Just testing to see if anyone finds this story appealing and whether I should consider writing more. I have almost finished writing about the fade, so hopefully that will be up later. =3
Also is the Golden City blackened
With each step you take in my Hall.
Marvel at perfection, as it is fleeting.
You have brought Sin to Heaven
And doom upon all the world.
-Canticle of Threnodies 8:13
The chantry teaches us that it is the hubris of men which brought the darkspawn into our world. The mages had sought to usurp Heaven, but instead they destroyed it. They were cast out, twisted and cursed, by their own corruption. They returned as monsters, the first of the darkspawn. They became a blight upon the lands. Unstoppable and relentless. The Dwarven Kingdoms were the first to fall. And from the deep roads, the darkspawn drove at us again and again, until finally, we neared annihilation. Until the Grey Wardens came. Men and women from every race, Warriors and Mages, Barbarians and Kings. The Grey Wardens sacrificed everything, to stem the tide of darkness, and prevail. It has been four centuries since that victory, and we have kept our vigil. We have watched and waited for the darkspawn to return. But those who once called us Heroes, have forgotten. We are few now, and our warnings have been ignored for to long. It may even been to late, for I have seen with my own eyes what lies on the horizon. Maker help us all.
On a cliff over looking the dark waters of lake Callenhad, stands the tower fortress that is home to the Circle of Magi. This tower is the only place in Ferelden where mages may study their art among others of their own kind. Within the high stone walls, the circle practices it's magic and trains apprentices in the proper use of their powers. But the Circle Tower is as much a prison as a refuge. The ever vigilant T
templars of the Chantry watch over all mages, constantly alert for any sign of corruption. This guilded cage is the only world Neria knows. Found to be sensitive to magic at a young age she was torn from her family and grafted here as an apprentice. Now that apprenticeship is nearly over, all that remains is the final test; the Harrowing.
The templar kept a secure grip on Neria's arm, creasing her blue robes. She looked up at the vast wooden door at the top of the staircase as the templar dragged her up them. The templar pushed her into the large circular room. There were several templars in a circle around a black pedestal and First-Enchanter Irving was standing with Knight-Commander Greagoir. The only light in the room was from the candles on the columns round the edge, and by the glowing sapphire substance in the black pedestal. The room was enormous, surrounded with large, coloured, glass pane windows. Neria's azure eyes lit up as she looked around in awe. Her eyes strayed to Cullen, a templar, who was staring dejectedly at her, his brown eyes beset with gloom. She tilted her head, causing a blonde braid to fall in front of her face. She swept it back into the rest of her silken hair and looked up at Knight-Commander Greagoir as he cast his gaze down to the small elf.
Neria's pointed ears twitched back as her eyes widened, staring blankly at the human in front of her. His heavy Templar armour clattered as he shifted his weight, and clanged as he took deep breaths, causing his white beard to twitch. He took a long breath and spoke with his thunderous voice, " 'Magic exists to serve man; never to rule over him.' " He looked around and took a step away from Neria, turning his back on her. "Thus spoke the prophet Andraste as she cast down the Tevinter Imperium. Ruled by mages who had brought the world to the edge of ruin." He turned back to face Neria, his voice soft, "your magic is a gift," he coughed, then changed his tone to a sudden harshness, "but its also a curse. The demons of the dream realm, The fade, are drawn to you," he pointed at the pedestal, "and seek to use you as a gateway into this world." Neria looked at the floor, whilst Greagoir stared her down. First-Enchanter Irving moved in front of Greagoir and bent down to Neria's level, "This is why the harrowing exists. The ritual sends you into the fade, and there you will face a demon, armed with only your will."
Neria changed her gaze from the floor to Irving, "Are there not any other options I can choose?" she had a pleading look in her eyes.
Greagoir stood next to Irving, "there is tranquillity"
"Is loosing all your magic an option. I have faith that you will succeed" Irving questioned her.
"Know this apprentice, if you fail, us templars will perform our duty. you will die" Greagoir backed away slowly and Irving lead Neria towards the pedestal, where the blue liquid glowed. "This is lyrium; the very essence of magic and your gateway into the fade." Irving looked seriously at Neria, "the harrowing is a secret out of necessity child." Irving places a hand on her shoulder. "Every mage must go through this trial by fire. As we succeeded, so shall you… Keeps your wits about you, and remember the fade is a dream. The spirits may rule it, but only your will is real."
Greagoir removed Irving's hand from Neria, "the apprentice must go through this test alone First-Enchanter," he turned to Neria and placed her facing the pedestal, "you are ready."
Neria stared at the blue liquid, contemplating on whether tranquillity would really be better. She looked back at Irving, who nodded slightly. She turned back to the blue liquid and dipped an elegant finger into the lyrium, then her hand followed. She drew her hand out and the glow seemed as though it was stuck to her, slowly the glow travelled up her arm and then up to her neck, down her body and her other arm. Finally it covered her head getting brighter and brighter. She lost consciousness and fell to the floor.
Thank you for reading if you made it this far! Please leave lots of comments. =D xx
