(Azeroth - ReVAMPed)

(Welcome to my rewrite of Azeroth to Thedas - where things will be just a bit different from the story you already know. In this one, there are less hesitations to her changing things and... well... hopefully a bit less 'Mary Sue' - though i'm told this particular trope is called 'paragon' since she earned these abilities through previous lives and didn't just get them upon awakening? oh well - i hope you enjoy this preview of 'Azeroth ReVAMPed. i will attempt to work on it more when i get a certain answer...)

(Should she give Anduin a Chance this time? tsk - so many options...)

Preface

Azeroth to Thedas

I felt my eyes slip open and I drew in an 'unexpected' breath. I groaned as I attempted to recall the events leading me here. I swiftly had to turn to my side and curl into a ball as nausea wracked me – it was always unpleasant being reborn and even worse when I wasn't reborn so to speak.

I had been… fighting… I was helping the Champion of Azeroth in the fight… Ny'alotha, the Waking City… we had been going against N'Zoth himself – N'Zoth the Corruptor… I didn't make it. I had thrown myself in front of my 'Brother'…

After all, he was the Chosen; I was not. Which made sense; Inas Stormrage was a full blooded Night-Elf Druid, like his father; Class wasn't hereditary though he was a druid like his father… I, however, was an abomination, not worthy to be champion. That was a fact that had been repeatedly instilled into me over the course of my long life.

Before becoming what I was, though, I was a Nordic Dragonborn in Skyrim on Nirn… and again before that, I had been a human from Earth – 10,450 years ago… I spent 100 years killing Dragons in Skyrim before I died of a particularly nasty dragon bite and 10,350 as a half Blood-Elf half Night-Elf aberration.

I immortality and 2 magics (not counting what I brought from Skyrim) – that was very nearly unheard of! I was both a Druid and a Mage – two magics that apparently clashed in Azeroth proper but wasn't mentioned in the lore on Earth.

I had specialized in Restoration (Druidic) and Frost (Mage) magics – the same as I had in Skyrim. It had been… far too long since I was a simple human girl that enjoyed gaming. I had to adapt fast when I woke up after my first death and a Dragon wanted to destroy a village I was in! It seemed that each time I died, I was thrown somewhere else… it was really sucky, because I kept the abilities of each 'life'. My name in Azeroth had been Faerine or Fae for short.

I supposed I should take a new name again – it wouldn't be my first time: 'New life; new me' and all that nonsense. It would be for the best too – I had far too many foul memories of my life as Faerine Silverlight.

I did a mental check of my internal and physical statuses. I seemed to be in decent shape – but where was I? Which of the video games that I had once adored was my new world this time? I suppose I was lucky that the two I had gone through so far had been favorites of mine – this meant that if the trend continued, the options were limited; I was a picky gamer.

I liked only a handful of games. God of War was eliminated at once due to the comfort of the bed and smells in the room – no death and decay and I was still a woman (I had been the protagonist of both games I had been dropped in… to an extent). This also eliminated Spyro and Crash Bandicoot – I was still a furless humanoid. I somehow doubted I was in 'Oblivion' since I had already done Skyrim – Oblivion was like 200 years before those events.

"Well Mage – do you plan to tell us who you are?" a deep and familiar voice snapped harshly. I knew that voice all too well, actually – of my top 5 favorite video game series' Dragon Age was ranked number one with no exceptions. I played all 4 games with a devotion that rivaled religious leaders. Fuck – I didn't want to be the Inquisitor, but given my role in each new 'life' it was likely… no – I would shove Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash or Adaar into the damn room if I had to! I was not going to be… oh, right – I was being talked to.

I sat up, hardly registering the fact that I was – for some reason – naked. I did however note that I was still Azerothian elf in appearance. My hand gently toyed with my ear – certainly, it was longer than a Thedasian elf would have.

I looked around in fake confusion – but no fear. I knew better than to show fear to any captors. I took in the Templar crested armor and flowing robes of the two men before me. I was in Dragon Age… at Kinlock Hold, no less.

The man who was questioning me was Knight-Commander Greagoir – he was 5'11 with greying black hair and hard brown eyes. "Who… where am I?" I asked with demand in my voice.

Greagoir looked confused for only a moment at my hard voice before he recovered and snapped, "You were dropped at our door in your current state. I suggest you cooperate."

I sent a silent question to my ethereal benefactor who replied that this was where I was needed at the moment. I mentally groaned before crossing my arms and replying, "What makes you call me a mage, exactly?"

He looked over to the man beside him – First Enchanter Irving; a man who stood at 5'9 with white hair and blue eyes.

Irving spoke smoothly, "Don't you know, child? Your wounds healed without our interference – the strange mark on your forehead even had a soft green glow. When you seemed at full heath, the mark turned a soft white."

I rolled my eyes, "You've never seen someone with a Godly Blessing before? It's the Mark of Elune."

Greagoir narrowed his eyes, "Godly? Do you take us for fools?"

"No, actually – if I had to guess then I would say you were some type of commander and that this man beside you was also a leader of some sort. The healing of my injuries was no magic of mine," I snapped harshly, "And if it were, then so what? Magic is the blessing that the gods have bestowed to the mortals so there is no shame in carrying it."

"Prove that it wasn't magic, girl – because things are different here. Those with Magic are kept in the Circles. I suppose you're from Tevinter?"

"What the hell is Tevinter? I'm from Darnassus."

This caused them both to blink, "Dar… what?" Greagoir asked.

I gave an exaggerated sigh, "Darnassus – the former Capital city of the Night Elves where my Aunt, Tyrande Whisperwind, ruled the race with her Mate; Uncle Malfurion Stormrage; the city that resided within the former World Tree, Teldrassil. It was situated off the northwest coast of Kalimdor… any of this ringing any bells?"

