Chapter 1) Origin of the Arcane Warrior, Hero of the Mages - Misplaced Trusts

Layla Amell POV

"Welcome to the Circle. The Power to command the Forces of Magic is yours, for a Price." These are the words all mages hear, even though it is never really said. Mages are people who have the ability to bend the perceptions of reality. Long ago, there was an empire who controlled the world, but did so through vile blood magic that brought nothing but ruin. Now, though, mages are placed into the Circle to protect us from the world and the world from us.

My fellows have different reactions to this. Some believe they'd somehow sinned, punished for something they did before being born. Others are angry over being forced into a prison due to something given to them by the Maker. Still others believe that it is the non-mages who have sinned and wish to punish them for it. I… do not have an opinion, truly, save that the Maker made me a mage for a reason and that He is just in His decisions, as always.

My greatest dream is for there to be peace between mages and non-mages, though. Would that not be lovely? A time where mages can stay with their families and not have to worry about being killed? A time where people thank us instead of throwing insults? A time where mages can appreciate the beauty that cannot come from magic, but from things only non-mages can do? Yes, I do believe it would be lovely. Surely, one day, it shall happen. …Right?

I opened my eyes and shuddered at the twisted landscape before me. Though I was a mage, the Fade had never been a place of comfort to me. The reason why I was here, though, made it even worse. I was here for my Harrowing, my trial by fire. If I failed, I would die. If I succeeded, I would be accepted as an enchanter. All I had to do was resist temptation. I could do that. I hoped. Thankfully, Anders and Neria had already gone and given Jowan and me hints about the Harrowing. I would have been far more confused otherwise. Though I wished they had warned us about the templars appearing in the middle of the night and forcing you to be quiet. It had taken everything I had to pretend I was not afraid.

"So, someone else thrown to the wolves, as fresh and unprepared as ever," a deep voice suddenly whispered. "It isn't right that the templars do this, you know? Not to you or me or anyone."

I hunted around for the source of the voice. "Excuse me," I called politely. "But where are you, ser?"

"Right in front of you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Look down."

I did so and noticed the mouse sitting at my feet. "Oh, I am sorry, Ser Mouse."

"It's always the same," Ser Mouse sighed. "But it's okay. Not your fault. You're in the same boat I was, yes?" There was a flash of light and suddenly a man not much older than me stood in Ser Mouse's place. "Welcome to the Fade, young apprentice."

"I thank you." Did he say 'the same boat'? Well, that would mean… "So, you took the Harrowing too?" Since he was here when I was, though, he had likely… well, he had likely not survived it and was merely a spirit waiting to move on.

"Yes, I think so." He pressed a hand to his head, as if it hurt. "It's fuzzy, the time before. They woke me in the night and dragged me to the Chamber and then…" He glared at the empty air. "They kill you if you take too long, you see. They figure you failed and don't want something getting out. That's what they did to me. I have no body to reclaim. Just another lost apprentice, wandering about this twisted place."

"You are wearing the robes of a senior enchanter, though," I pointed out. Realizing that could be taken as rude, I gasped. "Oh, I am so sorry! That was… um…"

"No, it's fine. I… never noticed." He glanced down and grimaced. "I… must've changed my robes during my trial. I'm sorry. As I mentioned, it's a blur."

"It is no trouble." The Fade did bend to the will of mages. Changing clothes seemed perfectly reasonable.

"Regardless, you don't have much time before you end up like me."

"Then do you know what I must do? I know there are demons here, but I am confused otherwise."

"There's something here, contained just for you." He glanced around before stepping closer. "You have to face the demon and resist it. That is your way out. Well, or your opponent's, but that's what the templars are for." He smiled sardonically. "That's what the Harrowing is. It's a test for you, and a tease for the Fade's creatures."

"So, I must kill a demon." I frowned at that, though. Yes, Neria had mentioned fighting demons, but surely it was more difficult than that. This was the final test, after all.

"One with power and cunning, yes. You will have to be wary."

"Do you know where it is?"

"I… do. But first, I sense others here. Perhaps you can talk to these Spirits and see if they can help?"

"I see." I curtseyed to him. "I thank you, Ser Mouse."

"You are… strange." His smile was warm. "If I may, I would like to accompany you. My chance was long ago, but you… you still have yours."

"My thanks!" I was always up for a new friend, after all.

"Follow me, then." Smiling slightly, Ser Mouse carefully led me past an area ringed with fire, taking my hand when he thought I was veering too close. "We'll avoid there for now," he explained, tugging me close. "That's where the demon is and you'll want to be as prepared as possible."

