Origins: Prequel

by Kenyata Tabris

The stories of our heroes before they joined the wardens.

"Don't be afraid!" Tearstained, green eyes shot open at the voice, finding a young dalish girl standing over her. "I mean, I'm an outsider, too. So, I know how you feel, but you can't be scared. You're going to lead this clan someday."

Merrill stared silently, at the elf in front of her. "Who are you?" She choked out.

The young dalish smiled brightly at her. "My name's Mahariel. Nice to meet ya!" Mahariel extended her hand out to Merrill. "What's your name?"

"Merrill..." She reached her hand out and locked her hand with Mahariel's.

"Well, Merrill, let's be friends."

---

It had been nearly a decade later since then. Mahariel and Merrill had become thick as thieves along with two of their other peers, Tamlen and Fenarel. After class, they'd all meet up and figure out how they were going to cause mischief for the day. "I heard there's a waterfall north of here. Who wants to go check it out with me?" Tamlen announced to them. Mahariel and Fenarel shared a glance at each other to see what the other one would do.

"It is against the Keeper's wishes to travel outside of the camp, especially alone." Merrill, always trying to be the voice of reason.

Unfortunately, that voice was hardly ever heard amongst this group, mostly because of Tamlen. He sighed and locked his gaze with Mahariel. "Lethallan?" He questioned, and held his hand out to her.

Mahariel spared Fenarel one last glance-his eyes, as always, unreadable to her-and placed her hand in Tamlen's. "I'm with you."

Tamlen smiled warmly at her, and Mahariel stared lovingly back at him. The two of them so captivated with each other that they didn't notice the expressions of the other two elves of the group. "Then, that's all I need."

"Fine!" Merrill bite out, breaking them out of their trance, "but if the keeper asked it was your idea."

"It is my idea." Tamlen confirmed.

"That I didn't agree with!"

Mahariel walked up to Fenarel. "What about you, Fenarel?" She asked him.

He gave her another unreadable expression. "You know I'm always with you, lethallan, no matter what." Mahariel smiled brightly at him.

Tamlen walked up and put his arm around Mahariel. "Then, let's go." He said to them. The four slowly walked to the edge of the camp, making sure they weren't being watched. They took a look around the camp one last time before sprinting off into the forest.

"Where is this waterfall, Tamlen?" Mahariel asked as they all stopped to catch their breath.

"Just up the river bank, but we'll have to climb a hill." They heard Merrill groan in response.

"I do believe that's what makes them waterfalls." Mahariel teased him.

"Let's just go before someone comes looking for us." Fenarel quipped in. Tamlen nodded his head and turned around to lead the group up the hill.

"So, Tamlen, what's so special about this waterfall? You and Merrill usually have your noses stuffed in those history books at this time." Mahariel asked, walking alongside him. Fenarel was to her left, and Merrill was to Tamlen's right.

"You make it sound like all we do is study." Merrill complained.

"That's not at all what I'm saying. I've seen you train, too." Mahariel said.

"We also have fun. Something you nor Fenarel are familiar with. You two have been too busy training lately-"

Tamlen was interrupted by Fenarel. "We've been practicing for our hunter's apprenticeship. Our hunting quest is coming up real soon for us to become full-fledged hunters."

Tamlen let out a harsh sigh. "-which is why we're going to the waterfall. We all need to let loose and have a little fun every now and then."

Fenarel 'hmph'ed, and Mahariel turned to him. "It's not so bad, right? The weather is just perfect for us to go swimming." She said as she linked her hand around his arm.

"I won't argue with that. The weather isn't always this nice."

"Not to say that I don't have a problem with relaxing, but how exactly are we going to go swimming?" Merrill peaked her head from beside Tamlen. "We didn't even bring an extra pair of clothes."

"We'll swim in our small clothes." Tamlen told her, causing Merrill to blush a bright red. He turned to her and grabbed her hand. "Come on, Merrill. I'll help you climb up the hill." He told her. Merrill stared at him in awe, and Tamlen smiled warmly back at her. "Last one up the hill is a shem." He said to the other two beside him.

Mahariel scoffed at him. "You're assisting a mage, but yet you still propose such a challenge?"

Tamlen shrugged. "What can I say? I'm confident."

"Let's go!" Fenarel told Mahariel, and grabbed her hand, pulling her up the hill.

Merrill stared blankly after them, but Tamlen watched in shock as Mahariel and Fenarel climbed up the hill with ease. He knelt down and reached his arms out from behind him. "Come on, Merrill. We cannot lose." Merrill giggled at him, but climbed onto his back as he requested. "You ready?" He asked after she wrapped her arms around his neck. She nodded silently to him. "Ok, here we go!" He hollered out, and took off running up the hill.

"Slow down!" Merrill cried out. "I don't want us to fall and go tumbling."

"Don't worry, Merrill. I'd never put you in danger." He reassured her, "but right now we have to catch up with the other two."

Merrill looked up and seen that the other two were just in front of them, but they weren't going to catch up to them with her on his back. "Put me down, Tamlen. You can easily pass them up if you were by yourself."

"I wouldn't even dream of ever leaving you behind, Merrill."

A small smile pulled at Merrill's lips, "but they're almost to the top. You're going to lose."

Tamlen tightened his hold on her legs and started to move faster. "Don't be so quick to count us out. We haven't lost, yet."

"Yes, you have!" Mahariel yelled. Tamlen looked at the top of the hill and saw her there waving at him and Merrill, with Fenarel by her side.

"You two cheated." Tamlen accused when he and Merrill reached the top. Merrill jumped off of his back and stood beside him. Fenarel was in front of her, and Mahariel was in front of Tamlen.

"How did we cheat?" Fenarel asked him.

"I didn't say that we could start."

Mahariel pointed at him. "You're just mad that you lost. Don't worry. You and Merrill make a cute shem couple." She said, and Merrill blushed at the comment.

"You know I only have eyes for one, lethallan." Tamlen said as he took a step toward Mahariel.