"No… what is Teldrassil or Kalimdor?" Irving asked with curiosity.

I winced at his terrible pronunciation, "Tell-druh-sill. As I said, it was the remnants of a World Tree. Those are ancient, massive trees connected to the Emerald Dream. The hollowed trunk of Teldrassil was large enough to house not only the bustling city of Darnassus, but also two small villages and a forest… you are both Humans – where are your former instructors? They have neglected their duties in teaching you the History of the Alliance – I will have them brought up to standard."

Greagoir blinked, "What… what was Kalimdor?"

I blinked, "The continent in the West – directly parallel to Eastern Kingdoms where Stormwind sits? How do you get to such an age without such basic knowledge of Azeroth? The world we live in is… vast, I will admit, but with daily boats and portals, everyone knows the continents and nations of Azeroth."

Irving shook his head looking lost, "Az-ah-Roth?"

"Az-er-oth, actually – it used to be used only to describe the southern subcontinent of the Eastern Kingdoms – the middle being Khaz Modan and the Northern being Lordaeron. Then it was used as the Alliances' official name before that was converted to 'the kingdom of Stormwind'. Azeroth being the name of the titanic World-soul, the name was eventually used only to reference the planet."

"… We… can we get back to you proving the Mark is…?" Greagoir seemed flustered – I suppose this was a good tactic for me; confuse with history lessons of foreign worlds.

"How do you propose I do such a thing? If I stab myself and it heals again, you will claim it is magic. If I stab myself and it doesn't heal, you will say it is magic. How do I prove a lie to be false?"

Irving actually nodded – as though what I said was completely normal, "She has a point, Greagoir. Quite clever – why not put her through the normal tests?"

I held up hand, "A moment – if you please. If you thought someone was a Mage – outside of whatever control you seem to think is in charge – what exactly would you do?"

"If it were an apostate – one who could potentially practice blood magic – I would smite them. It's painful, but it is a sure test of if you are a mage or not."

I sighed, "Fine – do it. I have no fear of pain anymore. If this is the quickest way then just get it over with."

I was curious – would Templars be useless against me? I mean, my magics were from 2 different worlds, not connected to the fade… besides, I was a dragon soul.

Greagoir reeled back, "I've never known a mage to insist on that – for anyone, it's painful, but for a mage… it would make you rather ill and could even… you could be knocked unconscious once more."

I shrugged, "I'm sorry, have you not looked at my body – it's on display right now. Look at these scars, Greagoir – not one of these was made by accident. I was a member of King Anduins' Army – back when his father was King, actually – pain happens. Just do it."

"Who is King Anduin, child?" Irving asked.

"Okay – I need to talk with whichever crack-job is teaching here. You are both human – thus you should know who your king is. Humans, Dwarves, Draenei, Night-elves and so on are all under High King Anduins' command. The person who is teaching in this region needs to have their certificate revoked."

They exchanged a look and Greagoir headed to a desk I had previously ignored in the corner of the room. He handed me a map and said, "Do you recognize anything on this map?"

I pretended to study it deeply, "This map makes no sense… this isn't any land inside of Azeroth… I can't say Outland, Draenor, or Argus either… what world is this?"

"This is where you currently are – Thedas." Irving said. I faked shock, "Then I will need to apologize for my… manners. I truly thought I was still in a World where Anduin was King. This complicates things, though. I don't have an Arcane Beacon – so the mages will not be able to find me easily to open a portal home."

"Portals and Beacons… what are you talking about?" Greagoir asked.

I licked my lips, "An arcane beacon – to tell the mages where I am, how to open a portal to come to me… without one, it will be harder for them to locate my essence to get to me. It won't be impossible, just… difficult."

"Mages… cannot open portals." Greagoir said.

"Oh, so you believe I'm from another world – but not that the mages there can do things yours can't?" Irving laughed, "She has you there, Greagoir."

Greagoir glared at Irving and said, "You are not helping, Irving. Look… I guess let's get this smite over with."

He gathered his own magic… but it seemed to fizzle out. I felt nothing when his magic released. I kept my face neutral and asked, "How long does it take to smite someone?"

"I already did – but even… you should have felt something!"

"Maybe… I'm just too used to the pain?"

I looked around and stood up, still naked. I saw a mirror and headed for it. Greagoir and Irving averted their eyes while the former asked, "What are you doing?"

"I am checking to see if my appearance changed. You never know with these things."

Unlike most Sin'dorei – or blood elves – I was not amazingly thin… this was odd, because that trait was actually shared by the Night-Elves and the Trolls… whom were the ancestors to the Elves.

Instead, I looked mostly as I did when I was human – 5'3 (Elves were tall so that was another thing to hate me for), 243 pounds (That hadn't changed at all), with large breasts (42E – ugh, the back pain… I wanted a reduction). My skin was the almost translucent ivory color of the Blood Elves, but dusted with bronze spots, (also unusual for any elf) and my waist length hair was a medium purple – night-elf coloring. I was covered in tattoos – at least both arms and most of my back were. Each tattoo was given as an accomplishment while on Azeroth. That re-birth had cleared me of any tattoos… or anything else really. I had been re-born; that was an uncomfortable experience. I also had a gold ring on each nipple. Being the sister to someone who became world-renowned like Inas was great for the free Ink at least. My eyes were silver.

I sighed, "A pity isn't it? You'd think with all the walking, running, flying and fighting that I would have lost weight by now."

Irving coughed, "I will… send for some clothes."

I shook my head and said, "No offense to your… aesthetic but… could I possibly just have some cloth, needles, thread and leather? I'll make my own. You're robes and plate armor look… uncomfortable. I wear leathers and cloths, though I would need metal for fastening and such."

