"-ora"

It was faint, that voice, a whisper in the night. It tugged and pulled at me until the Fade started to blur like a watery reflection. Green ripples into black while I stood on a barren landscape that defies reality.

"Selora."

I bolted upright and raised my hands, magic sparking at my fingertips. It took longer than it should have to register the apparent lack of Abominations, and dead family members in the moon illuminated sleeping quarters. I rubbed away the crust of sleep and glared at the blushing templar standing not an arm's reach from the bed. The magic still sparking moss green gave me the perfect view of his wide eyes and very red face.

"Shit, what do you want Cullen?" I asked coldly, leaning against freezing metal bars and pulling the blanket up to cover my chest. It wouldn't do to have the templar pass out at this hour.

"I...I...oh Maker," Cullen stutters, his face growing redder with each glance that avoids looking at my chest and face. I'll give him some credit here, he has the iron will only a virgin pious man is capable of.

I pinch the bridge of my nose with my free hand; last night's study headache was already coming back with a vengeance. "Believe it or not, I am not your Holy Mother." I sent him a glare, making him fully aware that I'm not in a good mood. "I'm not about to smite young templars for seeing a half-naked woman. Now could you please tell me why I am awake at the ass crack of dawn?"

"Sorry, I was, well uh tasked with gathering you for... for your Harrowing." Cullen, the young templar in question, managed to get out. The blush has managed to spread all the way up to his ears hidden beneath small blond curls. The poor boy looks half a bolt shy of doing his own smiting.

Harrowing he said. Not Tranquility, Not "First Enchanter Irving wants to see you", or worst yet "Knight-Commander Greagoir". What would Jowan think knowing the Harrowing was my least concern?

"Alright," I breathed out a sigh of relief, "Alright, please leave then, so I can get dressed."

I didn't wait for him to turn around, already flinging the blanket off and swinging my legs over the edge of the bottom bunk. Each sound made between Cullen turning around and from me flinging off my blanket was much too loud for the deafening silence that filled the room; each sound that couldn't be muffled made me cringe. I was starting to wish that I had learned some fire magic as the floor was frigid and caused goose pimples to appear and spread like wildfire all over. I quickly, though quietly tried to open my trunk so I could feel around for the familiar gown of blue and purple that marks one as an apprentice, so I could be clothed and hopefully start warming up.

Once dressed, I tapped the young Templar on the shoulder and we left the room that had become rather familiar after the many years of my forced residence. As we walked to the path, that many mages past, have walked to either succeed and become true mages, or never to return.

My soft flats and Cullens armor crinkling and clanking makes echoes as we walked through the night, not really succeeding in being quiet. Cullen didn't really need much light since the towering windows that are located every so often, reminding me of what I was taken from, lit most of the way. Going around the tower, at this time, when everyone would normally be asleep, to the eerie silence, reminded me of the earlier years of being in this damned prison. Alas, what the senior enchanters never learn, will never hurt them.

When we finally crossed the last pair of stairs, we finally entered the tallest point of the whole tower; and saw First Enchanter Irving, along with the blasted Knight-Commander Greagoir and two others of his watchdog templars. I sauntered through the room to get closer to First Enchanter Irving since although I don't particularly like him, he's my best bet for protection should anything nasty happen with the Templars.

When I got closer, Greagoir started his annoying speel, of how "magic is supposed to serve man, not rule over him, blah blah blah, you're a danger to everyone around you," bullshit.

I wanted to gag then and there, but after years of being chained here, I learned that isn't the "proper" reaction. To make matters worse though is when Irving also jumped in. Like, seriously, I know you're the First Enchanter, but please, be more assertive. At least Irving had more useful information than Greagoir gave, more information on the whole secret initiation well known to everyone who joins "The Circle" as the Harrowing, which now I knew why it was so dangerous, as apparently they just toss us apprentices straight into the Fade, with nothing but the clothes on our backs and our own willpower, to face against a freaking demon. How lovely. Well, now I know that everyone who has never returned from their Harrowing were more than likely murdered by the Templars in fear of the mage who also most likely didn't survive the fight and had ended up being possessed by the demon.

I closed my eyes, to calm myself, and also probably to not freak out the other Templars in the room. After all, I don't think they get very many kidnapped Dalish mages into their circle, so they probably aren't used to the glowing eyes. Once they both finally stopped talking, I turned in the direction of the First Enchanter, looking him dead in the eye

"Alright, let's get this thing over with already, so I can go back to bed."

