Dragon Age: Blood Of The Magi


All of it belongs to Bioware, except the characters I've invented myself. Blood Of The Magi was been a glint in my eye for quite a long time...

What If Duncan had never came to the Circle and saved Amell from the wrath of the Templars?

This Is Layla Amell's tale.

Please take a few moments to review. It would mean the whole of Thedas to me.


Chapter 1: A rude Awakening

On a cliff overlooking the dark waters of Lake Calenhad 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 amoung others of their kind. Within the high stone walls, the Circle practises its magic and trains apprenctices in the proper use of their powers. But the circle tower is as much a prison as a refuge; the ever-vigilant Templar's of the Chantry watch over all Mages, constantly alert for any signs of corruption. This gilded cage is the only world Layla Amell knows. Found to be sensitive to magic at a young age, Layla was torn from her family and grafted here as an apprentice. Now, that apprentiship is nearly over and all that remains is the final test: The Harrowing.


The Antechamber of Kinloch Hold was a thing of true beauty. One of the highest points in the whole of Ferelden, with only Fort Drakon boasting a more spectacular view. Moonlight flowed through the stain glass windows, casting far-reaching shadows over the huge room's occupants. The Avvar achiticure glowed and sparkled in the moonlight, giving the entire room a deep blue crescindio of colour.

However, the occupants of the room had little time to admire the rather wonderful view.

"This is a thing of necessity, Templar Cullen!" Greagoir growled at the boys spluttering.

"If the girl fails the harrowing, a demon will possess her and you MUST strike her down!"

Cullen felt slightly light headed. He felt the other Templars staring at him through their heavy helmets. He guessed that most were staring at him with contempt. He was almost beyond caring at the moment.

"But… but surely-"

"Layla Amell is a capable mage, Ser Cullen," Ser Wesley condoled, "I believe it unlikely that she would submit easily to the will of a demon. But their must be precautions."

Cullen finally gave a weak nod, hoping the moonlight glaring on his face was disguising how pale he was.

"This is in the maker's hands now," Knight Commander Greagoir added gruffly.

In the centre of the room, currently being poked at with complex spells by several mages, was a glowing ceremonial goblet of liquid Lyrium. Cullen could detect the strong intoxicating scent slowly wafting up his nostrils even from this distance. It made feel a little bit stronger, at least.

Maker, and did he need to feel strong right now.

"The Harrowing potion is prepared," A crackly voice called out, reverberating on and around the rooms impressive cavernous acoustics.

First Enchanter Irving was standing with his arms behind his back as three other mages stepped away from the goblet.

"If you would summon apprentice Amell? I'm sure we would all like to get this other with."

Cullen nodded glumly and began his descent into the tower.


The Apprentice quarters were not at all fancy. Four dozen bunk beds were squeezed into the modest space, with no doors or walls to give the Mages even the illusion of privacy. Cullen spotted Layla Amell immediately, To his ever bearing shame, he had cast her sleeping place to memory a few months ago. She was snoring loudly. An incredibly thick book was laying on her chest with one arm wrapped around it, entitled "From Beyond the Veil: Spirits and Demons, By Enchanter Mirdromel" and her thick shoulder length brown hair was all over the place.

And she was quite beautiful, Cullen reflected glumly.

He approached her quietly. Well, as quietly as one could approach a sleeping mage in a tonne of heavy armour.

Before he could prepare something witty to say to her, perhaps something that would make her laugh and help her see past the armour and the flaming sword of mercy engraved on his chest, the book slid out from it's resting place and fell to the floor with a mind numbingly loud dusty clump.

Layla's eyes snapped open, her green eyes instantly dancing and alert. She sat up quickly, smacking her head on the upper bunk with a clunk and a "Ow!"

She rubbed her head vigorously then peered at the towering piece of armour that was standing over her.

Cullen smiled sheepishly.

"Layla, I-"

"Cullen!" She positively beamed at him. "If this is about what happened to Mr. Wiggums, I wasn't even on the same floor at the time, I-"

Cullen quickly waved his armoured hands in a desperate act to stop her gibbering. (delightful as it was, he didn't want to wake the other apprentices).

Layla frowned at him then yawned again.

"So what is this? Snap inspection?"

Cullen looked at her with what he hoped to be the Templar look of "Stoic and Grim purpose" but she simply raised an eyebrow at him.

"Are you alright? You look like you're about to be sick."

He sighed.

"I've been sent By Knight Commander Greagoir," he told her weakly. "it's time for-"

"If it's about that cat, I'll deny everything."

"-your Harrowing."

Layla's gorgeous green eyes widened. And a slight twitch of fear thrashed behind them.

"Oh. Um… I see, what shall I bring?"

"Only your courage,"

"So I can't even get dressed?"

"No. I mean- yes!" Cullen flinched. Maker, please don't let me blush. Please.

"Get dressed and follow me, I'll wait outside."

He practically ran from the room, not daring to look back.


Codex Entry update!

Layla Amell

"I'm a Mage. It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere in the first place."

Brave, resourceful and cunning, Layla Amell has made something of a name for herself during her long years in the Circle. Incredibly gifted, especially for someone so young; her drive for knowledge has made her one of the most powerful apprentices in the Tower. However, her constant thirst for knowledge and experience has caused her more than one bad encounter with the templars, who believe that her easy going charm has allowed her to avoid the maker's wrath on more than one occasion.


Just a short introduction, longer chapter next time :)

Please, please PLEASE, take a moment to write a quick review. believe me, it's the highlight of my day