Author's Note: As usual, thanks for reading! I'm surprised at the number of people who actually read through the majority of the story. It's probably a low number to some, but to me, it's quite humbling. Plus, I'm easily pleased. But that's beside the point. I just wanted to reiterate how much it means to me to have y'all read this. I cannot thank you enough. And now onto the story. One of my better chapters in my opinion, but I'll leave that up to you. Oh, and I feel like everyone is a bit OOC in this one. Oh, well. Enjoy!


"So Aedan," started Leliana.

"Yes?"

"I never heard who you were."

Aedan chuckled. "Of course. I'll tell you who I am. I am Aedan Cousland. I hail from Highever and have lived there all my life. I'm a warrior, one of the best I've heard, and I've been known to be narcissistic. I try to be a merciful man, but I lack any diplomatic skills to get myself there. That's why I have…" Aedan trailed, looking over his shoulder as if to point out Bell.

Leliana looked back as well.

"What?" asked Leliana. "I don't see anything."

"Uh…nevermind," said Aedan absently.

By now Aedan didn't feel a pang of guilt when he thought about Bell. He still thought of her, of course, but he was healed. It still surprised him though when he would turn to make a comment to the non-existent Bell.

Aedan sighed. "Time," he thought. "I just need time."

He did another mental roll call as he typically did before lunch or breaks.

Leliana was walking by his side, Rabbit on his other. Morrigan seemed annoyed that Alistair was staring at her face and Alistair absentmindedly held Shadow Runner's reigns. And Sten was…well Sten. He was just as stoic as ever.

With everyone accounted for, Aedan called for a break.

Lunch consisted of some rather-fresh berries and dried meat.

The scenery was beautiful. Pine trees stood majestically around them, branches swaying every once in a while as a breeze would pass through. Forest creatures cautiously crept through the woods, creating crunching noises on the bed of pine needles that littered the ground.

All in all, it was a beautiful day. But no-one was prepared for the horrors night would bring.


"And here we are," said Aedan as he stepped out of the forest. "The Circle of Magi."

The group stopped and stared at the tower looming in the distance. The moon cast its milky glow across the scene, giving the tower a rather eerie look.

"Why do I get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?" commented Alistair as they made their way towards the docks.

"Wait," said Aedan suddenly. "I need to pick my team."

"Yay. It's the game of 'who's my favorite today'," grumbled Morrigan.

"No," retorted Aedan. "It's 'who is less likely to be captured by the Templars'. I think the Templar's might find out you're a mage. Just a hunch."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I have managed to outwit the Templars every time they came for me. Although, they were all rather dull. I wonder if it's a requirement to join…"

Alistair opened his mouth to argue back, but Aedan shot him "the look".

"Come on! She makes fun of me every day," whined Alistair. "Why can't I defend myself?"

"Because I say so," replied Aedan.

Alistair slumped his shoulders in defeat, letting out an annoyed sigh as he stood there, brooding over the insult.

Morrigan perked up and gave a stuck up "hmph!" in Alistair's direction.

Alistair scowled but did nothing.

"And for that uncalled for outburst," said Aedan, turning his attention to Morrigan, "You don't get to go to the Tower."

Morrigan scoffed. "It's not like I wanted to go anyway."

"And," continued Aedan, "Leliana will stay with you."

"Really?" asked Leliana excitedly. "We can talk about shoes!"

Aedan nodded to Alistair to join his group.

Morrigan narrowed her eyes as she took the reins from Alistair.

"I hate you," she mumbled at Aedan.

Aedan threw her a wink and headed off for the Tower.


"Did you really steal cookies from a child?" asked Aedan as they approached the Tower.

Sten stood and looked at Aedan. "Yes."

Aedan shrugged his shoulders and walked through the doors.

It didn't take long for Aedan to be thrown into the midst of the demon-controlled Tower.

The fighting started immediately, but they were temporarily stopped when they stumbled upon a group of mages.

A blue barrier was blocking a doorway, but an elderly, determined mage stood in the way.

"Who are you? Grey Warden or no, I shall strike you where you stand."

The woman looked familiar and a name surfaced to Aedan's mind.

"Wynne?"

"Ah, it is you, I see. The Warden from Ostagar," said Wynne relaxing a bit.

"Aye. It is good to see you survived," said Aedan.

"As well as you. I heard that all of the Grey Wardens died, but clearly they were wrong. Tell me this though; have the Templars sent for the Rite of Annulment?"

Aedan nodded his head.

"Then it is done. They have no hope for us," said Wynne dejectedly.

"Not unless we bring back First Enchanter Irving. Then, and only then, will Gregoir believe that the Circle can be saved."

Wynne nodded. "I understand. Well, let's not dally."

"Of course," said Aedan.

"Alistair, go to Gregoir and tell him that some of the mages are still alive."

"But –. Fine."

Aedan turned to Wynne and nodded.

"Then let us proceed."

She took down her barrier and the group walked through to face the true evil of the Tower.


When Aedan opened his eyes, he was confused.

He remembered something about a demon, but then his memories went black.

He looked around to see where he was when he saw her.

"Bell," Aedan whispered.

Bell ran to him and threw her arms around him.

"Aedan! Oh Aedan how I've missed you so!"

Aedan returned the embrace with hesitation.

Something about her speech was off. True, she liked to use uncommon phrases, but this sounded forced.

"I can't believe you stopped the Blight!"

Aedan pulled back, confused. "I didn't stop-"

"Non-sense! You're just being modest," she said, her arms around his neck.

"How about we 'celebrate'?" she added coyly, biting her lower lip and looking up at him with big eyes.

"No," said Aedan, pushing her back. He knew something was off, but he couldn't place it.

"You know you want to," said Bell quietly.

Aedan knew he did. Every day, his feelings for Bell grew. He longed to be with her, but this was not his Bell.

"No," he said again.

"No?" repeated Bell, he voice slightly morphed.

"Well, we'll see about that."

"Bell" threw a sphere of purple and black magic at Aedan, and it was clear that this was not his Bell.

It was hard for him to fight the demon, solely because it looked just like Bell. She would constantly call out to him, her words driving him mad.

Eventually, Aedan pinned the demon down.

"Go ahead," she taunted. "Kill me."

Aedan was breathing hard, sweat trickling down his face.

He raised his sword and went to plunge it into the demon's heart when he saw those eyes.

Her eyes.

Without a second thought, he let out a fierce cry and stabbed the creature.

It reverted back to its original form, a desire demon, but Aedan couldn't shake the feeling that haunted him.

She just looked so much like Bell…


Author's Note: Sooo? Yeah, it's a bit loopy at some points, but for some reason I'm really happy right now. It just reflects in my writing. Anyways, reviews and constructive criticism are gladly welcome!