Rising Shadow: The Warden

by Demonic-Slytherin224

The Blight has begun and Duncan has sent his Wardens looking for help. They all find impressive recruits, recruits that could completely change the tide of battle against an overwhelming foe. Duncan however has found a recruit that has the power to either make the Blight run in terror or could bring destruction upon them all. All Origins. Some Cannon, some new.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter Two: The Witch and the Blood Mage.

'The Scariest Monsters Are The Ones That Lurk In Our Own Souls.'-E.A.P

Date: 17th of Solis- 9:30 Dragon.

It is time for my Harrowing, it is a test that even I do not know about but those who have gone through it have not always come back. So from what I gather this isn't another test of strength, intelligence or cunning; which I have but….I think this might be a test of self. It is hard to say this to the other Mages, really anyone but Jowan wouldn't understand it. Now, I know full well that hearing voices is never a good thing and I know that if the voices are violent then it is likely a demon….this is not that. This whisper, soft and calm comes to me and tells me to prepare for a test of will. I have seen mages smarter than most, become tranquil, those who are so quick of wit and those who could burn the world. I will not be one of these, I WILL not become this lifeless husk who is ordered to do simple tasks because it is asked of me. The one good thing about this Tower? Other than it being a prison of body and soul, is that it isn't of the mind. Most would fear writing these words on the pages of a journal, most would but not I Selene Amell; for I am writing in Ancient Evlish and I know few who can even begin to understand their symbols.

The Templars will be here soon, I need to leave and meditate to find my center; with luck I will have more to write…should I be alive and Tranquil, please I beg you who is reading and understanding. Kill me, for it is not my wish.

Selene Amell: Apprentice of the Ferelden Circle.

The writing stopped, she slowly put the quill back where it belonged in the ink well for further us should someone else need to write something down soon. If not, then she'd cap the bottle and clean the quill but her Harrowing was much more important.

She moved from desk to her bunk, occupying the bottom of the bed and she slowly set herself down on her back. Selene moved a strand of brown hair from her silver eyes, tucking it behind her ears and slowly tried to find her center. It wasn't something that was hard, at least not at this point from having years of experience on her hands at the task.

When she would meditate her mind would still be full of memories from a time she'd long forgotten. The smell of wild flowers, of freshly cut wheat and of crisp spring water; her home before the circle. While she wasn't suppose to know about her previous life, that didn't stop her from asking Irving who thought the world of her.

She found that it was her fifth birthday, nearly thirteen years ago that she'd started to use magic and was competent with it. Selene didn't brag, or boast to her fellow mages but she was gifted with the powers of Frost well before most could even dream. Irving had told her in private that she had a gift for destruction, which he urged her to keep hidden.

"Amell." A muffled voice hit her ears, making her jump lightly at the sound as it had been so quiet "It is time, please come with us." Her eyes opened to the full plate metal armor that all the Templars wore on the regular; some didn't wear a helmet but most did, to separate themselves from the Mages.

They led her to the stairs, walking through the levels and to the very top, the Harrowing Chamber. No one spoke to her as she marched with the Templar's, no one looked at her and no one gave her well wishes but she was not worried.

She climbed the final step, Knight Commander Greagoir, First Enchanter Irving and a number of Templar's surrounded the room. Selene first expected the First Enchanter to speak but it was the harsh voice of Greagoir that hit her first. "Magic is made to serve man, never to rule him." He said taking a step forward his graying vision towering over her "Thus spoke the prophet of Andraste as she cast the Imperium down. Those who had brought ruin up the world, and brought about the Dark Spawn."

The Templar started to pace, making her feel uneasy "Your Magic." He continued before she could even think about speaking "is a gift, but it is also a curse. Demons of the dream realm- the Fade- are drawn to you, to your power and seek you as a gate to this world."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Irving move "This is why we do the Harrowing, the ritual will send you into the Fade itself. There you will face a demon, armed with only your Will to face it." Selene swallowed thickly, the whispers spoke true and that worried her deeply.

Knowing that this was the only option to not become a Tranquil she nodded, slowly at first then more confidently "I understand, I am ready." She said not more above a whisper, not trusting her own voice.

"Understand this Apprentice, should you begin the ritual and fail. We Templar's will do what needs to be done, and you will die." Greagoir said from his post, pulling his sword from his back and resting the tip towards the floor.

Irving rolled his eyes at his counterparts threat, motioning to the fountain in the middle of the room "This, child is Lyrium-" He started but she had found her voice.

"The essence of magic and what connects this world to the Fade." She gave her teacher a weak smile, lowering her head a fraction "Sorry."

Irving looked like he was going to laugh, but kept his face hard "This is a secret, every Mage must go through this trial by fire and as we succeeded, so shall you." He whispered, his voice calm and composed.

The pair started to walk towards the fountain, she could feel Greagoir following them. "Keep your wits about you, the Fade is a world of dreams. The Spirits may rule it, but you are the only real will. Do not-" He was about to impart more wisdom but was stopped by the tapping of steel to stone.

"She must do this herself First Enchanter. You shall offer her no more aid, or we shall begin the Tranquil ceremony." Greagoir growled out, his eyes like daggers and face of stone.

Selene swallowed once more, giving her mentor a shaky smile "Thank you." With that she walked past them, and placed her hand within the pale glowing light of the fountain. It felt strange, almost like the frost when she gripped her magic but this was more…Alive.

XX~XX~XX~XX

Getting so caught up in the feeling, she almost missed the blinding light and the world shifting and bending around her. As she gazed on, she saw the world darken and then was changed into an infinitely different setting. She felt free of the cage, but only into another, this one was twisted and it would be frightening.

Selene took a deep breath, finding her center and setting herself she started to walk keeping her eyes open in this dark dangerous world. As she walked, she came across wisps those of which didn't speak but fired bolts of energy at her as she passed. Armed now with only magic, she used her powers of Frost to destroy them.

As she had defeated the third one, her hand still shining with the crystals of ice, she heard a voice "And so another is thrown to the wolves." The voice almost sounded, saddened by this "It isn't right what they do, those Templars. Not to you, me or anyone!" She looked around for the voice as it spoke, only to find a Rat at her feet.

'Be wary of this, Rodent.' The whispers surrounded her.

Selene understanding that Fade was made of pretty much every weird thing out there, just went with it "No, this isn't right but it's not like we can change anything. Can we?" She said, kneeling slightly to better speak to the….rat…the whispers had yet to be wrong, so she would keep an eye on this rat.

