Bioware owns the game, (lucky sods) and any off cannon things belong to me.
Arianna smiled to herself at her best friend, suddenly realizing that even though it's obvious that he was attractive and had a humorous personality, best friend is all he really can be. She sighed to herself at the realization and felt mad at herself for she did want more, but couldn't figure out why exactly her mind was telling her this. Because you're a mage in the circle, stupid. There is no future for you. She growled quietly in frustration when she listened to the other part of her mind that told her he wasn't the only one that she liked and cursed herself slightly for her magic. Although she would never, Never, consider getting rid of it, even if she could, she couldn't help the tear in her heart she felt that she couldn't have a normal life. If she were to escape the tower then she'd be an apostate and that certainly wouldn't give her a normal life. Was there another way though? She thought sadly. There were many times she thought about it for she often felt like a caged bird, so the saying goes, whenever she'd read about all the wonders of the world out there.
With another heavy sigh, for her cheerful friends often kept this mood at bay, she returned her attention to her book once more. She tried to skip through all the stuff about the assassins but it seems they were always in the story, thoroughly annoying her for she didn't like assassins much. Killing for money, lying constantly, and, for some reason, people always seemed to be attracted to such men and women! Why bed someone who could kill you with a slight flick of their hand? While on the subject, why bed someone you don't even love? She would hear of the other mages often whispering to each other to join them privately for they learned of a new spell that could cause pleasure when used right, or found a book that mentioned something that they wanted to try. Then, the next day comes around, and they don't even know the other person exists. Before she used to think that maybe that whatever it was didn't really work and caused the opposite of pleasure. Then her brother laughed at her when she brought it up, saying that sometimes that is the case, but more often than not they were only in it for the shear experience and used someone they weren't going to hang with much afterwards. The thought made her sad, because she knew that if that were to happen to her, she'd want that person to still be in her life.
She shook her head, for she again got lost in thought instead of her book. Looking back to her book she gave in to reading about the group of assassins and found that it was kind of interesting, and you can't read one without the other unless the book were just about the deadly group. It seems that most of Antiva's Royalty were involved with these people and that's how most of the Kings or Queens came to rule, having them assassinate their way to the top. The group was named after some sort of bird though she could never understood why until recently. A murder of Crows. She huffed in amusement and shook her head and went back to reading, only to find that she'd finished the book. Now she'd have to find some book that she hadn't already read. She couldn't really find herself focusing much on the books as she thought about what she just read, something sticking in her brain.
'The royalty of Antiva did not get to where they were by being nice, being a hero and saving the day like most children story's would have you believe. It was quite to opposite however and is not the case in only Antiva. It is not uncommon that there would be an assassination to remove someone's power from time to time in Ferelden, the Anderfels, or Amaranthine, Orlais especially if you failed the Game, however it seems that Antiva goes through three Kings in month. It never stops there though, however, for many noble families strive for the rule in Antiva and will stop at nothing considering how the city guards don't think anything of it. Not that the other families are the only ones who would stoop so low as to hire the skilled assassins to kill their way into royalty, Oh no. Sometimes when the king would bare more than two sons, the others behind would grow zealous for power and hire the trained killers for their own personal gain.'
Arianna shivered, for she loved the family she has. Or had as is probably more efficient of a word for it, as her brother is the only remaining family she has now. Being snapped away from her parents and little sister at a young age has a way of making it seem like they aren't family any more. Still, the very thought of wanting power so much that it would drive her to do such a thing? She knew there was a word for what people became for doing things such as that. Demons. She's been a 'good mage gal' for not running away to blood magic to fulfill her 'needs'. Not that she'll deny that they do call out to her in the fade. And as any mage knows, the fade isn't the only dangerous place for people with magic, the fade can still call out to them in the waking world. It's like she has an angel and devil on her shoulders at all times. It gets exhausting if she's being honest with herself. But she wouldn't trade it for the world. It's a part of her, doesn't matter that demons are attracted to that part of her. Not that the Templars want us to think like that. Arianna thought sullenly. They believe us to be demons, things to be under constant surveillance. Things that can love and therefore shouldn't be loved. Well, most of them think that way.
She was suddenly aware of a presence behind her, thinking her friends were coming to ambush her and follow her around seeing as how they're probably finishing up for the day, to turn and see a Templar. She had to work hard to hide both relief and annoyance that this was not one of her friends. It worked, and she beamed one of her famous smiles at him in question.
