Authors Note:

-O-

Chapter 2 – Locked in a box

Aedan

Duncan and Aedan were left sitting in a waiting room for what seemed like an eternity before a young elven boy in a blue robe entered the room. He looked a bit scared; Aedan thought it was because mages do not see outsiders often.

"First Enchanter has sent me to escort you to his office," the young boy said in a shaky voice, "Knight-Commander Greagoir is waiting as well. Please follow me." Aedan and Duncan followed the lad through the library. The amount of books awed Aedan. Highever had an extensive library but nothing like this. There were just shelves upon shelves of books. He would love to spend a week here just going through the books. He had read every book Highever's library had to offer, especially historical accounts of famous battles. This library may have some books on the old Blights and that could be very useful. If there was time he would have to ask if he could look at them, he had no idea how long Duncan planned to stay here.

They entered a long corridor with several doors. As they walked past Aedan tried to glance in the open doors. Many were empty but a few had classes going on. Aedan stopped for a moment and watched a young girl work on summoning fire to her hand. There were several other young humans and elves working on summoning different elementals in the room. Aedan noticed he had fallen behind and rushed to catch up. Magic had always intrigued him; it started with Nan's ability to heal his wounds. She was a gifted healer and on several occasions had to mend many broken bones and heal a lot of training wounds between Fergus and him. The thought of Nan and Highever brought immediate pain to Aedan. He quickly forced it away. Focus he would tell himself now is not the time. He did not know when a good time would be but it definitely was not in the middle of a hallway behind his new mentor.

As they rounded a corner Aedan started to hear what sounded like two men yelling at each other. He noticed that their guide immediately tensed at the sound. The closer they got to the end of the hallway the more Aedan could make out of the yelling.

"… You went behind my back Irving! What right do you have to contact the Wardens directly on this? It is a Chantry matter."

"We've had this discussion before, I will not leave her to whatever fate the Chantry deems necessary for her. I've told you she's special, I've told you that for 12 damn years. For Maker's sake Greagoir she has never harmed even a fly yet you treat her worse than a blood mage."

"We cannot control her! If she ever turned we can do nothing. Do you honestly think just letting her walk out the door is the best thing for Ferelden or Thedas even? What if the Imperium gets a hold of her?"

"So what, we leave her locked in her room forever over some baseless fear she could turn or the Imperium is going to use her to rule Thedas? Or do you want her dead? Is that it? She is an innocent Greagoir, are you willing to have her blood on your hands? Are you? She's passed every test you've set up, she passed her Harrowing in record time, she's even helped you personally find blood mages within her own ranks yet still you fear her..." The young boy knocked on the slightly ajar door.

"The Grey Wardens are here to speak with you First Enchanter," the young boy stated in squeaky voice. It was now obvious what had the boy so shaken, the argument between the Knight-Commander and the First Enchanter was probably not an everyday occurrence.

"Ah thank you Kevin, please show them in," answered the First Enchanter. The boy beckoned for them to enter before scurrying away down the hall. The office of the First Enchanter was very large with several tapestries on the walls. There were many book cases with books and scrolls haphazardly scattered on the shelves and a large desk covered with even more scrolls and books. The First Enchanter looked very much as Aedan had expected. He was an old man with a long grey beard, his robe was also different. It was much more ornate than the other mages he had seen this far in the Tower. Across the desk was a tall man with greying black hair in full decorative Templar armor that could only be the Knight-Commander. Both men looked weary from the arguing.

"Ah Duncan, it is nice to see you again," said Irving as he stood up and crossed the room to grasp Duncan's hand.

"It has been many years Irving, I trust all is well for you?" inquired Duncan as he looked between the two men. "Greetings Knight-Commander Greagoir, it is pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." Greagoir merely nodded at him, the irritation from the argument still clearly visible on his face. Duncan motioned towards Aedan. "This is one of my recruits, Aedan Cousland." Aedan bowed to the two men. "Now that those formalities are out of the way. I understand you have a potential recruit for me Irving. May I speak with her?"

-O-

They were being led up a narrow spiral stairway by Irving and Greagoir. Aedan was surprised considering overhearing the argument which had occurred that the Knight-Commander did not object or try to stop Duncan in any way from meeting the mage. He remembered reading a long time ago that Grey Wardens could not be denied recruits. He made a mental note to ask Duncan about that later. Aedan counted fifteen Templars station on the way up this stairway. Did one mage really need that much guarding? They reached the top of the stairway to a closed door. Irving reached for the door knob but stopped at the sound he heard. Aedan listened closer, was that laughing or crying? He couldn't really tell. Irving knocked and opened the door. The scene inside was not what Aedan had expected. There seated at a table were two Templars with their helms off and the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. The Templars immediately stood up at the sight of Greagoir and muttered their apologies. Greagoir just sighed. The woman spoke then, her voice was very soft and sultry and full of amusement.

"We were just having a good game of Wicked Grace, care to join us?" she asked and smiled sweetly at Greagoir. "I promise not to cheat." Greagoir ignored the woman and glared at the two Templars that had been playing with her.

