5/26/19 EDITS: Beta reader did some grammar clean up, I wrote in more interaction with Duncan, Jowan and Cullen with Aria. Built more upon the fact Duncan will eventually be a mentor figure to Aria as the First Enchanter appeared to be to the character in the mage origin. Cullen is now confirmed to have a type in my head for elvhen mage ladies and that makes my Inquisition romance of him just the best...XD or anyone who romanced him with an elf mage and you played an elf mage in origins.


Bright tendrils of sunlight seeped through the small windows set way above the heads of mages. The faint chirping of small birds carried into the room from outside. One body persistently lay in bed despite the peaceful morning wake up, but this one person wants nothing to do with the dawn of a new day. Her head pounded as if her head was the heel to an Ogre's shoe and her brain refused to give strength to her eyelids to open them. One arm also lay delicately above the thin blankets with the sleeves rolled up. Clean bandages wrapped the upper arm of the resting mage.

"Aria…Aria, are you alright?" someone from behind her asked in a concerned manner. Aria groaned, she just wanted to sleep the day away. But the voice she recognized as Jowan's and she knew the man was probably dying to know what exactly happened. Taking a deep, comforting breath one last time, she opened round eyes to the apprentice dormitories. Funny, she doesn't remember walking back here after the Harrowing. Blinking into awareness, Aria used her one good arm to help her sit up. Actually…she doesn't even remember waking up after completing the Harrowing.

"Ugh...Jowan?" the elf whispered hoarsely, she stayed in bed, untrusting of the strength of her numb legs. Looking up at her friend she smiled up at his relieved expression, he sighed.

"Ah, I'm glad you're alright. They carried you in yesterday evening. You were back much quicker than most I hear that took their Harrowing. And I've heard so much about apprentices who never come back from the Harrowing. Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?" the man fretted over her. Aria grimaced and looked away from Jowan silently, the pain of remembrance was finally clearing up and it made her want to scream in agony.

"I...went into the Fade. But it felt weird. Kind of off like it felt the place wasn't as real and solid as your own body." the elf grimaced.

"It was...uncomfortable."

"Really? That's it?" the man asked seeming unimpressed. Aria made a displeased face.

"No…I had to fight a demon." She finished and unconsciously looked at her burned arm.

Didn't she get that in the Fade? How was it here in the waking world?

Jowan's face dropped slightly and he furrowed his brows.

"That…makes sense. They want to see if you can resist a demon and stop yourself from becoming an abomination. Tsk, now you get to move into the nice mage's quarters upstairs. While I'm stuck here and I don't know when they'll call me for my Harrowing." He complained. Aria couldn't stay annoyed with him, she gave him a tired smile on pink lips.

"Don't worry Jowan, I bet they'll call for you any day now." She reassured. "Your better with the arcane electricity than I am, so surely you've got what it takes." It was also him who had interested her in that branch of the arcane.

"But I've been here longer than you have…Sometimes I think they just don't want to test me."

"What do you mean?" Aria questioned.

"There's been a rumor that I might be made tranquil, I'll never be able to take the Harrowing then, or use magic ever again. It's either the Harrowing, the Right of Tranquility…or you die. That's what happens." Jowan pointed out in a panic.

"I don't want to be like Owain, cut off from my dreams, and he's so cold, emotionless. It's like he's dead!"

"Calm down, calm down Jowan. I think you're just getting worked up for nothing. It just a rumor you heard anyways. It could have been started by Finis, she doesn't like you much anyways after you caught her robes on fire with my faulty runestone." The little elf reached out to touch her friends' arm soothingly. The human exhaled.

"The Right isn't just for mages they think are too weak, you know, it's also to control those they think are too…dangerous as mages…Um, anyways, I shouldn't waste your time with this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you woke up."

The elf nodded with one last smiled towards her friend.

"Alright, I'll go there immediately."

"You'd better not keep him waiting. We can speak later." With that, he bid Aria goodbye.

Left alone in the room once more she was about to get up when she noticed a new robe laying folded neatly on the edge of the bed. It was a golden colored top with a bluish-grey skirt; the intricate belt was leather with gold colored embroidery. Deciding to wear this new robe, Aria undressed carefully, avoiding as much contact with her bandage as possible.