"Greetings, Ser Templar." Seeing no other reason why he'd be here, she asked "Is there something you need? Or did I do something wrong? I was coming right back to my table, that's why I didn't clean it yet if that's what this is about."
He didn't answer right away, just stared at her, then coughed. "No, you did nothing, but Knight Commander Greagoir has ordered that no mage should leave a Templars line of sight."
Slightly confused, she shook her head and asked again. "If I need to be constantly watched, then surely I did something wrong, Ser...Templar." Usually one would address Templars with their name and title, but having never met him before, she was at a loss.
He answered again with the same neutral voice "You have done nothing. Just a safety precaution to make sure you mages are not a hazard to anyone's safety."
She shrugged and turned away, bored of his talking and used to the tight security, enough to not make a fuss anymore. Out loud anyway. She tried to start up some conversation with him so she at least knew something about him. "So everywhere, huh?" When he didn't reply she kept going. "Even when we sleep?" She shivered slightly at the thought. Creepy.
"When sleeping, that's where mages are the most vulnerable. In the fade is when they have the most contact with demons and spirits looking for a host." He said sternly. Must be boring, watching us all the time.
He hadn't quite convinced her, every Templar said these things. But with him it sounded forced. Like he didn't quite believe it. Almost like Cullen. She continued with her questions, but she wasn't really interested in the answers since she was still looking for a book. "So... What about in public areas then? There are already hundreds of Templars everywhere, roaming the halls and such. No to mention I haven't really seen someone with their own pet Templar following them around." She snickered to herself as she compared him to a dog, and continued scanning the titles of some books.
He coughed again before he answered. "When in public I will join the other Templars and watch from afar, but close at the same time. If trouble were to arise, I would need to act quickly, but not intimidate the mages into self-defense, causing a more dangerous situation on top of it, if we're unable to contain the problem. As for not seeing other Templars following mages, I don't think you are being entirely truthful, considering Templar-Recruit Cullen follows you everywhere when he isn't tending to something else and doesn't think anyone is watching."
"Hmm... I'll give you that one Ser... I'm sorry but who are you?" She had given up on trying to place him, too many Templars in this damned tower.
"Knight Johnson." He answered gruffly. Hm, not much of a talker then. Fine. Arianna thought sulkily. "Well nice to meet you, Ser Johnson. I was just going to look around for my friends. You're welcome to come with, though I doubt I have little choice in the matter." She said in dismissal, walking in the direction of where Jowan usually studied not wanting to talk to the Templar anymore.
Liam chuckled at Solona as she cursed under her breath. For the past hour he had been trying to get her to successfully craft a Maker's Sigh. Not that the elixir is easy to make, mind you, but they have been working on things equally as difficult and she had it right the first few times. Her stronger ones are the rock armor potions and elfroot poltices. Her weak ones are the stamina potions and obviously the Maker's Sigh. She is always hard on herself when she can't make effective potions or when her spells fail, but she is a very efficient mage. She hasn't gone through her harrowing yet but she is sure to in weeks time at most.
"Come on, Sol. you can do it. The recipe is right there, just focus." He encouraged, purring out that last part, knowing that it was his voice that was distracting her, and he loved to tease her.
"You just had to talk didn't you?" she mumbled. He rolled his eyes in response.
"How am I supposed to teach if I don't say anything? Now that just doesn't make any sense Sol." He teased again in his cocky tone.
"Shhh... I'm trying to work. When we're done with this, why don't we do other things with that mouth of yours, hm?" She hummed suggestively. He grinned widely hoping that she'd say that, and waited patiently for the potion to hurry up and brew to the right point.
"So how do we know when it's done?" She asked, being serious again. He frowned at this.
"Didn't you read the recipe? It tells you when, just look." He passed the note over.
"Of course I read it, I just forgot." She said defensively. Then added, "It's your fault for that you know." She poked him in his ribs.
He mumbled when she did this, knowing perfectly well how ticklish he was, due to their last lesson when he tried to help her with her Arcane Shields. "Hardly my problem that I can distract you just by talking. Now, pay attention to the potion so we don't have to start over. Again."
She scowled when he brought up her failed attempts with the potion, and glared daggers. "Ass." She mumbled and turned back to pour the elixir in a bottle when she was sure that it was right. "Did I get it right?" she asked hopefully, passing it over to Liam.
"What the potion or the comment?" He quipped and added. "Well either way it doesn't matter, the answer is still yes."
"And it's about time." Said a familiar voice from behind. They looked to see Anders walking in and over to the station that he had left half an hour ago. "I learned that one a year ago on my first try, might I add." He said while picking up the leftover ingredients and discarding the used stems.
