at the captain.
“She killed the arl’s son,” said the captain. “In cold blood.”
“Who? Vaughan?” Zelda chuckled, amused by it. Vaughan had been one of Zelda’s suitors, and one of her least favorite. He had tried to take advantage of her once and that was when Zelda became appreciate of her warrior training. She was able to deter Vaughan easily, causing him to never try what he had again.
Now things were making sense. Vaughan was notorious for his “parties”, and there had been many corpses of dead women, human and elf alike, found floating in the Drakon River from the estate. They had all been abused in unsettling ways.
“I believe this elf has done us a favor,” said Zelda. “She should be rewarded, not punished.”
The captain seemed amused as well. “I will not argue that, my lady, but unfortunately, I don’t think his father will feel the same way. He will want justice for his son, and this elf has already confessed.”
“Well, then I order you to release her into my custody.”
“What? Why?”
“I... because, I...” Zelda was unsure why she wanted to help the elf. There was just something about her. Something that gave Zelda pause, and made her interested. Perhaps it was because she had to know the elf’s story. How she had come to learn such fighting skills, and what had Vaughan done to her that caused her to kill him.
“Is there a problem?” Zelda sighed in relief when Duncan stood next to her. His presence brought her confront knowing he would be able to take care of the situation because of his status as a Grey Warden. The captain looked at him with annoyance, not wanting to deal with another noble who had a problem with his way of dealing with prisoners. The elf on the other hand surprised Zelda. She looked annoyed as well, rolling her eyes and breathing heavily.
“And who are you?” the captain asked. “I don’t need any more nobles trying to tell me what to do.”
“My name is Duncan of the Grey Wardens, their commander, and I heard this commotion and decided to investigate.”
“A Grey Warden?” the elf whispered. She now looked at Duncan with awe and respect.
Zelda had to think fast. Duncan could help her, but she needed to convince him to save the elf’s life. She quickly thought of a plan. “Duncan, I don’t think they should take this elf. She could be very useful to us.”
“Useful? How so?” Duncan was intrigued by the idea.
“I just thought... we could use a servant along the way.”
“There is no way I would ever serve you!” yelled the elf, snapping her head in Zelda’s direction. “You can forget that! Sodding nobles and their needs.” The elf spat on Zelda’s boots and for a moment she wished she had never came over to help her. But Zelda knew this was probably not how the elf acted all the time. She was just scared and didn’t know how to react to kindness.
“Actually,” said Duncan. “I have a better use for her.” He turned to the captain. “ Captain... a word, if you please.”
“What is it, Grey Warden? The situation is well under control, as you can see. The elf appears to not care what happens to her.”
“Be that as it may, I hereby invoke the Grey Warden’s Right of Conscription. I remove this woman into my custody.”
There was surprise in the elf’s eyes. “You can do that?” She seemed to not know how to react.
The captain grimaced. “Son of a tied down--” But he knew there was nothing he could do now and relented. “Very well, Grey Warden; I cannot challenge your rights, but I’ll ask one thing: Get this elf out of the city. Today.”
“Agreed.”
“Now, I need to get my men on the streets before this news hits. Move out!” He and his men left down the street, grumbles coming from all of them.
Zelda made to help the elf up, but instead she knocked away her hand and stood up on her own. She went to Duncan and bowed to him. “Thank you, good ser,” she said. “I wish I could repay you, but I don’t think I have anything you would want.”
“On the contrary,” said Duncan. “You do have something that could be useful. Tell me, is your name Arawin Tabris?”
There was shock on the elf’s face. “That is my name,” she said slowly. “How do you--”
“You look just like your mother, Adaia,” said Duncan. “At first I thought you were her.”
“You knew my mother?”
“Yes. She was a very good scrapper and a fiery woman and I thought to recruit her. She would have made an excellent Grey Warden.”
“Wow,” said Arawin. “I had no idea. What happened? Why did she not go?”
“I never made the offer. Your elder, Valendrian and your father convinced me that it was better for her to remain here with her family. As there was no Blight and thus no immediate need for recruits, I deferred to their wishes. But it seems she passed her training on to you, am I right?”
“How can you tell?”
“She had a very unique way of fighting. Mostly in the legs with quick movements and attacks. I believe you rely on your dexterity more than your strength?”
“Yes, she taught me all she knew... until she died.”