She clasped her hands behind her back and leaned towards him, "and who might that be?" The two once again got lost in each other's eyes, and failed to notice the looks on the other two's faces.

Fenarel turned away from them and sat right next to the waterfall. "Well, we're here. What now?"

Tamlen tore his gaze away from Mahariel and walked next to Fenarel. "We jump." He answered.

Mahariel gave him an incredulous look, "and why would we do that?"

Tamlen shrugged, like what he said was no big deal, "because it'll be fun."

"No, it'd be crazy." Mahariel countered.

"What are you, scared?"

Mahariel scoffed at him. It was a regular response for her when talking to Tamlen. "No, I just have the sense to know that this is stupid."

"Mahariel's right. We can get hurt or worse." Fenarel said, looking over the waterfall.

"What other reason is there to come to the top of the waterfall." Tamlen argued. "You're up to it, right?" He asked Merrill.

"Well, it doesn't look shallow and I don't see any rocks at the bottom." Merrill said, looking over the waterfall, "but I don't think I could ever bring myself to actually jump off."

"Don't worry, Merrill. I can jump with you if you're scared." Tamlen said, and grabbed her hand.

Merrill blushed slightly at the contact. "Okay..." She said.

She stood with Tamlen at the edge of the waterfall. Her heart was beating rapidly, half out of fear and half out of excitement for holding hands with Tamlen. "You ready?" She heard him ask her. Her breath caught in her throat and she couldn't say anything, but she nodded her head. "Jump!" Tamlen yelled, and it wasn't until she felt herself falling that she was able to let out a terrified scream. Water filled her lungs as she splashed into the lake, choking her until she swam up above the surface and took a deep breath of fresh air. She saw Tamlen in front of her, giving her one of his cheeky smiles. "Quite a rush, wasn't it?" He asked her.

"A thrill, no doubt." Merrill answered him.

Mahariel and Fenarel looked down after the two. They were still contemplating if they were going to jump or not. "Are you with me, Fenarel?"

"Always, lethallan." He answered immediately.

"Then, let's jump." She said, and started stripping her armor off of her. "We haven't lost to Tamlen yet, and we won't start now." Fenarel blushed when he saw her in her small clothes. He couldn't help, but stare at her body, tracing his eyes along every curve of it. He snapped his eyes away from her when he seen her turn to him. "Hurry up, and take off your clothes!" She ordered him.

"Right!" Fenarel stammered and began stripping himself of his clothes as well. He hoped that it wasn't too obvious about how much he was affected by seeing Mahariel in her small clothes.

She took his hand and lead him away from the cliff. "Let's get a running head start." She told him. After a few steps they turned back around, and Fenarel felt Mahariel tighten her hold around his hand. "Are you ready?"

Fenarel took a slow and steady breath to calm his nerves, "as ready as I'll ever be."

"Then on the count of three." She breathed. "One...two...three!" and they took off running, hand in hand. "Make way!" Mahariel screamed as they went flying over the edge. They dove into the water with a big crash, splashing the other two in their face.

"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" Tamlen asked when they submerged from the water.

Mahariel gave him a deadly glare in return. "Shut up"-huff-"Tamlen." She snapped.

"You guys forgot to take off your armor." Fenarel pointed out to them.

"Of course, they did." Mahariel took a couple more gulps of air to catch her breath. "He didn't want to give us anymore time to talk him out of this."

Tamlen scoffed. "As if anybody can talk me out of anything." He mumbled. "Come on, Merrill. Let's go put our armor out to dry." Merrill nodded her head and followed Tamlen out of the lake. It wasn't until then did she realize that she would have to strip in front of him, and she blushed. She turned away from him and quickly took her clothes off, and put them on a nice big rock that was in the sun. She hurriedly ran back in the lake with Tamlen hot on her heels. "Now we'll have to wait until our clothes dry." He said before taking a big leap back into the lake.

Mahariel splashed at him when he came back up. "We can't be out here for that long. The clan will be looking for us."

Tamlen rested his hands behind his head and lifted himself up. "You worry too much." He replied nonchalantly as he floated. "You and Merrill are the ones who need this the most. So, just relax."

"Tamlen-"

"Hey, you guys." Merrill called. They all snapped their heads to her and followed her line of sight. She was staring at the waterfall. "Did anyone else notice the waterfall?" She asked them.

"I am the one who found it." Tamlen said, swimming up next to her. "What do you mean?"

Merrill swam up to the waterfall and Tamlen followed close behind her. "It looks like there's a cave, or something, behind it."

"I didn't notice that." He said, looking into the waterfall.

Merrill turned to Tamlen. "Do you think we should check it out?" She asked him.

"No!" Mahariel cut in. "We've done enough wandering. Let's just swim until your clothes dry, and then go back to camp."

Tamlen and Merrill turned to Mahariel. "It's our duty as the future hunters of this clan to search and investigate the area."

He told them, "and it's my duty as the first to seek out and find any knowledge of our ancestors."

"You guys aren't thinking rational." Fenaral accused of them. "You just took your armor off, it's soaking wet. You're going to go into an unknown area without any armor or weapons?"

Tamlen shared a look with Merrill, and in return Mahariel shared one with Fenarel. It was a silent communication that said this discussion wasn't over and they'll come back to it later.

After Tamlen and Merrill's clothes were dry, the gang decided to hold back. Merrill had to study. Tamlen would take some time to study with her before joining Mahariel and Fenarel in training. Mahariel wasn't sure if she should bring up the situation of the hidden cave, or wait to see what Tamlen and Merrill had planned.

---

"Surana!" Someone calls, and the elf runs towards the direction of the voice. She's led to a lake, where she sees an elven woman standing before it. The lady turns to face her, but she can't make out her face. "Come, my child." The lady coos. Her voice is soothing.

"Mamae?" Surana hears herself ask. Her voice is high, and she sounds much younger. She walks up to the lake, and sees that she is a child once again. "What's going on, mamae?" She looks up to the woman, still unable to make out her face.

The elven woman bent down and wrapped Surana in a warm embrace. "You have to go now." She told her, a crowd of templars emerging from behind her.