"If you say so, Ser Mouse," I replied, gripping his hand tightly. A sight caught my eye, though. It was a spirit who stood near a glowing weapons' rack. "Who is that?"

"A spirit who never seems quite equal to his name. He's one of the ones I sensed earlier, it seems."

"Might I talk to him?"

"If you are careful. I will not be able to save you if he attacks, though."

"Then I suppose I had best make sure it does not come to a fight." I smiled at Ser Mouse. "I think I shall be fine, though."

"Good luck." He stayed behind as I approached the spirit. "Hello," I said to it. "My name is Layla."

"Ah, another mortal thrown into the flames to either burn into dust or rise from the ashes, I see," the spirit greeted, turning to face me. "I am Valor." I noted he took the appearance of a templar wearing a face-covering helmet and wondered if that was the form he chose or the form my mind chose to perceive. "You mortals have chosen quite the cowardly test."

"Is that so?" That was not something I expected to hear.

"Why yes. Better you were pitted against each other to prove your mettle than to be sent unarmed against demons. Both loser and victor could pass in those circumstances."

"But that would not prove our ability to stand against the demons' cunning ways, would it?"

"The demons are not as cunning as you humans strive so much to believe, but that is not your fault. The choice lies, of course, with those who sent you here."

"That is… true." I could see the reason in his words. I had yet to meet a dangerous demon, after all.

"Regardless, that you are here means you have not yet defeated your hunter. I wish you a glorious battle to come."

"I thank you for it." I glanced to the forge and the weapons on the rack. "Did you make these, though?"

"Yes, I willed them into being." He gentled touched the forge and I imagined he was smiling. "I understand that in your world, mages are the only ones who can forge reality. Those who cannot must lead such hollow, empty lives."

"Actually, they seem quite happy with their ability to create things with their own two hands and hard work," I corrected sourly. Then, of course, I realized how rude I was being. "Begging your pardon, of course, Ser Valor."

"You keep an insolent tongue in your head, but I can see great will behind it." He looked up to study me. "Yes, great will indeed. More than enough to combat the demon, I dare say. You… will need it."

"Ser Valor?"

"Time does not flow the same here as it does in your world. Thus, we Spirits can see things that are… invisible to the mortals, or even the mages." He stepped towards me, looking me right in the eyes. They glowed unnervingly. "I see a glorious battle in your future, matched by an even more glorious destiny. I shall wish, however, you do not have such a glorious funeral." He reached out and patted my shoulder. "Strengthen yourself, young warrior, to survive your trials to come. This Harrowing of yours… it will not be the worse that you face."

"That is confusing, Ser Valor. I am a mage, who shall remain in the Tower."

"Then perhaps, child, that Tower is not going to stay." …Pardon? "I must go. Another Spirit, Justice, wanders near and I would confer with him. Prove your worth to those who demand it. I know you shall do so." Before I could say anything more, he stepped away, vanishing into the strange air of the Fade.

"That was odd."

"I told you. He does not seem equal to his name," Ser Mouse whispered in my ear. He laughed when I yelped. "My apologies. I couldn't resist."

"You must have been quite the prankster," I muttered quietly. "Are there any other spirits?"

"Well, yes. One more. A Sloth Demon."

I knew my studies. Sloth demons were perhaps even more powerful than Pride Demons, but were limited by their innate laziness, and the laziness they inspired in their victims. "May I talk to him?"

"I won't be able to protect you."

"That is all right. I think I will be fine." So long as I did not lose my sense of purpose, I should be able to resist the Sloth Demon. That, at least, was what my studies said. I had faith in my teachers. After all, they were Irving and Wynne.

"If you say so." Ser Mouse sighed. "This is so not a good idea."

Ignoring his negativity, I approached the creature in the distance that I assumed was the Sloth Demon. It had taken the form of an extremely odd bear, with bone protruding from its back and face and strange crimson and pink fur. "Hello there," I greeted politely. It stirred slightly, as if asleep. "I hope I am not bothering you."

"So, you are the mortal being hunted this time?" it asked sleepily. He lazily opened one eye to study me. "I see. What of this small one? Shall he be a snack for me?"

"I would say not!" I yelped as Ser Mouse squeaked and ducked behind me.

"I don't like this," he whispered quickly. "We should go."

"Please, hold on a moment."

"It doesn't matter," the Sloth Demon sighed, slowly pushing himself up. "The demon will get you eventually, and perhaps there will be scraps left."

"I do not suppose you would help me," I asked softly. It would not do to show fear to a demon. I remembered the lessons well. Fear was one way a demon could get inside your head. Mages could never fear.