"We can! We get treated like Rabid Dogs and we just let them go on with it! It isn't right!" The Rat sounded angry again, but then it just sighed "Sorry, I know I know you are in the same boat I was in…." The Rat glowed lightly and twisted into the form of a man, with robes all too similar to her own "Allow me to welcome you to the Fade, I am…well I'm mouse."

She understood the fake name, rather she didn't care about that or that he'd taken the Harrowing, being he must have failed it. What did interest her was his ability, having only read of such a thing and even that was hard to find "You're a shapeshifter?"

"No, I am what I believe I am." He said rather off handedly, what was that suppose to mean? "In this world you are what you think you are, what you feel you are." That made more sense to her, but she couldn't fully grasp it; perhaps if you believe you are a Hound and act like a Hound you become a Hound?

Selene shook her head, dispelling the thoughts as she didn't have the time to dwell on such things. "So you failed, I take it?" She said rather with a deadpan.

Mouse looked angry at that "I did not fail! They only thought I did! So they killed me, so I now have no vessel to return to!" He growled out, his arms crossed and looking like a ten year old.

"Why would they kill you?" She asked, rather curious about it; was he fighting a demon and losing?

Mouse sighed "If you take too long, they'll think you failed and kill you." He answered sadly.

Selene groaned, she had to find a way out of here and quickly, but at least death was better than Tranquil. "How long do I have? Can you be exact?" She asked quickly, her eyes looking around for more ways to travel.

"I don't remember, I hid." Mouse answered truthfully.

"Sugar-Honey-Iced-Tea." She mumbled under her breath, it was something that Irving had her start doing instead of actually cursing; which he hated. "What am I suppose to do? Kill a Demon?"

"Not entirely, you do not have to kill the demon but face it and resist it." Mouse explained, a smile on his face "That is the way out, or the Demon's if the Templars wouldn't kill you. A test for you and a tease for the Fade spirits."

Selene shook her head, biting her lip "Anything can be killed, a Dragon, Arch-Demon or a Spirit…no this couldn't be that simple." She mumbled more to herself than anything, Mouse must have thought it a question.

"You'd be a fool to try and kill the demon. It is powerful, cunning….you must out-think it." He explained "There are others here who may help, let me follow you and show you the way." With that Mouse shifted back into a Rat; she knew he was suppose to be a Mouse but he looked like a Rat.

As they walked, she noticed a ring of what looked like real burning fire as she stepped towards it; Mouse warned against her "This is where the test will take place, stay away unless you think you are ready." Taking Mouse's advice and continuing on, face a few more wisps she saw the shining image of a Templar.

"Ah, another Mortal thrown to the flames and left to burn." The Templar said, though he clearly wasn't a Templar, something else perhaps "Your Mages have created a test for cowards!" He said in a deep and powerful voice "Better you were pitted against each other, to prove your mettle with skill and not fight some Demon unarmed."

Selene made a face, she couldn't tell if disgust or worry but made it none-the-less "Fight each other? We're not warriors with wooden blades. Our magic could get out of hand, some are better at healing than fighting."

"It matters not." The spirit said "You must still do battle against a Demon, and to kill it makes you a Warrior of Skill." His voice sounding like an echo, his body never moving.

"You are not a Templar, not like how Mouse is….what are you exactly?" She asked, her tone curious and a finger to her lip.

The Spirit looked amused, then gave a short bow "I am Valor, a warrior Spirit. I search for the perfect expression of combat, the perfect tools of war and those who have the highest regard of Honor." He explained, sounding happy to discuss it.

"So what do you do, when you find those who show the traits?" She asked raising a brow, and taking a step back "Do you possess them?"

The Spirit laughed, it actually laughed at her "No, No dear girl. I will show myself to them in their dreams, offer my talents and give them vision of battle most glorious."

"Did you make these weapons?" She asked, just now seeing the rows of weapons behind the armor plated spirit. Her eyes glancing at the Staves more than anything, she could wield magic now yes but with a Staff? She would be three if not four times more powerful, if the staff had a Frost Enchantment? Five.

"I brought them into being with my will, I understand that only Mages can do that in your world." Valor said at first proudly and then with a sad tone "Those who cannot must lead boring lives."

Assuming that the weapons were much like Mouse, if you believe it is real then it is real. "Will these hurt the Demon?" She asked, a smile gracing her lips.

"Without a doubt."

"May I have one?" She asked in the kindest of voices.

"Of course, on the condition that you duel with me. So your mettle is tested, as it should be!" He said, clapping his fist onto his heart, making a ringing sound.

Selene didn't look impressed "Sounds like you'd rather kill me yourself, save the Demon the time." She spoke dully, her eyes bored.

Valor looked insulted, based on tone of voice and body language "How dare you! I am no Demon, preying upon those to steal their essence! I AM Valor! I AM Honor! I AM a Warrior!" His voice getting higher with each phrase.

"Then Prove it!" She snapped "Help me! Help me fight my Demon!" Her voice never wavering like it would in the real world, her back held straight and her eyes locked on the spirit.

Valor seemed to ponder this, as many seconds went by "You are insolent…" He began, his tone was careful "But your will is strong, unquestionably strong." Valor seemed to nod to himself "I shall grant you my staff, the Staff of Valor! You shall beat your Demon! You shall resist him, and you shall win!" Without another word, Valor twisted and bent into himself.

There was a flash of blinding light, and on the ground with all the weapons now gone and the fires of the forge put out, lay a single staff with Iron rivets. The Staff of Valor.

Selene picked the staff up carefully, it felt as if no Enchantment had been placed on it at all; though she knew this wasn't true. Valor was a Warrior spirit, Warriors fought to be the strongest and so this Staff was likely to be the same, one of Physical Nature.

Mouse tried to talk with her as they continued to walk, likely just filling the silence that she'd grown used to for the most part, being Jowan was the only friend her age and with her Harrowing nearing completion he'd be a class lower than her.

"Be careful." She heard but ignored his warning of another Spirit in the area.

That was when she heard the growling, the snarls and then howls of the spirit wolves. She had read about these, and they were fairly easy to best with her frost powers and a staff to keep them from biting her. Upon a cliff far from the wolves hunting zone, she felt the presence of something powerful, dangerous.

From the shadows, a glowing sickly pair of yellow eyes opened "Well, well…if it isn't the mortal being hunted…and who is this smaller one…a snack for me perhaps?" The voice questioned, his tone sleepy and almost lulling; a Sloth Demon.

Mouse changed forms instantly, taking a step back "We should go, he won't help us." He urged once more, of staying away from the creature.