I walked towards the stand of lyrium, the pure source of magic, and cautiously touched my fingertips to its liquid form. A cold sensation quickly captured my hand as a bright blue glow emanated from my fingers and quickly spread to the rest of my hand. Panic was spreading just as quickly as the glow of the lyrium was spreading up my body as it suddenly engulfed me in an intense flash of blue, forcing my eyes closed to protect my sensitive eyes.

When I next opened my eyes, I checked out my surrounding and instantly noticed that I was once again, back in the Fade, huh, not too long ago I was ripped away from here, although then was just my consciousness, now I think it's my physical form that has been taken to the realm of dreams. The sky was yellow, land masses were floating, strange statues and structures that we were taught were remnants of the Golden, now Black, City, which the Chantry claims is where their Maker resides. I, on the other hand, don't really believe that there is a single Higher Power. Either way, Maker or no, I'm here to kill a demon, so let's start by summoning my wisp that helps strengthen my spells. Cupping my hands and pouring magic into them, I summon the small ball of light, I start walking the only plot of land on this floating landmass of dreams.

On the walk, keeping an eye out for any prowling demons, I ended up encountering a couple sad, angry, husks of essentially powerless demons, that we usually call Wisp Wraiths. Sad how they come into being, but weak enough that they aren't much of a problem. After about the fourth Wisp Wraith, in the middle of the path, is, well, a mouse, to be exact. I almost didn't think much of it, but I had to remind myself that this was the realm of dreams, spirits, and demons. You can't be too careful of anything. Preparing a blast of raw magic in my left hand, I approached the unassuming mouse, when, bet my britches, it started talking.

"Someone else thrown to the wolves, as fresh and unprepared as ever. It isn't right that they do this, the Templars. not to you, me, anyone." The mouse spoke. 'Welp, he's a male with that voice. Also sounds like a failed mage, someone else hates the Templars as much as I do, though I would be surprised if any mage ever liked a Templar, with all of the shit they do to us, 'for the greater good my ass''. I thought, looking down at the mouse "I won't let them kill me, right or not. I must succeed." I snarl with as much courage and an equal part of underlying anger.

And you know what the blasted rat does next? He goes and laughs, I don't need any ridicule from him, "You say that now, so have many others before you. Look at me, look at what can happen,"

'Yeah, I bet you're a rat for a reason.'

The mouse let out a sigh "It's always the same. It's not your fault. You're in the same boat I was." Well speculations of him probably being a past mage are confirmed, as the mouse shone with a bright light and a male shemlin appears, starting in a crouching position before ending up standing tall, unlike what I would assume someone who would turn into a mouse would stand. Standing a whole head taller than me, he spread his arms a bit before letting them fall back down by his side and continued to run his mouth. Something wasn't quite right about his appearance, however, as he wore the robes of the Senior Enchanters, rather than the robes of an apprentice. "Allow me to welcome you to the Fade. You may call me... well, Mouse."

"Oh how very original, unless you had prophetic parents, I take it that's not your real name?" I snarkily reply, putting my hand on my hip, as I stared up at him.

The man-mouse seemed saddened by that, though it wasn't really my problem. "No," he started "I don't remember anything from... before." His emotions change as fast as he is small, for he started off melancholy, and is not showing signs of anger. "The Templars kill you if you take too long, you see. They figure you failed, and they don't want something getting out. That's what they did to me, I think. I have no body to reclaim. And you don't have much time before you end up the same."

"That isn't going to happen to me, I can promise you that."

"That has been said before, but you don't know the danger. There's something here, contained, just for an apprentice like you. You have to face the creature, a demon, and resist it if you can. That's your way out. Or your opponent's if the Templars don't kill you. A test for you, a tease for the creatures of the Fade."

"Anything can die, even demons. I don't think it'll be as simple as that." I can see now, why, he's both not alive anymore and hides as a rat.

"You would be a fool to just attack everything you see." 'You don't say.' "What you face is powerful, cunning. There are others here, other spirits. They will tell you more, maybe help if you can believe anything you see."