"Help you?" He laughed. "Nothing can help you, little mage." He yawned loudly. "Begone. Surely you have better things to do that bother me. I tire of you already, mortal."

"Then perhaps you should just give me advice or a lesson? Perhaps you can show me how to change my form?" Something of that nature would be of great use.

"That is a magic I cannot teach you. You do not know the old arts, and are too attached to your human form." He stared at Ser Mouse, though. "That one, though… he could learn, I suppose. He is not so attached."

"Oh, I don't think I'd make a good bear," Ser Mouse immediately dismissed. "I mean; how would I hide?"

"There are times when you cannot hide, yes?" I asked hesitantly. "Perhaps it will be useful to learn for the times you cannot get away."

"I… suppose." He shook slightly. "I have seen more of this place than you can imagine. More of its dangers. But perhaps you are right. I'll try, at least."

"That's nice," the Sloth demon sighed. "But teaching is so exhausting." He glanced at me. "Ah, but perhaps your friend can provide me with some entertainment."

"What would you like me to do?" I asked, keeping my tone even.

"Answer three riddles correctly, and I shall teach the small one. Fail, and I shall eat you both."

"Then let us begin."

"Truly?" He sounded surprised. "Ah, this gets more and more promising." He chuckled softly. "My first riddle is this. I have seas with no water, coasts with no sand, towns without people, mountains without land. What am I?"

Ah, it was one of these sorts of riddles. Jowan loved them. So, let me think this through. You cannot have sea without water, unless you were looking at a picture. But it would have to be a picture that showed seas, coasts, towns, and mountains. There was no singular place with all those things, though, so you would have to look at a bigger picture, much like a map. …Oh! "You are a map."

"You are correct." He did not sound happy. "Let's move on. The second riddle: I am rarely touched, but often held. If you have wit, you'll use me well. What am I?"

There was no doubt about this one. After all, I had grown up with Anders and Anders, being clever and witty, was often told to hold his tongue. "You are a tongue."

"Yes, and quite the clever one, you are. Fair enough. Once more." This would be the final. "Often will 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?"

So, something that spins a tale, but does not charge for it. That would be like someone telling bedtime stories to a child. Yet those sorts of people would not entertain you an entire night. Someone who would likely would not be someone you forgot. Wait, no, I should not focus on a person. All of the other answers had been objects. So, what was something a person did through the night, but often forgot when morning came? …Well, Neria had been complaining about not remembering her dreams lately. "Are you a dream?"

"You are correct," he huffed. "Rather apropos here in the Fade, no?" He sighed. "You have won my challenge and proven yourself an amusing distraction. So, I shall teach you my form, small one. Now, listen carefully." He lumbered forward and whispered something into Ser Mouse's ear.

It took a couple of tries, but soon, Ser Mouse had taken the form of a bear. "Like this?" he asked. "Am I one? It feels… heavy."

"Close enough." The Sloth Demon sprawled back onto the ground. "Go now and defeat your demon, little mortal. I grow weary of you. Still, perhaps I shall volunteer for the next mage encounter. You did prove entertaining, if only for a mortal."

"I thank you again," I murmured, curtseying to him. It was best to be polite. If I got out of here, though, I would do my best to warn Irving about this.

"So, do you think you are ready for the demon?" Ser Mouse asked me. His voice was far more suitable for the bear form he wore.

"Well, I am not sure I did really anything," I sighed. "But I have faith in my abilities. I worked hard for them, after all." Though not even Wynne had been able to help me move past that incident. I still could not cast the upper level spells. "I am also not just a simple healer. I learned offensive magic first!"

"I think you'll be fine. Come on!" He raced ahead. "Let's go!"

Laughing, I followed him to the area ringed with fire, the place where I would have to face a demon. As soon as Ser Mouse and I entered it, the air hissed and the ground glowed red. A Rage Demon dragged itself out of the ground, cackling all the while. "And so it comes to me at last!" it triumphantly cried. "Soon, I shall see the land of the living with your eyes, creature! You shall be mine, in body and soul!"

"I would rather not," I replied softly. "Would you instead consider retreating? There are two of us."

"Amusing. Have you not told it of our… arrangement, Mouse?" Pardon?

"We don't have an arrangement," Ser Mouse snapped. "Not anymore, at least. This one is strong and capable. I won't let you snuff her out!"

"After all those lovely meals we shared, now the mouse changes the rules?"

"I'm no longer just a mouse! I don't need to bargain with you."

"We shall see, as I feast upon your pet's bones!"