"No matter" Sloth started again, and then yawned "The Demon will get you….eventually…and maybe there will even be scraps left behind…"

Selene took a step towards the creature, its eyes lazy and heavy now upon her "Sloth, will you help me?" She asked her tone careful, this was a powerful spirit.

"Help you?" It started to laugh "Nothing can. Help. You." It said in a dangerous tone, but still remaining in the shadows "Begone! Surely you have better things to do than bother Sloth, Mortal." Its tone now tired and sluggish again, with a yawn it finished "I tire of you already."

Selene not one to back down, asked once more "I need help, to fight this demon." She urged it again.

Sloth sighed its eyes looking her up and down "You have a nice staff, us it and be Valorous as you have earned it." Its eyes closed "Stop bothering me."

Mouse frowned, understanding that more help could be useful "He does look powerful, maybe he can teach you to be like him." He questioned, both to himself and Sloth.

"Like me?" The Demon opened its eyes "You mean teach this little thing, little mortal to take my form?" For the first time, it pulled itself out of the shadows and into the light. It looked like a bear, with spines of a porcupine and the tusks of a boar. "Why? Most are too attached to their forms to learn the change, why should I bother." The yellow eyes shifted to Mouse, and the Bear looked to smile "You on the other hand, little one….would be a better student…as you let your form go, years ago."

Mouse seemed against the idea, his face looked worried and his eyes wide "I…I don't think I'd really make a good…..bear? How would I hide?" He asked, running a hand through his brown locks.

Selene raised a brow to the Once-Human "Hiding won't solve anything, we need to face our fears." She chastised him, her hands on her hips.

Mouse looked like he was going to retort, but instead held his anger in "Fear is just one more thing…in this Maker forgiven place…" He turned to Sloth "Teach me, I want to learn."

Sloth sighed, turning and returning to the shadows "Then your friend here must answer three riddles, if she answers correct I will teach. If not, then I shall devour you both….fair?"

"You…You're joking." Selene said with a hint of amusement.

"Indeed not, amusement is hard to find…I'd trade it for a meal…if I can." It answered tiredly.

"Fine, give me the riddle." Selene said, confident in her knowledge and intelligence.

Sloth seemed to smile again "This gets more and more promising." It said before yawning "My first riddle is this; I have seas with no water, coasts with no sand, towns with no people and mountains without land. What Am I?" It asked in a slow and calm voice, much less tired than before.

Selene smiled, this was a simple one "A Map." She answered without hesitation.

Sloth nodded dully "Correct….let's move on." It said bored in voice once more "The Second; I am rarely touched, but often held. If you have wit…you'll use me well." It spoke calmly, closing its yellow eyes once more, waiting for the answer.

Selene didn't need to think about this much either, Irving had often used many parts of this to teach her "My tongue." She said rather calmly, knowing full well it was correct; she almost wanted them to be harder.

"Often will I spin a tale, never will I charge a fee. I'll amuse you an entire eve, but, alas, you shall not remember me." Sloth opened its tired eyes, once more "What. AM. I?" It spoke in a tone that was flat and echoed.

Selene swallowed, she hadn't heard this one before but she understood parts. Music? No, Spider? No, you'd remember them….Book? No you remember books too….Darn it. She looked up, and Sloth was slowly creeping from its shadows.

"Give up? Little one?" It asked, its tone taunting.

She closed her eyes, thinking as fast as she could and then smirked "A Dream." She answered, her eyes still closed but face relaxed. When she opened her eyes, Sloth and Mouse were quietly discussing the way to take the Bear form.

For the first time since she entered the Fade, she breathed a sigh of relief.

XX~XX~XX~XX

With Mouse now in Bear form, the pair traveled to the Burning ring once more with her Staff drawn, Selene crept close to the center and in front of her eyes, Lava seemed to build unto its self and created a form.

"So It Comes To Me At Last!" The Demon said, she knew a few things about Demons and the one thing she knew about Rage Demons; they were beings of Fire.

Selene smirked, her fingers started to become covered in frost and she felt to chilling sensation of her powers fill her. However, she was taught manners and let the Demon finish its rant.

"Soon I Shall See The Living Land, With Your Eyes, Creature!" It creped a little closer to her. "You Shall Be Mine, Body And Soul."

"Tread carefully, friend. If you intend to cross the path of one whose soul is so tightly woven into the realm of the arcane, I would not suggest you do it lightly." She warned the Rage Demon, knowing full well it could attack at anytime and her powers of Frost at the ready.

The Demon laughed, and turned to Mouse still in Bear form "You Have Changed Mouse! You Turn On Me Now? What Of Our Arrangement!" The Demon bellowed, anger and rage its only vessels.

"We don't have an arrangement, not anymore!" Mouse growled.

"I Look Back On All The Meals We Shared! You Might Not Be A Mouse Any Longer, But A Coward You Are Still!" Without Warning the two spirits started to clash with each other, and the wisps were drawn to the action.

Selene without breaking a sweat turned the glowing orbs into snow-globes, and then turned her might against the demon. Once Mouse had been tossed out of the way, she unleashed her frozen furry and the Demon was blown away.

"We did it!" Mouse cheered, turning back into Human shape "When you came, I hoped that maybe you might be able to…but I never-Never really thought any of you were worthy."

Selene frowned, her fingers still frosted "The ones you betrayed, what were their names?" She asked simply, her tone chilled and dangerous.

"I don't remember, they weren't like you….how should I say it, that was a long time ago." Mouse said with a calm voice, too calm "I can't recall my own name, not anymore."

Selene frowned, taking a step back and clinching her hands "Anything to survive huh?" She asked with a snarl on her lips "Like an animal….or worse.."

"I am what the Fade made me!" Mouse barked, his eyes glaring "Am I to blame for that! Being asked to exist or not isn't fair!" He then collected himself, his bright green eyes calm "That was before you….I had no hope, but now…I think there might be a way for me to leave this realm, if you only let, me in."

"The other demon wasn't my test, was it?" Selene asked taking another step back.

"What?" Mouse looked surprised "Of course it was! What else would there be to stop an apprentice of your abilities!?" Few seconds passed before Mouse's features grew bored, and he laughed "Clever girl, ah too clever."

"Simple killing is a warrior's job, like Valor. The real dangers of the Fade are the preconceptions of careless trust….of PRIDE" Mouse said as she shifted, twisted and bent in on himself until he was towering over her and his new form was frightening. "Keep your wits about you, Selene….True Tests…they never end." The Pride Demon Mouse, then vanished the wisdom it left wasn't shaken but set in.

