She peered into her looking-glass, shifting her head from side to side in front of the little mirror. She wanted to gather a full image of herself, in an effort to reassure herself. Adrina had lent her some rouge and her lips looked pink and matte against her tanned skin; her high cheekbones, also pink. She had released the waves of her hair from their constant, righteous bun, and they framed her face fetchingly, she decided. She caught one of her eyes, a dark orb, as she darted the mirror around and realized she'd forgotten to ask Fee for her kohl. She gave a little sigh, but her disappointment was fleeting. She smiled, half into the mirror, half into the room, feeling as though nothing could dampen her mood.

She tossed the mirror onto Fee's bed and ran her hands over her robes, feeling the curve of her waist and hips. She had chosen the most form-fitting of her clothes, a yellow robe that complimented her complexion. It had been a gift from her parents nearly a year ago, for her twentieth birthday. She'd never worn it, slightly out of spite, but mostly because she'd lacked an occasion.

The dormitory she stood in was small, and she shared it with only six other female mages, all of whom had come of age and passed their harrowing. They were mentors to younger mages, and were all on track to become teachers, each with their own specialization. Fee was a battlemage, with a focus on winter spells. Adrina and Evelyn had both focused on their spirit abilities, Adrina favoring barriers and dispelling magic while Evelyn had nearly perfected the art of healing. She knew her powers in this realm were remarkable, but that very talent had also trapped her. Every mage was given a "holistic" education, but in reality they were all pushed towards one ability, and this had always depressed her.

It's as if we're being manufactured. She thought, not for the first time.

Atop that, Evelyn had never expected to even get this far in the Circle hierarchy. Somehow she never pictured the Ostwick Circle when she thought of her future. Her mind had always wandered beyond this phase, to a time when she could become a traveling healer (was there even such a thing?) but one who would prove their mettle as they adventured, fighting off foes and collecting a rag tag band of friends.

Apostasy hadn't exactly occurred to her, however. In her dream, she wasn't a circle mage. She'd grown up too sheltered, surrounded by Templars and an institutionalization that made it difficult to consider (let alone comprehend) a real life outside of her tower walls. She knew she'd never manage to marry her dreams to reality. And so, she was left uneasy about what, or rather where, she'd end up. Her spirits had initially gone down when her betters informed her she was being promoted to a mentoring position.

It dawned on her that maybe that's why she had accepted this distraction. While she wasn't a wilting flower, she also wasn't the type to blatantly flout rules. Or was she? She hadn't had much chance to, now that she thought about it. Not that it was so unbelievable, what she was doing. She'd heard countless stories. But then again, she'd never actually known anyone who had done.

Feeling a little too self aware, she decided to stop overthinking. It really didn't matter, she told herself, because she had already made her choice. And nothing would steer her away from him.

"Here to see Bash, are you?" Fee's eyes crinkled as a sly smile spread across her face. Evelyn returned the smile and rolled her eyes, lightly swatting at Fee's arm.

"Have you seen him?" She whispered into her friend's pointed ear, her eyes darting around the dim library.

"Yes, silly, he's right over there, by the new shemmie. Near the books on Nevarra."

"Great. Remember Fee, if anything, I've left the garden because of a headache and you don't know where I've gone."

"Yes, yes, I've got it! Today's finally the day! Better get on with it before they give the call for dinner." Fee nudged her friend and gave her a wink. Evelyn felt her cheeks grow hot, but not from the girlish embarrassment Fee attributed it to. She felt guilty.

"Wish me well, I hope it isn't as nasty a business as I've heard!" Evelyn mumbled cheerily as she turned away, her words coming out with a breath.

She walked towards Bash, who was in deep conversation with a fellow male mage, one whom Evelyn had only seen from afar, for he was new. As she came closer she noted the new mage's handsome features and kind eyes, which scanned Bash's face earnestly. She stopped a few feet from them and cleared her throat prettily, her head down and her eyes peeping up when Bash turned around to face her.