Through the nearby mirror, the girls of her dorm room used, Aria studied herself to get a feel of the new garment. The top was warm and plush, the elf found she had a liking for things that kept her warm since she got so easily cold in the tower and the fabric was soft against her pale skin. Happy with the outcome she tidied up her chin length earthen brown hair and made her way to the round hall.


Past the library and small Chantry worship area Aria made her way up the stairs and to the next floor where Irving's study was. Down another hall she spotted the open double doors to the office and silently walked inside. Inside she overheard the current conversation. Irving and a man she didn't recognize as anyone that lived in the tower, who was listening intently as the Knight-Commander Greagoir spoke about having enough of something at 'Ostagar'. Irving huffed at something Greagoir said.

"Since when have you felt such a kinship with the mages Greagoir? Or are you afraid to let the mage's out of the Chantry's supervision where they can actually use their Maker given powers." the older man challenged.

"How dare you—" Before the argument between the two men could escalate, the stranger intervened to make her presence known. His voice was a bit raspy, but pleasant with that northern Fereldan accent, much like her own.

"Irving, someone is here to see you." He said and indicated towards Aria, she gave a thankful nod and walked up to the older mage.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked.

"Ah, well if it isn't our new sister in the Circle, come child." His aged voice praised beckoning her closer as the stranger walked up next to the enchanter. He had serious brown eyes and they seemed to take her in with an air of contemplation.

The elf furrowed her brows in confusion, tilting her head.

"This is she?" he asked.

"Yes," Irving informed. " This is Aria Surana, I've been keeping an eye on her studies and she has just recently passed her Harrowing. In record time I might add. I'm very proud of her, she's a bright girl-if a bit inexperienced."

Aria felt her face heat up at the praise focused on her and fidgeted under that contemplating gaze of the human stranger. She looked down at his feet.

"I-I, um…" She stuttered. "First Enchanter, you wanted to see me?"

The Knight-Commander, obviously forgotten, cleared his throat and excused himself, if not before reminding the two men they will continue to talk about some matter at a later time.

"Ah yes, where was I? Aria, This is Duncan, of the Grey Wardens." Irving introduced Duncan. Aria chanced a glance to the man to examine the Grey Warden. He wasn't an old man, but he wasn't too young either. A few strands of his pulled back hair fell in his face and if she looked hard enough she could spot a few gray hairs sprouting from his bead.

"It's nice to make your acquaintance, Grey Warden Duncan." Aria greeted.

"Likewise. Irving has been telling me quite a bit about the mages under his care that have shown a lot of promise. He speaks highly of you in particular." He said back politely.

"You've heard about the war brewing in the south I expect?" Irving questioned the young mage.

"I haven't heard much, just bit and pieces here and there. Gossip mostly." she offered.

"Duncan is here to recruit mage's for the King's army in Ostagar." Her elder informed. The elf pursed her lips, worry evident.

"I see...but what was it that you needed me for?"

It was then Duncan spoke. "With the Darkspawn invading we need all the help we can get, especially from the Circle. A mage's magic is very effective over a large group of Darkspawn making people like you a necessity; I fear that if we don't push them back we may see another Blight."

Irving chuckled.

"Duncan you worry the girl, talking about Blights and Darkspawn," indeed it did worry her, the only battle experience she has had were the spiders in the storage room and in her Harrowing-and she barely escaped that alive. "this is supposed to be a happy day for her, she has passed the Harrowing and her phylactery has been sent to Denerim, she is now a full mage of the Circle of Magi."

Duncan sighed. "We live in troubled times, my friend."

"Now then, To answer your concerns child, I wanted to introduce the two of you. And now I have. You may spend the rest of your day moving your things to the upper mage's dorms and then spend the rest of the day as you please. But before you go I want to give you your official Circle staff and a ring with the Ferelden's Circle of Magi insignia on it." The First Enchanter held out the items and Aria took them with a confused side eye towards Duncan.