For the first time in a long time, Selene felt fear for something and it was the Fade.

XX~XX~XX~XX

The first thing Selene noticed was the comfort, it felt relaxing to be on something so comforting. Then was a worrying voice, one that made her cringe lightly in her restful state "Are you alright?" The voice asked "Say something?" It begged "Please?"

Selene opened one eye lazily, the sight of her only friend Jowan appeared in her gaze "Someone better be dying." She grumbled, turning over so her back was to him.

Jowan let out a small laugh, sitting on a part of her bed "I'm glad you're alright, you'd been gone all night. Worried me sick." He said leaning his back on her bedpost, his head nearly touching the bunk above.

Selene realized that Jowan wouldn't leave her to sleep, so she turned over to look at him and rubbed some of the sleep from her eyes. She felt like crap, looking at her bedside mirror told her she did in fact look like crap, with her hair a mess and her eyes heavy with dark rings. "Ugh, what time is it?" She asked rubbing her head.

"9:43." Jowan answered, and got a glare for it being it wasn't even Noon and she was being prodded by him "Anyway, I heard about mages who don't come back! Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?"

His rapid fired question brought the demon back to her mind 'True Tests Never End.' She wanted to tell him, explain to him how dangerous the test was because she almost walked right into it. Jowan was many things, but he wasn't really that good at magic. "Jo, you know you can't ask me this…." She started, smirking at him.

"Not fair, you've got that look. The 'I know something you don't look', Gah I hate that look!" Jowan threw his hands up, turning away from her and crossing his arms "Now you get to move upstairs, leave me alone down here with the idiots and My Harrowing is never coming!" He started to complain.

Selene giggled at it, it was something that Jowan did often; when he'd feel antiquate he'd start complaining. "Relax, Jo, I'm sure they'll call you any day now. Take it on a little faith." She bumped him her foot.

Jowan slapped the foot away lightly, glaring at her "But I've been here longer than you have!" He stated then crossed his arms again "Sometimes I think they don't want to test me." He mumbled, looking down towards the ground.

Selene sighed, like she had thought before Jo was nice but he wasn't good at being a mage; she was extremely skilled in the Frost Elementals and had caught the eye of Irving….Jo was being taught like everyone else…she felt sorry for him but, there wasn't anything she could do.

"You're just paranoid, Jo seriously." She leaned up, gripping his shoulder tightly "Relax, they'll call you soon."

"What if they don't? If I don't take my Harrowing, then it's either Tranquil or dead." Jowan said running a hand through his black hair and groaning.

Selene hated both of those options, truthfully she'd rather be dead than Tranquil and she knew Jo felt the same way. The Tranquil were empty husks of humans, void of everything that makes you, well you; emotions, memories, hell even color….A Tranquil once told her he'd been seeing black and white since the Rite.

"Anyway, I was suppose to tell you Irving wanted to see you when you woke up." He said, only to get a pillow in the face "What?"

"You woke me up, so we could talk and then you just happen to remember I need to see the First Enchanter!" Selene jumped up, grabbing a fresh pair of robes and her bathing items "Unbelievable!"

"Hey!"

XX~XX~XX~XX

While she was bathing, she heard two other girls talking about her saying something about how Cullen the Templar from last night said it was the Quickest and Cleanest in years, that was something that made her near bursting with pride. Once she felt clean, she donned her clean robe and added a little bit of makeup and fixed her hair into a high ponytail.

She had to walk through the library to get to the second level, not once but twice did she see students about her age being afraid of their magic and nearly getting themselves hurt. It happened one time, before Irving when she was scared of her gift but not any longer. Frost was just another part of her, one she trusted fully.

When she got onto the second level, she avoided the stockroom being the Tranquil freaked her out and tried to avoid the other instructors but ended up being pulled in anyway by two others. Torrin and Niall were having a discussion on the politics of the Ciricle, The Circle Loyalists, The Peaceful Aequitarians, The Hermit-like Isolationists', The Aggressive Libertarians, and The Greedy Lucrosians.

"You did good on your Harrowing!" Torrin said proudly, pulling her in for a one armed hug. He must of though he did something, being he was her first mentor and she nearly froze him to death.

Selene squeaked when he pulled her in "Thanks!" She said rather quickly, taking a step back when his arm was removed "So which would you be, Master Torrin?" She asked her brows raised.

"If I had a label, little moon it'd be that of an Aequitarian." Torrin admitted rather calmly, jerking his head to Niall "He'd be an-"

"Isolationist." Niall spoke for himself "I heard you did impressively, but I believe Irving wanted to speak with you, no?" His soothing voice, said with a smile on his lips. Though way other than her, she always thought Niall was a rather handsome man, his brown hair and bright eyes; too bad dating wasn't allowed in the tower.

"She can hold for a moment, where would you fit in?" Torrin asked with a smile, turning to her.

Selene shrugged "Probably an Aequitarian with Sympathetic Libertarian viewpoints." She answered pulled a strand of hair from her eyes, it was always that strand too; she'd pull it into a ponytail or use a clip and it'd still come out.

"Ah Ha!" Torrin said with a bright smile, a booming laugh "So you want to be free, but understand you can't?"

"No, I want to be free and have a life but I also want there to be laws placed on someone like me to prevent disaster." She snapped back, feeling like she was being mocked.

Niall chuckled, leaning on the wall behind him "It is a good viewpoint, and Ideal. Mages being free, to live how they choose. Isn't it Torrin?" He asked the older mage.

Torrin scoffed "Some of us can, most however without the Circle to weed them out? Possession everywhere." He answered, before turning and walking off.

Niall jerked his head towards Irving office, his eyes telling her to scat before she got into trouble.

Selene was on her way to Irving's office, when she saw the armored blonde head of Cullen. Cullen was nice, for a templar and even better she knew he had a crush on her; she wouldn't deny it he was cute when he spoke to her.

"Oh! Selene! I-I, I'm glad your Harrowing went- went so smoothly." Cullen said quickly, a smile on his face with a light red on his cheeks.

"They-uh-They had me assigned as the one to strike the killing blow…if…if you failed…." He said and trailed off, then he looked alarmed and fear across his face "It's nothing personal! I swear it!" He was using his hands to talk, she took a step forward and placed her hand on his, giving him a reassuring smile "I-I'm just glad you are alright." He smiled with her, it looked forced but she took it "You know?"