There it is again, believing. It's the realm of dreams, I guess it's to be expected as anything can be created by willpower and as I've seen with Mouse, change shape. He could honestly be lying to me at this very moment, but if I want to get this done quickly so I can get back to actually resting, I'll take his advice and seek out the other spirits, hopefully, or not, run into the demon before I'm completely ready.

"I'll follow," 'wait what?' "if that's alright." 'not if you're a damn coward!' "My chance was long ago, but you... you may have a way out." 'Of course, I do, I have to get back to my brother.'

I let out a groan, covered by a sigh. "Alright, you can follow, Mouse, but don't get in my way." I brush past him and once I pass he turned back into the little rat that I first saw him as. Continuing along the path, there was a bubble, I'll call it, a bit of land, the earth was fiery red as bouts of fire crackled and burned all along the rock wall blocking the edge of the circle. Mouse informed me that was where the demon I must fight will be waiting, a bit foolish of a demon, giving the courtesy to let it's apparent prey arm up and prepare for the ensuing fight. Why not just fight me here and now? Oh well, it'll die in due time. I continued walking and ended up fighting a few more weak Wisp Wraiths, before seeing, ugh, a glowing yellowish-white spirit in Templar armor.

When I approached, the male spirit started speaking to me. He had an odd voice, it was definitely masculine, but it sounded almost breathy, and it seemed like a slight whisper followed his every word. "Another mortal thrown into the flames and left to burn I see. Your mages have devised a cowardly test. Better you were pitted against each other to prove your mettle with skill than to be sent unarmed against a demon."

"What, does every spirit know why I'm here?" I let out an exasperated sigh as I looked at the spirit, clad in disdainful armor.

"You aren't the first mortal sent here, for such testing. Nor shall you be the last, I suspect. That you remain means that you have not yet defeated your hunter. I wish you a glorious battle to come."

Hunter my ass. "What kind of spirit are you anyways?" I asked, having an idea of what he might be.

"I am Valor," yup "a warrior spirit, I hone my weapons in search of the perfect expression of combat."

Shifting my weight onto my other leg, I took notice of the floating weapons behind him. "Did you make those weapons?" I asked, wondering if I could create a staff of my own to better channel my magic and have an easier time defeating the demon that is/isn't hunting me.

"They are brought into being by my will. I understand that in your world, mages are the only ones who can will things into being. Those mortals who cannot, must lead such hallow, empty lives."

'You got that right, but anyone else and it'd probably end in mass chaos.' "Could I possibly come into possession of one of your weapons?"

"Do you truly desire one of my weapons? I will give one to you... if you agree to duel me, first. Valor shall test your mettle as is should be tested." He stated proudly. Coming from a spirit of Valor, I'm not surprised that he'd want to duel.

"I agree to the duel, but I'd like to know the rules first." I needed to know what I was walking into.

"If I believe you of slaying the demon, I will stop the duel and give you the staff. If I find you unworthy, I will slay you." 'Does everyone here, besides pathetic Mouse, want me dead?' "I trust those rules are simple enough to remember mortal?"

"I'm not dimwitted, and I'm not weak, so let's duel, Valor, unless you're too chicken." I sneer at him, throwing in an insult to try to rile him up. A quick duel with a spirit as strong as a spirit of supposed Valor would be too dull, plus I'm done listening to him insult me for this test I'm literally forced into taking.

"As you wish mortal. Our duel begins now. Fight with Valor!" He bellows out. I wince a little at how loud he was, wouldn't be surprised if the demon heard him from over wherever his lazy ass is.

Once the Spirit of Valor came charging at me, I started releasing bolts of raw magic energy at him, being slightly amplified by my own wisp, the duel didn't really last that long either, unfortunately. Although he did make me pull out some of his life force for me to absorb so I wouldn't die, though being a spirit, it didn't cause a substantial amount of damage.

"Enough." The spirit pulled back as my last magic bolt came flying at him. "Your strength is sufficient to the task. The staff is yours."

"Thank you, wished the fight was a bit harder though." I teased him, gripping the staff and feeling the smooth wood in the palm of my hand.

The spirit chuckled before bidding me farewell and well wishes on future glorious achievements. For being such an annoying spirit, he isn't too bad. Well, onto continuing to see what the rest of this place has to offer for making the fight even faster to deal with.

Along the path, I decided to figure out more about Mouse, a test of faith if you will. "How have you survived here so long?"