Not like I could summon my void-storage right now; they'd call that magic. I suppose it was – the void-traders had given me a ring that could call my storage though, so it wasn't my magic. Besides, since I was keeping my magic on the DL for now, I needed to use materials found in Thedas, not Azeroth… or Nirn. Meaning no calling my Deadric servant for clothes either.

Greagoir snorted and poked his head out the door, whispering something to a 6'1 tall blonde man with gold eyes… and when that man saw me he flushed bright red and looked away… Cullen was so cute. I resolved to allow him to see me naked A.S.A.P – I may as well see if he'd be interested…

I sat back on the bed in the corner of the room and said, "So… now that we've established my… non-mage status, what now?"

"Well… I don't know. Would you like to come to my office with me once you're… clothed?" Irving asked.

I shrugged, "That would be a decent place to discuss options, I guess. It won't take me long – I have years of tailoring and leatherworking experience, so if you give me about 45 minutes, I'll have a whole outfit – down to the laces for a pair of boots."

Eyes widened, "How is that possible?" Greagoir asked.

"… You don't want to know." I sighed – a little magic would speed things along… Warp Time was usually used during fights – and I would only use Warp Time because my slow time shout would be… loud. A knock sounded at the door and I hopped up to answer it before Greagoir could.

I saw Cullen and his eyes widened as he flushed. "O… oh… I… I…"

I smirked and lifted an eyebrow, "Is that bag for me?"

I saw people passing and starring in absolute shock. Cullen handed me the sack and turned on his heel stammering, "Y-y-yes… s-sorry. There are… cosmetics in… in the… bag too… a woman… at the… the stockroom insisted… ahem, that you might… need such things."

I smiled in amusement, "Thank you very much, sweetheart – Greagoir, I seem to have traumatized this one."

Cullen coughed and I smirked as he refused to even begin to peak at me. "We're Templars – and this one is newer. He's only been here about a month."

"What does that have to do with his embarrassment at seeing me naked?"

"We Templars get desensitized to such things after a while – part of watching the mages all the time."

"That's just sad – I think he's cute as is. Have him watch the men or something – youthful innocence is adorable in some people."

Cullen cleared his throat, "I-I… Makers' Breath…"

"Or not – I could corrupt him for you… what do you say, sweetheart? Does a night together sound interesting to you?"

He turned red, "I… I'm s-sorry… I'll… have to decline…"

"If you change your mind, the offer stands." I chuckled and closed the door before heading for the bed again.

Greagoir – having established that I wasn't a threat – looked highly amused, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't distract my men, miss…"

"Atarah Iris Stormlight, at your service," I gave a mocking bow.

"I am Knight-Commander Greagoir – leader of the Templars in this Circle Tower. This is First Enchanter Irving – the Mage leader here."

"Good to know… Did you want to stay and watch me make strange clothes or… are you still here because you fancy me?" I teased.

"Actually, I just wanted to say that you should have young Cullen Rutherford out there escort you to Irvings' office when you are done."

I nodded and the two left the room. I found it amusing that after almost ten and a half millennium, I still favored the clothes I had back in 2051 on earth – I'd thankfully learned to sew in my first life so I was able to make what I wanted… Azeroth and Skyrim had helped me hone my Tailoring skills as well as my cooking, fishing and Herbalism, blacksmithing and Leatherworking… I was a shit skinner and miner and I couldn't do engineering to save my life… and forget enchanting – that was a skill I would never be able to learn in any life; I just paid for it like everyone else.

I got to work, making a corset style black top that had short lace sleeves and a pair of black leather pants with boots that laced up to my thighs and gloves that slid up the spot halfway between my elbows and shoulders. As I had said – it took me less than an hour. I also cut a leather strip for a hair tie and pulled my hair back into a pony-tail and another strip was used to make a braided 'collar'.

When that was done I looked at the cosmetics – I was fucking set. I chose a darker purple color for my lips and made my eyeshadow smoky and kind of… faded – light near the nose, dark at the edge with cats' eye eyeliner.

Once done, I opened the door again, stepping out and seeing only Cullen. I smiled at him and said, "I apologize for earlier – I'm used to being on the road with no privacy. Modesty never occurred to me. Besides – you're cute."

He flushed and wouldn't look at me, "T-t-that… that's alright… I was… just surprised. I… apologize… for… for looking."

I smiled at that, "Oh, sweetie – look all you want. I won't be offended – rather I'm flattered you could find me worth looking at." I winked. He flushed and said, "Was… was there something… you needed?"

"Irving wished to see me in his office. Greagoir said you would escort me?"

He nodded and motioned for me to follow him.

I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. He flushed and glanced at me, "What… what are you…?"

I released him, "Sorry… that's how men escort a lady where I'm from – need to get used to Cultural differences."

He looked torn before holding out his elbow. I beamed and took it. He introduced himself as we walked, so I did the same – giving my new name for this new world. I learned we were on the second floor of the tower – and there were only 7 if you counted the basement and the Harrowing Chamber… and since most people didn't count the basement, they labeled the 'ground' floor as the first and counted up from there.

The second floor was the 'Mages' floor while the first was the 'Apprentice' floor. The mages floor consisted of a library where many mages watched me curiously as they indulged in self-study, a stock room, a church area and of course the mage rooms. Taking a peak into the bedrooms left me a bit horrified.

The rooms were small and crowded. Imagine the old lady who lived in the shoe, if you will. There were beds with a single armoire beside them… and a flimsy free-standing divider between the 'sections'. That was it. I dreaded to see what the first floor would look like.