Selene looked a little scandalous "Would you really have struck me down?" She asked with a pouty face, looking innocent.

"I would have felt awful about it…." Cullen said sadly, Selene had taken a step back "But…I serve the Maker, Selene…I must do as I am ordered." He said firmly.

Selene figuring out here in the hall, wasn't really a good place for a Templar and a Mage to chat asked rather simply "We should go elsewhere, talk some more." She said with a smile.

"Elsewhere?" Cullen asked, a light squeak in his voice "Why would we do that?"

"I want to know you more, I feel like we hardly know each other." She said, hands on her hips "And I've known you for years."

Cullen's face went deep red "Oh…Oh Maker…if y-you're say-saying what I think….that would….inappropriate…that would be inappropriate." He stuttered out, trying to look anywhere but her.

Selene tilted her head, a brow raised quite lightly "Cullen?"

"I should go!" He squeaked out once more, before he took off full sprint down the hall. She could hear his metal plates shifting against the other, then a crash and curses as the metal kept going.

Selene smiled again "Like I thought, cute." She mumbled to herself and walked to Irving's office, who looked rather amused. Which fade instantly as she noticed that Greagior and someone new was also in the office arguing, the rather broad man with a large beard and a thick travel coat didn't look special but she could see the armor he had on, the armor of a Warden.

"Many have already gone to Ostagar!" Greagoir shouted "Wynne, Uldred, and most of our senior mages!" He started to pace, obviously ignoring her or not seeing her "We've committed enough of our own to this war effort."

Irving glared at Greagoir, his arms crossed and his tone dry "Your own? You've felt kinship with us mages, Greagoir? Or are you so afraid to let us loose from Chantry supervision, where we can use our Maker-granted powers?"

"Enough." The Warden's tone was much like how'd you'd expect from some his size, deep and threatening "Enchanter, someone is here for you."

Selene not knowing what do to, just waved "Hello." She said brightly, a shaky smile on her face.

"Ah! Selene! Our new sister of the circle, please join us child." Irving said waving an arm at her, begging her to come closer.

"Of course, Master Irving." Selene said with a smile, taking a few steps and received a one armed hug from her mentor.

"This is…" The Warden trailed off, crossing his arms.

Irving nodded, giving the Warden a look "Yes, this is she." He answered calmly.

Greagoir growled at being ignored, and stormed out of the room "We will continue this later, Irving." He snapped, his plate metal sliding as he went.

Irving sighed, motioning to the Grey Warden "This is Boland, a-"

"Grey Warden, I can see the grey and blue." She finished for her mentor, many would consider it rude to be cut off like that, but Irving encouraged it; it made for a strong mind. She turned to the man "Pleased to meet you, Boland."

Boland bowed his head in respect, but his face seemingly emotionless as half was covered by fur.

"You've heard of the War, yes? Boland is here recruiting more mages, for the King." Irving explained, walking over to his chair and taking a seat.

"We're fighting the Dark Spawn right? Wardens are Neutral in most times of conflict, so that way they aren't thrown out of an area like Ferelden had." Selene asked, taking a seat on the edge of the desk looking at Boland.

The Warden nodded, a smile on his face "She's a smart one, I like her Irving." He approved of her knowledge.

"Was that all, Master Irving?" She asked, tucking the strand of hair back over her ear.

"Of course not, dear child." Irving mocked being hurt, a smile clear as day on his face "I wanted to congratulate you on last night's ordeal." He leaned back in his chair, reaching around for his pipe which she handed to him; it was on the desk behind his favorite book. "With the Harrowing behind you, your Phylactery was sent to Denerim." He lit his favorite brand and took a few puffs "You are, an official mage in the Circle of Magi."

Selene jumped from the desk and gave a small bow, a smile on her face "Thank you, First Enchanter." She took her spot back on the desk, grinning ear to ear "I doubt I'd have done so well without you."

Irving laughed "You are merely lucky, had you the ability of Healing. I doubt I'd have been as interested." He admitted, nodding his head and stroking his near white beard.

"I'm sorry Phylactery?" Boland asked, a brow raised.

"When we first come to the Circle, the First Enchanter will take a vial of blood." Selene answered for the aging man "It is so we can be found, if we were to go rouge or become an Apostate."

"That's Barbaric." Boland frowned, his arms crossed again and he leaned on the nearby wall.

"We have few choices." Irving admitted, blowing smoke as he spoke "Magic is looked down on with suspicion and fear. So we must prove we can handle our power with…responsibility." He used his hands lightly as he spoke.

Irving turned around from his chair "Speaking of Responsibility, you have earned these." He pulled a few items from a trunk "These are the official robes of a Mage, a Staff and a Ring of the Circle….wear them proudly. Little Moon." He said fondly placing the Staff in her hands.

She looked down and saw the frost on her hands, connecting to the staff and looked up excitedly.

"Did you really think I'd give you a Staff of Fire?"

Selene gave a squeal and threw her arms around her mentor, giving him a strong hug; Irving had always felt like a Father to her, she couldn't remember her own.

"Now you should spend the day to rest, Cosmetics only go so far." Irving smiled, taking a puff from his pipe "I assume Jowan woke you, did he not."

Selene only groaned at being reminded.

"I shall return to my quarters as well, First Enchanter." Boland said, crossing his arms over his chest and bowing to the man lightly.

"Selene be a dear, and show Boland to his room."

"Sure thing, right this way Warden Boland."

XX~XX~XX~XX

Boland was quiet on the way to his room, answering very short on the topics she brought up having never met a Grey Warden. "So Tranquil?"

"They're Ex-Mages who keep others safe because they don't have their powers." He answered casually, scratching his beard "Though the Sacrifice might be too much."

"Agreed." She commented, just as they were coming up to his room "How many Mages are at Ostagar?"

"Seven, I'm here to secure more." Boland answered calmly.

"Why?"

"Duncan, my mentor wants to put one or two in each Group. Can't do it with seven." He answered, running a hand through his hair and fixing his cloak "Darkspawn have magic, twisted and evil. Our, resources must exceed theirs."

"Do you think I could join the Army?" She asked quietly, gesturing to his room.

Boland shrugged "I don't know, do you?" He asked, towering over her.

"I doubt they'd let me go, Irving's too protective." She said with a frown, looking away and seeing Jowan waving at her. She turned back to Boland, who turned from her to him making him jump.

"I've had many….thoughts on the Chantry regarding mages and their treatment…but who knows maybe you will get to leave the Tower. Till them Miss. Amell, I believe you have a caller." Boland walked into his room, slowly closing the door.

