"Character speaking"

"Character thoughts"

"Tranquil speaking"

"Spirit speaking"

"Demon speaking"

"Abomination speaking"

Time Skip

Place's

(Author speaking)


I do not own any of the character of Dragon Age. They are all the property of Bioware and EA Games.


A PART OF THE CIRCLE

In the apprentice dome's

"Are you all right? Say something, please…"

Adam cracked an eye open, wincing at the headache he felt "Jowan?".

"I'm glad you're all right. They carried you in this morning. I didn't even realize you'd been gone all night" Jowan said sounding relief.

Adam then got himself out of his bed and look up at his longtime friend.

"I've heard about apprentices who never come back from Harrowings. Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?" Jowan ask curiosity.

"We're friends but don't ask this. You know I can't tell you" said Adam.

(Hnph) "So much for friendship. I'll leave you alone then. And now you get to more to the nice mages quarters upstairs. I'm stuck here and I don't know when they'll call me for my Harrowing" Jowan said upset.

"They'll summon you to the test when you're ready" Adam said trying to cheer Jowan.

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

"Maybe you're just not ready yet" said Adam.

"I've been ready for a long time. First you and then Shaene I'm afraid they don't want me to take the test. You do the Harrowing, the rite of Tranquillity... or you die. That's what happens" said Jowan.

"They're not going to kill you, Jowan" said Adam.

"They might not. But the rite of Tranquillity is just as bad... Maybe worse. You seen tranquil around the Tower. Like Owain, who runs the stockroom. He's so cold. No, not even cold. There's just... Nothing in him. It's like he's dead, but still walking. His voice, his eyes are lifeless" said Jowan.

"What did they do to him?" Adam ask curiosity.

"He's been made Tranquil. I don't know how they do it exactly, but you're cut off from the Fade. It takes away your magic abilities, along with your dreams... and emotions"

"No emotions? How's that possible?" Adam ask curiosity.

"The Fade is the dream realm. Maybe it's a side effect of being cut off from the Fade. No dreams, no emotions. Apprentices can ask to be made tranquil if they fear the Harrowing. But the Circle can also forces Tranquillity on those they feel are weak. And sometimes they force it on apprentices they think might be too... Dangerous as mages. I'm sorry. I shouldn't waste your time with this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you woke up" said Jowan.

"What for" Adam ask curiosity.

"He didn't tell me. About the Harrowing, I'd guess, but you never know with Irving. You'd better not keep him waiting. We can speak later" Jowan said before walking away.

As Adam walk towards the door he could hear Twp female apprentices talking about him.

"Did you hear anything? Is he all right? Is he awake?".

"Why do you care? Are you best friends now?".

"I'm just curious! That templar, Cullen, said it was the quickest, cleanest Harrowing he'd ever seen! He must be so talented".

"Someone sounds jealous".

"I just know I'll be terrified when my time comes. Like Wendell was. He threw up every day for the next week just thinking about it".

As Adam walk down the hall he could hear two other apprentices talking.

"Did you hear".

"Hear what?".

"They suggests someone practicing blood magic".

"Why would anyone do something so stupid? That's a death sentence".

"Because blood magic is powerful? You can bend others to your will... and... and... force demons into your service. That's what I hear anyway".

As Adam walk though the library he saw a teacher teaching his apprentice a fire spell "... You must control the fire with your will. Keep the flames steady. We don't want it sputtering and leading about-that's want causes most of the injuries" said the teacher.

"I-injuries? B-b-but" the apprentice said scare which cause the flames to grow larger and a bit out control.

"Steady! It reacts to your emotions. If you panic, it will - no! No, no! Breathe!" the teacher said trying to calm his apprentice down.

However it didn't work and as the flames were about to hurt the apprentice the teacher quickly used a ice spell to put them out.

"You know, in my experience, flint and tinder works just as well... maybe we should start with that?" said the teacher.

As Adam headed up a set of stairs to the next floor of the tower he took a left side and heading into a corner and as he walk down the hall he look into a room and saw a mage clearing which was a bit odd as the tranquil usual do the clearing and mage then spotted Adam so Adam decided to find out why.

"I'm sorry but i'm terribly busy right now. I have to prepare the room before the Grey Warden is done at his meeting with Irving" said the old Mage.