“So I heard. I am very sorry for your loss. But there was a reason why I conscripted you. I wish to offer you a position with the Grey Wardens. To come with both Zelda and I to Ostagar and help to defeat the darkspawn threat.”
“What?” Arawin laughed. “You want me? As a Grey Warden? And you got all that from just seeing me fight for three seconds?”
“You are your mother’s daughter. I see no reason why I shouldn’t. Besides, if you do not come with me, then you put yourself at risk for being recaptured and taken to the dungeons. Not that I’m trying to force you to come.”
“So if I refuse, would you have me thrown in the dungeon or would you let me go?”
“I would let you go, but you would be hunted for the rest of your life. As a Grey Warden, all your past aggressions are pardoned, no matter what they might have been.”
Arawin stood there perplexed. She seemed to not know what to do. It made Zelda wonder. Did this elf really not want to be a Grey Warden, or was there something that was keeping her from making the decision right away? Zelda had no choice when it came to her becoming a Grey Warden, but she did know a little of what the elf was going through.
“If I accept,” said Arawin. “Will you allow me to do one thing before we go?”
“That depends on what it is,” said Duncan.
“How much time do we have? I know you promised the captain to get me out of the city today. I just want to say good-bye to my family. Tell them that I won't be chained, and that I might be instead, joining the Grey Wardens in Ostagar.”
“I would permit you to do that, if you wished.”
“Then I accept,” said Arawin standing straight and looked Duncan right in the eye. “I'm honored that you would want me in your order.”
“I am glad that at least Adaia’s daughter will become a Grey Warden. You will make a fine one. Now,” Duncan turned to regard both women. “Arawin, this is Zelda. She is also a recruit.”
Arawin looked over at Zelda with disgust. “So you’re coming too?”
“Yes, and I find it a pleasure that you are joining us,” Zelda nodded.
“At any rate,” said Duncan. “I say you both have about an hour. I still need to get a few things done, and when you both are ready, please meet me at the main gates. We will leave immediately.”
“Yes, Duncan,” said Zelda.
“So then I can go say good-bye to my family?” asked Arawin.
“Yes. Zelda, please accompany her.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” said Arawin. “Humans aren’t really welcomed in the alienage and I don’t think I need a chaperone.”
“I’m sure you are more than capable, Arawin,” Duncan said. “But if you are found by guards wondering about by yourself then I will not be able to stop them from taking you. Zelda can vouch for you and claim you are with her, which will be true. Zelda, I give you permission to claim you are a full Grey Warden if you need to, but I don’t think it should be a problem.”
“I will do my best, Duncan,” Zelda nodded again.
Duncan bowed to the girls and Zelda and Arawin bowed back. He then went towards the back of the market near where the warehouse was. Zelda watched him disappear around the corner before she addressed Arawin. “Are you ready to go?”
“Are you always such a boot-licker?”
“Pardon me?”
“You heard me. Always being so polite and obedient.”
“I happen to respect him, and you should too. He just saved your life!”
“I do respect him,” cried Arawin. “But that doesn’t mean I have to shine his shoes all the time. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to go back to my family.”
Arawin began walking to the gate, Zelda right beside her. “Alone,” Arawin said trying to walk faster.
“No, Duncan said I should accompany you, and that is what I’m going to do. I’m following orders. You should learn to do the same.”
“I will follow orders when they are given to me, and I don’t recall him saying it was an order. Besides, it's dangerous for shems like you to be in the alienage.”
“I don’t care. I can handle myself.”
Arawn rolled her eyes. “Fine, but don’t come running to me if you get rioted on. I’m not going to stop them.”
“You make it sound as if all elves are out to ambush any human that happens to make their way into the alienage.”
“Keeps them out, doesn’t it?”
The two women made their way to the gate. Arawin went through first, Zelda following behind, wondering if what Arawin had said was true. She had never seen an alienage before, and she had heard stories. It was something she didn’t want to think about.
***
Zelda noticed a foul odor in the air. She crinkled her nose, and then lifted up her boot as she noticed she had stepped in something slimy and gray. She didn’t want to know what it was. Rupee made to sniff it, but then sneezed and backed off. As Zelda looked around, she noticed many dilapidated buildings, that the street was made of broken stones, and there were temporary bridges of flimsy wood laid over top large pools of water. What made things worse was that she saw elves laying in the street. They were either sleeping, begging for food or money, or just sitting, looking bored and maybe even a little out of it.