The floor also had a 'Half-Floor' that consisted of more rooms and the First Enchanters' office. We approached Irvings' office where I heard Greagoir yelling, "How dare you suggest…?"

I walked into the room, waving Cullen off. In front of me was a black haired man in a blue and purple robe – much like Irvings black one, actually. I was looking at his back. There was one other man in the room that I hadn't met – officially… Duncan.

His skin was that honey-caramel brown that I just adored, his hair was a dark black – actually, it was more shades of purple, brown and black with my enhanced druidic senses – that was dusted with grey. He had an amazing beard/mustache combo. His eyes were that beautiful dark gold that made me feel… well, he was attractive.

"Gentlemen, please. Irving – it looks like you have two guests."

The black haired guy turned in shock and I gave him a wink. His eyes were blue – the color of the Amells that this man was descended from. His jaw hit the floor at my attire. This man looked a bit like what I imagined Garrett Hawke would look like if he had no beard and blue eyes rather than brown or gold…

I gave a smirk and straightened up, "Bonjour, Gentlemen. Irving, dear, what do I owe you for the materials for my outfit and all the makeup?"

Irvings' eyes widened, "You speak Orlesian?"

I tilted my head, "Speak what?"

"Er… never mind."

Greagoir was flushed, "Somehow, that outfit is… more provocative than when you were… disrobed."

The Amell boy – Daylen, if I was right – sputtered, "Knight-Commander! That is hardly an appropriate thing to say!"

I chuckled however, "Oh, I know! King Anduin absolutely hated when I dressed like this… which was always. The trick is to use leather in the waist of the top to make it more slimming. You saw me at my absolute worst – fat and naked. I do apologize for that… it's never happened quite like that before."

Duncan looked highly amused, "You made that outfit yourself, did you?"

I shrugged, "Over the course of the last hour, I have been interrogated, had Greagoir smite me, and learned that I am far from my war-ravaged home-world before taking time to make myself clothes since the aesthetic here is horrid. Forgive me – where are my manners? My name is Atarah Iris Stormlight – Daughter to the Betrayer, Illidan Stormrage and sister – well, cousin actually – to the Champion of Azeroth. You will find no better Alchemist, archer or beast tamer in all Azeroth." I gave a bow.

Daylen tilted his head, "Azeroth?"

"My home world – though to hear many of the residents talk of me, I am something of a… aberration."

Duncan injected, "How so?"

"I was born to two warring factions of Elf; Sin'dorei and Kaldorei – before they even began fighting mind you. However, due to that, I was born with unique… gifts. The Kaldorei tolerate me due to the Goddess Elune blessing me – as Greagoir and Irving have learned. The Sin'dorei tolerates me since my step-father is their regent lord and the Sunwell blessed me…"

"But if you were born before…"

"There was a bit of a… complication when I was born – my father had done something terrible and I inherited some of the… lingering effects."

"Will you tell us?" Greagoir asked. I shrugged, "Perhaps at a later date – it is… not a pleasant topic for me."

Duncan spoke again, "I am Duncan – commander of the Grey here in Ferelden."

I bowed my head and said, "Elune-adore, Duncan." Greagoir left after sensing that the conversations about me were over.

"Elune… the goddess you mentioned?" Daylen asked. I nodded, "Elune-adore; it means 'Elune be with you' – it is a formal greeting among my fathers' people."

"I'm Daylen Amell – I just passed my Harrowing last night." I nodded my head, "A test of sorts? You have my congratulations, then. Had I the ability, I would gift you something."

"No need for that! I'm just happy to be a fully realized mage."

I smiled up at him – he was 5'10 after all. Irving cleared his throat and Greagoir sighed and just… left.

I shrugged. Irving turned to Daylen, "You've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages for the King's army." I snorted and all three looked at me.

Duncan looked amused, "What are you thinking?"

"You want Daylen for your order – not for the Kings' Army. I was in a kings' army, commander – I know the usual recruitment tactics. Don't lie to the boy."

"You're not much older than…" Daylen started. Irving shushed him – wanting desperately to know more about me.

"Daylen, my dear – allow me to impart some immortal wisdom upon you. Do not hide things from your elders. When the time comes, tell Irving what is happening – you'll know what I mean when the time is right."

Duncan looked at me sharply, "Are you a seer, then?"

"For now, we can call this time a hunch. I believe you have something for the boy, Irving? He passed what seems to be an important test – things like that do not go unrewarded."

He smiled, "Mages robes and a staff…"

Daylen looked at me with a discreet nod and took the items. "Was that all, First Enchanter?"

"Could you show Duncan and Atarah to the guest rooms on the 4th floor? I'm too old to keep going up and down."

I chuckled again, "Dearest Irving – you think that you are old then I would like to introduce you to my Uncle, Father or Brother – all of whom are more than 20,000 years old."

Jaws hit the floor – Daylen looked excited, "The elves there still have immortality?"

"Er… that is a complex question in which I would need to delve into the different factions of Elven people…" I said.

"Well, how old are you?" he asked. I shot him a small glare, "Excuse you?"

Duncan stepped in, "Young man, you never ask a woman her age no matter how immortal or young looking she is. That and the topic of weight are considered taboo topics to women unless they state it first."

Daylen flushed, "I apologize, miss – here in the circles, there is nothing really taboo except blood magic and demons…"

I lifted an eyebrow, "Is that so…? I will forgive it this time, then."

Daylen jumped and said, "Well then, allow me to escort you to the guest floor. This way," he motioned.

Duncan and I followed the young mage up to the third floor. It was… a large mess hall. Half the large floor was a kitchen area – it was closed off. I used my mage senses and discovered that a quarter of the Kitchen area was a large pantry. The other half of the area was an open space with many tables, chairs and such.