"But, what about you?" Surana asked the faceless woman.

The elf drew back from Surana, holding her shoulders, and looked her in her eyes. "I have to go, too. I won't be home when you come back." She told her.

Surana felt herself becoming alarmed. "Where are you going? When am I coming back?" She asked in a frenzy as the templars jerked the woman away from her. "Mamae!" She called out. She heard the woman begin to sob uncontrollably. "Where are you?" She shouted out as the templars picked her up and carried her in the opposite direction of her mother.

"Seleny, Surana. I'm in Seleny."

---

Surana slowly woke up from her dream of the day she was taken to the circle. She's had the same dream since she came here. She use to be able to make out her mother's face, but it's been so long since she's seen her, she no longer remembers her mother's face. Her mother also use to tell her she was waiting for her, but that changed over a year ago.

"Had the dream again?" Her bunk mate asked her. Surana nodded her head as she stretched her arms. "Where is she now?" Amell asked her.

"Someplace called Seleny." Surana answered, as she gathered her toiletries for the bathhouse.

"Seleny?" Amell repeated. "That's in Antiva." She told her, as she followed her friend to the bathhouse.

Surana sighed thinking of how far away that was, and feeling like she may never see her family again. "If she was waiting for me why would she go somewhere so far away? The Circle would never send someone out that far for an assignment."

Amell and Surana arrived to the bathhouse and hurriedly settled in to the bath with the other female mages. "She is, that's why she keeps you posted on where she is, but..."

"But...?" Surana pressed.

"It sounds like she's going somewhere. She keeps moving, but what is her destination?" Amell asked, as she washed herself up.

Surana shrugged her shoulders. "I can't remember much from my childhood days."

"Do you remember any other family members? Brothers, sisters, father?" Amell questioned.

Surana thought back to her early childhood days. She remembers other kids and adults, but she couldn't remember if they were her family or just the neighbors on her block. "No." Surana sighed, putting her head down.

"Well, we can't do anything about it right now. Right now, let's just focus on our studies." Amell said, before she dipped her head in the bath, and Surana following suit.

---

After their baths, Surana and Amell went to the library for their studies. "What should we study today: Arcane, Primal, or Creation?" Surana asked.

"I was hoping we could practice our lightening spells, because I have to take my harrowing in a couple of days." Amell responded. Surana looked back at her, eyes wide, to which Amell just smiled in reply.

"Why are they testing you so early?" Amell was only a year older than she was, so her Harrowing shouldn't be until a couple years.

Amell shrugged. "They think that I'm ready, I guess, since I've been practicing anti-magic spells under First Enchanter Irving." She then, grabbed the Primal: Book of Lightening, and began reading it.

"I've also been practicing spirit spells with you under First Enchanter Irving." Surana argued, trying to figure out if her harrowing would also be moved up or if it's still scheduled for in a few years. Amell and Surana were both students of First Enchanter Irving, which is how they became best friends. The two, for the most part, study the same spells under him as to help each other practice and get better.

"They say I am a natural when it comes to magic." Amell responded. Lifting her arm up as lightning began to gather around her palm.

"We're not supposed to use magic without, at least, a mage present." Surana said, staring in awe at the lightning dancing along her hand.

Amell slid Surana the primal book. "Try it. It's easy, and a little fun." She told her.

Surana hesitated before she grabbed the book and opened up to the first page. She brought her hand up and tried to mimic what Amell did. However, when the lightening formed around her hand it was loud, and uncontrollable. When Surana tried to move her arm the lightening shocked her, making her jump in response. She quickly dissipated the lightening from her hand and crossed her arms. "I guess I'm not a natural like you."

Amell took the book back from Surana. "What are you talking about? You did it, and it was so powerful. Wait until we get our staffs-."

"What will happen once you get your staffs?" A male voice asked. The girls turned to see an older templar making his way towards them. "What are you girls doing over here by yourselves."

"There's no class today, Drass. My friend and I were just studying." Amell murmured out.

"I hope you girls aren't practicing magic unattended." He said. Both girls shook their head no as he looked between them. "Surana, Enchanter Leorah requested your assistance. She's in the laboratory."

Surana nodded her head, and stood up. "I'll see you at lunch." She said to Amell before running off to find Leorah.

Amell watched as Surana ran out of the library and down the hall. She, then, noticed how the templar lingered after Surana left, and became alarmed when he turned back to her. She quickly grabbed her bag and tried to rush past him, but he stopped her, grabbing her by the arm. "Don't let it happen again." Was all he said, before he let her go and allowed her to leave.

Something about that templar, Drass, made Amell feel uneasy. Lately, she's been catching him giving her lingering stares, and has been bumping into him more often than she would like to. None of which she would call by coincidence, and took to avoiding him as an extra precautionary measure.

"Guess who?" A male voice teased, covering her eyes from behind.

"Kinnon!" Amell beamed, turning around to face him. "What are you doing up here?"

Kinnon shrugged his shoulders and retracted his hands back to his sides. "Oh, nothing. I just came to get something from the stockroom."

"Oh?" Amell questioned, eyeing his empty pair of hands. "What did you get?"

Kinnon let out a nervous smile, then started blushing. "Alright, you got me. I came here to see you." He said, turning away. "Where's Surana?"

Amell turned around, heading for the stairs. "She's helping Enchanter Leorah with something in the laboratory. Do you have a free day, too?"

"Yeah, it seems all of the high ranking templars and senior enchanters are having another meeting today. So, we all get the day off." Kinnon answered, following Amell to the cafeteria.

"It must be something important for all of the senior enchanters to have to attend. What do you think this meeting is about?" Amell asked him, as they waited for their food.

"I suspect you'll find out sooner than any of us." Kinnon said. Having gotten their food, the two made their way to a table. "Last time the templars and senior enchanters met for several days, a number of mages were made tranquil and some were moved to other circles."

Sitting down at the table, they were soon joined by Surana and Cera. "Hey, how was it with Enchanter Leorah?" Amell asked Surana. She nodded to Cera in greeting and acknowledgment.