Arawin walked briskly in front of her, Zelda had to push herself in order to keep up. She knew that the elf was trying to lose her, but it wasn’t going to work that easily. Zelda was determined not to be left alone in this horrid place, even if she did have Rupee right by her side. For all she knew, elves might eat dogs.
“You really live here?” she asked, trying to start a conversation and maybe get to know Arawin better.
“Yeah,” said Arawin not turning her head to look back at Zelda. “Why? Is there a problem with it? Does the smell irritate you or something? Don’t think I can’t hear you back there trying not to breathe.”
“I’m just trying to have a civilized conversation with you, is all. I don’t see why we can’t get along. Maybe even become friends?”
“Look,” said Arawin as she stopped and turned around. Zelda nearly ran into her as she had done it very quickly. “You’ve already gotten on my bad side by just being human. Then you go and want to try and make me a servant! What makes you think I want to your friend?” Before Zelda could respond, Arawin turned back and strode off. Zelda knew she was going to have a hard time with her, but she wasn’t going to give up. But for now, she would leave the elf alone if all she needed to do was cool off.
As they came up to Arawin’s house, Arawin saw her father outside. He was pacing back and forth, his eyes red. His back was turned to her when she approached. Arawin sighed, and then spook softly. “Daddy...”
Cyrion perked up, then turned around to see Arawin behind him. His face lit and he rushed over and hugged her tight. “Oh, my little girl!” he cried. He then let go, but still held her shoulders as he looked into her face. “How did you—No, no, I don’t want to hear, not right now. We just need to hide you. I don’t care, they are not taking you away from me again.”
“Daddy, stop,” said Arawin. “I didn’t escape. They let me go.”
Cyrion looked at his daughter puzzled. “What do you mean? You killed the arl’s son! I don’t think they would just let you go if you asked nicely.”
Arawin hesitated, not really wanting to reveal that it was a human who had saved her. “I was conscripted, actually,” she finally said, realizing that being saved by a Grey Warden wasn’t a bad thing. “I tried to fight my way out of the guard's hold, but it didn’t work like I planned. A Grey Warden saw me, and well, he wants me to go with him to Ostagar and become a Grey Warden.”
Her father was speechless. He looked at her dumbfounded and tongue tied. “I... Who...” He cleared his throat. “Who is this Grey Warden? Is she the one you're talking about?” he asked finally noticing Zelda.
“No, that’s not her, but she is a Grey Warden recruit as well. The one that saved me was a man named Duncan. He said he knew--”
“Duncan? Oh, I see,” Cyrion said sounding disappointed.
“Did you know him? He said he knew Mother, and that he tried to recruit her once, but it didn’t happen. That’s one of the reasons why he saved me. He thought I was her.”
“Yes, I knew him. It was both Valendrian and I who convinced him not to take Adaia. You were just born, and I couldn’t take care of an infant by myself. I also didn’t want to force Adaia to choose between you and her dream. Becoming a Grey Warden was a dream of hers, but also having you was something she had dreamt of as well.”
“Were you afraid she was going to go with Duncan?”
“I don’t know. I just knew I didn’t want to lose her.” He sighed. “Maybe she would have said no, but it doesn’t matter now. He found you, and I guess you're going, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Daddy,” said Arawin. “If I stay, then bad things will happen. The arl is going to want retribution. As a Grey Warden, I can’t be touched for past crimes, no matter how heinous.”
Cyrion’s eyes became sorrowful. He tried holding back the tears but they flowed from his eyes without hesitation. “I can’t say I approve,” he said. “But it looks as if I don’t have a choice.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
Cyrion straightened and wiped his eyes. “I think you should go find and tell your cousins. They're worried sick about you. Afterwards come to the house. There’s something I should give you.”
“Yes, Daddy. I'll be right back.” Arawin turned from her father and gestured for Zelda to follow, if reluctantly. Zelda did so. She would remain quiet and follow Arawin, not wanting to disrupt what was looking to be a hard and emotional good-bye. Zelda took one last glance at Arawin’s father and saw him disappear into the house, tears streaming down his face, and a whimper coming from his lips.
***
Arawin made her way to Soris’s house next. As they approached, they could hear yelling. Inside, Arawin found Soris standing and pacing the room, Valora trying to console him. He wasn’t crying, but seemed frustrated. Zelda stayed outside, next to the open door. Arawin stood in the doorframe, waiting to see if anyone would notice her.