Solona scowled and retorted "I stand corrected. He's the one that's the ass of our group." She sighed and added, "What are you doing back anyway? I thought you were off to talk to a certain girl that makes your heart flutter so and just so happens to be our friend's little sister. We were going to clean up for you."
"I know, THAT is why I came back. Either you two would've been caught up in activities for too long and didn't around to it, leaving me to get in trouble, OR you would've messed it up more than it already was. Also leading me to get in trouble and be on cleanup duty for a week. I just got over my last punishment for escaping, and I don't fancy cleaning up after you two, friends or not." He narrowed his eyes at the two before going back to cleaning.
Liam and Solona sniffed in unison earning a look from Anders when Liam said, "He knows us so well. I am honored that the almighty Escape Artist Anders has found room in his heart to call us friends."
"Oh, shut up and go make out in the corner you two. The sooner I clean up the sooner I can talk to Ari."
The two looked at each other and shrugged, then walked to go find privacy.
Jowan looked up when he heard the soft footsteps of Arianna walking up and looked at her with a beaming smile. The smile turned to a confused expression when he saw that the helmeted Templar who was accompanying her was obviously NOT Cullen. "What's this?" He asked her when she sat down, and the Templar stood by at the nearby wall.
She shrugged, unimpressed and uninterested, and answered "Apparently I'm to be watched by a Templar at all times. Safety precautions and what-not. Anyway, not important. Are you done with studying today? I was wanting to … talk to you. About something, obviously, but it's important." She said almost shyly, and Jowan froze with excitement. She wants to talk to me? Now? Why did it have to be now?
He sighed defeated. "Sorry, Ari, but I can't. The first enchanter wanted to speak with me and I was just about to go. We will definitely be able to afterwards during dinner though, right?" He didn't like disappointing her and bringing that sad look on her face. She was the kind of girl that always had a smile on her face and if you did anything to make it disappear well. He didn't want to be that guy.
She sighed and put on what he knew was a forced smile, then said, "It's okay. I understand. You can't keep the First Enchanter waiting. This isn't really something I'd like to discuss in front of the others though..." She trailed and his heart skipped a beat at what that implied.
"Well, I could walk you to the girls dorms and we could speak then, if you wish." He offered and sighed with relief when she smiled again.
"That sounds great! Thank you Jowan." She got up pecked him on the cheek and he felt the blood rush to his cheeks. "It's no... It's really no problem Ari." He got up as well and walked to the First Enchanters office with a skip in his step.
She smiled at him when he looked back at her as he was leaving, Her heart swelling in her chest. Yes, she did like Anders and thought he was cute, yes Cullen's nervous attitude was adorable, but Jowan was always on her mind, and was the only one she could truly talk to about everything. Nial was just a friend, a treasured friend, but a friend nonetheless. The thing was, Jowan seemed to have everything she liked about her other friends wrapped in one package. He was funny, cute, and his shy awkward demeanor just added to his cute charm.
She stopped when she realized that she was just standing there with a bit of a dreamy look in her eyes, and the Templar staring at her, as per usual. She huffed and walked off in the direction of the Alchemy labs, not paying attention and suddenly walked right into her brother and Solona. They looked at her with a smirk on their faces, what for? She couldn't possibly guess, when suddenly their body language reminded her of a spooked animal, ridged and on guard, when their eyes caught the Templar standing close by her. "Who's your friend?" Liam said slowly.
She snorted. "Yeah, not my friend. He's a guide of sorts, keeping a close eye on me and all. Shit at talking though."
"A closer eye than our dear Cullen keeps on you? I didn't think that would be possible." Solona chuckled once and glanced cautiously at the Templar. She wasn't liking the vibe he cast out.
"People keep saying that today... I don't like it." Arianna pouted slightly, causing the two older mages laugh.
"Oh, you know it's true though, don't you Ari?" Liam teased, nudging her shoulder playfully and she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I was notified of this earlier, yes. Anyway I was going to go and practice with making a few potions before dinner, and I wanted to tell you guys that I want some alone time tonight after dinner. I have a lot to think about, aaand..." She paused when Liam and Solona smiled at this and nodded once to each other. "What?"
"Of course, Ari, though I have to ask... If you wanted alone time why did you ask Jowan to speak with you afterwards?" Solona asked a little too sweetly to be truly innocent.
"I.. Well I... Well it wouldn't be private if I told you now would it?" She retorted and nodded in goodbye and walked off in the way they were coming from, to put an end their teasing.