The staff itself was a simple, heavy metal staff. Nothing fancy and a few inches taller than she. There was no proper grip on it so the cool bite of the material chilled her fingers.

"Thank you, First Enchanter." The elf impatiently set the ring on her finger and watched it catch the candlelight. It had a raised, painted symbol of Ferelen's Circle of Magi in the center and was thick and heavy on her finger. Aria grimaced, unsure how to feel, just relieved she'd have a modicum of more freedom. Maybe even the chance to request assignments or outings outside of the Circle's island in the middle of the lake.

"Seeing as we have finished talking, I will be in my room if I am needed." Duncan spoke up and readied himself to leave.

"I see, then please escort him back to his room Aria."


The two walked in comfortable silence as Aria lead the Grey Warden down the curved hall.

"Aria, was it?" he started up. The mage looked up at him, then nodded. "Forgive me for my ignorance, but how old are you?"

"I'm eighteen?" her voice lilted into a question, confused as where this was leading. Duncan seemed to purse his lips, then hummed at something.

"That does indeed seem quite young, is there an average age an apprentice usually finishes their training? Irving was quite insistent I meet you myself, but I'm afraid to think of where he was going with this."

"Um, w-well. Most apprentices usually show an understanding and aptitude well enough to be considered for taking the Harrowing in their twenties. Typically I mean. I also believed I wouldn't even be suggested for it for another two years minimum until a friend of mine told me I was chosen early." Aria informed.

"I'm not quite sure how I feel about taking the test so early. No one...No one really asked if I wanted to." she admitted grudgingly.

Duncan hummed.

"Ah, I think I understand. You were unwilling to take the test, weren't you?"

"...Yes, very much so. But one does not simply...put the Harrowing on hold." She groused. The man actually chuckled.

"I admit, I can relate to you a bit. I did not want to be recruited into the Warden's when I was given the opportunity...I was not allowed to refuse either."

The two walked along the corridor in companionable silence for a while after that. She felt a forgien, fluttery feeling in her stomach at actually admitting her feelings in her place. It was relieving.

No one had asked her what she felt recently that the entire sentiment was like a breath of fresh air. Jowan had been far to focused on his own studies recently, and really, he was the only one she talked to the most in her life. That nice sister-Lily, she thinks is her name, was a sympathetic listener when they met a few times in Jowans' company. But she wouldn't call the woman a friend.

She looked up at Duncan with an odd mix of wonder and gratitude at his understanding.

They passed about three doors when a Templar standing guard spotted Aria. Recognizing the curls on the top of his head, Aria lifted a hand to wave at Cullen. In response, the young man jolted, a wobbly, puppy-like smile upturning his lips as he waved back.

Duncan halted by the door the younger Templar was guarding.

"This would be my room, thank you. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Aria." Duncan said walking inside to leave her in the hall with the guard. The elf gave a polite smile.

"It was nice meeting you too. Um...if it isn't too much trouble, if your going to be here longer…"

"Yes?"

"I-It's just...new people don't come here often and I really like hearing other people talk about their travels. I-I bet you've traveled a lot being a Gray Warden and all." She stuttered, hands waving out in front of her in an endearing way that made Duncan crack a smile.

"I haven't done much travel outside of Ferelden since taking on the role of Warden-Commander. But when I was younger I did spend much of my life in Orlais and the Free Marches." He offered. Aria smiled giddily.

"That's amazing, is Orlais as pretty as the art makes it seem?"

Duncan chuckled again.

"As long as you don't wander into the slums, yes. It is a very beautiful place. Val Royeaux in particular."

Aria sighed at that thought.

"I wish I could be able to see things like that...I've spend so long inside these walls that I fear I've forgotten what it's like to live outside them."

Again, that considering look before Duncan sent her on her way and closed his door.

Turning away from the door, the elf noticed Cullen staring stiffly at her.

"Ah...Hello Cullen?"

"Oh…uh-ahhh-I uh hello, I'm glad to see you're recovering from your Harrowing." Cullen finally stuttered out.