"I missed my chance, so I became small. Unnoticeable. I hide from the bigger things, learn from the smaller things. There are places you can hide where the shadows go on forever. You stay there long enough, and the shadows begin to… creep inside of you. I… don't know how long it's been. Forever, maybe." Now, that sounds even more suspicious, granted I don't know how days and nights work in the Fade, but the only things I know to forever be in the Fade are spirits and demons. The shadows he was talking about, could it be the corruption of spirits?

"You mentioned that the Templars simply killed you." I brought up, trying to squeeze out more information.

"That is what happens to the physical bodies of apprentices who fail. They'd kill every mage if they could. All Templars see in magic is danger." 'If they failed that means they became abominations, they had a reason for the murder, not that they took too long. By Mythal, am I actually taking the sides of fucking Templars right now?' "And they don't just use the Harrowing." Mouse continued, "If you learn too much, they'll label you a blood mage and kill you on sight!" 'Yup, sounds like Templars.' "True mages like you know that the power you hold is a gateway to greater things. A potential they can never hope to attain."

"There is still the Rite of Tranquility." I mention, losing more and more trust in mouse than I started out with.

The Rite seemed to have struck a chord in Mouse though, "And be turned into an emotionless freak? That is what they are, you know. To never dream, never feel. Even demons abhor them, but I suppose that is the trade-off. They can't be possessed. As if that is worse than losing yourself. You don't want to lose yourself here. Being nothing would be easier than this."

"Do you want to die?" I questioned softly. If he was suffering more here than he could handle, I'd like to help him. I watched Mouse's reaction as shock and melancholy showed itself on his visage for a moment.

"I...I think you should finish your Harrowing." Well, that's one way to end a conversation. If he truly did want to die, I could help him, since this is the Fade, though I'm not sure how spirits really die.

There wasn't much hassle traveling to the end of this path. Mouse thought to warn me of another spirit being nearby, though by the stench this spirit seemed to be producing, I didn't really need much warning. Following the stench, we came upon a large bear like creature, though it was only bear-like in general shape nothing else. It had spikey, bone growths protruding all over its body which had barely any fur on overing it. Open wounds, where the stench seems to be caused by, constantly bled while it never really dripped. The bear thing was laying down with his head on his crossed from paws.

I almost didn't want to get closer to this creature as it started talking to me, in a distorted ethereal voice, Deep and gruff, with a whisper of a demonic voice tried to keep up with the actual spoken words. "Hmm… so you are the mortal being hunted? And the small one… is he to be a snack for me?" Listening to this wounded creature sent chills down my spine. I see now why mages and Templars don't like demons.

The Mouse that had been traveling beside me had turned back into his apparent human form, though still standing farther behind me. "I don't like this," he squeaked. "He's not going to help us. We should go…" Quick to run still, I see.

The bloody bear took in a deep breath before standing up, and he was massive alright. "No matter. The demon will get you eventually, and perhaps there will even be scraps left." I watched as a familiar hunger filled its eyes as it looked at Mouse and I.

I knew it was a demon, but I wanted to know what kind. "What kind of spirit are you, exactly?" Opening my mouth was a mistake, as the taste of death that permeated the creature filled every taste bud and I could barely keep myself from vomiting.

Instead of the disassociated voice of the disgusting creature, Mouse spoke up. "It's a demon. Maybe even more powerful than the one chasing after you." 'Last I checked he's just hanging out, like a wuss.'

"Begone!" the creature tiredly cried out. "Surely you have better things to do than bother Sloth, mortal. I tired of you already." He finished by plopping himself back down, accentuating the point of his tiredness. But at least now I somewhat have a name.

"Why are you called Sloth? What are you exactly?" This time, before I spoke, I hovered my hand in front of my mouth and used a bit of creation magic to alleviate the stench.

"I am a spirit of Sloth, a creature of the Fade… unlike yourself." He spoke slowly, "Mortals are ever the visitors here. Still, you serve your function. Only the mortals like yourself are truly annoying."

'I try to be, ass.' "Are you talking about the dreamers?"

"Many mortals dream. They come here often. But you are not one of those. You are… aware. A mortal with power and will. The sort of creature that some spirits… hunger for." I steal a glance over to Mouse. "I might be inclined for such a meal, myself. It would be interesting to see the mortal world through your eyes, live inside your form… but I am disinclined to begin such a struggle." Definitely lazy.