Seeing Anders cleaning up his table sent a wave of guilt through her. If she were older and more mature... Maybe? Her brother often joked that she was so much more mature for her age, that he often thought she was an "old soul". She tried to be silent in her presence but the stupid Templar blew her cover with his heavy footsteps, and Anders looked up. "Oh, what's this? I thought my punishment was over." he whined.
"No, no. Not your punishment, mine." She said sulkily."Anyway, I was going to make some potions to buy some time for dinner, if you want to stay and chat I won't stop you. Maker knows I can't stand another talk with this guy." She mumbles and starts on making a few health poultices and enjoys his company until the dinner bell sounds.
Jowan looks over at Arianna while their table continues on laughing, telling stories about what new thing the newest apprentice screwed up today. Most of everybody was laughing and chiming in, except for Anders. Jowan was a bit confused by that, since he knew passed up a chance to tease someone. He even teases Ari. Alot. Jowan didn't know what to make of that, but he did see some sadness and something else, regret maybe, etched on his features and pooling in his eyes when Ari's brother brought up the 'dreamy look in her eyes' and the way she stumbled over her words when they caught her making plans to see Jowan alone. Even though they were friends, Jowan still couldn't help the tinge of satisfaction he felt when he realized he was the one Ari chose over Anders, the Circle Towers very own heart-breaker. Anders could have all the girls he wants, Jowan has the belle of the Ball.
"Aww look, she's getting defensive and annoyed Liam. I think we hit a nerve!" giggled Solona.
"Oooh, we don't want that now do we? We don't want to have to face her wrath!" jested her brother and glanced to the Templar a few tables to their left. "Ohh, looks like Anders isn't the only one upset by this little establishment. Don't look now Ari, but I think Cullen is looking at you! You little Heart-worm, you." Continued Liam as he laughed heartily at the ridiculous name he gave her. Arianna just groaned and tried to quickly finish her food.
"On a different and serious note... Do any of you remember your home? You know, before the Circle?" Liam asked them. They never really talk about it, they don't like to dwell on the things and people they left behind. "Do you know where your parents are Jowan?"
"No, and I don't care. Why?" Jowan shifted in his seat raised an eyebrow at Liam. "I was just curious. We never talk much about them, you never really bring them up." Jowan shifted again and stared down at his food. "I don't really want to think about them I guess. You know I got here when I was five, three years before you and Ari got here. My mother stopped talking to me when I showed signs of magical ability. She wouldn't even look at me. She'd just mutter under her breath that I was a demon child and an abomination in the Maker's sight." Everyone grew silent as they listened to him speak. Only Ari Spoke up. "That's cruel." she had whispered in a soft voice. Jowan nodded and looked back up at everyone. "Mother could be cruel. Especially if you got on her bad side, which was easy to do. She'd fight with my father, saying she didn't want "that thing"-meaning me- in her house. Guess that's what drove him to leave me at the village chantry. I suppose it's just as well. I didn't like being there after that anymore than she wanted me there. Bah... It's in the past. I have found a new family here in our ragtag group." He smiled at everyone and they all murmured a soft agreement. Liam looked at Sol next, "What about you Sol? What's your old family like?"
She was quiet for a moment. "I don't remember much about them. I was four when I was brought here, but I remember a big castle. I know I lived there and I know I belonged to a noble family somewhere. The Amells? They have magic in their bloodline and have been trying to get ride of it for centuries. That's all I know, and that the smell of honeysuckles bring up only flashes of a noble lady. Whether she was my mother or her sister I can't tell. That's all I really know." They all feigned the best bows they could while sitting, all cheering my lady in jest. They all looked to Petra and she just shook her head. "I believe I was born in the Circle. Or at least a baby when they brought me. No memories of my family at all really." Niall spoke up then, "My mother told me once that I would be destined for great things. I only remember her being kind, and whispering that every night before I'd fall asleep. Then the Templars came and that was that." Nobody bothered asking Anders, knowing that it was almost as sore a subject for him as it was for the siblings. Everyone soon began talking about other things that Jowan couldn't focus on, and instead turned his attention to Arianna.