Up on a 'half-floor' was nicer tables and chairs – I could theorize that it was Templar seating; I was wrong. "Up there is where the higher-ups sit; Irving, as First Enchanter, Greagoir, the Senior Enchanters and Knight Captain and such. You also get to sit up there as guests in the Tower – visiting mages and Templars usually, but Wardens and people from far off worlds can make an appearance it seems."

I laughed and Duncan chuckled. I saw people watching us and listening in – I could also see they thought Daylen was joking about me.

On the 4th floor was Guest Quarters. On the lower half was 15 bedrooms and on the 'half-floor' was another 10 with 3 conference rooms and 2 bathing rooms. Elune, but this place was archaic – I needed plumbing stat.

Daylen told us that this floor was mostly used for the visitors – mages and Templars from other circles, grey wardens, and the occasional noble looking to use the library. I took note that they were all exactly the same; a double bed that looked really soft, a nightstand on either side, an Armoire behind a changing screen, a desk with two chairs and a vanity table. In the middle of the floor on this level was a communal gathering space – couches, a few tables and even a small work out space.

He stopped at two doors near the stars that would lead to the Templar Floor and said, "These will be your rooms for the night – Ser Duncan will be in the room right there beside his recruits. You will get this one, by the stairs." I nodded with a smile.

I glanced at Duncan, "How many recruits do you currently have?"

"I have two at the moment – A young human man named Aedan and a young elven man named Darrien Tabris. Is there a reason you're curious?"

"Not really – though it is an honor to have met you, Ser Duncan."

He patted me on the shoulder and wandered off. I decided to hide in my room and summon my void storage for food – I needed something familiar at the moment.

That night, I was having trouble sleeping. When the wards to the basement were activated, I shot out of bed and into Duncans' room.

I dodged the dagger thrown at my head with ease and gave him a look, "The secure basement wards activated. If you want to recruit Daylen before he gets killed, now is the time to get moving."

He nodded – all hints of sleep gone the moment I had entered the room – and said, "Wake the others while I get dressed – please?"

I nodded and turned on my heel, heading to the next room.

I had to dodge yet another Dagger as I snapped into Darriens' room – he was a rogue, apparently. His eyes widened as he took me in and I raked my gaze over the very naked elf in front of me. He was 5'7 with red hair and green eyes. I could see that the dagger had been under his pillow and I snapped, "Duncan needs you now, Recruit – get dressed."

He nodded and I headed to the second room. Aedan Cousland was actually dressed in full armor – he was 6'0 with bed-mused black hair that went to his shoulders, grey eyes that looked almost as silver as my own and toned skin that held a lovely tan. His Mabari was a beautiful chestnut brown with Green eyes. The dog actually shrank back from me as Aedan pulled a sword and leaped from the bed.

I shook my head, "Duncan sent me."

At once the man stood down, "Why?"

"Time to move – get your shoes on… here pup," I tossed a jerky stick at the dog. He – or she – looked at Aedan who nodded before snapping it up. I turned and walked back out.

Everyone was out of their rooms at the same time – when I felt the wards break.

I looked at Duncan and we all rushed off down the stairs. I was right that the first floor was much worse for the Mages. More than half the floor space was taken up by class rooms that were part of the apprentice library. Past that, there were only 2 'bedrooms'. More like dorms, these rooms contained bunkbeds with two nightstands between each metal frame. It was obvious one dorm was for males and one for females. There had been no such distinction upstairs. These rooms looked far more crowded and the beds look much harder… especially seeing as only 5 or 6 beds were unoccupied in each of the small dorms.

The 'half-floor' here held mostly classrooms and such.

We made it to the door to the basement just in time to see Daylen, and three others exiting – two males and a female.

Jowan was 5'9 with long, shaggy black hair and grey eyes – a popular combination in Thedas, it seemed.

Lily was 5'6 with short red hair and green eyes.

The other male was also the only elf – Alim Surana if I was right. He was 5'7 with blonde hair and pale green eyes.

Jowan was happily exclaiming, "We did it; I can't believe it – thank you… we could never have…"

Greagoir snarled as he walked closer, "So what you said was true Irving; an initiate conspiring with a blood mage. I'm disappointed, Lily… She seems shocked but in full control of her own mind – not a blood thrall then. You were right, Irving; the initiate has betrayed us. The chantry will not let this go unpunished. And you – newly a mage and already flouting the rules of the Circle; and Surana… you showed such promise for an apprentice."

Jowan spoke up, "It's not their fault – it was my idea!"

"Amell is actually here under my orders, Greagoir. I take full responsibility for his actions." Irving commented. I nodded at Amell who was watching my little group in gratitude… he wouldn't have told Irving if I hadn't said something.

Jowan gave Daylen a horrified look, "You led us into a trap?"

Daylen shrugged, "Forces greater than us demanded it."

I coughed and shot him a rude gesture. He winked as Jowan said, "Don't you dare speak to me…"

"As Knight-Commander, I sentence this blood mage to death! And this initiate has scorned the chantry and her vows – take her to Aeonar."

Lily slowly backed away as she said, "The… the mages' prison… no, please… not there…"

Jowan snarled, "No! I won't let you touch her!"

He took a dagger and sliced his palm – holding it out and chanting something under his breath. Everyone around us fell unconscious except me. I snorted – blood magic, how typical. He looked stunned but moved toward me with his dagger.

I held my hand up, "I won't be stopping you – but if you attack me, I will show no mercy."

I held up a palm and allowed a small fire to dance there – only he could see it as he blocked my view of Lily. His eyes widened and he nodded, "Very well."