"Turns out, she wasn't looking for me because she already had Cera helping her, but she appreciated my help anyways." Surana answered, digging her fork into her plate, and taking a bite. "So, what were you guys talking about?" She asked, between bites.

Amell waved her hand, dismissively. "We were just wondering what the meetings have been about lately?" Surana nodded her head and continued to eat her food. "I still don't know what you mean, how I'll know before anyone else."

"Surana says your harrowing is in two days?" Cera piped in. Amell nodded to her as confirmation. "Depending on your skill, if they are testing you early, then they probably need your talents for a special assignment." Cera said.

"How do you know that?" Amell questioned.

"It happened with Petra and Finn." Kinnon answered. "They went on missions the very next day after their harrowing."

"That, and my harrowing has also been moved up. I'm taking it tomorrow." Cera said.

"Tomorrow?" Surana exclaimed, choking on her food. Cera nodded silently with a smile. "And, you're not worried? What'll you be doing? What goes on in this harrowing?"

"Nobody knows, save the mages that took them." Kinnon said.

"It's confidential, as are the assignments." Cera added.

Amell and Surana gave each other a look before shrugging and turning their attention back to their food. Amell scanned the cafeteria, doing a double take at the group of mages walking into the cafeteria. "Looks like the senior enchanters were able to make it to lunch today." She said, nodding towards the entrance.

The rest of the group followed her gaze to the senior enchanters. "Should we ask them?" Surana murmured.

Cera snapped her head back to Surana. "No, we can't do that! It's not our place." She muttered.

Amell stood up at the table, all eyes turning to her. "We're going to be mages soon enough, so I don't see why not. If our place is in the Circle, then our business is, too."

"Amell's right." Kinnon chimed. "We have a right to know what's going on."

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to head back to the library and study some more." Surana said. She downed the last of her water, before disposing of her cup and tray. "I'll catch up with you guys later." She said, running off.

---

Surana walked into the library, making her way to the back. She was disappointed when she was only met with a mountain of books. As she sat at the desk, she noticed a piece of paper in the center. It read: The Space Underneath. Surana smiled. He must've left this for her, to let her know where he was. She turned and quickly made her way to the laboratory, taking the note with her.

After entering the storage caves, Surana made her way to the center of it. Her heart fluttered and she smiled, seeing the man waiting for her, the elven apprentice.

"Eadric." She greeted. she had met him one afternoon when she went to Enchanter Leorah, wanting to be taught by her in herbalism. He and Cera were both students of Enchanter Leorah, and they would stay pass class hours to help her in the laboratory.

The elf turned hearing his name, and smiled at her in return. "Thanks for meeting me. Sorry about the secrecy, I just don't do well with crowds." He told her.

She felt nothing for him at first glance, he was just another face in the crowd. He wasn't odious, he just preferred to keep to himself.

"That's okay. I wanted to talk to you anyway." Surana said.

She was surprised when she found out Eadric would be taking the herbalism class with her. He didn't talk to her much, just to ask for a book or some ingredients. Until one day, they were tasked with creating antidotes for two particular poisons. Surana with venom, and Eadric with crow poison. Eadric had been taking the class before her, so he was ahead, but that didn't stop him from asking her for help.

"Do you need any help?" He asked, over her shoulder. "I've already found the antidote for venom, so I can show you the correct procedure." He offered.

Surana offered him a bright smile. "That's sweet, but I'm alright. I'm just finishing up." She said, as she stirred in the last few ingredients.

"You are?" He asked incredulously.

Surana nodded, grabbing her notes and handing them to him. "Maybe you can check my work, to see if it's right."

He plucked the paper from her hands, and read over it. "That's right." He confirmed. He was surprised Surana was able to find out the antidote so quickly, and with such ease. He was at a lost for words.

"Eadric." She called out. "Did you finish?"

Eadric shook his head, handing Surana back her notes. "I'm having a hard time."

"I know I'm not as far as you, but do you want me to help you?" He nodded his head, causing a huge grin to plaster on Surana's face. "What do you have so far?" She asked him, as they made their way back to his table.

"Distillation Agent." Eadric murmured.

"Don't worry, I started off with that, too." Surana smirked. "I find that it's easier to make an antidote after finding out what's in the potion. Blindly throwing things together is good, but more for creating new potions."

Eadric smiled. "That's smart." He chuckled. He watched as Surana smelled the poison, and poke it lightly with her gloved finger. "After we identify it's contents, we create a mixture with its counter ingredients, and add more if need be. That'll be the tricky part."

"Blindly adding ingredients?" He teased. "We know which herbs are for what, let's apply it accordingly." Surana sighed. It took a couple tries, but the two eventually were able to find the antidote to the poison.

After that Eadric opened up to her more, and would hang out with her when she was either alone or with Cera. The more she got to know him, the more she fell in love with him.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Eadric asked.

"Well, I-" Surana stuttered, eyeing the book in his hand. "Eadric, why did want me to meet you down here? To talk about class?"

Now it was Eadric's turn to stutter. "I have something to tell you." He said, setting down his book. He moved closer to Surana until he was standing directly in front of her. Surana could do nothing, but stand in place and stare at him as he looked down, avoiding her eye contact. "I think you're very pretty and I really enjoy spending time with you." He paused for a moment to clear his throat. "I...like you." Eadric confessed. He looked up, briefly, to gauge her reaction, before looking back down.

Surana was stunned, she couldn't believe it. Was he really confessing his feelings for her? Surana felt her heart flutter, and a smile slowly spread across her face. "Eadric." She cooed, placing her palm on his cheek, making his gaze meet hers. Eadric wrapped his hands around her waist, and brought her in close to him. Surana closed her eyes, as she felt Eadric's lips meet hers, and leaned into the kiss. The kiss was warm and gentle, and it made Surana's heart race. She felt Eadric pull back, and opened her eyes to a smiling and blushing elven apprentice. "I like you, too." Surana whispered. Eadric pulled Surana into another, more fiery kiss. Surana was amazed. She had never kissed anyone before, but she reveled in the way Eadric's lips felt against her own. She especially liked the way his tongue danced along hers.