She had cast a quick glance in Jowan's direction, and he understood her meaning and quickly gulped down his tea, forgetting it was hot. He winced in pain but he knew it would be worth it later, and felt Ari's hand timidly nudge his. He leaped at the opportunity, and laced their fingers together, earning a slight blush to rise in her cheeks. She grabbed her spoon with her other hand and had one last bite of the tomato soup that was served today and tugged her hand out of his gently when she stood. He let go hesitantly and grabbed both of their trays to carry over to the dishwasher kitchens. Today there was a chantry boy that was probably two years older than him, with sandy-brown hair. Jowan snorted with sympathy at the boy and handed him their dishes. He nodded his head in acknowledgment and turned back to the sinks to start washing the dishes. Since Ari doesn't really need her guide when she's going to the dorms and has a half hour time to get cleaned and ready for bed, they walked past their table, without looking at their friends, and walked towards the apprentice's dorms.
When in the hall, Ari quickly grabbed his hand and locked their fingers. He rejoiced at her touch, couldn't believe that she'd ever pick him when there were others that are stronger mages than him. Maker knows he wasn't about to complain though and sighed happily. He was beginning to think she wasn't even going to talk, but she then broke the silence and asked, "So, I guess... by now, you know what it was I wanted to speak with you about?" she trailed for a second when he gently squeezed her hand in reassurance. "Which brings me to the next part of what I was going to say. By now, my father back in the Alienage would've started looking for a life partner for me if I wasn't...um.. I would've had to start taking on bigger responsibilities and... When we found out about me and my brother becoming a mage, we had to grow up then and there." She stopped in her tracks and was attempting to get back on track. He nodded, he knew what she meant by having growing up too fast under certain circumstances. Almost every mage here had to do it and it was part of the mutual understanding and bond of every one of them here. Even though most have to grow up fast, that doesn't mean they mature as quickly. Just look at Anders for Makers sake. She and her brother on the other hand... Yeah they would still joke around, but that doesn't mean anything.
She continued talking but still stood there, looking at him as she did. "I... I know that this kind of thing is forbidden, but if I can't have the other things in life that others can... Well, I should at least be allowed to have this. Us. Right? Th-That is if you would want the same thing too of course..." she stumbled over her words in her anxiety, hoping he did want it too and that she didn't just make a fool of herself. She decided looking at the ground instead of him for the time being would be a great idea. He stood there, shocked. She could master a new dangerous spell without flinching, but she stumbled over her words because she thought he wouldn't want her! Who would be stupid enough to pass up a chance with her?
He shook himself out of his thoughts and focused on her again. "I knew it. I'm dead for sure aren't I? How'd it happen? One of my spells backfire on me again and I wasn't lucky enough for you to be there to the fire out? Or no, don't tell me, a demon is tempting me with my wildest dreams? Well even if that were the case I don't think I'd have the power to say no." she giggled at this and looked up in his eyes with a light in her eyes. He chuckled with her before asking, "How could someone not want you? Look at you!" He gestured toward her taking a step closer and continued on. "Of course I want to try to make it work. You've been my best friend since the first day you arrived and I've come to care for you as more than a friend. For more than two years now, I've been waiting for you to say that. Maker knows I'd never have the balls for that." She sighed, relieved and beamed right back at him. He stared into her eyes for what seemed like forever and finally made his move, kissing her for the first time. It was hesitant, awkward, but so very sweet. Her lips soft, glossy, and had the strong taste of elfroot. She must have been making potions again today. He pulled away and rested his forehead on hers, staring in her eyes trying to see the stories they were telling. Being this close, he could smell the wisps of scent he had caught over the last couple years for only a second, and reveled in it. She smelled of honey. That was her mana flowing off of her.. She also smelled of books. It wasn't like that bad kind of smell, it was... Hard to describe but it definitely wasn't like dust, but it was like it actually did smell of knowledge, if it did have a smell. Then there was her perfume. It smelled of a familiar flower, one he often looked at when he was a younger boy and not really a mage yet. A rose he thought. That's what it was right? He'd have to research it later to be sure. He knew enough about them that it was rare for them to smell lovely and still look beautiful. That's a very fitting flower for her then. He smiled and moved his arms from around her and took her hand.
"Come on, you won't have much time before everyone else gets done at dinner and swarms the bathrooms. I know how you like your long baths." He says as they reach the door.
"I know, but now suddenly... I don't want you to leave..." she said with a sad tinge in her voice that he couldn't help but laugh at. How did I get lucky enough for a girl like her.
"I'll be right here in the morning when you wake up, I promise. We have casting class together first thing." He assured her trying to cheer her up, which worked. She went on the tips of her toes and landed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Okay, Jowan. You've convinced me. I'll see you in the morning." She says and closed the door behind her. Jowan couldn't help but walk back to his rooms with anything but a smile. The last thought that rang through his head before he fell asleep was the happiest he's had. Truly the best day ever.