The mage couldn't help the small smile from his honest concern. Although she rarely talked to the young man, every time they passed each other in the hall Cullen had a strange habit of stumbling over things. Maybe he was easily distracted? Whatever it was, she felt she could relate a bit to him, they both seemed to be awkward around people, it made him perhaps the only Templar she really felt comfortable around.

Now was no different as she watched in mild amusement as his cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. He turned away from her and sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

"T-They pick me to uh if well you turned into an abomination…" the Templar admitted.

"That's right, you were there to escort me to the room it took place. You looked pale, were you sick?" she asked. The guard threw up his hands in his defense.

"Er no-no, by all means I was perfectly healthy it's just…You looked in pain! And um about that killing blow thing, it's nothing personal, I swear! I- I'm just glad you're alright you know?" He tried to explain himself.

A giggle couldn't help but leave her lips as the Templar seemed frantic, his cheeks darkened in shade and his eyes locked with hers at the sound of her soft laugh. He went silent as if to take in every sound, unable to make words as his mouth is left agape.

Aria apologized for the laugh thinking she offended him, it was rare she laughed at all really. Nothing of much amusement when you are a bird in a large cage.

"Anyways, I should get going, I don't want to be a distraction to you if you are on duty." She spoke to Cullen, who snapped out of his trance. Turning her back to him he called out to her, his hand finding her uninjured arm.

"Ah W-Wait, I don't find you distracting, I mean you are—but uh I mean…you can uh talk to me any time! Yes, maybe we can talk again another time…" he pleaded with a fretful smile. Cullen was kind she would admit, but she, like all other mages felt even the smallest pinch of discomfort at taking the effort to really become his friend.

Indecisive, is what she was. Wanting so much, but never wanting to make the choice to go for it, leaving it a pretty idea in her mind. Actions were harder than theory, and she just didn't have the confidence to pursue anything but passing acquaintanceship would end well for her. So maybe he wanted to be friends, maybe that's why he was so kind. But Aria couldn't do it, for he would kill her with one order if it was to follow his Makers' will, and a man who followed orders simply because of something as subjective as religion was someone Aria just couldn't deal with.

"Thanks Cullen…but I don't know…" she waited for him to let go of her arm, and once more she told him goodbye and left.


"Aria, there you are." Jowan joined up with the elf as she walked down the hall. "So are you done talking with Irving? If you are, I need to talk to you…now." There was something strange in the way he looked at her, his eyes darted from left to right as if to make sure they were the only two in the hallway. Aria furrowed her brow and looked up at him. She knew that act, seen in so many times she knew in seconds something was up.

"What's wrong Jowan?" she asked, the human mage put his finger over her mouth for silence. Grabbing her wrist, Jowan lead her down the hall and to a flight of stairs.

"Follow me, I need to speak with you in a place with no one around."

"Jowan…you're starting to worry me." Aria whispered as the ran down a flight of stairs without a thought. "What's going on?"

Jowan refused to answer.

Arriving on the floor where the apprentice mages trained the silent two swiftly made their way to a shadowed corner of the worship room. There she didn't notice until they stopped that another human, a woman this time stood nervously, hidden by the low candlelight. Jowan let go of Aria and embraced this person. Letting her eyes adjust to the lack of light Aria began to recognize her, she was a pretty lady with fiery orange hair that framed doe-like features. Her eyes were round and a warm amber color while her lips plump, painted with a flattering passionate glossy red. She dressed in the flowing cream-colored robes of a sister of the Chantry, however it was evident that the woman was endowed with a very suggestive figure that no matter how modestly she dressed it still had the smallest flare of seduction.

"Jowan…." Aria warned under her breath warily, eyeing him and Lily with widening eyes.

It was then she remembered a talk they once had at dinner several months back. Jowan had walked up to her with an unusually blissful look on his face. After much priying he had admitted to the younger girl he had met a very lovely woman. The two had instantly clicked and they had started to meet with each other in their free time.

And then he introduced Lily to her. She had just thought them friends.

Because really, Jowan? Really? A Chantry sister?

A part of her that was internally always screaming wasn't as shaken by the reveal though. Jowan had a habit of bad decisions during their time growing up.