"There's a Grey Warden here?" Adam ask curiosity.

"Yes. Duncan, his name is. He must be here to talk to Irving about something important. You know, I almost became a Grey Warden once" said the old Mage.

"Really?" Adam ask curiosity.

"There were several of us chosen, though the Grey Warden only wanted one recruit, they only ever have one mage, you see. I think they thought I was the best candidate, but I was young and foolish and I said I wasn't interested. They picked someone else instead, and that was that. I've regretted it ever since. Ah, well, I should get back to my work" said the old Mage.

Just as Adam continue his way to Irving's office he saw a man waving at him trying to caught Adam's attention so Adam went to see what he wanted.

"Ah, there you are," a mage said, looking up from laying out linens on the bed. "You are to be moved up from the apprentice's quarters, and this will be your new room. Go on, make yourself comfortable" Poking around, Adam found a handful of coppers left by whoever the previous occupant was and a few sheets of vellum. Pocketing the coins, Adam nodded to the man and continue his way to Irving's quarters but along the he passed the templar that took him to his Harrowing, if Adam remember correctly his name was Cullan Rutherford and he hasn't been a Temple for very long, he gave Adam a polite nod.

"Greetings. I'm glad your Harrowing went well" said Cullan.

"I wasn't looking forward to being run through, either" said Adam.

"Some temples I know discuss such things with glee. I don't share their enthusiasm. I try to serve the Maker first, and foremost. As long as I am guided by His commandments, I cannot go wrong. Honesty, I've never seen a abomination... or been called on to slay one" said Cullan.

"So you could have made a mistake" said Adam.

"Greagoir would have guided me. Something must... Happen. But what if it's not obvious? Could abominations be walking among us right now?" said Cullan.

"What kind of templar is so easily frightened?" Adam ask.

"This is still new to me. Maybe one day I'll be as dedicated and driven as Knight Commander Greagoir" said Cullan.

"His is a very dedicated man, yes" said Adam.

"You must be busy. Perhaps we can talk another time" said Cullan.

Adam heading straight to Irving's quarters and when arrived he was met with a argument between Irving and Greagoir.

"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!" Greagoir said angrily or in his normal tone of voice Adam could never tell the difference with Greagoir.

"Your own?" Irving said dryly. "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?"

"How dare you suggest-" before Greagoir could finish he was interrupted.

"Gentlemen, please!" The third man said. Daylen eyed him, noting lightweight armor as opposed to the heavy plate Templars wore or a mage's robes "Irving, someone is here to see you".

"First Enchanter?" Adam said respectfully.

"Ah, if it isn't our new brother in the Circle. Come, child" said Irving.

"This is...?" the mysterious man ask curiosity.

"Yes, this is he," Irving replied cryptically.

"Well, Irving, you're obviously busy," Greagoir said, clearly feeling as if he had been dismissed when everyone's attention was on Adam "We'll discuss this later".

"Of course," Irving replied absently as the Knight-Commander left. "Well, then…where was I? Oh, yes. This is Duncan, of the Grey Warden's".

"Pleased to meet you" Adam said respectfully.

"You've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king's army at Ostagar" said Irving.

"I would like to defend Ferelen" Adam said but in truth all he really wanted was to see the outside world.

"With the Darkspawn invading, we need all the help we can get, especially from the Circle," Duncan said "I fear if we don't drive them back, we will face another Blight".

"What are Darkspawn" Adam ask curiosity.

"They are twisted monsters that dwell underground, where the sun's light cannot touch them. They have formed into a horde in the Korcari wilds and threaten to invade north into the valley. I fear if we don't drive them back, we may see another Blight" Duncan said seriously.

"Duncan, you worry the poor lad with talk of Blights and Darkspawn. This is a happy day for him" said Irving.

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

"We should seize moments of levity, especially in troubled times" said Irving.

"The Harrowing is behind you," Irving said. "Your phylactery was sent to Denerim. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi".

"My leash, you mean" said Adam.

"Now, child, it's not that bad" said Irving.

"I'm sorry- what is this phylactery?" Duncan ask curiosity.

"Blood is taken from all apprentice when they first come to the tower and is preserved in special vials" Irving explained.

"So they can be hunted if they turn apostate" said Duncan.

