Aurvar's Prize

Aurvar Raed was a gifted young smith of Orzammar. He fell in love, in secret, with the youngest daughter of Walder Turin, a high-ranking warrior, but Aurvar knew their union would never earn Walder's blessing. He worked hard at his craft, and fashioned a beautiful mace, wrought from the purest steel, enchanted with lyrium. He presented it to his love's father, who immediately recognized its value.

Walder Turin asked what Aurvar desired in exchange for the weapon. Aurvar replied, "This is a masterwork piece. It is worth more to me than my own life. As payment, I can only accept something that is as dear to you as this mace is to me." Walder was silent for a moment, and then burst out laughing, amused at Aurvar's boldness. He agreed to a price that he believed was worthy of the mace.

Not two days later, Aurvar and his love stole away from the city, with the princely sum her father had provided. Incensed, Walder tore Orzammar apart looking for his daughter, but she had gone with Aurvar to the surface to start a new life. He never saw them again.

The mace remained in Orzammar, but Walder could not bear to look upon it. It was hidden away deep in his estate, and sold to a merchant upon his death.
—From Codex entry: Aurvar's Prize