"I expected better from you Bran and Cullen. I told you to guard her not fraternize with her! Now back to your posts!" roared Greagoir. Both quickly grabbed there helms and headed for the door. The red-haired Templar stopped at the door to look at the girl once more. Aedan noticed the longing in his eyes before he put his helm back on and left the room. Greagoir turned back towards the girl with a disapproving look on his face. The girl held her hand up.

"Before you start yelling, no harm was done. If they are meant to guard me I thought their job would be easier in the room rather in the hallway. I mean, if I'm to just suddenly turn into a scary abomination and start biting heads off people, wouldn't it be best if there was someone there to kill me right when it was happening?" she said sarcastically. "You've had me locked up here all week, I'm lonely and bored. When will I be able to go back to tending the gardens before all my plants die?" She looked past Greagoir and Irving and noticed Duncan and Aedan. Aedan could feel her eyes on him, he felt compelled to meet them. He regretted it the moment he did. Those brilliant green eyes, they seem to look right through him and into his soul. It was as if all the air had been removed from the room and he felt it difficult to breathe. He understood the longing the one Templar had displayed. His very being felt drawn to her, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Kester was modest in his description of her; she was not just pretty; she was breathtaking. She had the most amazing hair color Aedan had ever seen. It was a mixture of reds and gold. Her hair was long and neatly braided in a solo braid that draped over her shoulder to her waist. She was dressed in an emerald and gold robe that accented every feminine curve of her body. Aedan tore his eyes away not wanting to seem like he was gawking.

"And who are these gentlemen? My new guards or have you finally called in the executioners." She looked back at Greagoir and Irving awaiting an answer. Irving spoke up.

"I'm sorry child; this is the Ferelden Grey Warden Commander Duncan." He pointed at Duncan and then beckoned Aedan to step further in the room. "And this is his recruit Aedan Cousland. I have asked Duncan to evaluate you as a potential recruit for the Grey Wardens." The girl seemed thrown off guard by this. She looked between Irving and Greagoir several times before speaking. Her voice was soft, not as confident as earlier. "So this is where my fate lies then," she stated. She pushed her chair back and stood up. She walked to Duncan and curtsied. "I am Amara Amell and I'm ready for my evaluation." She bowed her head waiting for his response. Duncan chuckled.

"No need for formalities my lady." He looked to Greagoir, "You have a training area for the Templars correct?" Greagoir nodded. "Well young lady, let us see what you are capable off."

-O-

The training area behind the Tower was very large. There was a barracks where the Templars lived right next to it. A few Templars were sparing in the main area when they arrived. Greagoir dismissed them so the evaluation could begin. Irving took Amara aside; Aedan overheard the conversation while pretending to be inspecting one of the training dummies.

"I know this is unexpected my dear but I want what is best for you and eventually I will not be able to protect you from the Chantry. The Seekers will come and I will not be able to stop them. This is your way to be free." Amara nodded, she looked distressed and nervous.

"First Enchanter, I have never used my powers to harm anyone. I'm afraid I could hurt someone or that that I am incapable of harming others." Irving wrapped his arms around her and gave her a fatherly hug.

"I have faith in you child that you will do just fine. You've battled demons before, I know you can do this, just remember to stop, do not take it too far." She nodded and took in a deep breath. Irving reached behind him and handed her his staff. "Use my staff; it has more runes than yours."

"Ok First Enchanter, I will do my best." She squared her shoulders and walked into the center of the training ring. A small group of onlookers gathered around the ring. Aedan noticed the red-haired Templar from earlier. His face was marred with concern as he watched Duncan draw his sword and approach Amara.

"Have you ever been in battle before?" asked Duncan.

"Not against humans sir, but I have fought many demons here and in the Fade." Duncan nodded.

"I will start off slow to see where your skills lie but remember darkspawn will never show mercy, this is not a fight to the death but we will be close." Amara just nodded, Aedan noticed her hands were shaking a bit as she held Irving's staff. He felt a knot forming in his stomach, was he actually worried for this woman he just met moments ago?

Duncan circled Amara thrusting his sword at her. Each time she dodged the blade or knocked it away with the staff. This went on for several minutes, Duncan circling her like a wolf would its prey.

"I am not here to test your skills with a staff my lady, show me how you use magic in battle!" Duncan thrust at Amara again and she barely knocked the blade away.

"I don't want to hurt you," she said breathing heavily. It was taking every ounce of her strength to knock his sword away. Aedan watched as Duncan used his shield to slam into her knocking her down on the ground. Her staff had rebounded from the force and split her lip which began to bleed.

"Darkspawn will not show you mercy for your restraint. Bandits and thieves along the road won't be grateful enough to just let you past. Now get up and defend yourself!" Aedan watched as Amara reached up to her lip and pulled her hand back. She looked at the blood with amazement as if it was the first time she had ever been injured. Aedan could have sworn he saw her green eyes glow for a moment as she stood up angrily. She dusted off her robe and wiped the blood off of her lip. Aedan took a moment to glance at the red-haired Templar and saw that he was being restrained by his fellow Templars. Aedan smirked, so much for no mage/Templar relations, he thought with a chuckle. He looked back to see Amara throw the staff on the ground and glare at Duncan.