"Introduce me Bash." She demanded playfully, her eyes passing from Bash to the mage.

"Oh! Evelyn, this is Demitrius, he's from the same city as your family, I believe." He spoke excitedly, closing the distance between he and Evelyn, taking her hand as he pulled her nearer to his new friend.

"Oh, how nice. Did you transfer from another Circle or did you live there in apostasy?" She asked with a smile and tone that she knew instantly would be read as condescending. She couldn't quite pin why her question had come off so... Orlesian. She had little love for the family that had repudiated her, or for the city they domineered, but that had nothing to do with this man. And, she was a little jealous of mages who managed to live beyond Circles, but usually that jealousy inspired interest, not mean-spiritedness.

She must be more anxious than she thought.

Demitrius cocked his head to one side and gave her a slightly baffled smile.

"Apostasy. Does that bother you, Lady Trevelyan? I know that freedom is not really of consequence to the nobility, but it was important to my family."

Evelyn's brown eyes grew big. Despite her rudeness, she had not expected this response. Her gaze darted to Bash, who seemed like he was about to try and lighten the mood, but she put her hand up to stop him and tried to salvage the introduction, her cheeks brightening.

"As well it should be. I envy you." Her words seemed to work as an apology, some of the defensiveness leaving Demitrius' eyes. Thank the Maker, she sighed internally.

"Also I have not been a lady since the age of six, so please, call me Evelyn. It's been a pleasure to meet you, Demitrius. Maybe you can tell me about our city, sometime." She added graciously, a small, close-lipped smile on her face before she focused her attention on Bash and drew him away. Quickly, before she said anything else out of line.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me. I don't feel like myself, but... He seems like a decent enough fellow." She murmured her apology as they neared a corner of the library, the eyes of the mages- and Templars- following them.

"Oh, he'll be fine! But you, you're right, you aren't acting like yourself. Are you sure about toni-"

"Yes! Once it's over, I'll be a lot less jittery. And hopefully a lot less bitchy." She assured him with a smile, placing her hand over his.

"A quarter to five, remember. If you don't do as I said, there'll be suspicion." She added.

"Of course, of course. But Ev, are you sure this is what you want? It could cost you a lot more trouble than it's worth." His blue eyes shone with concern for her, his eyebrows furrowed.

"I promise, I'm sure. Please, tell Demitrius I'm sorry once more if I offended." She closed their conversation and began to walk away.

"Oh, by the way Ev," He called to her once she'd put a few steps between them. She turned her head around to look at him, her waves catching on the slight reveal of her shoulder.

"You look beautiful."

Her heart was racing as she ran over moldy rocks and slivers of rainwater in an attempt to keep her boots clean. She held the bunches of her robe in her fists as the waves of her hair bounced over her chest and back. When she finally arrived at the designated spot near the coast, not far from the Circle, she felt a little disheartened that no one was there. She looked back towards the tower, worried something had delayed him. She wasn't supposed to have left the garden, but the penalty for doing so wasn't very high. Lovers often did, and some of the Templars were lenient with that sort of thing. Trouble was, her particular situation did not lend itself to their leniency.

Her breathing slowed slightly as she narrowed her eyes in every direction, trying to see if maybe she'd missed the mark and gone astray. Before she could turn around however, two broad hands were at her hips, and she heard a loud "Boo," that made her heart leap, and her body go very still in fear.

He laughed heartily as her face turned back to look at him sharply.

"Not so happy to see me?" His voice was soft and full of levity, his eyes glinting with mischief. She turned her entire body round, and gave him a light shove as a smile grew on her face.

"No, as a matter of fact; I think I'll to return to the tower." She pursed her happy lips, her uptilted head challenging him.

"Nooo, after all this effort?!" He pouted while his eyes remained merry. She admired his features, those of which she'd snuck glances at whenever no one else had been looking.

He had thick black hair, a few strands falling over the sides of his temples, and clear green eyes that seemingly pierced through her, his brow low and strong. His aquiline nose led down to a smirking mouth, which held the sweetest tongue she'd ever tasted. His neck was thick and his shoulders broad, though he was lean in general, and she imagined he seemed bulkier due to his armor.