Surana pulled back, biting her lip. She was in such a daze she hadn't heard Eadric speak. "Surana?" He called out again.

"Hmm?" Surana hummed, as she was slowly brought back.

"I said, 'can you come back to my room later?'." Eadric asked. Surana's eyes widened in shock. Back to his room? What was he suggesting? She admitted she liked him, but she wasn't ready to hop in bed with him on the first night! "Not in that way!" He said, reading her reaction. "I just have something I want to give you, a gift." He reassured.

Surana visibly relaxed and nodded her head. "Yeah, I'll come visit you before I go to bed."

Eadric smiled at the affirmation. He explained to Surana how he was helping Enchanter Leorah with organizing the storage caves, and hoped to spend time with her tomorrow in the library. Surana agreed to meet him, letting him give her a kiss goodbye on the forehead, before leaving the storage rooms. She made her way back to the library, hoping to get there before any friends who might come searching for her.

---

She was disappointed. When she returned to the library she found Amell sitting at a desk, waiting for her. Surana groaned. She was not looking forward to the third degree. "Hey, hey!" Surana greeted.

"Hey!" Amell returned, setting down the book she was reading. "Where were you? Cera and I came to get you after lunch, but you weren't here."

"Oh, I just had to get something from the storage caves." Surana said, taking a seat next to her friend. "Where's Cera?"

Amell pulled out an apple from her robe and took a bite out of it. "She went to find Enchanter Leorah to ask her to help her prepare for her harrowing tomorrow."

Surana nodded. "It's too bad the First Enchanter's been in meetings all morning, unable to help you prepare for yours." Surana said. "Did you ask him what those were about, by the way."

"Yeah", Amell sighed, "but all he told us was not to trouble ourselves, and everything will be revealed in time." Surana could tell Amell was frustrated by Irving's response and could only imagine the rebuttal she gave him. "I don't like how they treat us like children. Once I'm a mage, things will be going a lot bit different around here." Surana giggled at her friend, drawing her attention back to the elf. "Don't think I forgot about you, missy." Amell said.

Surana scrunched her eyebrows together. "What about me?" She asked, picking up the book Amell disregarded.

Amell crossed her arms. "What did you get from the storage caves?" She pressed. Surana's eyes widened slightly. She had forgotten all about that. She looked to Amell, and seen she was looking back at her awaiting a response. She didn't have one. "Was it Eadric, again?"

"Eadric, again?" Surana mimicked, panicked. Did she already know?

"I know he doesn't…prefer spending time with other people except you and Cera." Amell said.

Surana sighed in relief, nodding her head. "He doesn't have anything against humans, he just feels he can't relate outside of being a mage." Surana said, as she opened the book and began skimming the pages.

Amell shrugged, taking another bite of her apple. "Hey, remember at lunch when you said Enchanter Leorah wasn't looking for you?" Amell asked.

"Yeah, why?" Surana asked, looking up at her.

Amell scanned the library before continuing, and lowering1 her voice. "Well, that's what Drass told us, but why would he lie?"

Surana did her own look around the library. "You know", she said leaning in, and lowering her own voice. "I've heard how there have been dalliances between the mages and templars."

Amell looked at the elf, shocked. "That's forbidden." She muttered.

"Damn right." Surana mumbled. Amell thought back to this morning, how Drass lingered there after Surana had left. He lied to get rid of Surana, that was obvious enough, but what for? What would he have said, or done, if Amell hadn't left? "Speak of the devil." Surana sighed, bringing Amell out of her thoughts.

She looked up to see said templar entering the library, doing a scan of the area. Does he want something with me? Would that explain his odd behavior? Amell jumped, when she saw Drass do a double take at her table, before turning and walking out of the library.

"Can't he find someone his own age?" She heard Surana ask, and turned her attention back to her friend. "Instead of pining after someone half of it." She grumbled. Amell let out a sharp breath, feeling a little scared and worried that her friend could be right. "What you need is a hobby." Surana closed the book in her hand to give Amell her full attention. "Like how I have herbalism, so you're never alone for him to make a move."

"I would like to study animals." Amell mused.

"There's plenty of books." Surana offered.

Amell shook her head. "Senior Enchanter Torrin heads the Creature Research Department. It's mostly made up of tranquil, but I've seen a couple of mages and apprentices in it." This, she would enjoy and it would keep her busy, out of reach of any suspicious templars.

"I've heard of an old practice that allows mages to turn into any animal they want," Surana beamed. "Wouldn't that be cool?"

"It does sound exciting," Amell mused, "but I think it requires a more direct form of analysis."

Surana shrugged her shoulders, not at all discouraged from looking into becoming a shapeshifter. "We should study together in the library." She suggested.

"Study?"

"So, we don't get too busy with our other projects, especially since you'll be becoming a mage."

"Oh..." Amell let out as realization dawned on her. "Well, what would you like to study?"

"I've had enough of history lessons and magic, but I know you love it. So, I came up with a compromise. We study the fade."

"The fade?" Amell repeated with an eyebrow raised.

Surana shook her head. "The fade is the epitome of history and magic. That's great for you! While I get the luxury of exploring and discovering a world barely known to ours. It's a win-win!"

"Depending on how far this studying goes, that could be dangerous. As long as it doesn't come to that, we can go ahead with it." Amell said. As she finished off her apple, she heard Surana's stomach growl. "Do you want to go to dinner?" She asked her.

Surana nodded her head, and the girls stood up and made their way to the cafeteria.

---

After dinner, Surana and Amell made their way back to their quarters.

"I pray Cera passes her harrowing tomorrow. It wouldn't be the same seeing her as a tranquil." Amell spoke.

Surana nodded her head in agreement, "I pray both of you pass." She replied. They were almost to their quarters, when Surana looked into one of the rooms they were passing by, and saw Eadric reading on his bed. She remembered he had something he wanted to give to her. "I'll meet you in the room. There was something I needed to get from Eadric." She said, as she came to a halt in front of a boys' room. Amell followed her gaze, before she nodded her head and continued on her way. Surana took a deep breath before entering the room. She made a beeline to where Eadric was, until she was standing in front of his bed.

