Chapter 2
Clint is walking past the TV in the main room of Avenger's Tower towards the meeting he's late for when he notices the TV is still on. Now, normally this wouldn't mean much other than a passing glance to make sure he isn't the only one late, but this time the TV was showing the very topic of the Meeting, Tony. "Guys? You need to see this!" Clint shouts towards the meeting room.
Steve steps out ready to berate Clint on watching television when he's supposed to be trying to figure out a plan to try and find Tony when he see the screen, "No way. Team, Clint found Tony."
"What?" Bruce asks, hope filling his voice. He steps out of the room and looks around, "Where is he?"
"Right there," Clint points to the TV, which shows Tony in a robe, walking up some stairs.
"Why is he wearing a Dress?" Bruce queries.
"Perhaps we'll find out while we wait for Thor to return with Loki," Natasha suggests as she takes a seat to watch Tony.
"Well, there isn't much we can do, except watch and wait." Steve mutters sitting himself.
XTONYX
"… Many have already gone to Ostagar—Wynne, Uldred, and most of the senior mages! We've committed enough of our own to this war effort," says someone who Tony recognizes as Knight Commander Greagoir. On a whim, Tony casts a spell for no one to be able to say Knight Commander, or Ser, around the Knight Commander for a day. He's gotten pretty decent at casting spells through walls.
"Your own? Since when have you felt such kinship with the mages, Greagoir? Or are you afraid to let the mages out from under Chantry supervision, where they can actually use their Maker-given powers?" Tony turns into the office and stands by the door while First Enchanter Irving talks.
"Gentlemen, please. Irving, someone is here to see you." The Grey Warden looks at Tony, much as Fury and Coulson would before he joined the Avengers, his words attracting Greagoir and Irving's attention towards where Tony stands.
"You called?" Tony smirks at the Grey Warden's confused and Greagoir's irritated expressions, Irving just blinks it off having become accustomed to Tony's… uniqueness.
"Ah, if it isn't our new brother in the Circle. Come in, come in." Irving waves for Tony to step further in, which he does. Standing as close to Greagoir as possible, just to see him twitch.
"This is..?" the unknown man leads, still watching Tony, and masking a grin when Greagoir inevitably steps away from Tony.
"Yes. Duncan this is Anthony Stark Amell, Anthony meet Grey Warden Duncan." Irving introduces the two and Tony steps forward to shake, the Grey Warden now known as, Duncan's hand.
"Please, call me Tony. What's a Grey Warden doing in a place like this? I doubt any Darkspawn could get to the Tower easily." Tony inquires.
"Grey Wardens go wherever duty sends them," Duncan answers, "Do you often bother those of a higher rank than you?"
"A prank is the reason I was revealed a Mage to those outside of my brother. In fact, Greagoir is the one I pranked that got me here." Tony answers causing Duncan to nod with a smile.
"Well, Irving, you're obviously busy. We will discuss this later." Greagoir leaves the room, presumably to bark orders at Templar or glower threateningly at Mages and Apprentices.
"Of course. Well, then… where was I?" Irving thinks a moment, "Ah, yes, you've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king's army at Ostagar."
"Why? Is the threat greater than reports have said?" Tony asks going through the papers on Irving desk, disappointed that they weren't related to the current conversation.
"Have you been going through the Templar's records again?" Irving asks.
"You already know the answer to that," Tony grins and looks towards Duncan again.
"Mages are uniquely equipped to combat darkspawn." Duncan gets the conversation back on track.
"What do you mean?" Tony stares at Duncan.
"The power you mages wield is an asset to any army. Your spells are very effective against large groups of mindless darkspawn. I fear if we don't drive them back, we may see another Blight," Duncan stares right back not backing off.
"Gonna happen either way eventually," Tony comments.
"We would prefer later rather than sooner, though." Duncan blinks and Tony punches the air in victory.
"Duncan, you worry the poor lad with talk of Blights and darkspawn. This is a happy day for him." Irving ignores the competition that was just held between the two.
"We live in troubled times, my friend." Duncan looks at Tony, confused because he was unaware of the contest.
"We should seize moments of levity, especially in troubled times. The Harrowing is behind you. Your phylactery was sent to Denerim. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi." Irving smiles at Tony.
"Thank you, First Enchanter, but why did this require my presence in your office? I kinda figured it was sent already." Tony asks, expecting the answer to involve Duncan, somehow.
"I'm sorry- what is this phylactery?" Duncan interrupts before Irving has a chance to actually ignore Tony's question.
"Blood is taken from all apprentices when they first come to the tower and is preserved in special vials." Irving answers just as Tony answers with, "Chantry authorized Blood Magic."