Right, she reminded herself, her eyes falling from his shoulders to the crest on his breastplate. His Templar armor.

"Mmm, you may have a point. How do you plan to make it worth my while?" She teased, her fingers toying with the straps holding the breastplate to the rest of his armor.

"I can think of a few ways..." He said, equally teasing. His hands took hers from the straps and pulled her gently towards the clearing where they were supposed to have met, which she'd missed.

"I always have been directionally defunct." She whined airily, coming into the clearing and walking towards the blanket he'd laid out. She stood at the edge of it, and glanced over at him.

"Ser Aiden, I believe someone's camped out here. We should warn them of the vicious, silk-thirsty mages who live but a mile away." She faked a concerned expression, her tone gravely playful. Not but two weeks ago the Circle mages had been slandered by a local merchant who claimed that they had all cursed him and his after he had refused to sell them his Orlesian silks, but not the Templars. His daughter had taken sick shortly after, and died.

Aiden shook his head at her, and she thought she saw his expression cloud slightly.

"Don't joke like that Ev." He chastised her lightly, coming towards her before sitting on the blanket, his hand extended to help her sit.

"What did I say?" She replied, slightly defensive but also curious as to how she had offended. Even amongst the Templars the merchants claims were a joke.

Was no one willing to play along today? Or was it just her?

He sighed, seemingly wanting to avoid the topic.

"Listen, I know where you're coming from... but try to understand that most people-they're simple folk. And sometimes their prejudice comes from experience, not just superstition." He had leaned back onto his elbows once he noted that she wouldn't take his hand, and he looked up at her, the sun causing him to narrow his eyes. Evelyn felt discomfort at his comment, and it showed in her body language, as she shifted from one foot to the other.

"No experience should blanket a population." She spoke lower, though her words were clear. She'd never had to defend a point against him, and she didn't know how this new facet of their relationship would work. He'd seemed ready enough to move past it earlier; hopefully her stubbornness wouldn't sour the evening.

"But try to understand where they're coming from. My parents knew that girl you know." So that was where this was coming from, she realized. She often forgot Templars had families, origins, connections to the real world.

Well that's not my fault; they act as though they're made of stone.

Her expression softened, and she knelt down on her knees beside him, her hand coming up to caress his cheek.

"I was being crude, you're right." She lied to his face, feeling mixed about it, but not wanting to ruin the date they'd worked so hard to achieve. Perhaps she'd simply made the joke too soon, but she couldn't actually cede to him that she should stand for being accused of natural phenomena, just because she was a mage.

She forced a smile, bringing why they were here back to the forefront of her mind.

"You know... you are not properly dressed for the occasion." She joked after a moment, her finger tapping against her lips as she pretended to calculate how his outfit came up short.

"Ah, yes, wearing decidedly too many clothes, we cannot have this!" She exclaimed, a finger in the air before working to remove the armor from his arms. He laughed at her, the tension from before fading as he helped her remove the breastplate as well.

"You look amazing by the way. Did you doll yourself up, all for me?" He asked, his smile returning as his eyes flicked over her face and clothes.

"No, I always tart myself up for jaunts by the coast." She replied simply, dropping his breastplate onto the grass before flashing him a smile.

"Come out here often then? Without me to protect you?" He took off the last of the armor from his legs, his underclothes much simpler than the decorated armor. He hadn't moved very far up the ranks yet, and probably could ill afford to waste money on fripperies.

"Never. I'd be lost without you." She replied, her tone sarcastic. She was able enough, but she conceded he did have a small point. She was often frustrated by how little she'd been allowed to exercise her natural athleticism. She knew she could be strong. She could feel it in her walk, in her reflexes. But she had always shown more promise as a healer, and so was only rarely given the chance to explore combat, unlike Fee.

She tried to brush off the indignation, knowing he was only trying to be cute.