"I will not allow it!" he roared, leaping forward and biting the Rage Demon. I used the time Ser Mouse bought me to put some distance between the demon and me. Rage demons were weak in power, but their physical strikes could spell disaster for many mages. Few of us were physically strong, after all.

"Feeble minded…!" The Rage Demon snapped, throwing a fireball at Ser Mouse to get him off. "Wait your turn!" It advanced to where I had run. "The mage is mine!"

But I knew the chief weakness of Rage Demons. They were completely unable to handle chilling out. "Here me now, whispers of ice," I murmured, calling the magic to my hand. "Listen to my call and obey my thoughts." The Rage Demon loomed over me. "Cone of Cold, if you please." I waved my hand in front of me, helping the magic know where to go. Icicles leapt from the ground in front of me to impale the Rage Demon as he tried to attack.

"What… what is this?" it roared. It flailed about, trying to rid itself of the ice. "You have ice!? This wasn't supposed to… I was told that you were…!"

"Farewell." I closed my eyes and whispered, "Winter's Grasp." Five pieces of ice formed in the air and converged onto the Rage Demon. It screeched as they dug into him, all the way to its core. As soon as it hit that, though, it was over. Just as humans would die if hit in the heart, spirits would fade if hit in their core. I watched as it melted back into the ground. Something about everything here was… unsettling.

"You did it!" Ser Mouse breathed, beaming at me as soon as he transformed back into his human self. "You actually did it!"

"That seemed too easy, though," I could not help but murmur.

"That is because you are a true mage, one of the few!"

"What of the ones before me?"

"I led them only after I sensed the templars cutting their lives. It seemed… more merciful." He looked away. "I regret my part, but you have shown me that there is hope! You can be so much more than you are!"

"Do you truly think so?"

"I know so. You defeated a demon, completed your test. With just a bit of time, you shall become a master enchanter, one without compare!"

I felt myself flush and smile. I'd always enjoyed being praised and… and… oh. Oh, no. "Ser Mouse?"

"Yes, my archmage?"

"That rage demon was not my true test, was it?"

"What? What are you talking about?" He sounded startled. Did I offend him? "Of course it was! What else here could possibly harm someone as powerful as you?"

"I…" My voice was soft. "I would think pride, Ser Mouse."

"…You are truly a smart one." He started laughing, his voice growing deeper and deeper. "Simple killing is a warrior's job. The real dangers of the Fade are preconceptions, careless trust… pride." Ser Mouse's form changed shape again, this time to a Pride Demon, strongest of the demons.

"You lied to me?"

"It was quite fun, I assure you." He reached out and caressed my cheek. "Careful in the future, though. True tests never end."

He floated away as my vision blurred. What was this? Did I fail? No, I did not think so? So, was this… waking up…? Oh, Maker, I hoped so. I did not want to die, and everything was… blurry and shaky and...

Someone was shaking me. "Hey, are you all right?" There was more shaking. "Say something! Please…" Wait, I knew this voice.

"J-Jowan…?" I slurred, slowly stirring awake. I recognized the person sitting on my bed, even if he was a blurred mess of patches at the moment. "Jowan, what are…?"

"Easy, just try to relax." I could tell he was smiling. "Blink a few times. Come on, healer, you know the drill." I giggled and pushed myself up as my vision cleared to smile at Jowan. He was more of what I imagined when I thought of a mouse, what with his black hair and dark brown eyes. Of course, the thought of mice made me think of Mouse, the Pride Demon, and that just blackened my mood. "I'm so glad you're all right. You were carried in this morning. Most of us didn't even know you'd been gone."

"They were incredibly silent," I murmured, reassuring him. "They came suddenly in the middle of the night and told me not to make a noise. It was quite terrifying. I think I managed to hide it, though."

"Good. You know the 'rules'. Never show fear to a templar." He sighed. "I've heard about apprentices who never come back. Was it really that dangerous?"

"Well, it was aptly named." I had to be cautious about answering. Talking about the Harrowing was taboo to those who had not yet gone through. However, Jowan was one of my dearest friends, one of my big brothers even. Besides, Neria and Anders had given us little hints about what was to come after they'd passed. I was definitely going to do the same for Jowan. "You know how Anders said that it involved the Fade, and Neria mentioned demons?"

"Yeah?"

"Sometimes, the demons will pull a trick to make you kill other demons."

"Knowing me, I won't get a demon so crafty, but that's good to know." He sighed heavily. "Well, now you get to move and I'm now the last one stuck here in the apprentice quarters."

"Jowan, I know that they will call you soon," I reassured him with a smile.

"I know; I know. It's just that I've been here the longest. Sometimes, it feels like they just don't want to test me."

"You know that is not true. They test everyone."

