Chapter 21
Ariana
I slowly make my way to the Chantry on the third floor of the Circle Tower. I seldom went there, but sometimes I needed the peace and tranquillity away from the activity of the dorms, however, I am anxious. I don't know what Jowan wants to speak to me about, but at this stage, I would do anything to get him off my back.
I take a deep breath when I open the door and I head in. I always felt a sense of calm in the presence of the Maker. There are benches running the length of the room and in the centre, against the wall stands a statue of Andraste. Everyone reveres her. She is the one who said Magic must serve man, not rule over him. I didn't really understand what it meant, but I was aware that there are mages who abused their gift and allowed their magic to rule over them and it is these mages that we have to be careful of.
I come to the statue and I gaze up at her. She is beautiful and I wish I knew more about her, but all I know is that she helped free the elves from slavery and she never condemned the gift of magic. I light a candle in her honour and I pray for strength.
"Is that you, Ariana?" asks Jowan. I turn around and I glare at him.
"This better be worth it, Jowan," I reply. I notice a young woman stepping out from behind a wall and I realise it is Lily – Jowan's romantic interest.
"It will be and thank you for coming here this evening. We have something to ask of you, Ariana," she says softly.
"What is she doing here? I was under the impression that you wanted to see me."
"Well, we need her, Ariana," he replies.
"Give me one good reason otherwise I am not going to help you," I warn.
"Ariana, she found a document stating that I am to be made Tranquil within the next month because of their suspicions of my blood magic. I don't use it. You must believe me," he implores.
"Believe you? How can you ask that of me? An apprentice saw you, Jowan," I inform him.
"He lied. Why would I use Blood Magic when I know the dangers of it?" he asks.
"Why would someone make it up if it weren't true?" I reply and he shrugs his shoulders.
"I don't care. All I care about is Lily. I love her, Ariana and I need you to help me get into the basement to destroy my Phylactery so that I cannot be tracked down," he informs me.
"You want to flee the Circle? How are you going to do that? You know very well that it is impossible. Anders has try numerous times and he is still here," I point out.
"Well, that is because they have his Phylactery, but if I destroy mine, they will never be able to find me," he explains.
"And where does Lily fit into all of this? Do you realise if she is caught how much trouble she is going to be in? How much trouble I can get into if I am caught?" I ask.
"Ariana, you must understand, I love Jowan and I will do anything for him, so please help us," she implores.
I realise I am not going to win this round. "So tell me your plan."
"He has already asked you to get the rod. We need it to dispel the magical barriers in the Repository in the basement. All the Phylacteries are stored in there. You know why we need it. Please do this for us, Ariana and I will ensure that Jowan leaves you alone," she says softly.
"That would be a relief. Fine, I will help you. Once I have the rod, I will seek you out. Goodnight," I inform them.
"Thank you, Ariana. I am counting on you," Jowan says.
"Whatever," I whisper to myself. I have a plan. I am going to inform First Enchanter of their outrageous plan and take it from there, but for now I want to be with Cullen. I just don't know if he wants to see me. We have not spent any time together for about a month because of my teaching responsibilities and his Templar duties.
I knocked on his door and he peeks out at me. "Ariana, please do come in," he says.
"I have missed you, Cullen," I murmur. I settle myself on his bed and he sits on the floor.
"I know and I apologise, but with the rumours going around the Circle and their suspicions, we have to be extra vigilant," he explains.
"You know, they are true, Cullen. One of the young apprentices saw it. She did report it, but I feel everyone is biding their time," I explain.
"Do you know who the mage is?" he asks and I look away from him.
"I...I suspect it is Jowan, but I am going to mention it the First Enchanter and take it from there," I explain.
"There is more to this, love," he says.
"I am not really sure, but he does want something from me and I want to find out what it is," I reply.
"Fine, I will allow this. I just wish you would tell me," he says softly.
"Cullen, please don't worry about it. I know what I am doing and I am not here to discuss this. I am here because I want to spend time with you, but-"I whisper.
He reaches for my hands and he pulls me onto his lap. "But what, Ariana?" he asks.
"Do you have some time for me?" I ask.
He smiles. "Of course I do."
"Mmm...How much time?" I ask as I slip my arms around his neck.
"The whole night and it starts with this," he teases.
"Show me," I murmur. He leans towards me and he gently kisses me.
o0o
I give him a quick kiss and he awakes."Where are you going?" he asks.
"I need to prepare my class lessons, Cullen," I reply.
"But it is still early," he says softly.
"I know. I can always come back tonight. Well, only if you aren't busy."
"I am free again tonight, but I want to spend a bit more time with you now," he says as he reaches for my hands. He pulls me onto the bed and he kisses me.
"I miss you terribly," he whispers.
"I know and I miss you, but I need to go. See you later," I say as I give him another kiss. He allows me to go, but I can see the disappointment in his eyes.
"See you later then," he says as he turns onto his side. It isn't long until he is snoring and I head out chuckling to myself. Cullen...
I stroll back to my room and as I am about to go in, I hear a lot of laughter coming from inside. I chuckle to myself because it can only be my cousin and Anders. He is tickling her and she is enjoying herself.