"Lucky me." I poured my sarcasm into those two words, rolling my eyes, absently shifting most of my weight to one leg and placing a hand on my hip.

"Indeed. Now what do you want with me?"

"Anything you could do to aid me in killing the demon?"

"You have a very nice staff." Sloth yawned. "Why would you need me? Go, use your weapon since you have earned it. Be valorous."

"I could be valorous, or I could be smart and make this as easy as possible."

Mouse leaned over to whisper in my ear. "He looks powerful. It might be possible that he could… teach you to be like him."

"Like me?" For a demon as lazy as Sloth, he has good hearing, must be the intact bear bits. "You mean teach the mortal to take on this form? Why? Most mortals are too attached to their forms to learn the change. You, on the other hand, little one, might be a better student. You let go of the human form years ago."

"I… don't think I'd make a very good bear. How would I hide?"

"You still have your pathetic rat form. But you need to stop hiding. Hiding doesn't solve anything. You need to face your fears." I jab at his apparent weak points as he puffs up like the angry rat he is.

"Me? I've faced more in this place than you can imagine. Fear is… just one more thing." He started off strong and ended up crumbling, fitting for a rat. "But… you are right. Hiding doesn't help." 'Of course it doesn't' "I'm sorry, it's the Fade. It changes you." 'Yes yes, blame everything on the Fade.' "I'll try, I'll try to be a bear. If you'll teach me."

"That's nice. But teaching is so exhausting. Away with you now." Sloth said, quiet rudely.

Mouse sighed "I told you he wasn't going to help us."

"Nope! No, that's not how this works. Mouse wants to learn. So you better bet the rest of your hide that you'll teach him." I yowl at the lazy overgrown dead bear.

"Now, now. You wish to learn my form, little one? Then I'll have your feisty friend here: Answer three riddles correctly, and I'll teach you. Fail, and I will devour you both. The decision is yours."

"I'm not afraid of you, lazy skinned bear." I stood up tall, puffing out my chest and narrowed my eyes at the bear. My 'prattling' as he called it, must be wearing on his nerves now as the demonic part of his voice took over the normal one.

"Foolish mortal. Do you really wish to anger me? I may be slothful but I can be roused." We stared into each other's eyes, both unwavering. Tension thick in the air as the mutant bear finally spoke again. "Step back, and return to your silly business with the demon… or face the consequences."

"I'm still not afraid of you, but I'll take your damn test if it'll save me more energy than forcing you to teach Mouse."

"Truly? This gets more and more promising." The bear finally laid back down, lazy as ever. "My first riddle is this: I have seas with no water, coasts with no sand, towns without people, mountains without land. What am I?"

"Easy, your a map. Not containing anything that you show."

"Correct, let's move on. The second riddle: I'm rarely touched, but often held. If you have wit, you'll use me well. What am I?"

This one, I had to think about for a second. My first though would be one's intellect, but you can't exactly hold that, and the next best thing, something I get yelled and threatened to be snatched for my witty remarks, "It's my tongue. Jeez, can you make these any easier? Granted this saves time for me so it doesn't really matter."

"Yes, your witty tongue. Fair enough. One more try shall we? Often I spin a tale, never will I charge a fee. I'll amuse you an entire eve, but, alas, you won't remember me. What am I?"

'It wouldn't be a book, as those can end up lasting more than just an eve, and you'll remember it if it's good, plus you also have to pay for it.' I looked up into the yellow sky, remembering where I am, and who visits this play, where anything with a strong enough will can create anything they can imagine. "It's a dream." My mouth moves on it's own, mind elsewhere, gently gliding through my memories, and my many dreams, of being back with my family.

Apparently I zoned as by the time I realized it, Mouse had already succeeded in become an actually furred bear. "Am I a bear? It feels… heavy."

"Bears are very weighty. Or it could be your fears trying to shove you back into your little mouse form" I snide remark him, giving him a side glance with a smirk on my face. Man does it feel good to be snarky where I won't get yelled at.

"Close enough. Go, then, and defeat your demon… or whatever you intend to do. I grow tired of your mortal prattling." Sloth dismissed us again.

I turned away, having gotten what I wanted so I'll give him what he wants. "Tata for now, Sloth."