Eadric looked up to see who had approached his bed, stunned to see it was Surana. He quickly closed his book, and stood up to greet her. "Surana!" He announced, nervously, not expecting her to be here so soon.

Surana offered him a kind smile. "You wanted to give me something, remember?" She reminded him.

Eadric nodded his head, going to his dresser and shuffling through it. He seemed to have found what he was looking for, moments later, and presented the gift to Surana. Surana gasped upon seeing the feather shaped charm. "This is an eagle feather charm. Cera told me how you fascinated you were with birds." Eadric explained.

"How did you get this?" Surana asked, as she examined the enamel charm in her hands.

Eadric handed her the box the charm came in, lowering his voice to a mumble. "My mom sent it to me a couple of days ago." He answered.

Surana looked up at him, surprised. "Your mother? Then why are you giving it to me?" She questioned, as she set the charm back in its box and attempted to return the item to Eadric. He had asked his mother advice for a gift to give to Surana, not expecting her to send him something. Eadric had been writing to his mother about Surana for years, since he first laid eyes on her.

She had caught his attention immediately, being a student of the First Enchanter. They came into the laboratory one day, where he and Cera were being taught by Enchanter Leorah. Irving called over Enchanter Leorah, asking for a moment of her time. As he talked with her, Amell and Surana introduced themselves to Cera and himself. Surana wore a beautiful, bright smile on her face, enthusiastically talking about how she finally managed to cast a spell she was previously having trouble with.

Eadric smiled at the memory. "It's for you." He told her.

Surana pulled the box close to her examining the charm. She didn't have a bracelet to put it on, but maybe she can put it on her earring, or necklace. "Thank you." As Surana turned to leave, with the charm in hand, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

She turned back to Eadric to find him leaning in, and planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight, Surana." He whispered to her, before going back to lay in his bed.

"Goodnight." Surana responded, with a smile, before she made her way back to her own room for the night.

---

Back in her room, she was met, once again, with Amell waiting for her. She sat on her bed, focusing on reading her book.

"Hi, hi!" Surana greeted her.

"Hey!" She responded, looking up from her book. "So, what did you get from Eadric?" She questioned. Surana let out a groan. She loved Amell, but she couldn't stand her sometimes. She was just so nosy. Why couldn't she just mind her business? Surana set down the box on her bed, taking out the charm and showing it to Amell. She wore a huge grin despite herself, too happy to conceal it. "How sweet!" Amell cheered. She grasped the charm from Surana's hand, and examined it. "I guess he likes you, huh?"

Surana snatched the charm back from Amell, a smile still donning her face. "Something like that."

"Well, don't be too public about it. The templars keep a close eye on man and woman relationships. They frown upon mages getting pregnant."

"We're not having sex, but I'll be careful." She told her, before getting into her own bed. "Goodnight, Amell." She whispered.

"Goodnight." Amell answered, laying down in her own bed. Soon after, they both fell into a blissful sleep.

---

Brosca was in her home, lying on the floor, and facing the wall. Her sister was on the other side of the room talking with some warrior or whatever. She stared off in a daze as she listened in on their conversation. The warrior was promising to help make like easier for them, they just needed to offer him their services. Brosca knew all too well what kind of 'services' he was referring to. This wasn't the first time her sister had done something like this just so she can feed them. Assuming what was next to come, Brosca arose from her lying position and made her way to the door.

"Don't leave just yet, poppet. You can serve just as well." The man said to her. Brosca stopped in her tracks and stared at the man from the corner of her eye. Her eyes were sharp, but her face was expressionless as she considered slitting his throat for his perversion. She relented, knowing that it would only make things worse for her.

"Beraht, let her go. I'll talk to her about this later." Her sister insisted.

Although, Beraht's gaze still lingered on Brosca, traveling up and down her body. "The nymph will serve." He said, nodding his head in finality before turning his attention back to Rica.

Brosca took the opportunity to make her escape, getting as far away from the man as she possibly could. She found herself in the Hall of Heroes. She passed by many statues as she came by the one she favored the most: Gherlen the Blood-Risen. A casteless turned paragon. Need she say more? She considered plenty of times leaving to the surface to make a name for herself, such as he, but could never follow through with the idea. She didn't know anything about the surface, nor did she want to leave her sister. So, she stayed and could only imagine a better life with her as a hero.

As she was admiring the statue in front of her, she heard footsteps approaching from behind her. She turned around to see who it was, and came face to face with Teli, a close friend of hers. "Good day, Teli. What brings you here?"

The dwarf stopped right next to her, beholding the statue before them. "I came to see if you were all right. You looked pretty upset when you left."

Brosca smiled at her friend. "Thanks, but you don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"That's true. You're strong, always have been. That's what I admire about you." Teli turned to face Brosca, her eyes were lowered avoiding her gaze. "Beraht was in your home."

Brosca looked at her curiously. "Is he someone I should know?"

Teli shook her head, still not meeting Brosca's gaze. "He's someone you should avoid entirely."

"Beraht should avoid me." Brosca countered in a cold, menacing tone.

Teli looked to Brosca with a hard gaze. "This is serious, Brosca. Deadly, as in life or death, serious." Brosca clenched her jaw and nodded her head at Teli, for her to continue. "He is the leader of the carta, not known for his mercy. Even the nobles watch their step around him."

"What could the infamous crime boss want with me and my sister?" Brosca asked. Now that she knew his background, she doubted it was just to have a little tumble.

Teli lowered her gaze once again. "You and your sister are beautiful. Most likely he plans on making you noble hunters."

"Noble hunters?"

Teli nodded her head. "Women who bed nobles in hopes of bearing a son to them to raise their ranks, like Mardy and Elsye."