"You want to see my magic sir, then you shall have it," she stated with an icy calm. In an instant Duncan was thrown across the training area and smashed into a fence near the entrance. No one spoke as the Warden Commander shakily stood up and grabbed his sword and shield.

"Show me more!" he commanded. He charged at her with his sword. Amara didn't run she just stood there calmly with her arms folded. As he raised his sword up to render a blow that would split her skull in two, he was frozen in place. Vines ripped out of the ground from nowhere and encased his legs; others reached up and wrapped themselves around the sword, removing it from his grip. The vines working as hands raised the blade to his throat as he was bound there helpless. Aedan held his breath as he saw his mentor that close to death, he felt he needed to intervene. He stepped forward toward Amara who was just staring at Duncan as the blades pressed against his neck and a small trickle of blood ran down his neck.

"Ah my lady… I do believe he is now aware you are fully capable of defending yourself." Amara shot him an angry look at first then her eyes softened.

"Yes I believe he has…" she said softly. In an instant the vines disappeared and Duncan collapsed on the ground breathing heavy. Aedan saw Amara's hand glow slightly blue and the cuts on Duncan's neck disappeared along with her own split lip. Aedan expected Duncan to be furious when he approached the mage; instead he had a wide grin on his face.

"Very interesting skills! I have not been so easily defeated in any dual. The Wardens could benefit greatly from someone with your abilities. How do you do against multiple opponents? "Duncan asked. Aedan thought it odd he was so excited and happy about almost having his throat cut by vines.

"Pretty much the same," she stated with a confused look on her face. "Sometimes it is easier if there are multiple things to attack, I don't have to be as specific with the use of my magic."

"Most excellent my lady, darkspawn rarely travels solo." Duncan turned to Greagoir and Irving who were standing near the entrance to the barracks. "Gentlemen, may we speak in private?" Duncan and the other two men went back inside the tower. Aedan was left with Amara in the training area. There was an awkward silence for a few moments before Amara spoke.

"So what's it like being a Grey Warden recruit?" she asked. Aedan chuckled at the question, ever since fleeing Highever he never really pondered what being a recruit meant. Aedan flashed her, what he hoped, was a charming smile. "Well milady it's kind of like being a mabari on a leash. So far my career as a recruit has entailed me just following Duncan from Highever to here. I was just recruited five days ago so I am not an expert by any means." She blush slightly when he smiled at her, Aedan was surprised. Here was a woman that could probably kill him before he could draw his swords yet she blushed at his smile. He was about to say something else to her when the red-haired Templar rushed to her side.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" the Templars voice was rather frantic.

"No Cullen, I'm alright… nothing more than a bit of minor healing. See all better," she stuck her lips out. Aedan couldn't help but notice how soft and perfect they looked. The Templar reached his hand up as if to touch them but quickly pulled his hand back and looked around. Aedan raised his eyebrow at this but said nothing, obviously there was something going on between the two. The Templar saw him looking at them and sneered at him.

"Do all Grey Wardens hit women like that?" he said with disdain in his voice. Aedan was getting annoyed with this Templar. He understood why Duncan did it but basically asking if Grey Wardens were a bunch of lechers was a bit much.

"Yes, in between killing hordes of darkspawn we roam the country side looking for women to smack around," Aedan replied sarcastically which got a giggle from Amara. "While I do not condone my Commanders actions, he did what he did to make her actually show us her abilities."

"I'm fine Cullen, and Aedan is right, I was holding back until he made me mad." Amara patted him on the arm. "You best get back to your station, you already got in trouble once today because of me." Cullen glared at Aedan before he took his leave. "Sorry about that, Cullen is a bit over protective."

"I see that," responded Aedan. "Anyway as far as being a Grey Warden is concerned. Duncan hasn't told me a lot other than the basics regarding darkspawn and Blights." Aedan motioned to a bench nearby where they could sit and talk. "If Duncan recruits you, we'll be headed for Ostagar when we leave here."

"Ostagar? We'd be going directly to the battle?" She seemed surprised by this. "Several mages left for Ostagar a few weeks ago to join the Kings army there. I guess I thought there would be some training first before we'd be expected to fight." She seemed to get a bit nervous and somewhat fidgety.

"I think the extent of our training will be 'See darkspawn, kill darkspawn'," he smiled. She seemed to relax a bit and smiled back at him.

"Easy enough to remember I suppose. But I'm not so sure they will let me leave regardless of what Irving said. I just can't see Greagoir letting me leave this place alive." She looked down at her hands then smiled sadly at Aedan. "I'm sure a life of adventure killing darkspawn is preferable to being locked in my room all the time but I'm not going to get my hopes up." Just as Aedan was about to tell her that Grey Wardens couldn't be denied even by a King the door to the tower burst open and Duncan stepped through with Greagoir on his heels.

"… I won't allow this! She is not leaving this tower!" Greagoir shouted.

"You have no authority over the Grey Wardens, I can and will recruit any individual I see fit," responded Duncan calmly. Duncan approached Amara and Aedan with Greagoir and Irving trailing behind him. "Amara Amell, I officially conscript you into the Grey Wardens."

-O-