He nodded and held a hand out to Lily who shook her head and backed away from him, "You… by the Maker – you are a blood mage. H-how could you? You said you would never…"

"I admit… I… dabbled. I thought it would make me a better mage!"

"Blood magic is evil, Jowan. It corrupts people… changes them…"

"I'm giving it up – all magic. I just want to be with you, Lily – please… come with me."

"I trusted you. I was ready to sacrifice everything for you. I… I don't know who you are, Blood Mage. Stay away from me."

He looked at me and, seeing I made no move to stop him or join him, ran for the door.

I looked at Lily and said, "That was… dramatic. Come, let's wake the others. I will work on those four; you get the Wardens, yeah?"

I motioned to Greagoir, Cullen, Irving and Aedans' Hound as the ones I would take care of. I also moved to Daylen and woke him while she got Alim.

Irving – the last of my five to wake – asked, "Are you alright, child? Where's Greagoir?"

The man in question snarled as he paced, "I knew it! Blood magic… but to overcome so many… I never thought him capable of such power."

Irving took my hand and stood while saying, "None of us expected this. Are you alright, Greagoir?"

"As good as can be expected given the circumstances! If you had let me act sooner… now we have a blood mage on the loose and no way to track him down. Daylen says the Phylactery was destroyed!"

I cleared my throat and Greagoir rounded on me, "You – how did you resist the blood mages' tricks?"

"I'm immune to demons and Blood Magic due to what my father did before he sired me – remember I mentioned that at one point? Yeah – it's that. Lingering effects include immunity to demons, immunity and inability to use blood magics or deal with demons, and a few other things."

Greagoir blinked, not expecting my answer, "That…"

I ignored him and yanked Daylen into a hug, "Good job kid."

He gave a nervous laugh and hugged me back, "I wouldn't have gone to Irving without your advice… I had no idea Jowan was… I mean, he was my friend."

I noticed Cullen watching us and decided to play mischievous by skipping over and giving him a hug too – Armor was not comfortable to hug, but it was made worth it when he stammered and flushed before concentrating on Alim as the unknown here.

Daylen laughed and said, "Aww! I thought Cullen liked me!"

I pouted, "No way – I am so calling dibs on him."

Duncan asked, "Dibs?"

"First right to something or in this case someone."

Greagoir looked me over, "How old are you, girl?"

I snorted and Daylen coughed, "Knight-commander…"

I held up a hand, "If I were to tell you, would you pass out or have an aneurism? Sigh – let's say I'm 18 for the moment – you sort of missed that conversation."

Greagoir cleared his throat, "Being immune to demons and blood magic could make you a valuable asset to the Templars. You may be older than any recruit we've ever taken, and we've never taken elves before, but I think we can make an exception in this case."

I shook my head, "Sorry, Greagoir – I'm too used to saving the world; seems to be my calling. Besides, I've seen no romance here – I do eventually want to find a nice man or woman and settle down… maybe someone like… Cullen here – I did call dibs on him after all."

Cullen choked on a cough, "There'd be nothing stopping you from that. I mean, Templars can marry – only those who wish to take those vows do so. There are just a lot of hoops to jump through to get married…"

"… Still going to have to pass," I shrugged.

"Fine… where is the girl?" Greagoir asked.

Lily looked at me with wide eyes from her little corner and sighed, "I… I am here, Ser."

"You helped a blood mage; look at all he's hurt."

I snapped, "She didn't know, Greagoir. You should have seen the look… the words she said. She's stayed here knowing you will still send her to Aeonar. Cut her a bit of slack – love is blind, deaf and dumb to boot."

Duncan chuckled, "I have heard no truer words, my lady."

Lily smiled sadly at me, "Save your breath, friend. Knight-Commander, I was wrong… I was accomplice… to a blood mage. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit; even Aeonar."

I stepped before her and glared the commander down, "Let me suggest something."

"I am listening – but I cannot promise anything."

"Then put Lily in the kitchens of a different circle. Don't keep her here or they'll try to stir up trouble for her or try to get her to help them escape. Send her to another circle as a Kitchen Drudge. I'm positive she learned her lesson – she'll be wary of everyone, now."

He looked thoughtful and sighed, "I will have a Templar escort her to Montsimmard, then. Thank the Maker, Lily – you've a benefactor."

She patted my shoulder and whispered, "Thank you."

I nodded and Greagoir looked at Daylen, "You were in a repository full of magics that are locked away for a reason…"

Irving asked, "Did you take anything from the Repository, Amell?"

He shook his head, "You gave me clear instructions on what to do; I did it – no side trips or extra steps were taken. In fact, I let them make most of the suggestions. Turns out, Jowan knew what that amplifier was the moment he saw it. He also noticed the old wall behind the bookcase there that butted against the chamber. For the most part, I played the 'we should get out of here and cut our losses' card."

Irving chuckled but Greagoir groaned, "Your antics have made a mockery of this…"

I stepped in once more, "Um… you did hear the part where Irving ordered it, right?"

"And this improves the situation? Irving is not all knowing."

Duncan nodded, "I do need a new recruit and Irving was speaking with me about this one."

Greagoir turned on Irving, "You promised him a Warden?"

"He served the Circle well; he would make an excellent Warden."

Duncan spoke again, "We look for dedication in our recruits; fighting Darkspawn requires it often at the expense of all else."

"I object! You say he operated under your instruction, but I do not trust…"

"Greagoir… Daylen only did what was asked of him. Jowan was his friend, but he still turned him in – he knew what was going on was wrong, and told Irving. What would you have done if he came to you instead? You would have thought Lily was a thrall, right? This proved she wasn't."

He sighed, "You're surprisingly good at manipulating the conversation for one so young. Are you sure you don't want to join the ranks?"

I giggled, "You have no idea what my previous rank was… call me the general, commander."