"The Tranquil aren't." I froze at the mention of the Tranquil. Former mages who had their connection to the Fade severed, they were completely without emotions. I went out of my way to avoid talking to them. They were like walking corpses. I would never see something more frightening than them.

"They will not kill you, Jowan."

"I hope so." He forced a smile. "Listen to me, wasting your time. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving when you woke up, not bother you with my problems."

"We are friends, Jowan. You would never bother me."

The doors to the apprentice dorms suddenly burst open, startling some of the gossiping pairs nearby. "Hey there, girl!" a cheerful voice cheered. Its owner appeared two seconds later with an equally cheerful smile. Wearing the gold-hemmed robes that marked her as an enchanter, Neria was even happier than normal. "All right! That's three of us passing. Jowan, you need to step up your game. Anders and me have already gone through the Harrowing and now little Layla has!"

"I am not little," I grumbled, pouting. Neria and I were the same height, except that she was a little short even by elf standards, so I was constantly teased.

"Yeah, yeah." She tossed her braid over her shoulder. I was pleased to see it back to its normal brown, seeing as an experiment just yesterday had turned it a disgusting lime-green! It had completely clashed with her green robes. "Whatever. Jowan? Leave."

"What, not even 'please'?" Jowan complained.

"Well, if you want to see Layla naked…"

"I'm gone!" Jowan yelped, bolting out of the dorms.

I could not help but laugh at his escape. "That was mean," I scolded half-heartedly.

"Yeah, but it is true," Neria replied with a grin. She reached for my robes and tugged them off. "Come now!"

"What? Wait, Neria, I am perfectly capable of dressing myself!" I ducked away and over to the closet I shared with two other apprentices. "Why am I changing, though?"

"Your robes smell of demons." Neria had sensitivity to demons that left many people baffled, and she often described them as 'scents'. "Get in a fight with a pride demon? That's the strongest."

"I would not call it a 'fight'," I muttered as I pulled a fresh robe over my head. Neria immediately appeared to help straighten it out. "It was my test, though."

"You got a pride demon? Wow, Layla, you've got some power behind you!" She laughed again and shoved me at one of the vanities.

I sighed as she rummaged about the drawers. "I would rather my hair not be tied up ridiculously."

"Of course not. Your hair looks best when it's down, after all. Aha!" She triumphantly brandished a brush and set about brushing my hair for me. "Oh, I wish I had your hair. All red and gold curls. They go great with your eyes, you know. So jealous."

I knew she was also jealous that my eyes were still brown. Her first sign of magic had been changing her originally brown eyes to pale lavender, and that was something that no one ever seemed to be able to reverse. However, she would never say so, and I would never bring it up. "You can have it," I joked to her. "It is always frizzing and never obeys me. There is also the fact that I can never hide in a crowd. I would kill to have your sleek black hair and be able to hide whenever a teacher is hunting around for the latest prankster."

"Hey, I've been a good girl recently. Have to set an example for the youngsters. Anders, the cad, has provided the bad example. Honestly, he's on how many escape attempts?" She sighed. "It's pointless. We're always caught and we're always thrown back here. There's no escape from the templars, the bastards." As always, I kept silent as she ranted about the templars. Many of my fellows hated them. I did not, though I was not so deluded as to ignore that they could be dangerous. But, it was a templar who saved my life when my father tried to strangle me for being yet another mage child and, for that reason, I could understand just why they were considered necessary. If only they could all be like Ser Maurevar, who had saved me. It was a shame I would never be able to thank him, though. He died shortly after I had been sent here to Fereldan from Kirkwall. "Are you even listening to me?"

"No," I answered honestly.

She sighed. "Ugh, at least some of the other mages are gone."

"Neria, how can you say that? Are they not going to be in danger?"

"You haven't had to deal with Uldred. He's been more intractable than usual and I swear he hasn't bathed in weeks. That rank smell…"

All right, it was time for a new subject. …Oh, there was that thing Jowan mentioned. "Hey, Neria?"

"Yeah?"

"Who carried me back?"

She hesitated in answering. "…Cullen."

"…Oh." His name alone was enough to get me to flush.

"…Layla, getting involved with a templar is…"

"I know." No matter what my heart tried to say, I knew what I had to do. "I know. I will not act on it. I just…"

"Of course. You can't help who you fall in love with. Just be careful." She kissed the top of my head as she finished brushing. "Falling in love will give the templars something else to use against you."

It would also give you something to lose. Mages never talked about true romance for that reason. "I know, Neria."

"All right." She suddenly giggled and hugged me. "Let's do away with the sadness! After all, you passed your Harrowing, and it was the quickest and cleanest ever seen! I'll get some booze from the table later to celebrate!"