"So they can be hunted if they turn apostate." Duncan tells the unspoken part.
"We have few choices. The gift of magic is looked upon with suspicion and fear. We must prove we are strong enough to handle our power responsibly. You have done this. I present you with your robes, your staff, and a ring bearing the Circle's insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them." Irving
"Normally you argue with me on the phylactery thing for at least another five minutes, I'm starting to think I'm no longer welcome." Tony pouts, if one didn't know better, at the First Enchanter.
"Not today. You have been through an ordeal. Let us not rush things. It goes without saying that you shall not discuss the Harrowing with those who have not undergone the rite. Now then… take your time to rest, or study in the library. The day is yours." Irving dismisses Tony and looks to Duncan.
"I was just on my way to do that when I heard you asked for me." Tony waves behind towards Irving as he walks towards the door, slight skip to his step since now he can continue trying to find a way back home.
"I will return to my quarters." Duncan follows Tony out, rather curious about the newly minted Mage.
"Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan back to his room, child?" Irving requests, returning his attention to his paperwork.
"I suppose," Tony frowns, another delay, almost as though the solution doesn't want to be found.
"The guest quarters are on the east side of this floor, close to the library. Now, if you'll both leave, I have matters to discuss with Greagoir." Irving says while they close the door to Irving's office, informing a passing Templar of Irving's request.
Along the way to Duncan's room is nothing but silence as they both try to come up with something to talk about, when Duncan notices a few odd bottles attached to Tony's robe, "What are those?"
"Hmm?" Tony hums looking back at Duncan so the Grey Warden indicates the bottles, "Oh, those. They're a little invention I came up with. Anyone can use them but only Mages can make them. Want one? Might be useful against the Darkspawn, particularly out in the open since closed quarters would be bad unless you have the proper wards prepared to protect you and you need a Mage for that." Tony hands one of each color to Duncan who studies the bottles.
"These symbols, they indicate what each one does?" Duncan points at the fire symbol on the red bottle.
"Yep, that there's the 'Sun in a Bottle'. Unleashes great torrents of fire wherever it's broken, much like a supercharged Molotov cocktail. Then there's the 'Monsoon in a Bottle'," a nearby Templar pales as he hears what Tony's talking about and hurries off to do his job elsewhere, "which will drown anything nearby, and I would have to properly measure but I believe it holds enough water to fill an Ocean. Plus there's the 'Quake in a Bottle' which is unpredictable since it can open a chasm beneath your feet, collapse the cave or building you're in, or simply force rocks up out of the ground."
"Wait, are you the reason why the Tower had to be rebuilt a few years ago?" Duncan stops, which is fortunate because at this point they're right outside his room.
"It almost caused them to make me Tranquil, I barely avoided that fate." Tony scratches the back of his head, he hadn't realized people still remembered that incident.
Duncan stares at Tony, certain that if someone else had done the same thing they would've been made tranquil right away, "Thanks, I'm sure I can figure out what the other ones do. Is there something else I can do for you?" Duncan asks since Tony is there anyways.
"What's happening outside the tower?" Tony immediately requests, it isn't often that someone will actually know current events when they visit.
"Ah… I imagine you don't leave very often, do you?" Duncan guesses.
"We are permitted to walk the grounds," Tony irritably, there isn't even a blacksmith on the island, if there was he could at least try making some parts of his old suit, homesickness isn't fun no matter how long you've been away.
"And thus a good view of the other side of the Lake? It must feel rather isolated, way out here. I am not a good source of news, I fear. I am preoccupied with the darkspawn incursion." Duncan shrugs, choosing not to notice the fact that Tony has become rather sullen.
"How many mages have joined the king's army?" Tony is pretty sure he knows exactly how many, but he doesn't know for certain if other kingdoms sent any or not.
"When the king sent out the call, the Circle of Ferelden sent only seven mages to Ostagar. I asked King Cailan's permission to come and seek a greater commitment from the Circle." Duncan states confirming Tony's suspicion, of course other countries wouldn't send Mages, even if Ferelden had actually bothered to ask seeing as Orlais is the closest one.
"How many mages do you need?" Tony asks, already mentally calculating the pros and cons of having every mage in the Tower there. The Tower is one thing, since on the off chance one turns into an Abomination it's easily contained, but out there in Ostagar they could easily run rampant.
"I hope to place a mage or two within every contingent. I cannot do with just seven. Mages will make all the difference in this battle. The darkspawn have their own magic, and our resources must exceed theirs." Duncan sounds so sure of himself, and that suggestion does sound good, but most of the Mages have had little to no freedom their entire lives, being out there, with that many Mages, roughly ten percent would surely go bad.
