A/N: Thanks go out to Bioware and David Gaider for allowing me to tiptoe through their creative tulips!

This is my newest long story! It is based around the relationship between Jowan and Essemere Amell. I hope you will all read and review, I LOVE hearing from all of you, it really fuels my fire and keeps me inspired.

Special thanks go out to my my good friends and Betas Erynnar and Ladyamesindy. Please read their stories, all of them are AWESOME!

I hope you all enjoy and like I said, let me know what you think!

~Much Love~

VT

The tower was cold as a Ferelden winter wind whipped through the high windows of the apprentice quarters. Six year old Jowan sat up in his bed, awake at this late hour trying to study a book on basic shield spells for his lessons the next morning. Though a smart boy with much magical ability, he was never quite able to apply it and struggled through most of his lessons.

He was startled as he heard the boots of the elder mage Wynne as they came through the door along with the smaller soft footsteps of a child walking beside her. Jowan could hear the soft sobs of the child that looked to be no older than five and the reassuring whispers of Wynne. He quickly whipped the covers up over his head, hoping that it would not be noticed that he was up so late studying.

"But where is my mama, my daddy?" The girl sobbed. "I want sissy and brother, why did they send me away? I promise I will be good, I didn't mean to set the chair on fire."

"Now, now child, it will be alright." Jowan peeked from beneath the covers and could see Wynne sit upon the vacant bed just across from his pulling what appeared to be a little girl into her arms. "You did nothing wrong, you just need to learn how to use the gift that The Maker has bestowed upon you. Your parent's aren't mages so they have sent you here so that we can teach you the proper way to use your powers."

The little girl looked up at the older mage as she dried her eyes with the sleeve of her dress.

"You'll learn to call this tower home and I'm sure in no time that you will make many many friends with the other children. They all possess the same special gift that you do." Wynne wrapped an arm around the girls shoulder and placed a kiss upon the top of her head. "As a matter of fact, I'm sure young Jowan would be more than happy to show you around the tower and introduce you to the other children, isn't that right my boy?"

Slowly, Jowan poked his big blue eyes up from under the covers where he had been hiding; and doing his best to try to sound like he had been woke up muttered. "Hmmm….who's thaaa..."

"Oh Jowan, I knew you were awake when I walked through the door, give up your act and come over here." Wynne said sternly.

"Yes mam." Jowan sighed as he kicked away his covers.

Wynne smiled as the boy approached the bed. "This, my dear, is Jowan; Jowan this young lady's name is Essemere." Wynne placed her hand on Jowan's shoulder "And I know that he will do all that he can to make you feel at home, isn't that right Jowan?"

Jowan nodded and reached a trembling hand out toward the girl.

Essemere took Jowan's hand in her own and with nearly a whisper said. "It's nice to meet you."

Butterflies fluttered in Jowan's stomach as he felt her soft hand in his own. All that he could do was smile as a warm crimson fell upon his cheeks.

Wynne smiled as she stood from the bed. "I think it is time that the two of you tuck in for the night. Come with me Essemere, I shall show you where the changing rooms are, and Jowan please, put away your studies for the evening. You will do just fine in your lessons tomorrow; you just need to focus."

Jowan reluctantly let go of the little girl's hand and watched as she disappeared across the room with Wynne. He crawled into bed, a smile etched upon his face, he didn't know exactly what this feeling was that had poured into his heart, but he liked it.

Sleep came easy to Jowan after meeting Essemere, dreams of playing games and finding mischief with his new friend danced through his head. He was suddenly awaked by a gentle tap upon his shoulder.

"Jowan?" The gentle voice whispered into his ear.

Jowan rolled over to see a pair of dark brown eyes staring back at him "Essemere? What's wrong?"

Essemere once again wiped her face with her sleeve. "I'm scared, can I sleep with you?"

Jowan recognized the look in her eyes; he knew what she was feeling. He felt the same way on his first night in the tower, the loneliness, the horror of being in a new place without a single familiar face. He would never have wished that feeling upon anyone. With a shy smile he slid over and raised the covers. Essemere crawled in beside him and placing a worn stuffed bear between their chests fell asleep quickly upon his shoulder.