"I suppose so. Do I go see Irving now?"

"Yep. You know the way. I'll see you later!"

In truth, I should have gone straight to Irving, with no stops or distractions. However, I could not really help my feet slowing down as they approached a certain young templar with a beautiful smile. "H-hello," he greeted as I stopped next to him. "I… uh… I'm glad to see you… your Harrowing went smoothly."

"Hey, Cullen," I replied shyly, unable to keep the grin off my face. "I heard you were the one who carried me back. Thank you."

"Yes, they… they picked me as the templar who'd give the killing blow if… it's nothing personal, I swear!"

"…Thank you." I really should not be smiling so much. Most mages would not. However, I was not most mages. "It makes me feel safer, knowing that you were willing to do that for me."

"Um… you're… you're welcome." He smiled back and I knew I was flushing. He was too, though he was doing his best to hide. "I'm… uh… just glad you're all right."

"You are stuttering a lot. Are you well?"

"W-what? I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe I should give you an examination? I am a Spirit Healer, after all."

N-no, I'm fine!" He was so red. "I'll… oh, I need to report to training. Um… bye!" He raced off, as fast as he could in the heavy armor.

I took a moment to compose myself as I watched him disappear around the corner. Honestly, of all the people to fall hopelessly in love with, it had to be a templar. Cullen was kind, of course, but such a relationship just could not happen. Yet, for the life of me, I could not get these feelings to go away! Perhaps it was time for me to speak to someone other than Neria about this. Surely some of the older mages had knowledge about things like…

"Absolutely not!" Started, I realized that I had automatically started walking while thinking and I was close to Irving's office. Instead of going in, though, I pressed myself against the wall outside the door as I heard the Knight-Commander rant. It was never a good idea to be in sight of an angry templar. "Many have already gone to Ostagar. Wynne, Uldred, and most of the senior mages. We've committed enough of our own to the war effort!"

"Your own?" I heard Irving retort dryly. "Since when have you felt such a kinship with the mages, Greagoir? Are you so afraid to let we mages out from Chantry supervision, where we can actually use our Maker-given powers for the benefit of all?"

"How dare you suggest-?!"

"Gentlemen, please." I did not know that voice. It was low, commanding, and polite. "Irving, forgive me, but I believe we have a visitor outside your door."

Oh, how did he know I was here? "Um…" I squeaked, peering inside. "I can come back later, Irving, if need be."

"No, come in, child!" Irving greeted me with enthusiasm, beaming proudly. I knew I was smiling back. Irving had been one of my teachers, and I took great pride in being his star pupil. I worked hard for it. "Welcome, newest daughter to the Circle." I also looked up to Irving as a father. Wynne, my other teacher, had been my mother while here in the Circle. I was always, always so happy to hear the word 'daughter' from them.

"This is…?" I finally had a face to the unknown voice, and he was unlike any I had ever seen. He was… commanding, more so than even the Knight-Commander. He was in some sort of odd armor, certainly not something I had seen in a book. His was darker skinned, with an almost fatherly light in his brown eyes. Who was he?

"Yes, this is she." Irving came and put a hand on my shoulder.

"I see."

"Well, Irving, you're obviously busy," the Knight-Commander grumbled. He did not look happy, so I instinctively tried to hide myself behind Irving. "We'll discuss this later."

"Of course," Irving sighed. As the Knight-Commander stomped of, he merely shook his head. "Where was I? Oh, yes. Layla, this is Duncan, the Commander of the Grey Wardens." I had read about the Wardens. They were an old organization, one that was considered a relic of ancient times.

"It is an honor to meet your acquaintance," I replied, curtseying. "What brings you to the tower?"

"The same thing that has dragged many mages out, dear. War. He's come recruiting more mages."

"With the darkspawn invading, we'll need all the help we can get," Commander Duncan confirmed. "The magic of the Circle is one of the greatest assets we have."

"The darkspawn are an old enemy, yes?" I asked hesitantly. "I read about them."

"Yes, they are twisted monsters that dwell underground. They've formed into a horde in the Wilds to the South and threaten to invade. If they are not stopped, we will likely face another Blight."

"I… I see…"

"Duncan, please, this is to be a happy day for her," Irving gently scolded, smiling. "Save the talks of Blights later, my friend, please. She'll make herself sick from worry again."

"We live in troubled times."

"Is that not more reason to seize moments of levity? Perhaps I should scold you as I do the apprentices, Duncan? Do you still have that dagger you stole?"