And he did think he was being cute, smiling up at her. That smile tugged at her belly, and she forgot the comment once he sat up higher and brought his lips to hers. His hands went around her waist, and hers slowly moved through his hair. He deepened his kiss, and she tasted that sweet tongue she'd sneakily sampled for months now, in hidden corridors and crannies of the tower. He rose onto his knees, one hand on her lower back as she unfolded her legs and laid beneath him. He lingered over her, kissing her deeply, his free hand lightly cupping her breast and caressing her neck. She could feel her pulse rising, heard it in her head.

Evelyn closed her eyes in nervous excitement. She had opened her legs to accommodate him, but she wasn't doing much else to facilitate. She'd never lain with a man, and Adrina's rapid fire explanation of what sex entailed had left her a little anxious. Still, she felt ready, and she sensed he did too. Or rather, she physically felthis readiness, grinding up against her thigh.

He broke their kiss, his breathing staggered, and he rose himself up and pulled his shirt over his head. His eyes shone differently than she'd ever seen, and she made sure to archive the look.

So that is what lust looks like.

He unbuttoned his trousers, tugging at them until he kicked them off, and he was left only in his small clothes. She looked at him, taking in the youthful physique she hadn't had the chance to see yet. He was lean, but strong, his muscles defined under taut skin. Skin that was paler underneath his clothes. She contrasted him with her tan body (the one feature she'd inherited from her Rivani mother) but he'd not seen her yet, and at that thought her nerves riled.

"You look..." She began, her voice trailing off, and she realized the heavy lidded expression she was wearing must be mirroring the one she'd seen on him earlier.

He grinned at her.

"Now who's wearing too many clothes?" He asked, a smug look on his face.

She blushed, and hoped the red would get lost beneath her rouge. She raised her hands to the clasps at the front of her robe, unclipping them slowly, her eyes not leaving his despite her anxiety. When she'd opened it fully, she shrugged her shoulders and the rest of the fabric came away, revealing her torso and legs entirely. She'd worn no small clothes, and Aiden's eyes grew in grateful surprise. She visibly saw him swallow before he spoke.

"Tell me you have the potion." He said breathlessly. She couldn't help but give a giggle as she reached down into her shoe and pulled out a little vial.

"Adrina taught me how to whip it up. She said to take it right after, and it would destroy any of you that gets in any of me." She said the last words teasingly, her face screwing up as though the thought disgusted her. He smiled and took the vial from her hand, placing it at arms length from them.

"Well then first..." He mumbled, lowering himself until their bodies touched again. She felt herself swallow, and she whispered in his ear as his hand found her sex.

"Just be gentle, OK?" This was the first time she'd expressed doubt at their decision, and she hoped not to scare him away.

His finger found her clit and she gasped quietly as his eyes fell on hers.

"I will be. Tell me to stop if necessary." He sounded earnest, and this reassured her. She smiled and rose her lips to meet his, her own hand snaking into his small clothes and grasping him firmly. He grunted into her mouth as she slowly moved in the motions they'd escaped in so often the last several months.

This went on for some time, and the doubts and the fear of the pain ebbed away as her desire rose. In time they were both breathing raggedly, and Evelyn herself pushed his smallclothes down, her hands pressing him closer to her.

"Now." She whispered into his ear, and he nodded his head ever so slightly. His knee pushed one of her legs further away as he positioned himself, holding his member right at her sex. She felt the touch, and her heart stopped for what felt like an age before he entered her.

When he did, however, her eyes widened instantly in pain. It felt as though he had hammered through her insides, although she knew he'd gone slow and barely entered her. Still, she felt an unbearable pressure and tightness, and she immediately regretted her decision.

This is worse than freezing in Fee's cold of cone last summer. This is worse than being singed by that stray fire blast on the training grounds last month.

He went in a little further, not noticing her reaction, and this time she couldn't help but gasp. He pulled away a bit now, his eyes searching for her assurance.