"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" Irving explained to Duncan before turning his attention on to Adam.

"You have done this. present you with robes befitting your new station, your staff, and a ring bearing the Circle's insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them" said Irving.

"What happens now?" Adam ask curiosity.

"Patience, child, you have been through an ordeal. Let's 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" said Irving.

"Can I leave the tower?" Adam ask hopefully.

"Not yet, remember, the tower's walls protect us as they as they protect others from us" said Irving.

"I will return to my quarters" Duncan said.

"Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan back to his room, child?" Irving asked.

"It would be my pleasure" Adam said, nodding to the First Enchanter.

Adam turn his attention towards Duncan "Er…would you prefer I address you as Warden, or Ser Duncan, or…".

"Merely Duncan is fine," Duncan replied "May I call you Adam?".

"I would hope you would, Do you know the way, or should I lead?" said Adam.

"Lead on, young man" Duncan said and Adam nodded and the two set off, Adam's new robes and staff under his arm. He slip on the Ring of Study, feeling the lyrium infused in the silver resonate with his magic. (In this story you can wear six more rings and two necklaces)

"Thank you for walking with me. I am glad for the company" said Duncan.

"I've always done what Irving asks of me" Adam replied.

"I'm sure Irving is very proud to have had you as a pupil" said Duncan.

"I wanted to talk to you a little more"

"Yes? What about?" Duncan ask.

"Why were Irving and Greagoir arguing about the war?" Adam ask curiosity.

"It is not my place to comment," Duncan said stiffly.

Adam then turn around and look at Duncan giving him his famous 'You can trust me' look which has won over several mages and countless authority figures over the year's.

(Signed) "Greagoir serves the Chantry, and the relationship between the Chantry and mages has always been strained" Duncan explained.

"Yeah no kindling" Adam muttered under his breath.

"You've realized by now that the Chantry merely tolerates magic? They watch only because they feel they must" said Duncan.

"Yes, but they were arguing about the war," Adam ask curiosity.

"Any mages who join the king's army can unleash their full power on the Darkspawn. In fact, I'm counting on it. Greagoir may be afraid of what will happen. What if mages decide they no longer want to be governed by the Chantry?" Duncan explained.

"What are your opinions on the matter?" Adam ask curiosity.

"I believe we must defeat the Darkspawn, one way or another. My opinions end there" Duncan said in a serious tone.

"Have there been many Darkspawn attacks?" Adam ask curiosity.

"A horde has formed within the Korcari Wilds in the south. If they are not stopped, they will strike north into the valley. We Grey Wardens believe than an Archdemons is leading the horde" Duncan explained.

"That sounds ominous," said Adam.

"Darkspawn do attack the surface in ragtag bands, but Archdemons are capable of rallying the Darkspawn, turning them into an unstoppable force. A horde of Darkspawn is a veritable army. It is dire news indeed. I fear this is what we will have to face" said Duncan.

"And the King is mustering an army to beat back this threat?" Adam ask curiosity.

"Yes. Perhaps it will be enough... If we play our cards right" said Duncan.

"I suppose all we can do is hope" said Adam.

"Hope, and pray, friend. Come, let us be on our way" said Duncan.

Adam and Duncan continue their way to Duncan's quarters, and once Duncan entered it he turn around to the young mage. "Thank you for escorting me".

(I know that Jowan comes running to you straight away after you escorted Duncan to his quarters but in this story it happens after you completed the Infected Storeroom quest)

Seeing that he had nothing better to do Adam decided to just wander around the Tower for a bit until find or think of something to do and as Adam walk around he entered the Mage Laboratory but as he did another mage walk up to him.

"I've avoid Leorah if I were you, she's been rather testy lately" said the Mage.

"Why?" Adam ask curiously.

"Who knows. I'm not going to ask her why she's irritable. Women hate those kinds of questions" said the Mage.

However Adam's curiosity got the better of him and he walk towards the elven women who was wearing senior mage robe's.

"Yes?" Leorah ask.

"What's that door over?" Adam ask curiously.

"That leads to the Circle's cavern storerooms. There are caves running through the rock that the Circle is built upon. But of course you know this" said Leorah.

"Can I look inside the caverns?" Adam ask.

"No. I can't let anyone in there just now" Leorah said jumpy which caught Adam's attention.

