Class

Cathy's class was in the middle of the camp. The kids would sit on the grass, in rows of three. She would sit in front of them. She'd lecture them one day, about history. Another day it would be mathematics. And maybe another day, it'd be writing. All the kids from the camp would attend her class. She felt very proud of what she was doing— showing kids how the world works, so they'd obtain the ability to deal with anyone, whether it is a Templar or someone with fancy manners form Orlais.

"…and that's why the circle of magi was created. Any Questions?" Cathy asked peering amongst her students— which were six of them, including her son. Juli sat in the middle of the first row.

A girl, who looked older than Juli and was sitting next to him raised her hand. Her name was Doreen and she had a pixie cut. She was the daughter of one of the deceased hunters, Cathy pointed a finger at her.

"How come our keeper is not considered an Apostate mage when he is not at the chantry in the

Circle Of Magi?"

Good question, Cathy thought. It made sense that the girl was sitting next to Juli. She was just like him— curious, and hungry for information. "Well, it turns out that the Chantry will allow the Dalish to have one mage per clan, since they know it is part of our values to keep elven magic somewhat alive."

The girl was satisfied by Cathy's answer, so she smiled and nodded, telling Cathy that she had understood. Cathy had been lecturing for quite sometime now, she knew the kids were hungry, it was noon already. She dispatched the class.

"That's it for today guys."

They all got up and left, except Juli who was waiting for Cathy.

"Mother, are you mad at me?"

Cathy had almost forgotten about Juli practicing archery. Cathy noticed that there was dread in his voice. Just a kid afraid of being in trouble. She softened her face for him, to let him know, no I'm not mad.

"No, honey, I'm just worried. I don't want to lose you too."

Juli understood the sincerity behind that statement. He nodded. Cathy extended a hand to her son, to help him get up.

"Come on, lets eat, I'm starving."

—

Juli and Mother walked up to Tobias' tent, Uncle and Tobias were sitting around the fire that was cooking some kind of animal that was so well-cooked and dark that Juli couldn't recognize it. Juli and Mother sat down across the fire, facing them.

"Hello, fellas. " Mother said as she sat down.

"How are you Cathy?" said Tobias, as he quickly fixed his worried eyes on Juli. What he really meant was how Juli was doing.

"Hungry, actually."

Tobias grinned and looked behind him, drew two plates, and handed them to Juli and Mother. Mother grabbed two drumsticks, and placed one on each plate. She handed one of the plates to Juli. Juli and Mother started gnawing at their meals. "What is it?" Mother mumbled as she chewed on the delicious supper.

"Sheep, me and the boys hunted it a couple of months…" Tobias stopped as he looked at the face that Mother and Juli made— they'd lost someone just a couple of months ago. The silence lingered for what it seemed forever.

Tobias cleared his throat.

"I hear that you put a little school together, yes?"

Mother looked at Tobias for a second, realizing that he was trying to change the topic. Mother had just finished biting at her meat, she drank water from the canteen that was hanging form her neck, then she passed it to Juli, who was also finished. She wove her hands together, and let out a small grin.

"Yes, showing kids how the world works. I wouldn't call it a school, but thank you." Tobias smiled at Cathy, Juli noted. Juli liked Tobias, he always seemed friendly.