She bit her lip and shook her head yes, instinctively knowing that she had to at least endure this to its finale if she was to ever be rid of this blasted virginity. She knew deep down that the pain couldn't be that bad, that this was natural.

Aiden pressed a kiss to her forehead before pushing himself the last bit of the way in. Her hands gripped his hips, a low whine escaping her. His eyes again met hers.

"Are you alright?"

She gave him a small, unconvincing nod, her face in a grimace.

At that he couldn't help but chuckle, nuzzling his face into her neck and peppering it with kisses.

"I'm sorry Ev. It'll get better." He smiled, his eyes level with hers now.

"But can I just say... that this feels incredible." He flinched before he even saw the anger flash in her eyes, mischievously knowing the unfairness of it would piss her off.

"You son of a bitch." She punched his shoulder, a smile forming despite herself.

"I'm serious, you feel amazing." He laughed, holding her tighter.

"Do you want to stop?" His green eyes glittered as he spoke, the sun shining in through the clearing. She really couldn't fathom denying him.

"No. Go on."

He began grinding his hips against hers, slowly at first. She liked feeling the weight of him, the closeness. Soon he began thrusting, and while this was less enjoyable, there was something more... primal, about it that excited her. As his thrusts became more energized the pain eased somewhat. She even experienced some small sensations of pleasure, despite them being outweighed by the discomfort. She could hear herself moaning lightly, though she wasn't quite sure why, and she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly as she sensed he was nearing his end.

Right as he did, his labored breathing grew adorably staggered, and she felt her belly warm with pride at the notion that she had caused that.

And then they heard the bell.

It wasn't the dinner bell. It rang not only once, but three times. Her head had sprung northward to look towards the sound, her attention stolen from the moment. Fear stopped her heart, and her thoughts raced.

Have we been found out? What will happen to Aiden? Will he be discharged from the ranks? No... will they transfer him?

She came back to her present reality when her lover exited her, and she cringed in pain, her sex throbbing. She turned her head back to look at him, and noticed that his expression too, looked worried.

"We should head back Ev. I don't know what's gone wrong." He looked genuinely sorry, and she realized he regretted that they couldn't stay and revel in what had just happened between them. Little did he know, she had no other desire but to get back to the tower before they were discovered, her brazen confidence leaving her entirely.

"Might it be us?" She asked quickly, her hands grasping for her robes.

"No. Those were three blows of a horn. They only use those when there's grave news. We're not so important as that." He replied, his eyes faraway, looking towards the tower as he dressed.

Evelyn stood up, trying to right herself back to her original appearance, and dealing with the strong discomfort she felt below.

"You should go up ahead of me. I'm going to go through the main corridor, say I was out visiting my parents." He replied, buckling on his armor. She moved to grab the vial, and swallowed its bitterness quickly. She motioned to help him, but he brushed her away, giving her a quick kiss on the lips before hurrying her.

"Quick, they'll expect you back faster than me; you're not supposed to be further than the gardens."

He was right, and so she ran.

She arrived in the garden breathless, with leaves in her hair. She plucked them quickly as she glanced at her reflection in a pond, and she smoothed her robe to the best of her abilities. She hurried into the tower by way of an arched wooden door, coming into the vestibule that connected the garden with the Chantry chapel. This was where announcements were made, and where they were generally supposed to meet whenever any call other than the dinner bell was heard. The last time it'd occurred, Evelyn had been eleven and the Hero of Ferelden had defeated the Blight.

Everyone was bustling around, gossiping with one another, creating a loud cloud of whispers. She assumed the announcement had already been made. She looked around feverishly, looking for any friend, and luckily her eyes landed on Fee. She went over to her quickly.

"What's happened, why all the commotion?"

Fee's face was one of shock too far mixed with fear to have much animation to it. She was nearly expressionless.

"I've been looking for you everywhere." She paused, looking at Evelyn and knowing something of what her words might invoke in her friend.

"There's news of a rebellion in Kirkwall."

Evelyn's eyes widened as if to say So?

Fee swallowed before continuing.

"A mage rebellion."