Brosca widened her eyes slightly. The idea wasn't completely ludicrous for people in their position, and she wouldn't put it pass her sister to go along with it, but she'd like to think of herself to be above such things. "I have to go." She told Teli. She hoped that when she got back home Beraht would be gone, so she can talk her sister out of doing business with him. She had no such luck. Beraht and her sister were waiting for her when she returned. "Rica?" She questioned. She noticed Rica, sitting in a corner, just turned her head and avoided her gaze. She turned her attention to Beraht, who was standing next to Rica.

"So nice of you to join us again, poppet." Beraht greeted. "I was just discussing with your sister here your role as an employee." Brosca glared at him from across the room, waiting for him to continue. Beraht, noticing the glare, smirked to himself. "Your face and shape scream concubine, but Rica convinced me you'd serve better as a lackey. I highly doubt it, but I'll give you a shot." He said, eying her one more time before making his exit.

Brosca rushed to Rica's side and took a seat next to her. "Rica, what have you done?"

"It's time for you to grow up, Sister. We have to do this if we want a better life. We won't survive if we keep on going as we were." Rica explained. "We're not above this kind of work."

Brosca slowly nodded her head. She didn't want to argue with her sister. "When do we start?" She was more curious about when Rica started than herself, for she was worried for her sister.

"Tomorrow, someone from the carta will escort you to their hideout. I-I will...go to Beraht's home. Unlike you, I don't start right away." There was a groan heard from the kitchen, making Rica pause. "I'm going to take lessons of etiquette, reading and writing, among other things." She continued.

Brosca stared at her sister silently. It was apparent that Rica had made up her mind and she wasn't going to be talked out of it. Brosca huffed at Rica and got up to leave. She needed a moment to herself.

---

The next day, there came a harsh knock at the door, in the wee hours of the morning. The banging caused Kalah to grip her head firmly as an attempt to alleviate the pain soaring to it. Brosca quickly went for the door when her mother started to shriek in pain. "Do you mind?" She gritted upon opening the door.

The dwarf on the other side gave a sly smile. "Morning, gorgeous. Hate to disrupt, but we got to get a move on." He said, then turned around and started walking.

Brosca threw a tattered blanket over her shoulders and scrambled to catch up with him. "Would you slow down a bit?"

The dwarf shook his head. "You have to get used to moving fast. Any slower and it'll be trouble."

"Where are we even going?" Brosca questioned.

"To the shop; we're going to get you fitted for armor first, before we go to the hideout."

"Uh..."

"Leske." The man introduced himself.

"Leske, we don't do all of this at the hideout. Merchants won't sell us armor, let alone allow us into their store."

"Don't get used to asking questions either. That could be trouble, too." Brosca didn't say anything else, and just settled on glaring at Leske from the back. "So, what's your name, gorgeous?" He asked her.

"Brosca." She grumbled, causing Leske to laugh out loud. She rolled her at eyes at him. "How long have you been working for the carta?"

"I'm a new recruit, like you. Been active for just a little less than a week." There were so many questions Brosca wanted to ask regarding the carta, but she figured she'd have all her answers soon enough. "Here we are." Leske announced as he opened the door to a store in the commons.

"Poppet!" Brosca heard and groaned in reply. "I was hoping I'd get a chance to see you."

"Beraht." Brosca greeted, avoiding eye contact with him.

Beraht turned to who she guessed was the store keeper. "Get the nymph's measurements and prepare the armor to be made." Brosca grimaced as the nicknames he'd come up with to call her. "This is an entrance to the hideout. Only authorized personnel are allowed through this entrance."

Brosca nodded her head as she raised her arms to the let the storekeeper measure her. "So, poppet...?" Leske teased after Beraht left.

"No, Leske." Brosca replied.

"Oh, do you prefer nymph?" Leske chuckled, and Brosca sent him a death glare in response. "Come on, we don't have time to dally." He said when the shopkeeper finished measuring Brosca.

Brosca followed Leske out of the shop, and to the carta hideout. She knew the hideout had to be somewhere in Dust Town, but she wasn't expecting it to be so close to her home. She looked perplexed at Leske as they came to a stop in front of the wall. She was even more confused when she seen a door open up after he put some type of finger bone in a slot. Has this always been here? She wondered. "I'll take it from here." She heard someone say.

"Thanks, Nadezda." Leske said, and disappeared from her line of view.

"You ever held a weapon?" Nadezda asked her. A kitchen knife, Brosca thought, but refrained from saying it out loud. Nadezda took the silence as her answer, and ushered her into some sort of weaponry room. "Pick your weapon." The woman ordered her. The room held many weapons, but she was placed to choose between four sets: two daggers, a bow and arrow, a sword and shield, and a longsword. She carefully picked up the two daggers and held them in her hands. "Stand at the ready." The lady suddenly said.

"What?" Brosca asked before she was hit in her chest. "Hugh!" She gasped, trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of her.

"What use are you to the carta if you can't fight." Brosca didn't know the first thing about fighting. She just held the daggers in front of her as an attempt to shield herself. She looked at the weapons in her hands, thinking to attack, but she didn't know how to fight with two weapons at once. "You're stance is all wrong!" Nadezda instructed, shoving her into the correct position. "Now swing." She ordered. Brosca lifted both her arms, before returning them to her side. She decided it would be better to move one at a time. Nadezda nodded her head, then swatted one of the daggers out of her hand. "You will learn to fight with your dominant hand first, then the other one alone also, before we work on using them together."

Brosca nodded her head, gripping the dagger firmly in her hand.

---

After training, Brosca was directed to a room where she can wash up. She sighed in relief as she settled into the warm water. She wondered how the carta was able to get a tub, but figured it had something to do with Beraht being from the merchant's caste. She lay relaxed as she let the water soothe her sore muscles. Training was no joke, and her instructor was austere. Still, Brosca found herself smiling despite herself. She enjoyed it. Learning to fight was the vein of silver in becoming a carta thug. Brosca made sure to take her time in the bath, not knowing when the next time she'll be able to take another one. She decided to get out when the water finally went cold. Brosca wrapped the towel she dried off with around her body, then made her way to the door. She creaked the door open to peak if anyone was on the other side. To her dismay, Leske was.