More stunned looks ensued and Greagoir gave a wry smile. "That does explain quite a bit. Posture, attitude… still…"

"No, Greagoir; I still can't join your ranks. I'm sorry."

He gave me a soft smirk, "Very well – I will allow Duncan to take the Mage… if you allow me to teach you smite so you can keep an eye on him."

I blinked, "What makes you think I'll be going with them?"

"You said you were made for saving the world – that's what the Grey Wardens do." Duncan smiled.

I nodded, "And your point in this matter?"

"Let me make it clear – I'm recruiting you."

I sighed, "You know what? Sure – why the hell not? Are you sure you can teach me Smite; from the looks around here, it's not a common practice – and you said you don't take elves…"

Greagoir nodded, "Usually, you'd be right – but as a 'potential recruit' I can teach you this one thing. Templar powers are more effective with Lyrium, but as you will not be in the Templars… here's to hoping you have enough raw power on your own." He smirked at me. I sighed, "Fine – teach me, then. Tonight, since we must be on our way in the morning."

He nodded firmly, "Cullen you're coming with us. Irving, find someone to watch over Amell for the night… as for you Surana… you will be put to the Rite of Tranquility come morning."

I froze and said, "From what I've seen, you'd do better to kill him!"

Surana hid behind me and nodded. "Don't let them do it – please, don't let them make me tranquil… I'd rather die!"

I backed us to the wall, "Greagoir – either kill him or let us take him too."

"There are rules, girl. We can't allow him to go through the Harrowing since he was potentially corrupted by the blood mage – and killing him… he hasn't done anything that bad."

I looked at Alim with a raised eyebrow, "Yes or no?"

"I'd rather die," he repeated.

I nodded, "Then I am left with no other choice. I will grant your final wish." With those final words, I snapped his neck as he smiled.

There were a few gasps and I looked back, "Still plan to teach me that trick, commander? Or will we all be leaving now?"

He flinched, "I… I'll still teach you. How can one so young be so… ruthless?"

"I told you – I am a general. I earned that title. I'm not nearly as young as you want to believe. Irving, how old is my father?"

"You said more than 20,000 years…"

I nodded, "I say 18 because that's how old I look. I'm an elf – my mothers' faction is immortal and my fathers' faction is close enough to it. I was born before the Sundering – I have my immortality still intact due to unique circumstances." Yeah, like a circumstance from before I wound up in Azeroth.

Greagoir shook his head, "So then how old are you, exactly?"

"… Do you really want that answer? Let's just leave it that I'm older than you."

"Right… let's get the lesson over with. Irving, watch Amell…"

Cullen had my hand in the crook of his elbow as he escorted me behind Greagoir. I saw quite a few people pointing at us. I ignored them.

I looked at my escort and asked, "So, Cullen… why not tell me about you? I find myself rather curious. What made you want to be a Templar?"

He looked startled but gave me a small smile, "Mmmh… 10 years ago, when I was 8, I just… there was an old Enchanter in our village – his name was Wilhelm. He had been given some sort of pardon from the King at the time, King Maric, to live outside of the circles with no Templars. His son, Matthias, will be turning about 30 this year, I think – he isn't a mage, though it's common for the children of mages to be mages. Back to the point – when I was 8, I saw this mage walking around the village and helping people and… I wanted to help people too. My siblings thought it was all in good fun, actually, but they played along and helped me. I visited the local Chantry daily for the following 5 years – I never missed a day."

I gave a look of being impressed, "Really?"

He smiled widely, "Yes, Ma'am. I think the Templars there were just humoring me for the most part at first. They actually did take me under their wing and teach me when I began to show promise. It makes me glad they humored a young boy – teaching me the sword and shield. When I was 13, a stop was made by a visiting Knight-Captain – Hadleys' predecessor, I believe – who took notice of me."

"What happened then?" I asked. I could tell he was trying to taper the conversation by now – talking less as he noticed that Greagoir was listening.

"Oh, uh… he spoke to my parents. Since I had been persistent in learning the trade for five years at that point, they agreed. Off I went to the nearest training location. I'm sure that my 5 years of one-on-one training in Honnleath helped my swift advancement – it only took me another 5 years to finish my training. I've been stationed here since I completed my training."

"You mentioned siblings helping you; tell me about them?" I smiled.

"Well, as I said, I lived in Honnleath – a farm along the border of the town, really. I had two sisters and a brother. Mia is the oldest of us, where I was second-born. The next one born was Branson, my brother and the youngest is named Rosalie. Little Rose was 7 when I left home, so I actually doubt she remembers me much. Might I ask more about you?" he changed the topic; cute of him.

I nodded, "I have a cousin who is more like a brother to me. His name is Inas. My father, not long before I was born, did something… I mean, most thought it was terrible – a complete… they labeled him the Betrayer for it. He harnessed the demonic energies of the world to better fight and destroy demons. They give up everything – it's a cruel fate. They get flashes of seeing where their marks are – what the demons are doing – and it… they end up ritually blinding themselves because it is so terrible. I say they because his followers – called the Illidari – follow within his footsteps. My father redeemed himself in the end, but I was actually raised by his brother. Uncle Malfurion hated me so much; to him, I was no more than a reminder of what my father had done. My father only loved one woman, too – and that woman was not my mother. I was a mistake."

Cullen cursed, "No… no one is a mistake!"

I shook my head, "Tell that to my Uncle. I was given my mothers' last name – no one wanted me mistaken for a good guy, so to speak. Stormrage is my fathers' name, but I was… I was a Silverlight before; yet here I am, having taken both names. Inas – my cousin – was the only one who ever wanted me around at home. When my father returned as a good guy, I was called his greatest mistake – by him, no less. Sorry, this was… supposed to be a light conversation." I realized my tone had turned bitter.