"Thanks for the walk last night and everything else," she says.
"I would do anything for you, Mari. You know that," he says as he cups her face, "I love you," he says and he kisses her.
"I love you, Andy," she whispers and by the way he kisses her, I realise that it is going to go a bit further than that. I am unsure of what to do. I need to prepare for my lessons but I don't want to disturb them. I head to my desk and I quickly gather my parchment and books, but in my haste, I knock one of her books onto the floor. Oh no.
I warily look at them but they seem oblivious to my presence and I breathe a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived. She looks up and she stares right at me. She blushes a deep crimson and I burst out laughing.
"What love? What is it?" he asks her.
"We...We aren't alone, Andy," she replies and he glances in my direction. I hold my breath because I am unsure as to how is going to react to be interrupting them, but all he does is flash me a smile.
"Good morning, Ariana. Up so early?" he asks.
"Well, I have to prepare for my lessons between now and 8am, Anders. That is why I am here and I honestly don't want to intrude," I explain.
He turns his attention back to Marian and he kisses her. "Later," he says to her.
"Wait, you two. Don't mind me, I think I will go the library and I am sorry for intruding."
"We don't mind. This is your room as well as mine," she says softly while she gazes at him.
"I think it would be best if I head to the library anyway. I will see you later," I inform them. I glance at them and he is kissing her again.
o0o
"Good morning, Ariana. I see you are busy as always," greets First Enchanter. I have been in the library for two hours and my lessons for the day are nearly prepared.
"Good morning, First Enchanter. I trust you are well?" I enquire. I quickly write down the last of my notes and I breathe a sigh of relief.
"You have quite an impact among the younger mages," he informs me.
"I know. I enjoy teaching them. They have so much to learn and I can learn so much from them."
"Well, you are proving to be one of our best mentors yet, Ariana and I would like to thank you," he says.
"Thank you, but I have something I must discuss with which I think you will find very interesting," I inform him.
"Well then come with me to my office and you can tell me," he suggests. I nod and I quickly pack my things away.
"How is Marian?" he enquires.
"She seems to be very happy, but she is also worried about her Harrowing. I only hope she will come through it," I murmur.
"I am sure she will. She is very talented and I am quite impressed with her. She has come a long way since her first day. I trust it is mainly because of Anders' influence?" he asks.
"You really think it is his influence?" I reply.
"He is very good to her, Marian. I always see them together and it is fascinating to watch. When he moves, she moves," he explains.
"Are they that obvious?" I ask.
"I have never seen anything like it in all my years at the Circle, Ariana. Yes, sure I have seen young couples sharing private moments in dark corners and I know what goes on at night, but when I see those two - they have a glow about them and they are so happy. Maker knows what will happen when she goes home. He is going to be so upset. He is good lad, but sensitive. I remember the first time I met him, he was so afraid and his eyes darted nervously around my office. He spent the first few nights crying himself to sleep – well, that is what Wynne told me. She always checked on him and now when Marian goes back home, he is going to be very upset," he explains.
"Well, don't think he will stay here, First Enchanter. He loves her too much and if anything, he will find a way, unless you grant him permission," I suggest.
"I won't be able to do that, but I will worry about it then. Here we are," he says as he leads me into his office. "Have a seat, Ariana."
"So what do you know about Jowan?" he asks.
"Ser, he wants my help to get into the Repository. He wants to destroy his Phylactery, but for me to do that, I need a Lightening Rod," I explain.
"Interesting...," he says, leaning on his desk. "Because of our suspicions of his use of Blood Magic, he will be make Tranquil, but I suspect he knows this. I have seen him and Lily together. He needs to get into the Repository to destroy his Phylactery. Ariana, I am going to let these events unfold. You are help him with what he has asks of you. I will inform the Templars. Here is your permission slip. Take it to Owain. Whatever happens, I will stand by you," he says.
"Yes First Enchanter," I agree.
"Thank you for informing about this. Just a warning, though. If you come across any artefacts, please leave them alone. Some of them are extremely powerful and dangerous," he advises.
"Ser, I...I don't take what doesn't belong to me," I say.
"I know, but I am telling you just in case the Templars accuse you," he explains.
"Yes Ser. I understand," I say.
"You are dismissed. Enjoy your classes today," he says.
o0o
"You are dismissed," I say to my class. I am finished for the day and I need to rest. I start gathering my books and papers. I look up and Jowan is standing by the door. I sigh in exasperation and I shoved the rest of my books into my bag.
"What do you want?" I ask.
"Did you get it?" he replies.
"I did and Jowan, I am not going to help you until Marian has gone through Harrowing. I would like to be there as she is there for me after mine. That is my condition," I suggest.
"Fine, I wasn't asking to miss out on that. Next week then. At least you have it. That is what is important," he says.
"I hope it is going to be worth all the trouble, Jowan otherwise if this ends badly, I will never forgive you." I sling my bag onto my shoulder. "If you will excuse me, I have tests to mark. See you later," I inform him and I brush past him.
I am halfway up the passage when Marian runs up to me.
"What is wrong with you?" she asks.
"Why?" I reply.