Selene turned and glared at Jowan, who when in range she hit with her free fist.

"Ow, who was that?"

"Warden Boland." She said with a glare.

"Then I take it you are done with Irving."

"At the moment."

"Good, I need to talk with you. Remember this morning." Jowan said shakily.

"Seriously? Jo, relax." Selene started, but Jowan held up his hand.

"Please just come with me."

Selene looked around, sighing "Fine, lead on."

XX~XX~XX~XX

After letting her change into her new robes, these were purple and blue; her favorite colors. Jowan led her to the Chapel, and right up to a priest "We should be safe here." He said standing right next to the woman.

"Uh huh, in the chapel….the Templars….favorite haunt….with a priest…I feel safer already."

"Now who needs to relax?" Jo said, only to get a punch on the arm.

"We can see the door from here, if someone comes in just change subject." The priest said rather calmly.

"Okay…who's the priest?"

"This is Lily….remember when I said I met a girl? A few months back?"

Selene drooped her head, rubbing her tired exhausted eyes "Seriously?" She said giving Jo a look and then turning to Lily "My condolences."

"Very Funny." Jo said, hitting her shoulder.

"I'm a riot, what can I say…I'll be here….always…I'm not allowed to leave." She said with a grin "So what are we talking about? Not Love I hope, I'd freeze you both and walk away." Her hand twisted with snowflakes.

"Selene, they're going to make me Tranquil!"

The woman stopped, her jokes sidestepped and her face grew fearful "H-E…double Hockey sticks…" She rubbed her brow. "How'd you find this out?"

"I saw it on Greagoir's desk, Irving signed it and everything." Lily said looking just as afraid as they were.

"Why would they do this? You're a little weak willed but not like half of them that'd taken the Harrowing." Selene growled out, screwing her eyes shut a headache coming on.

"Thanks for that." Jo said with a frown. "They think I'm a Blood Mage, you know from the rumors?"

"I'd heard about them, but these people will gossip about anything." Selene argued "Remember last month when everyone was convinced Troy and Jordan were together? The Mage and Templar, male on male forbidden romance."

"That is a good point." Lily agreed with her on that at least.

"So is there any proof? Anything they might think, to convict you?"

"Of course not! But I can't wait for this to blow over! You can't fix Tranquil!" Jo barked.

"Relax, Jo. I'll help you."

"Really?" Lily asked, her eyes filled with hope "You promise?"

"Yes I promise, how can I help?"

"Well, first I need to destroy my Phylactery."

Selene's eyes grew wide "Shut the front door…." She mumbled, before sighing and looking at them both for the plan.

XX~XX~XX~XX

After many minutes of listening to Jowan's and Lily's plan which mostly relied on her, she was pretty much set to help them. Basically all she needed was a Rod of Fire, which she knew she could get her hands on pretty easily. At least that was what she thought, having to deal with Owain was more than enough to want to put an end to her life.

Owain had sent her on her way with a form for the Rod of Fire: Personal Use- Lighting Fire Places. To give to a Senior Enchanter, she couldn't go through most of the Enchanters but as she was thinking she heard Leorah mumbling about 'Giant Spiders'

Selene of course asked her, what she was mumbling about and the Elven Mage tried to deny anything was wrong with the Storage room. So when Selene was sent in there to 'Clean up' all she did was nod, placing the form on the desk and walking into the Storage Chambers.

It took her a few minutes to chase down, beat with her staff or freeze the giant annoying Arachnids. She was actually having fun too, that was until a Poisonous one burned holes into her favorite boots. The fact it was a store room was not lost on her, and she found a better replacement.

"Fade Walkers? Wow, thought these were just a legend." She mumbled as she checked the size and found them rather fitting. Unlike her old boots, these were ancient but well taken care of and went up to her mid shin.

With the spiders dealt with, her old boots changed and her scratches covered. The two woman agreed to never speak about it, Leorah went about her duties and Selene went back to Owain with a signed form. When she had the Rod of Fire in her hands, she felt like something was wrong….like what she was doing was wrong…she was helping a friend right? What if this worked out? Jowan would be gone, with Lily…she'd have to remain, her Blood in Denerim….Would they kill her? Turn her Tranquil….She felt fear creep up her spine.

'Don't do it.' The voice whispered in the back of her head 'Jowan is your friend, stand up for him. Don't be afraid.'

She tried to shake the voice from her head, she'd always been brave and always did the right thing. What if Jowan was a Blood mage?

'Do you hear yourself? He's your friend!'

Selene was walking towards the Chapel and kept walking, until she made her way down the familiar hall and stopped at the last door. She knocked twice, paused and then a third "Enter, Selene." She heard Irving say in a muffled voice.

She opened the door, walking up to his desk and gave him a fake smile "Master Irving."

"Selene, I trust you saw Boland to his Quarters?"

"Why'd you ask me to that? Master?" Selene asked, most of the time she understood his teachings but this one was lost on her.

"I wanted you to meet Boland, Duncan said he is a fine man." Irving said with a smile, resting his chin on his hands.

Selene nodded "I agree, he seemed very nice." She said trying to change topic.

"There is much we can learn from the Grey Wardens, much indeed…." He trailed off, zoning out a moment "Did you need something, Moon?" He asked, looking up.

"When is Jowan going through the Harrowing?" She asked carefully, knowing how to question her master best.

"When he is ready." Irving answered back in the same tone, this isn't good.

"He fears he will be made Tranquil." Selene said softly, hoping to play another card.

"I assume then that Lily, must have told him this?" He chuckled at the look she gave him "I know many things, like how you've been hearing voices and about the crush Cullen has on you." Irving reached down for his cup of tea.

'Easy, he must have a good reason!' The voice whispered.

Selene sputtered for a moment, then looked mad her eyes turning white "You read my diary!" She growled, her fists blasting snowflakes as she ignored the warning of the voice.

"Read is a strong term, translated is better." Irving said rather calmly, sipping his tea "It was wonderful Elvish, I might have you teach a class soon."

"Master, don't!" She growled, trying to reel in her anger "Don't do this Jowan."

"My hands are tied Moon, Greagoir says he has proof and Eye witnesses who admit to seeing Jowan doing Blood Magic….I cannot do anything." He confessed, setting his cup down with a sigh "This Rite will happen…"

Selene growled "Why did you read my Diary!" She asked, her thoughts couldn't be with Jowan and Lily knowing that her Master, Father-Figure had read her personal thoughts.