"Of course. It saved my life." He stole a dagger? "It also helped serve as proof to oust the conspiracy."

"Yes, but let it also serve as a reminder that someone else seized a moment during a troubled time." Commander Duncan hid a smile behind his hand as Irving turned to address me directly. "The Harrowing is behind you, and your phylactery has been sent. As of this moment, you are an official mage within the Circle. I know I need not remind you of your duties."

"Of course, Irving," I answered, still curious about what they had been talking about. "Thank you."

"In your rooms, there are your new robes and the ring that marks you as a mage. There is also a congratulations gift." He got me a gift? I would have to work extra hard to make them proud, then! "Wear them proudly. You have earned them."

"I will."

"Now, the day is yours. Rest, drink, and be merry. Just… try not to do what Anders did, would you?"

"Of course not!" I still had no idea how Anders got all those barrels of mead anyway, much less how he rigged them to spill all over the templar quarters.

"Very well. Off with you, dear."

"Yes, sir." I smiled, curtseyed to Commander Duncan in farewell, and raced off.

I did it!

After leaving Irving, I immediately rushed to my new rooms to change into my new robes. Someone, no doubt Wynne, had arranged that my new robes be a beautiful blue, with the elaborate gold hem showing that they were not the robes of an apprentice, but of a tried and proven mage. The ring was, of course, fitted for my hand, gold with the insignia of the Circle engraved on the outside. The necklace, however, caught my attention. It had a simple chain, but the pendant itself was odd. It was a gold-rimmed black circle with a crimson and white star-like shape bursting out of it. It was accompanied by a note: 'This was a gift from my own teacher and I pass it to you. This amulet was forged during the height of the ancient Imperium's power, designed to help a mage tap into the power of spells. I entrust it to you, as I know you will not abuse your magic. –Irving'.

I had just put on the amulet when someone knocked on my door. "Layla, it's me," Jowan hissed through the door. "You in there?"

"Yes, Jowan," I answered, getting up from my vanity to open the door. "Is something the matter?"

"Do you mind if we head somewhere else? I don't feel safe talking here."

"Jowan, we're in my room."

"Please?"

"I suppose, then." He was acting weird, and my confusion only increased as he led me to the Chantry Hall situated on the floor here. "Jowan, I have told you. The Maker does not care if you flub a prayer. He is kind and forgiving."

"That's not it." He took my hand and dragged me to one of the alcoves. One of the Chantry Sisters was standing there. I recognized her, though I did not know her name. She was often here when I came in to pray. "Okay, it should be safe here."

I glanced at the Sister, who smiled back, before turning back to Jowan. "Jowan, what is going on?"

"Well, a few months ago, I told you all that I… well, that I'd met a girl."

"Yes, I remember that." Anders had nearly laughed himself silly before giving Jowan all sorts of 'advice'. Neria had chimed in every once in a while. The two were ridiculous sometimes.

"Well, this is Lily."

"…I had thought Chantry Sisters had taken a vow of chastity, as they were symbolically married to the Maker."

"Yes, that is why we were keeping it secret," Lily replied softly. She was still smiling. "We would both be in quite a bit of trouble. But, well…"

You could not choose who you fell in love with. I knew that quite well. "Well, do not fret. No one will find out from me."

"Thank you," Jowan whispered, smiling. "I knew you'd stand by me."

"Of course, Jowan. Are we not friends? Surely you would not have been so worried to tell me."

"No, but it is related." Was it? "There's something else, though."

"What is it?"

"I… remember how worried I was this morning? About the Harrowing?" I nodded in reply. "Well, I know why now. They're… they're going to make me Tranquil." The world froze for a second. I was completely unable to comprehend it. "They're planning on taking everything from me. My dreams, hopes, fears. My friendships, my love. All gone. I'll just be a husk, like Owain and the others."

"It's okay, love," Lily whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay."

"How… do you know about this?" I squeaked. It was still too hard to process.

"I was delivering documents to Greagoir and saw it on his table. It had authorized the Rite. Irving had signed it."

No. No, I refused to believe that. "Why would…?"

"I'm under suspicion for being a blood mage," Jowan muttered. Well, that was preposterous. Jowan would never be that stupid. "You know how I've been sneaking around, lately. I'd been seeing Lily, but…"

"Jowan, it will be okay."

"No, they're going to destroy me, and put everyone I care about through the pain of seeing me like that!" He was shaking now. Lily quickly hugged him to help calm him down. "I… I need to escape. I need to destroy my phylactery and run." He looked pleadingly at me. "Please, you have to help me."