But Tony doesn't voice this concern because there is no way the Chantry would ever allow that many Mages outside the Tower at any given time, "Will you fight with the king?"
"Of course. But I am no mage. Mages heal, they can call fire and ice down upon the enemy. And… so much more. I sometimes wonder if the Chantry's many laws regarding magic are necessary. Darkspawn are a greater threat than blood mages, even abominations. It takes decades for the world to recover from a Blight. I wish the Chantry could see that. We must stop at nothing to defeat the darkspawn- Ah, listen to me. An old man's rantings can't be very interesting." Duncan sighs.
"It was actually quite interesting, but I should go, research to do, trouble to get in." Tony draws out the last bit and Duncan chuckles.
"Do not let me keep you." Duncan closes his door after watching Tony practically skip downstairs.
Tony is rather happy, for the first time in months it seems like he'll finally get to continue his research. This joy is torn asunder when Jowan shows up not even five minutes into what seems to be a promising book. Tony groans, "Andraste's finely curved ass, I just can't get anything done, can I?"
"I'm glad I caught up to you, are you done talking with Irving?" Jowan grins at Tony's swear.
"I think I am, for now." Tony drawls, skimming through the pages, in the hopes that he can still get work done despite Jowan.
"I need to talk to you. Do you remember what we discussed this morning?" Jowan whispers leaning on the book and Tony is very tempted to glare, but decides to just give in, research doesn't seem to be a thing he's capable of doing right now.
"Why are you whispering? It looks very suspicious, and of course I remember, it would be very difficult to forget," Tony snarks not bothering to lower his voice.
"Shhhh! I… I just want to make sure we're not overheard. We should go somewhere else. I don't feel safe talking here." Jowan closes the book as he steps away making Tony lose his spot.
"You're starting to worry me, Jowan." Tony drawls following Jowan not paying much of any attention to where they go.
"I've been troubled… I'll explain, but only once we get there, please just trust me." Jowan leads Tony down to.. the Chantry room?
"Don't tell me you've suddenly gone religious on me," Tony mock gasps as they enter.
"I'm not, it's just that we should be safe here." Jowan walks towards the statue of Andraste.
"In the chapel? The Templars' favorite haunt?" Things aren't adding up, "Jowan, please tell me you haven't done something incredibly stupid."
"What? No, no, of course not! Not yet, at least." Jowan mutters the last part but Tony hears it and not so subtly takes a step away from Jowan.
"We can see the door from here. If anyone comes, we'll change the subject." A Chantry girl says stepping out from behind a pillar. Why she felt the need to hide Tony doubts he'll ever know.
"Jowan, what are you up to?" Tony demands.
"A few months ago, I told you that I… met a girl. This is Lily." Jowan introduces the girlfriends Tony had thought was made up.
"My condolences, Lily." Tony sincerely acknowledges.
"Very funny." Sarcasm, Jowan has learned well.
"You can't have brought me here to chat about love." Tony crosses his arms, liking the situation less with every spoken word.
"I wish that was the only thing I needed to talk about. Remember I said that I didn't think they wanted to give me my Harrowing? I know why. They're… going to make me Tranquil. They'll take everything that I am from me- my dreams, hopes, fears… my love for Lily. All gone…" Jowan shrinks in on himself, not liking that fate.
"Jowan, remember a few years ago when the Tower collapsed after a freak quake?" Tony asks and Jowan nods, "That was me. The Templar knew this and they still didn't make me Tranquil. There are very few things you could do to make them decide without a doubt to do that to you."
"I need to escape, I overheard them talking about making me Tranquil. I need to destroy my phylactery. Without it, they can't track me down. We need your help. Lily and I can't do this on our own." Jowan explains, pulling Lily closer.
"Give us your word that you will help and we will tell you what we intend." Lily bargains.
"You have my word, Lily." Tony nods, forming plans of his own, no one has ever said Tony Starks word is good for anything. Well, there were some, but they are few and far between, that and he didn't exactly specify what his oath is for, for all he said he could have sworn to do something ridiculous like join the Grey Wardens, or end a Werewolf curse, or simply eat a pie.
"Thank you. We will never forget this." Lily doesn't seem to either notice or care about his lack of specifications, she's just happy Tony seems to be willing to listen.
"So what do you intend to do, sneak into the repository?" Tony jokes.
"Yes. I can get us into the repository. But there is a problem. There are two locks on the phylactery chamber door. The first enchanter and knight-commander each hold one key. But it is just a door. There is power enough in this place to destroy all of Ferelden. What's a door to mages?" Lily is obviously naïve and needs to be informed of the ways of the world in a non-life-threatening manner, basically not the situation they are all in.