And with that, and no more stretch of traversable land without wasting energy climbing the large thorn vines that make up another great portion of this floating mass; we head off to face the demon so I can finally complete my Harrowing.

When I started entering the circle of fire, a spirit of molten lava and fire, dragged itself out of the ground as Mouse took notice of it and called it a "spirit" of rage.

"So it comes to me at last." The spirit of Rage cheered, raising its arms over its head, as if he actually believed he'd be able to defeat me. It's voice is reminiscent of Sloth's albeit with way more energy and gusto. "Soon, I shall see the land of the living with your eyes, creature. You shall be mine, body and soul."

I couldn't help but let the cynical chuckling bubble out of my chest, the close proximity to the raw lyrium vein on the other side of this arena was giving me a headache that I didn't really want to deal with at the moment. "Then come and get me, if you can."

"Oh I shall. So this creature is your offering, Mouse? Another plaything, as per our arrangement?" 'Dammit I knew that Mouse was suspicious.' The demon focused in on Mouse.

Mouse dragged his hands across his cheeks, looks like his lying schemes were let out the bag. If I have to fight him too, I will. Nothing will stand between me and my goals. "I'm not offering you anything! I don't have to help you anymore!" 'Wait what? Well he's still a filthy rat but at least he'll still help me.'

"Aww." The demon faked whined, though it didn't sound like a whine with his deep demonic voice "And after all those wonderful meals we have shared? Now suddenly the mouse has changed the rules?"

"I'm not a mouse now! And soon I won't have to hide! I don't need to bargain with you!" 'ata boy, got a confidence boost since I coerced you into becoming a bear? Just hope I don't have to kill him too.

"We shall see…" growled the demon of rage, before calling forth four more Wisp Wraiths and attacking.

It wasn't a really long fight, as the Wisp Wraiths were really weak, and the Mouse occupied most of the demon's attention, so when everything was dead and killed, Mouse changed back to his human form, which could very well be another lie.

"You did it. You actually did it!" He cheered, "When you came, I hoped you might be able to… but I never really thought any of you were worthy."

"As glad as I am that that fight is over, it seems like your help was unusual. Why?" I glared at him, leaning on my staff, though not particularly tired from the fight. That raw lyrium is still there, still affecting me, making my head spin.

"You made me actually believe in you. You're a true mage, one of the few." 'Oh yeah? Thanks. Ass.' "The others, they never really had a chance. The templars set them up to fail, like they tried with you. I regret my part in it, but you have shown me that there is hope. You can be so much more than you know."

"You make all of this seem like you can get something from me." I glared at him.

"You defeated a demon, you completed your test. With time, you will be a master enchanter with no equal. And maybe there's hope in that for someone as small and as… forgotten as me. If you want to help. There may be a way for me to leave here, to get a foothold outside. You just need to want to let me in." Mouse, the sly bastard, I had a feeling that Rage demon wasn't my only test.

"So that's your true game hm? You're also part of the test?" I glare harder at him, now, not believing a single word out of his mouth, as he's more than likely another demon.

"What? What are you… Of course it was! What else is here that could harm an apprentice of your potential?" He said exasperated that I'd accuse him, although all evidence points right to it.

"Your story has a few holes in it, as you've mentioned you already died. Even if it was through the Harrowing, you wouldn't be wearing those senior enchanter robes, you'd be wearing the blue and purple robes of an apprentice. Mages become abominations when they become dominated or allow for a demon to take hold. And you just mentioned about wanting me to let you in."

Mouse seemed taken aback by my words, until he looked down with a sly smirk and a short breathy laugh. "You are a smart one." When he spoke his next words, he revealed his true identity to me, as he shared the same distorted, second voice, matching the two other demons I've dealt with here.

"Simply killing is a warriors job. The real dangers of the fade are preconceptions, careless trust… pride." He transformed again after he mentioned pride. His size swelled, as his skin turned purple. By the end of the transformation, he was a hulking purple beast, with spikes along his massive arms, and dark quartz like protrusions scattered here and there, he didn't really have much for a face except for a large gaping maw that showed a wicked grin. "Keep your wits about you, mage. True tests never end." He warned before disappearing, fully completing my trials this time. Heading back to where I entered and finally collapsing through the portal from the grueling side effects of being in such close proximity to raw lyrium.