"Makers' Breath… I can't begin to imagine." Greagoir commented. I shrugged, "I've had time to get used to the idea that I shouldn't exist. Don't worry about it."

Cullen realized something, "This… your father harnessing demonic energies… that's how you are immune to Demons and Blood Magic?"

I nodded, "That is true. Illidari also have demonic wings – though mine turned out more Draconic than Demonic. That is due to a special… feature of my own soul."

"What wings?"

Greagoirs' question came just as we reached the fifth floor – the Templar Floor.

It was amazingly comfortable looking. Each room held a double bed, an armoire, a nightstand, a desk with a chair and a small table set for two people. The whole floor was set with bedrooms except for two large 'meeting' rooms… those only held a large table with enough chairs to fit 30 people each and the rooms could be 'connected' if the sound-proof curtain wall was moved. There was also a room in the Center of the whole floor that was set up as a training room – weapons, shields, armor stands and sectioned off spots for one-on-one training. I was taken to an office near another set of stairs which led to the Harrowing Camber if I was right. The office was on the 'half-floor' though there were also more rooms that looked to be either bedrooms or bathing areas.

I unfurled crimson leather wings – each one was twice as large as I was, and resembled dragon wings, scales and all. Greagoir and several other Templars cursed and before Greagoir could stop them, many rushed me to attack.

I decided to treat it as training and even used my wings to help me fight. Cullen merely stepped away and Greagoir decided to follow suit to see my abilities. I piled Templar after Templar into one lumpy pile of metal and flesh.

I was actually concerned – these guys put up less of a fight than the low level panthers in Teldrassil… how were they supposed to fight anything with that crap-tastic ability? I was half-sure the Leper-gnomes in Gnomeagen would have been a harder fight if they horded like the Templars had.

Greagoir cleared his throat when I was done. Cullen spoke with awe in his voice, "I've never seen someone fight so… efficiently before."

Greagoir nodded, "Damn Duncan – taking all the good recruits."

I shook my head, "These men are in terrible fighting form, Commander! What are you teaching them – because it isn't how to survive or fight? If this is the best of the best, then your world is in serious shit! I think the kids back home could defeat your people – this isn't… this is troublesome."

Greagoir looked confused, "You aren't just saying that because you're a general?"

"No – that is my honest assessment of your peoples' abilities," I said, "Seriously – magic and focus and… all the general markers for class appear at a young age in Azeroth; 2 is the latest. Most people are born with all the markers; late bloomers are usually stronger than average, though so it's a good thing… my point is that most people are already training when they're young. Your people would be beaten by 6 year olds if there wasn't a strong advantage of height, weight and speed for your people. If I used a miniaturization device, those 6 year olds would beat your people into the damn ground. Is this the best your world has to offer?"

"N-no… ma'am… the best our world has to offer is the Grey Wardens or the Qunari if we're talking in terms of fighting." Cullen said. I gave him a look, "You're trainable at least – you know you aren't the best. If I get time, I might have a friend show you a thing or two when they find me."

"You're on a separate world – you're sure they'll find you?"

I pointed to my mark, "If Elune wills it – it will be done. As a goddess, she can connect the marks and form a temporary Arcane Beacon of the mark. I'm not trapped in this world – and thank Elune for that. Truly, how do you survive with such basic combat ability?"

Greagoir grumbled and said, "Let's just get this over with."

The pile of Templars had slowly been untangling themselves; they watched in confusion as Greagoir began explaining Smite to me. Greagoir had me facing him and Cullen as he explained the mechanics of Smite. I felt the buildup as being similar to 'ice lance' for a frost mage.

I was only mildly surprised that I would be able to learn this – I wasn't a 'mage' here. Sure, I still had all my abilities from Skyrim and Azeroth; meaning I was still a Dragonborn, Mage and Druid… but I wasn't a 'Fade-Bound' mage.

It took me 32 tries – some of them were fumbled when Cullen was designated to correct my stance or something. Elune; this man did things to me. I tried – and even put in my all to learn – but I was technically being taught a different class that I had no markers to. It was theoretically possible, but was infinitely more difficult. It was impossible to learn magic if you didn't have the aptitude.

If you had the aptitude to be a Paladin, then you could still learn to be a Warrior – it just wouldn't be like a prodigy picking up a violin as it would be with Paladin techniques. I had learned to be Hunter on top of my Mage and Druidic classes – I was shit with a bow, but good with a gun; I was a beast tamer because it was the only spec that I could do for some reason.

People attuned to be Hunters could use bows and guns with little to no problem – as though they were born for it… because they were.

When I finally used Smite, it knocked both Greagoir and Cullen on their asses. All the Templars watching us gaped as I rushed forward to help Cullen stand up. I exclaimed, "Oh, shit. Are you okay?"

Greagoir groaned as another Templar aided him in standing, "I haven't felt A Smite like that since… Knight-Commander Meredith in Kirkwall used it on a mage that was standing near me – and it wasn't nearly so… powerful. You have a gift; Lady Stormlight… is there really nothing I can do to convince you to stay?"

I sighed, "You see all these tattoos, Commander? Each detail shows something I have personally done. Each distinct tattoo is a world-saving achievement. I'm not meant to sit around and watch mages all day – I'm a dragon-slayer, a general, a vanquisher of true evil and someone who cannot sit by and watch while the world tears itself apart. It's time for Duncan and our party to leave, now. Who knows – I might see you again."

I headed down stairs where Duncan and his group were waiting. There were 6 of us leaving the tower that night – 3 humans and 2 elves.

It was almost a day later when I decided to play my hand.