My automatic answer was to say 'yes'. After all, Jowan was my brother. But I also knew what he was asking. He was asking me to betray the Circle for him, the Circle which had ultimately saved my life. Betraying the Circle would also mean betraying Irving. No matter what I chose, I would be disappointing someone I loved very, very much. I could not even stand the thought.

"Jowan, can you give me a few minutes to wrap my head around everything?" I whispered shakily. "My head is a mess, and you… you know what happened the last time I tried…" That incident flickered in my head. Casting a spells and making decisions with clouded thoughts was never a good idea. I knew that first hand.

"I think all of us need to take a breather anyway," Lily laughed as Jowan nodded. "I'll take care of him."

"You have my thanks. I will be back shortly." I could promise nothing more.

My intention had been to wander to my room or to find Neria and try to calm down. However, Neria was in the middle of teaching a lesson and, when I went to the second floor to go to my new room, my feet automatically took me to the one person I would always, always feel safe around.

"Child, what brings you here?" Irving asked me warmly as I stumbled in. He was alone, working at his desk. "Did you wish to speak with Duncan more?"

"Perhaps later, Irving," I whispered. I could not bring my gaze from the floor.

"I see. I'm glad you met him. He is a most honorable and respected man. But what does bring you here?"

"I…" I started crying. "Irving, there's…"

There was the scrap of a chair and, not two seconds later, I was enveloped in a hug. "Easy. What happened? Did a templar try to attack you?" I shook my head. "Did you see the shadow monster under your bed again?" That startled a laugh out of me. I would have thought he had forgotten that old fear of mine. "Not that, is it? Dear, you may tell me."

"Jowan… he said…"

"Ah, so he is aware that the Rite has been called for him?" So, that was true? "I suppose the young initiate he dallies with revealed it to him."

"You know about…?"

"One does not become First Enchanter by keeping your eyes and ears closed, Layla. Yes, I knew. I did not see a reason to bring it up, though. There was no harm in it."

"Then… then you know that Jowan and Lily plan to run?" Did I really just say that?

"It does not surprise me, knowing what I do know." He stepped away and used his sleeve to brush away some of my tears. "My question becomes how do you know."

"They… they asked me for help. They want to destroy the phylactery."

"I never suspected they would have the gall to break into the repository." He sighed. "Reporting it now, however, would accomplish nothing more than what is already planned."

"J-Jowan cannot be a blood mage," I protested. "He is not that stupid."

"Greagoir gave me more evidence than simply sneaking about, child."

"But-!"

"Child, listen for a moment." I kept my mouth shut and worked on calming down. "If the Circle must punish one of their own, I would force the Chantry to do the same. By doing so, I can force them into lessening the punishment on Jowan until a conclusive investigation has occurred."

"Is not the Chantry fair, though?"

"The Chantry would Tranquil us all and call it a mercy." I shuddered at the mere thought. "If they are both caught in the act, however, I can force the Rite to be pushed aside. Greagoir cannot dismiss my suggestion of Jowan's sneaking around was for a rendezvous with there being proof right in front of him. If Jowan is innocent, the worst he will suffer is confinement."

Since he was, he would be fine. "But what of Lily?"

"So long as she does not fight, she will be fine. The Chantry is lenient on their own." He brushed away more of my tears. "It's not a perfect solution, I know, but it is the best that can be done."

"J-Jowan is going to hate me, is he not?"

"He will be angry, but this is a preferable fate to Tranquility or death. If he's innocent, you're saving him in the long run. He'll understand that."

"If you s-say so, Irving."

"I do. I'm sorry this had to happen on your day of triumph, but it will help you in the long run, I believe. Now, here, let me help you clean up. Neria would have my hide if she saw the tears."

That got a chuckle out of me, so I obeyed, washing my face of all traces of tears. I was still depressed, though. I was going to have to betray Jowan to save him. Surely, though, he'd forgive me. …Right?

Author's Note – Never realize how long an Origin is until you write it. Well, here's Layla, my Human Mage. Hopefully, she made a decent impression. For those curious, she's a 17-year-old Spirit Healer with a liking for ice spells. I'm sure you can guess what one of her future specializations will be, though, based on the title I gave her! Neria, by the way, is the default name of the Female!Elf!Mage Warden. I had to show her somehow, no? Ser Maurevar is Ser Maurevar Carver, the templar who helped Malcolm Hawke escape Kirkwall with Leandra, and is mentioned in DA2. Yay, connections. Speaking of connections, the dagger mentioned is in the Stolen Throne. Oh, and the amulet Layla got form Irving is the Amulet of the War Mage, a DLC item.

Next Chapter – We're continuing with the Mage Origin, still in Layla's POV.