"Why?" Adam ask curiously.

(Sign)"There are just... things... in there that I prefer to keep... safe" said Leorah.

"What things?" Adam ask curiously.

"Sensitive magical material and substances, of course. I am in the midst of Stock-taking. Checking inventory. And I.. can't let anyone in there in case of they... mess things up yes" said Leorah.

"So why are you out here and not in there?" Adam pointed out.

"Because I... am taking a break. I hate the musty smell of caves, and I... (Sign) Look, I'll tell you the truth, just keep it to yourself. There is an infestation of spiders in the caves. I don't know how they got there but it's probably my fault. I was promoted to senior enchanter less than a fortnight ago and I don't want anyone to find out. They'll think I'm incompetent!" said Leorah.

"Do you need any help?" Adam ask since he had nothing better to do.

"I could use some, I'm sure. I've been too busy with my new duties- I haven't been able to deal with the spiders. If you cleared them out for me I would owe you a favor. A big one" said Leorah.

"Is that all?" Adam ask hoping that he might get something out of it.

"I really have nothing to offer you. There are things in the storeroom, of couse, but I'm not at library to just give them away" said Leorah.

"All right. I'll do it" Adam said thinking that maybe he could take a thing or two that weren't important.

"Wonderful! Here is the key. Oh, and be careful in there.I'd really like to keep the damage done to the Circle's property to a minimum" said Leorah.

Adam walk over to the storage room double door and unlock it and went into the large caves and not far from the door was some wooden crates with most of them were empty except for one which had a amulet inside. (It's the Charm of Still Waters amulet that is inside the first wooden crate)

"Don't mind if do" Adam thought as he took the amulet thinking that it maybe useful later on or he could sell it to someone but not far from the wooden crates was a chest which had another amulet which Adam also took and continue his way into the caves where he arrive at a crossroads but Adam knew that if he goes down either path he would eventually back here so he took the right side and not long after a Giant Spider appeared so Adam ready a spell and fired the Lightning spell at the creature killing it and continue to make his way down the path and eventually he saw two Giant Spider's near some more wooden crates so Adam ready himself again and when the two creatures spotted him they rush at him together which was a mistake as when close enough together and near Adam he unleashed the Shock spell killing the two Giant Spider's and once it was done Adam decided to look around however most of the wooden crates were empty except for just one which had a lesser Lyrium Potion in it so Adam made his way but just as he turn the corner another Giant Spider appeared and try to bit him however Adam was quick enough to use the Winter's Grasp spell to freeze it in place and then use the Arcane Bolt Spell to finished off then as Adam continue walking he spotted a chest so he walk towards it but just as he did two Giant Spider's appeared one in front of him and the other behind him so Adam quickly use the Winter's Grasp spell to freeze the one in front of him in place and turn around unleashed the Shock spell killing other then turn around a fired a Arcane Bolt Spell to finished off the other Spider just as Adam's Winter's Grasp spell worn off and once it was finished he walk over towards the chest and found some Lyrium Dust and a pair of leather boot's and Adam took everything before walking off and not long after he spotted some more wooden crates as well as another Giant Spider to Adam fired a Arcane Bolt spell at it which only hurt it and just as Adam was about to fire another Arcane Bolt spell to finish it off another Giant Spider appeared but this time was poisonous which Adam could tell as unlike the other Giant Spider's this was one was green so Adam use the Winter's Grasp spell to freeze it in place before it got the chance to poison him and then unleashed the Shock spell killing the Poisonous Spider as well as the one before afterwards once Adam regain his breath he continue his way and he knew that he was almost where the crossroads were at and just as he walk towards the corner another Giant Spider appeared however before it could do anything to Adam he fired a Lightning spell at it killing it immediately.

"That must be the last of them I've better go tell Leorah" Adam thought as he walk down the path and arrived at the crossroads then walk down towards the storage room double door and unlock it and went into the Mage Laboratory where he saw Leorah waiting for him.

"You're back! Are the spiders gone?" Leorah ask curiosity.

"I've dealt with your infestation" said Adam.

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful! You're saved my hide, I'm sure. And I owe you a favor so if you need anything... I'll be here" said Leorah.

"All right see ya later" Adam said before walking towards the door.

The next chapter

THE ESCAPE ATTEMPT