“I should've said something,” said Soris. “I shouldn’t have let her take all the blame!”
“But then you would be in a dungeon with her,” said Valora. “Do you think that would be any better?”
“It doesn’t matter. She's my cousin, my family, my blood. I have always been there to make sure both Arawin and Shianni never got into anything that would harm them. Now... I failed.” He fell into a chair and Valora came over to him and put her hands on his shoulders.
“You didn’t fail. You got Shianni out of there. And Arawin made the choice herself. She didn’t want you to suffer when you still had something going. Nelaros... there was nothing for her after what happened to him.”
“But what about us?” Soris sobbed. “What about Shianni? She won’t talk to me! She’s so distant now. Arawin was the one that she always talked to.”
“She’s been through a lot. Let her do what she needs to. And if you want, I will talk to her.”
“Where is she?” asked Arawin.
“Up in the tree, where do you think?” said Soris, not really looking up to see who just asked him the question. Valora, however, did and saw Arawin and gasped.
“Arawin!” she cried running over to her and squeezing her tight. “Thank the Maker!”
Soris soon lifted his head and saw Arawin as well, and screamed in delight. He too, jumped up and tackled her, grabbing her and flinging Arawin around the room. Valora had gotten out of the way just in time.
When Soris put Arawin down, he looked at her, making sure she was really Arawin. “It’s really you, right? And not some type of illusion.”
“It’s really me, Soris. And don’t worry, I didn’t break any laws getting here.”
“So how are you here?” asked Valora.
Arawin gestured for the two to sit and they did. She told them the whole story of what happened as soon as she left the alienage to now. Once her story was done, Valora and Soris didn’t seem pleased.
“So you aren’t really coming back, then?” asked Soris.
Arawin bowed her head and sighed. “No, I will not. But I can’t say I’m very sad to be leaving this place. I know I’ll miss you guys, and Shianni, but I can’t stay. They will find me and they will kill me. Do you want that?”
“No,” said Soris. “I guess not.” He smiled. “Wow, a Grey Warden in the family. That will definitely be something to say.”
“It will surely be something to be proud of,” said Valora. “Our children will be proud to know they have an aunt who is a Grey Warden.”
“I don’t think we should tell them the whole story of how she became a Grey Warden,” said Soris.
“My, my, aren’t you two quick,” said Arawin. “Talking about children already.”
“We’re still getting married,” said Soris. “Valendrian said he would get the ceremony planned again once things calm down. I wish you could be there.”
“I wish I could, too. And I wish you both happiness.”
Soris stood and hugged Arawin again. This time it was more gently. “Thank you, Arawin,” he whispered in her ear. “I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate what you did. You saved my hide back there...”
Arawin pushed herself from Soris and looked him in his eyes. “I did what was right.”
“As you always do. I’d like to follow your example. But,” he looked over at Valora and smiled. She smiled back. “I was happy to be getting married, especially to her. Valora’s a good woman, and she has ideas on making life better for everyone here.”
“What other life did you see yourself in, anyway?” asked Arawin. “I surely can’t see you on any battlefield, fighting darkspawn and what not.”
Soris laughed. “No, that was truly you! I think this was your calling. There’s no doubt about it. I think you would have been miserable married.”
“Well, maybe not to Nelaros. He seemed like he could have been a good husband. You said he was just as good with a sword as I am. I guess now we'll never know.”
Valora came up to Arawin and hugged her as well. “I want to thank you, too. For me, for Soris, for everything.”
“We elves need to stick together.”
“You’re the sister I always wanted,” Valora said with tears in her eyes.
Arawin half smiled. “You will also have Shianni. And be good to Soris. He can be a real pain sometimes.”
“Look who’s talking,” Soris smirked.
Valora nodded. “I will, I swear it. Good luck, and thank you again.”
Soris came back up to Arawin. He held Valora in his arms. “Good luck, Cousin. You’ve been my hero since we were kids. It’s just official now.”
Arawin hugged both of them together, one more time before she departed from the house. Zelda saw when she came out that she might start crying. But Arawin shook her head and looked toward Zelda. “Come on,” she said. “We have at least one more stop before I go back to my house. Then we can leave.”
“I’m sorry,” said Zelda. “I know this must be hard for you.”
“Yeah, well... I have to do it, right?”