"I wished to make sure you were better than you lead on, Selene your ability makes you hard. Like Ice." Irving confessed, leaning back in his chair "It is hard for me to…understand you, to see if you were ready, if you were scared….Moon all I wanted was to make sure you were safe, the Harrowing is dangerous."

Selene bit her lower lip, frowning and looking away "Jowan plans to escape…." She whispered her voice failing her, she was selling out her best friend.

Irving looked alarmed "I'm sorry?" He asked, blinking a few times to process "How?"

"Phylactery." She choked out, tears running down her face smearing what little make up she was wearing.

"Then Lily must be the schemer of this…." Irving said with a sigh "Do you know how they will break in?"

Selene reached into her pouch and set the Rod of Fire on the desk, without a word or looking at him.

"So they would have you do the dirty work? So when they ran off and we found out, we'd blame you for helping them….Moon…." Irving said softly, reaching over placing a hand on hers but she quickly pulled it away.

"I….Am….A-Am I coward?" She whispered, pulling her hair out and using her hands to hide her face. "I-I hate-Hate this!"She cried, sobbing into her hands.

"Moon, listen…Jowan is going to face the Rite but I won't let him do it alone." He started, standing a placing his hand on her shoulder; ignoring the freezing feeling in his palm "If the Circle must punish one of their own, then so will the Chantry." He started calmly, moving her hand from her face "I will not see my Apprentice suffer and Lily walk free."

"Y-You mean…."

"Let them get caught in the act….Jowan will become Tranquil and Lily will face her consequences." Irving said with a nod "Will you continue with them?"

Selene shook her head, but then nodded choking back a sob "Please, just do this one thing for me…" She begged "Don't make him Tranquil, please just kill him, Please." She begged, more than she'd ever begged in her life.

Irving wilted under her face, the begging and the tears "I will see…what I can do…" Irving said softly, placing his hand once more on her shoulder "Go, be safe."

Selene took a minute to collect herself, and then another to clean up before she left the Enchanters office, feeling like she'd signed not one but two death tickets. Was it because it wasn't her own, that made her feel like this? Or was it because she was lying to her friend.

Selene didn't know; True Tests Never End.

XX~XX~XX~XX

She found the two of them hiding in the back of the Chapel, Jowan complaining about waiting…it was always something. "Do you have it?" Lily asked her eyes wide with hope.

Selene wanted to break down, tell them what she'd down but she kept her mask of cold on. "Yeah….here." She held it out, looking far away as she did.

"Moon? You alright?" Jo asked, placing a hand on her shoulder that made her jump.

"Let's go, times wasting." She walked off towards the Stairs.

Selene ignored the both of them, as they walked from the Second Level, down to the First and into the Basement. Lily started going on about how the door was special cause it represented the Templars or something to that effect. She looked up when she heard her name, she'd not been paying attention.

"Go on, any spell." Lily encouraged her.

Without much thought, Selene cast an Arcane Bolt and the Door opened wide. They ran, she walked to the second door, as Jowan tried to get the Rod of Fire to melt the lock. "Why isn't this working!" He shouted, then handed it to her "Moon, give it a try."

Selene took the Rod, and jammed it into the lock as hard as she could, just wanting this to be over. It didn't do anything though, she looked closely at the door and sighed "It's warded." She handed the Rod back to Jo and started to walk off.

"Wait, what?" Lily asked, trying to stop her.

"The Door is warded, no magic can work in this area." She explained, with a snarl it was a long day and she wasn't really feeling up to playing anymore. She just wanted to meditate, to remember her childhood and to sleep soundly, is that too much?

"She's right, my spells won't work." Jowan said, biting back a curse and rushing to the other door and jamming the Rod into it and melting the lock "HA! I got this door, maybe there is a way around?"

Lily was about to say something when the suit of Armor behind her, grabbed her waist and started to choke the life out of her. Selene just wanted to walk away right there, but she didn't want to watch it, didn't want it on her conscious.

So she rushed forward, sticking her Snow Staff, into the suit and freezing it shut. Then she pulled it out, and shattered it with a touch of her Staff. "Keep moving." She said once more, walking past them and down the winding halls.

After fighting the Suits of Armor, Mage Spirits and Deepstalkers she was defiantly ready to quit and sleep. They came upon a room, something that looked like a storage room but was most like stuff that Irving had said a while back was too dangerous.

As Jowan and Lily started to move a bookcase, they thought the Chamber would be on the side. She found something that Irving had once shown her, two things actually. Her badger necklace when she was a child, and a staff made from blackwood.

"Jo." She said softly, tossing the Staff to him as they moved the bookcase.

"Nice…it feels rather powerful…why didn't you take it?"

"That has a Fire Enchantment, I hate the heat." She said softly, tossing the necklace on.

"Why is this statue here?" Lily commented, pointing to a statue of a warrior.

"It's a magical statue, everything in here is. And they're Dangerous." Selene advised crossing her arms.

"So you gave me-"

"Greetings." The Statue said softly.

"Did that thing just speak!?" Jowan exclaimed, like he'd never seen anything talk before.

"I am the essence and spirit of Eleni Zinovia, once consort and advisor to Archon Valerius. Prophecy my crime, cursed to stone for foretelling the fall of my lord's house." The Statue spoke in a wailing voice, void of emotion.

"Archon Valerius?" Selene muttered, hearing the name before.

"Not sure, know that Archons are Imperial." Jo said with a shrug.

"Forever shall you stand on the threshold of my proud fortress.' He Said to me 'And tell your lies to all who pass…" The Statue whispered. "But my lord found death at the hands of his enemies, his once-proud fortress now to dust, as I foretold." It sounded like the statue was smiling.

"We shouldn't be messing with it." Lily whispered "It's of Tevinter Origin, they dabbled in many forbidden arts."

"Must be old." Selene mumbled "Look at the dust, almost feel bad for it."

"Her." Jo corrected her.

"Weep not for me, children. Stone they made me, and stone I am. Eternal and unfeeling. I shall endure til the Maker returns to light their fires again." The Statue whispered in a comforting voice.

"We should leave this alone." Jo said in unison with Lily, they started to walk away.

The Statue almost seemed to look at her "Interesting, that one of them would bind with you child. Be careful, something's are meant to be locked away." It whispered once more to her.

They used another artifact to blast a hole in the wall, after beating the Sentinels inside of the Repository. She went over to the door, waiting for them to find his Blood and destroy it.

Within moments they came running up to her "Find it?" She asked calmly.

Jo nodded, pointing behind him to the rug that was on fire.