"Are you suggesting we break through it?" Tony is already formulating a series of non-magical ways to do so with an ordinary door, he's never seen the one in question so he has no idea what defenses it will have.
"I once saw a rod of fire melt through a lock. You could get one from the stockroom. But Owain doesn't release such things to apprentices." Jowan has a point, if this were a regular door.
"Jowan, a lock is one thing, a door specifically created to keep mages out is another entirely," Tony points out.
"I've seen you do more with less," Jowan points out causing a slightly worried expression to form on Lily's face but he rubs her arm soothingly and it seems to go away slightly.
Tony stares at Jowan before conceding his point, "Let's not waste more time, then."
"We should stay here. One mage at the stockroom will attract less attention than a mage, an apprentice, and an initiate." Lily advises looking to Jowan.
"Good idea." Tony walks out the chantry room, not wanting to see if they make out or what.
"Good luck, our prayers go with you." Lily says, Tony simply waves in their direction as he walks not to the stock room, but to Irving's office.
Along the way to the next-to-top floor Tony picks up the book he was reading earlier and places it in his robes for safe keeping, this one's too promising to just leave sitting around.
"I trust you saw Duncan back to his quarters?" Irving asks, briefly looking up as Tony walks in.
"Of course, but I'm not here about him." Tony leans against the desk, picking up and looking through an entire pile of papers.
"I'm glad you met him. He's a most honorable man." Irving completely ignores the fact that Tony's looking through his stuff again, mostly because for once he picked up relatively unimportant documents.
"I agree. It was an honor to have met him." Tony notices none of it is interesting so he sets the papers back down exactly where they were before.
"Grey Wardens are peerless warriors who sacrifice all for our sakes. We can learn much from them. Now, who are you here about if not him?" Irving sets aside a freshly signed paper and focuses on Tony.
"Jowan says that he's going to be made tranquil." Tony cuts to the chase, Jowan trusts Tony, but with how paranoid he clearly is right now he might start suspecting something if Tony takes too long.
"And how does he know this? I suppose the young initiate he dallies about with revealed it to him." Tony raises an eyebrow at Irving in silent question of how he came upon that bit of information, "You think I didn't know? I did not become First Enchanter by keeping my eyes and ears shut."
"Then you must already know that Jowan plans to escape the Circle." Tony stops leaning against the table and turns to properly face Irving.
"Oh? Interesting. What more do you know?" Irving asks, and now Tony knows for a fact that he uses his mages as spies throughout the Tower.
"Jowan and Lily are plotting to destroy Jowan's phylactery. Though I doubt that they'll succeed, even with my help thanks to the door to that room," Tony shrugs and Irving nods in agreement.
"Yes, she must be helping him. She would know more about the repository than he would. Do you know anything else?"
"Yes. Lily told me, and I gave them my word, but I did not specify what that oath was for." Tony grins at Irving who smiles.
"And I have heard no one say that your word is any good even when you do specify. I suspected Lily would tell him of the impending Rite if she found out. But I never expected they would have the gall to break into the repository." Irving says and Tony rolls his eyes.
"No one has ever claimed Jowan was smart. What should we do? If we report them to the Templar Lily won't get in trouble." Tony points out.
"Reporting him to Greagoir and the Templars will accomplish nothing beyond what's already planned. If the Circle must punish one of its own, I will see the Chantry done the same courtesy. Lily will not walk free while my apprentice suffers." Irving agrees.
"We can't just tell them she's involved, they'll say she was framed," Tony walks to the bookshelf and scans the shelves.
"If you want to survive, you must learn the rules and realize that sometimes, sacrifices are necessary. Jowan will become Tranquil, but Lily must also face the consequences of her actions." Irving spouts wise sounding words, "How did you learn of their plan? Do they trust you?"
"They asked me to help them break into the Respository. I thought it was a bad idea so I came to you with what they're up to before going and helping them anyways, I'm sure." Tony takes down a book, flips through it, and puts it back.
"Perfect. Will you return to them and carry out their scheme? With solid proof of their crime, we can act." Irving orders, but of course no one orders Tony Stark to do anything he wasn't already going to do.
"Got it, help them destroy Jowan's Phylactery anyways." Tony walks out the door.
"Go. Convince them you will risk all for their cause. I will be outside the repository with a contingent of Templars." Irving explains, following Tony out but heading elsewhere, "Let them see the mischief into which their initiate led our student. Perform well, and your dedication will be rewarded."
XEND OF CHAPTER 2X
A/N: And there you have it, the first half of Tony's adventure in the Tower Pre-Warden. As you can tell it's getting away from the script because Tony's personality only goes along with it so far and this would make for a rather boring Fic if it was that predictable.