When the two reached the great tree, Arawin looked at it and then at Zelda. “I would prefer if you didn’t come up with me. Besides, I don’t know if you could anyway. It’s a hard climb.”
“It’s alright,” said Zelda. “Just go. I’ll be here.”
Arawin began her accent, making her way to the left when she got to that point, and climbing all the way until she reached her spot. There she found Shianni sitting and watching the ocean. Arawin sat next to her and looked out across the sea with her. Neither of them said anything for awhile.
“So you finally came up here, did you?” said Shianni.
“I assume you saw me coming?”
Shianni tore her eyes from the sea and turned to Arawin. There, Arawin saw the same sadness she saw in them at the estate. It frightened her, but she knew this sadness wasn’t from what happened, but what was going to happen. Shianni knew that Arawin was leaving, there was no doubt about it.
“You took all the responsibility for what happened,” said Shianni. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Soris wouldn’t have been able to make it in a dungeon. I just did what had to be done.”
“You always do. They’ll write legends about you someday. When the world was at its worst, there you came—fire in your eyes, like something out of a storybook. I’ll never forget that.”
And I’ll never forget the look in your eyes. Arawin began twisting the ring on her finger. There would be many things about that day that wouldn’t be forgotten. She looked down at the ring. It didn’t shimmer in the shadow of the leaves, and Arawin wondered if it ever would. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m... all right. As far as the others know, Vaughan just roughed me up a bit. I just don’t want them treating me like some fragile doll.”
“I wouldn’t want them to either.” Arawin stopped twisting her ring and then grabbed the pendent around her neck. She took the necklace off and handed it to Shianni. “Here, I know you’ll need this. And you can see I didn’t let any harm come to it.”
Shianni took the necklace and placed it around her neck. She held the diamond in her hand and close to her heart. “Thank you,” she sighed. “I just wish you had tried to take a little better care of your dress.”
“Ah, well...” Arawin looked down at her tattered and blood stained outfit. “It’s only a dress, and besides, I have plenty of other things to remember her by. All you have is that pendent.”
They went silent again, both staring out at the ocean. The waves gently rocking back and forth as they carried ships to the docks. A large ship with great white sails come into view across the horizon. It cut through the waves making it’s way to port.
“So...” said Shianni. “A Grey Warden, huh? I knew you weren’t destined to stay here the rest of your life.”
“How did you know?”
“I saw you when you were talking to your father. I had heard you were taken by the guards and decided to go to your father to make sure he was all right. When I got to your house, there you were. I at first wanted to run up to you, but then I saw the human and over heard you talking about being saved by a Grey Warden, and that he had recruited you.”
“You could've still came over.”
“I know, but I knew you would come up here eventually. There was no way you would pass that up. You couldn’t even stay away for your wedding. I also wanted to talk to you in private, and there is no place to do that than up here.”
“Shianni, I...”
“Please don’t,” Shianni stopped her. “I'm already getting over it. I need to anyway. Vaughan is dead. He can’t hurt me anymore.”
“That’s good to hear,” said Arawin. “I’m glad your strong... and stubborn.”
“Just like you.”
“Well, now you have to be the loud one in the community. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Although you were always the one who talked, and I was the one who threatened and carried out the threats if need be.”
“We had some good times,” said Shianni. “Now you go out there and have even more adventures. Just don’t forget to come back and tell them to me from time to time.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll come back every chance I get.”
Shianni sighed deeply. “I love you, Cousin. Make us proud out there.”
“Enough with the mushy stuff.”
“Silly woman,” Shianni chuckled. “Then get going, already!”
Arawin smiled at her, and began making her way down the tree. As she turned to start climbing down, she looked at Shianni one last time. “I love you, too, Shianni.”
Shianni smiled back. “Maker watch over you.”
“And you.”
As Arawin made her way back down, a sparrow chirped in the branches high above their heads. It sang a beautiful song that sounded joyful. Behind it, within the bark of the tree, grew two tiny blue flowers that were separate, and facing away from one another. A gust of wind blow through the tree, and the two flowers faced each other, and became close.
***
Zelda watched as Arawin came down from the great tree. She examined the elf, made sure she was all right before continuing. “Are you okay?” she asked, not sure if she should have.
“I’m fine,” Arawin said not looking at her. “This is hard, but I’m a big girl and I know these things have to be done. I don’t need you mothering me.”
“I just want to make sure you're fine. I know what it’s like to lose your family.”