"You look terrible, Ariana. What is going on?" she asks.
"If I could tell you, I would, but perhaps I should. Maybe I will feel better and where is your better half?" I ask.
"Anders...He is around. He skipped out on his class today to help me prepare for my Harrowing. He is so patient and he is so full of nonsense. We spent most of the time fooling around then studying," she explains.
"You are lucky to have found someone like him, you know," I murmur.
"Why? I did not expect to meet anyone and it all happened so quickly and I don't regret one minute of it. This is something I will cherish and I honestly don't think I will find someone again," she murmurs.
"Marian, I am telling you now – Anders will follow you when you go home. He is the happiest I have seen him in years and if anything, he will do whatever he can to find you"
"I know. I have told him where I live and how to get there, so it wouldn't surprise me, if one day, he knocks on my front door, but I still have a year or more here. We have decided not to worry about it yet. I...I don't want to think about it. It just upsets me," she murmurs as we enter our bedroom.
"So what do you want to tell me?" she asks and she smiles at something or someone. I turn around and Anders is standing by the door.
"I told you, he is never far from me," she teases.
"Love," he murmurs. He embraces her and kisses her forehead.
"So what is going on?" he asks, closing the door behind him.
"First Enchanter wants me to help Jowan with his outrageous plan," I explain and they glance at each other.
"What is his plan?" Anders asks.
"He wants to break into the Repository and destroy his Phylactery and the rumours are true. They are aware of his use of Blood Magic and they are going to make him Tranquil," I explain.
"I knew it. I knew it. The little bastard and now he has involved you. Why Ariana? Why?" he asks and I am very surprised by his reaction about what I have just told them.
"I...I thought you didn't care, Andy," I whisper.
"I have always cared about you, Ari. I know you love me, but I love you as I would love my own sister and besides, you and Cullen? I thought you loved him," he says softly.
"I do love him, but I love you as well. Sometimes I am envious when I see you two together. I wish I had a love like that with someone. Yes, I love Cullen..." I trail away and he embraces me.
"We have been friends for years, Ariana. I understand, but you know where my heart lies. I love her and I always will," he whispers for me alone.
"Perhaps you should tell her that," I tease as he releases me.
"She knows. I tell her all the time. Don't I, love?" he asks her and she smiles warmly at him.
"A day does not go by when he doesn't tell me, but why are you involved with this business with Jowan? Why would First Enchanter want you to help him?" she asks.
"Well, he wants the events to unfold. He is aware of Jowan's plan and he probably has already informed Knight-Commander Greagoir by now. I agreed to follow through and he has promised that he will stand up for me if he has to," I explain and I burst into tears. I am never one to cry so easily, but this is too much. I am risking a lot for some stupid Blood Mage and I could lose everything because of it.
"Ariana," Marian murmurs as she embraces me. "Do you really have to do this?" she asks.
"I...I have no choice, Mari. I simply have no choice," I reply.
"I am going to kill him," Anders declares and this only make me laugh.
"What would that achieve, Andy? It is a tempting offer, but no," I murmur.
"I know. It was just a thought," he teases.
"You are so lucky to have him, Marian," I murmur. "All I wish for is...is," I trail away. I can't ask that of him. He is bound to Marian in a way I simply can't understand.
"What, Ari? What?" he enquires.
"It is not important, Anders," I reply.
"I don't believe you," he says softly.
"Never mind," I whisper and he embraces me again. I wrap my arms around him and for a minute, I understand what he and Marian shares.
"I will always care for you," he says as he gently pushes me away. He kisses my forehead. "And if you asked it of me, I would kill him, you know," he teases. He rejoins Marian and she slips her hand into his, entwining their fingers. I am once again feeling envious, so I look away from them. I hear them whispering about something and I look at them, he is embracing her and she catches my eye.
"When is this going to happen?" she asks.
"I told Jowan I would only help him after you have been through your Harrowing. I...I want to be there, Marian. I want to be there when you wake up," I murmur and she smiles.
"I would like you there and you, Andy? Please?" she asks.
"Of course I am going to be there. I will see you into the Chamber and I will be beside you when you wake, I promise," he replies.
"Marian, how do you feel about it all?" I ask.
"I...I am anxious. I haven't been sleeping well for the last two weeks and I have terrible nightmares," she says softly.
"You will be fine," he murmurs, kissing her cheek.
"I...I am not so sure," she says.
"What can I do?" I ask.
"Nothing, Ari. I have to go through it. I only hope I am strong enough to resist," she replies.
"I...I understand, but hold onto the faces of those you love and care for. It helps, trust me, I know," I advise.
"I will remember that and thank you," she says.
"Stop worrying, Marian. You are making me anxious," he teases and she smiles at him.
"I...I am sorry, Andy, but you know how it is," she says.
"Well, is anyone hungry?" I ask.
"Oh, I am," Anders replies.
"Marian?" I ask.
"I...No, but I will go with you," she replies and he frowns.
"You must eat, Marian. You need your strength," he murmurs.
"I know," she says.
"Then let's go," he suggests. He slips his arm around her waist and she blushes.
"Anders," she teases.