"Good." She said, turning and walking out the door.

"Moon, you sure you feel alright?"

"Just tired, I'm just tired Jo." She whispered, climbing the steps back to the first level and didn't bother to act surprised when they saw the Templers. Greagoir and Irving leading them, both with scowls on their faces.

"So what you said was true." Greagoir spat out, his face harder than a rock.

Selene yawned, trying to fight it "This looks bad." She mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"G-Greagior…" Lily whimpered hiding behind Jowan, as Selene side-stepped both of them.

"An initiate and a Blood Mage." Greagoir walked past Jo and right up to Lily "I am severally disappointed." He looked her over, then sighed "She seems shocked, but in control of herself. Not blood magic then." He turned around and walked, slowly back to Irving "You were right, the initiate has betrayed us. The Chantry will not let this go unpunished."

Greagoir turned to Selene, a scowl on his features "And what is this? Newly a Mage? Irving's little Moon, and already breaking the rules….tisk…tisk." He said smiling at her.

Jowan took a step forward "It's not her fault! This was all my idea!" He said his voice full of steel and his back straight.

Irving sighed, placing a hand on his Friends shoulder "Selene is here under my order, Greagoir. I take full responsibility for her actions." He said with a calm manner, giving Selene more than enough time to walk the distance and stand next to Irving.

Jowan looked slapped, his face a mix of confusion and hurt "Yo-You lead us into a Trap!" He shouted at her, taking a step forward.

Selene nodded, hiding behind Irving with tears rolling down her face saying nothing.

"That's all our friendship is worth then?" Jowan asked softly, and as she was about to answer him "Don't you speak." In a voice full of venom, all she could do was lower her head.

"Enough!" Greagoir shouted, pointing to Jowan "As Knight-Commander, I sentence this Blood Mage to Death." He then pointed to Lily "As this initiate has scorned the Chantry and her vows. Take her to Aeonar."

Lily lost all of her color, shaking in disbelief "Not the mages prison, no, no anywhere but there…." She whimpered, hiding behind Jowan as two Templers walked forward.

"I WONT LET YOU!" Jowan shouted, he un-sheathed a knife she didn't know he carried and slashed his palm wide open. He then became like a fountain of blood, and he sent it at anything in front of him. If it wasn't for her Freezing slash, she'd been covered in blood too.

"By the Maker, Blood Magic?" She could hear Lily question, the wall of Ice separating Irving and Her from the scene. "H-How could you!? You said you didn't! That you would never!"

"I admit, I-I dabbled I thought it'd make me a better mage." Jowans voice sounded confident but not too strong.

"Blood magic is evil! Jowan it corrupts people! It changes them!"

"I'm going to give it up!" Jowan's tone turned to begging "All Magic I just want to be with you, Lily. Please, come with me!"

"I-I trusted you!" Lily screamed, her voice turned into sobbing "I was re-ready to sacrifice everything for you…..I-I do-don't know who you are….Blood Mage. Stay away-Stay away from me!"

Selene lowered her Ice wall, Jowan was gone and Lily was whimpering on the floor. "Greagoir are you alright?" Irving asked his old friend, the aging Templar nodded.

"I knew it, blood magic…." He started, then turned to her "Why didn't you stop him!"

"Templers can track on through their blood." She pointed to the pool on the floor "I'm not an executioner Knight-Commander. Find him yourself."

Selene took a step back, away from the fuming man who took his vengeance out on the girl while his recovering Templers tried to use the blood on the floor as a resource. Irving sighed, patting her arm "Did you take anything while you were down there?" He asked gently.

Selene nodded, pointing to the staff that Jowan had thrown on the floor for his Blood Magic.

"At least she's honest." Greagoir growled, seemingly finished with ranting. "But your antics have made a mockery of this Circle!" He seemed to smirk at her, or sneer she couldn't tell "What are we to do with you?"

"I had no idea he was a blood mage…." She started, but Irving put his hand out.

"She was working for me."

"The Repository is forbidden save you and me! Irving!" Geagoir growled out, turning to the man.

"I had my reasons." He said sagely.

"You aren't all knowing! You twat! You know how much influence that blood mage might have! How are we to deal with this!"

"Knight Commander." Boland said coming out from the shadows "If I may, I am not only looking for the Kings Mages but for the Grey Wardens." He jerked to Selene "She asked if she could join the army, said Irving was too protective."

"And as I said Boland, I think she'd make an excellent recruit." Irving said with a smile.

"You promised him a Grey Warden!" Geagior was nearing to start foaming from the mouth.

"She could remain in the Circle, teach young ones if you would have her Greagoir I haven't met one so talented in Elvish in years." Irving said turning to his friend. "Or of that in the Destruction School."

"I will not allow her to just run off with the Wardens! I will also not allow her to not face consequences for her actions!" Greagior shouted once more.

Selene looked frightened, and almost on the verge of passing out "N-No…I-I'm a Tower mage, my home is here…." She said softly, she'd thought for years to break out and free herself but those were just ideal fantasies she'd never do it.

"Moon." Irving got her attention "This tower isn't the place for you….You're gift shouldn't be squandered."

"I-I…."

Boland stepped forward "Do not make conscript her old man." He pointed at Greagior "I take all of her troubles, blah blah, we need a good mage and from the fact she summoned a wall of Ice from nothing. She'd be perfect."

"She will not join the Order!"

"Why? Cause she's a trouble maker?" Boland said, rolling the fabric on his arm up and showing a series of numbers "You all thought me an honorable man? Before I was a Warden, I was accused of murder and treason." The man looked down on the frightened girl "Are you ready?"

Selene looked from Boland to Irving, who was giving her a sad smile 'Where there is a Door, one must open it….which door would you choose young one?' The voice whispered through her mind's eye.

Selene nodded, as Boland turned to walk off expecting her in tow she ran forward giving Irving a large hug. The Older man simply laughed softly in her ear, placing his arms around her in a hug much the same "The Circle never forgets, remember that child." He said softly, pulling out a worn leather book.

Her Journal, she missed a whole entry with everything that happened. I guess now she'll have a lot more to talk about. After all, being a Grey Warden did sound exciting.

XX~XX~XX~XX

We have entered the stage with the first of the Warden Recruits, Selene Amell anyone who has played the games or does some delving into the lore knows that this Warden is a relative of Hawke. She is also plagued by voices, are these voices malevolent or benevolent, that is still up in the air at this point. The next chapter will show an Elf of the Dalish and his quest to save a friend from a mirror. Through the Looking Glass.