Like the time he snuck her out into the courtyard in the middle of winter her first year in the Circle so she could see the night sky. They were locked out and she came down with a cold that lasted the rest of the week.

Or the time he thought having an open debate on the ethical treatment of mages and how it seemed to be degrading through the years was a good idea. That left thirteen year old her being pushed down a flight of stairs by some upstart Templar in training who had overheard their discussion. Luckily she hadn't broken anything and the trainee was thoroughly disciplined, much to their relief.

"A while back I had told you I met a uh…girl…Well, this is Lily." He introduced the woman. Lily stood close to Jowan with her arms wrapped around him. And while that may be all well and good in their own little word, it was an entirely different matter in the real world.

The little mage calmly took a deep breath without a word and exhaled.

"You can't be serious…." She sighed with a hand over her mouth in concern. It was eighteen year old Jowan all over again when he had a crush on a mage about to be transferred to the Free Marches. And he thought the best way to say goodbye was a surprise kiss.

The mage's friend, a boy by the name Amell hadn't appreciated him trying to force a kiss and had blasted him clear across the hall.

Aria made a tiny, insignificant noise in the back of her throat not dissimilar to a tiny dying animal.

"You both know as well as I a sister of the Chantry is forbidden to give her body to anyone but the Maker…and to you, a mage no less."

Jowan, I-I love you dearly, but you have a long history of dumb decisions. What if the Templar's find out." Aria seethed at their stupidity, but by all means she did not downright refuse to acknowledge the happy couple. She truly was happy-in her own way-that Jowan had found someone he deeply cared for.

"So you see why we must keep this matter a secret." Lily murmured softly.

"You both are crazy…" the elf crossed her arms, but she stayed with the two to hear what they had to say.

"Yes, well, I'm happy you don't disapprove per say…" Jowan said bluntly, "But my overwhelming love for Lily wasn't all I wanted to discuss. Remember when I told you I didn't think they wanted to give me my Harrowing? Well I know why, they…they're going to make me Tranquil!" Jowan's voice revealed. His hand gripped Lily's in fear of the thought.

"Oh Jowa—"

"They'll take everything that I am away from me, my dreams, hopes, fears, my love for Lily!" his voice interrupted the elf, growing louder in stress.

"….They'll extinguish my humanity…" he cried.

And in Aria, a piece of her heart cracked. When the elf was first brought to the Circle she was no more than the five year old child of two Dalish who had lost their clan and had no choice but to assimilate into the Highever alienage. Now though, her memories of her parents was fuzzy, she couldn't quite remember their faces or voices. She doesn't even know if they or her older sister still lived.

So, when she arrived at the Circle it was Jowan who had taken it upon himself at the time to care for her like an older brother when he too was still a child himself. He protected the little elf from the older mage children and from the cruel eyes of the imposing Templars. He was everything to her in the Circle and possibly the only one she really cared for in her life now. If Jowan was made Tranquil, there would be no more talks, no more laughs or reassuring whispers when a Templar takes it upon himself to take his anger out on them.

Tears welled up in Aria's eyes, she didn't even care how he got the information, she wanted to save him. She wanted to keep her brother 'alive'.

"Jowan…how?"

"That rumor going around, I've been hearing more and more. Not thirty minutes ago I overheard some Templars talking about how I could be a Bloodmage."

It was then the elf's heart stopped. The use of blood magic was a serious accusation among any Circle. Blood magic was forbidden to be used and any proof of one being a Bloodmage was punishable by death. The dark magic was a twisted power drawn out from using blood from the caster as well as the victims to summon vicious demons to do their bidding.

Magic was magic of course. But in her opinion, the cons of blood magic out weighed the pros. And demons are cunning, they always get their way which usually leads to the users possession. While mages in the Circle trained all their lives to build up a strong will and sound mind, strong enough to fight the temptations a demon would offer, blood mage seems to twist up all a mage's efforts and corrupt the mind. Leading to a higher susceptibility in possession.

"That's why it just isn't safe for me here anymore Aria. I need to escape, Lily and I both. And I want to ask for your help in making that possible."