“I haven’t lost them,” snapped Arawin. “I will come back once this is all over and the darkspawn are taken care of.”
“But we don’t know when that’ll be,” said Zelda. “It could be years.”
“With me as a Grey Warden, it won't take years. I bet it’ll be over within months.”
“You’re that confident, are you? You do realize that no Blight has ever been conquered in months.”
“Then this will be the first. Now, come on, I need to say good-bye to my father, then we can go. I’m starting to get home sick already and I haven’t even left yet.”
The two of them walked to Arawin’s house. When they reached the door, Arawin stood, staring at it. She did not move, and Zelda wondered if she even wanted to go inside.
“Do you want me to come with you?” she asked. “If you need help...”
“No, I don’t need any help,” said Arawin, not being as mean as Zelda thought she would be. “I would rather this be just me and my father.”
“I understand. I will wait out here, just as I have done.”
When Arawin made her way into the house, finding it very quiet. The air was still and the light was dull. Her father only had one candle burning in the corner. Cyrion sat at the table. His eyes still red and now wet, and Arawin noticed they had gotten worse. On the table sat a package, wrapped in a brown cloth. It’s shape was long and thin, a shape Arawin recognized, but she kept her attention on her father. When Cyrion noticed Arawin, he stood, and went to her. He looked into her eyes and sighed heavily, closing his own, and sobbing slightly.
“If... this is what the Maker has planned for you,” he said opening his eyes. “Then I guess it’s for the best. Your mother would’ve been pleased.”
“You’re not pleased?” Arawin asked.
Cyrion shook his head, but not saying no. He was just unsure of what to say or what to do. “I just wish there was another way. I dreamed of grandchildren, family gatherings, and...” He sighed. “I’m sorry. This isn’t helping.”
“It’s okay, Daddy. I know you don’t want to let me go. I don’t want to leave you alone here.”
“I won’t be alone. I’ll still have Soris and Shianni, but they aren’t the same. Oh, I guess it was meant to be, right? The Grey Wardens couldn’t have your mother, so instead they take you. It might not be what I want, but it at least makes you happy.”
“Seeing you sad doesn’t make me happy, Daddy. And I promise you... I promise that no matter what happens I will come back here. I will not forget about any of you.”
“I would hope not.”
“I will also make sure your dreams come true. I will find myself a husband. Someone who will love me for me, and not because they are told too. I know it was tradition, but I would rather choose my partner. I think that’s one of the reasons why I hated the thought of getting married.”
“I do understand, Arawin, and I’m sorry. If I knew this would have happened, then I would have done something different.”
“I would have as well. Shianni... well, I wouldn't've let anything happen to her if I had had the chance.”
“Don’t torture yourself over it, sweetheart.”
Arawin ignored his last comment. She was determined to make him happy before she left. “But I’m not done with my promises. You will have your grandchildren, and your family gatherings. I will make sure those things happen, even if it means defying the Grey Wardens. They will not keep me from my family forever.”
A tear fell from Cyrion’s eyes. “Thank you, Arawin. You don’t know how much that means to me, but I will not hate you if you cannot fulfill these promises. They are a lot. Now, I said there was something I wanted to give you. Well, there it is.” He gestured to the table. “If it looks a little messy in here, it’s because I had to pull up the floorboards to get this out for you.”
Arawin gazed at the package on the table. Carefully she picked it up and began unwrapping the cloth. As the cloth fell, Arawin beheld a black leather sheath with delicate embroidery of leaves and vines. As she kept going, taking the sheath off, a blade came into view, and Arawin marveled at the dagger in her hands.
It was short, only about three feet long from hilt to blade tip. The blade was made from what looked like dragonbone, a strong, but light material that was used for only the best weapons and armor. It was also curved, with a slight hook at the end, next to the hilt. Within the blade, engraved was the same pattern of leaves and vines as the sheath. The hilt was made from black leather, and Arawin could grip it with ease. She swung the sword, back and forth, twirling it around her body to get a feel. It felt good in her hands, as if it was meant for her.
“As you can probably guess, it belonged to your mother. I think you should have it now. She always did mean to give it to you. I know you’ll do great things. You already do.”
Arawin looked from the blade to her father. “Thank you, Daddy. This is perhaps the best thing you could give me from Mother.”
“I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I didn’t want to sell it, but if we were caught with it, then there would have been big trouble. I was kinda hoping it would stay under the floorboards forever, but I guess that was just wishful thinking. That blade is meant to be used. It was not going to stay away from combat forever. Not with it’s history.”
“Do you know any of it?”
“I know only what your mother told me. The name of it is Fang, and apparently it is Dalish. It has been passed down from mother to daughter for several generations on your mother’s side. I believe it was even used during the battle between the Dalish and the Chantry when the Dales were forced to roam Thedas or choose to live in the cities, where we are today.”
“So... does that mean... I’m Dalish?” Arawin was very pleased to think of the idea.
“I don’t know,” said Cyrion. “More than likely, no, but you are a descendent of them, I believe. That is apparently where your mother’s training came from. Her mother taught her, and so on and so forth for many generations. And that’s also why she taught you. But, I'm keeping you, aren’t I?”
“No, you aren’t, Daddy, but I wished you had told me about this sooner.”
“I know, and I wish I had told you a lot of things, but we can’t take back the past. So take Fang, take your mother’s sword and go kill as many darkspawn as possible. Take care, my girl. Be safe. And wise. And... well, you know. We’ll all miss you, and I love you.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.” Cyrion hugged his daughter tight, not wanting to let go. He kissed her on the forehead, then finally released her. They gazed at each other one last time, and he smiled. He truly did see Adaia in her, and he knew that would never change.
When Arawin emerged from her house, Fang was strapped around her chest. The sheath resting in between her shoulder blades. The hilt angled to the right, so she could easily access it with her right hand.
“That’s a nice looking blade,” said Zelda. “Is that what your father wanted to give you?”
“Yes,” said Arawin. “It was my mother’s, and it’s called Fang. I am honor to wield it.”
“You should be. The blade I carry is called Silverbrand, and it is the sword of my family. The shield is the Shield of Highever, both served--”
“I didn’t really ask for a history lesson, you know,” snapped Arawin. “I’m sure your weapons have just as much of a history as mine does, but right now I don’t care. So, if you're done, I believe Duncan is waiting for us.”
“Yes, let’s go.”
They made their way out of the alienage and through the market, which wasn’t as busy as it was before. The merchants were starting to pack up their bazaars. Some of them even shouted at Zelda and Arawin, trying to get them to buy their last of a certain item, but neither of the two women stopped. They figured they were already late, and didn’t want to keep Duncan waiting. When they reached the gate, Duncan was already there. He greeted them as they ran to join him.
“So sorry, Duncan,” said Zelda out of breath. “We didn’t mean to be late.”
“It was my fault,” said Arawin. “Too many good-byes.”
“That’s all right,” said Duncan. “I can understand. Now, Arawin, since Zelda already has armor and weapons, I thought I would grab you some.” He handed her a set of basic leather armor. “I’m sure this will be better than what you're wearing now.”
Arawin looked at her attire, realizing that she was still wearing her torn and bloody wedding dress. “Right,” she said. “I’ll be right back.” Arawin took the armor and went in between two buildings. When she came back, she was wearing the leather armor along with gloves. She still wore her mother’s boots, and the dress was in her hand.
“You look a lot better,” said Zelda. “Leather suits you.”
“That means a lot to me coming from you.”
“Really?”
“No.” Arawin turned to Duncan. “Do you have a longsword as well? I prefer fighting with two weapons than one.”
Duncan handed her a simple longsword of steel. Arawin examined the blade and tested it in her hands along with Fang. It wasn’t as good as she hoped, but it was better than nothing. She replaced Fang and fitted the longsword on her back so she could grab it with her left hand. Arawin then began to take the green ribbons from her hair. She looked at each of them in turn. There was only one that had survived. She took it and tied it to the end of Fang’s hilt. It dangled from the blade like a tassel. Once she was done, Arawin held the dress out in front of her and sighed. She then walked over to a pile of garbage next to the gate and threw it on top.
“What are you doing?” asked Zelda running to her.
“It’s ruined,” said Arawin. “What else am I suppose to do with it?”
“It can be fixed.”
“Not where we’re going.” Arawin walked off, not looking back and not caring.
Zelda picked up the dress and examined it. It was true they probably wouldn’t be able to find someone who could restore it in Ostagar, but that didn’t mean she should throw it away. Zelda placed the dress in her pack before catching up to Duncan and Arawin who had already passed through the gates.

Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins
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Blood Bond