"Thought you'd never come out." He smiled to her. "You were in there awhile, enough time for your armor to be made." He presented to her the standard carta armor complete with boots and gloves. Brosca hugged the towel tighter to herself as Leske came closer to the door. "Here you go." Brosca snatched the armor set from him before he can come any further, and slammed the door in his face. She rolled her eyes as she heard him laugh on the other side of the door. Brosca donned her armor set made of leather from a shoe, bits of gloves, and something else she couldn't identify. The armor fit her well, and was quite durable despite being made from scraps. Another vein of silver, she thought as she stepped out of the washroom. "Enough dallying. Beraht wants to see you." Leske spoke, not even waiting for the door to close behind her. "You look amazing, poppet."

Brosca sent him another glare. "Don't call me that." She muttered.

Leske held up his hands in surrender. "If you want to appear less adorable, I suggest you get a brand tat." Brosca rolled her eyes again as she started following him back to Beraht's shop.

As they made their way out of the carta hideout, Brosca couldn't help, but notice all the stares she was getting from the other members. "Am I walking weird or something?" She asked Leske.

"No." Leske chuckled. "You're just gorgeous. We're not used to a woman such as yourself being amongst our ranks. Your type are usually with the noble hunters." Brosca blushed slightly at his words. She didn't think she was that beautiful. From what she knew Rica was the pretty one, but she had to admit...she was flattered.

Brosca found herself once again in the shop standing before Beraht, the shopkeeper, and two other dwarves she didn't care to know of. "Poppet, this is my right hand Jarvia. You will answer to her when I am unavailable. When we're both unavailable you will answer to my left hand, Karshol."

"Poppet?" Jarvia questioned. "Is that some sort of pet name."

"Just something I stuck with." Beraht answered. "What would you like me to call her?"

"The nickname is too affectionate, and her actual name is too respectable." Jarvia responded. Although Brosca could tell she had ill intentions, she was grateful for the intrusion. Attention from Beraht, or anyone older for that matter, wasn't flattering. "Thug." Jarvia decided. "That's what she is, it's all she'll ever be."

Beraht nodded his head in agreement. "Alright, Thug, I had a talk with your instructor. According to Nadezda you have quite the talent. She says you show promise." Brosca nodded her head, avoiding making any eye contact with Beraht and Jarvia. She could feel Beraht's eyes roaming her body in the revealing armor, and Jarvia's sharp glare in response. "Too bad; with you as a concubine I'd be in the diamond quarters in no time." Beraht shook his head and tsked at the thought. "Your duties are simple. I tell you to handle something, or someone, and you do it. Leske will be your partner." Brosca nodded her head again, not daring to look up or say anything in return. "Dismissed." He waved out.

Brosca didn't waste any time in exiting the shop, wanting to be as far away from it as possible. "Someone's jealous." Leske chuckled from behind her.

I'm glad she feels threatened by me, but "she doesn't need to worry about me coming onto Beraht, or anyone else for that matter."

"I was talking about myself." Leske corrected, "but good to know I don't have any competition."

Sure he was, Brosca thought. "What do you have to be jealous of?" She indulged him.

"Dwarf with money, and a caste? It's enough to draw all the attention of the casteless women."

Leske followed Brosca back into Dust Town, to the front of her house. "Yeah? Well, not me." She said, slumping down on the ground. She couldn't believe her sister got her involved with the carta, without asking, without her consent; but what could she do, allow her family to starve and die? From what she understood Rica didn't have it any better than she did. They needed each other, and they both had to play their roles if they were going to survive this life.

"Hey, pop-Brosca." Leske called. She hummed in response, and lifted her head up to him. "I know you're feeling down about this right now, but don't worry. It's not that bad."

Brosca let out a slow breath. "You want me to throw my morals and integrity topside for something you claim is 'not that bad'?"

"Our targets aren't other casteless. They're the scum that put us down and keep us down."

Brosca looked away from him. He did have a point. Where's the reward in showing mercy to those who hate you? "What's not so bad about it?" She asked him.

"Besides monthly baths, learning to fight, and getting paid enough to eat from the stone?" Leske answered and Brosca nodded her head. "Me." She smiled slightly at that, unable to argue his point. "I am at your service, my lady." Leske mocked, bowing to her.

She let out a light giggle at him. Maybe having him as a partner wouldn't be so bad. "When do we 'eat from the stone', as you say? I'm starving." Brosca groaned. She didn't know what he meant by that saying, but it sounded good to her.

"Not until after you get paid." Leske answered.

"I should get paid for my time." Brosca countered.

Leske laughed in response. "Well, I'll tell you what, because you're so beautiful and my new partner I'll treat you to dinner. How does that sound?"

Brosca sprang up in enthusiasm. "Like a plan!" She declared, and started to make her way to the commons.

"Wait!" Leske called after her. She stopped in tracks instantly, causing Leske to bump into her. She flew to the ground on impact, landing hard on the ground. "I'm sorry." He apologized. His voice held all the sincerity in the world with those words. "I was trying to tell you we can eat at the carta base." He told her as he helped her up.

She raised an eyebrow up at him. "So, it really won't be your treat?" Brosca accused.

"I just wanted you to love me." Leske joked. Brosca rolled her eyes, pushing past him to go back the way they came.

"Let's hurry." She told him. Waiting for him at the entrance, she looked back at him a gave him a hard glare.

Leske chuckled to himself. "Now she's in a rush when food is involved."

---

Cousland let out an exasperated sigh. She was irritated. This was the second week in a row when she would receive love letters from not-so secret admirers. Although, she was still young, she was around the age where her parents could marry her off if they found it beneficial. Luckily, her father wasn't yet ready to let her go. "Nesiara!"

Her elven servant came running in her room. "Yes, milady?" She asked her.

"Throw these letters into the fire. I have no interest in them."

"Yes, milady." Nesiara quickly gathered the letters in her hands, and ran off with them. Cousland looked to her fireplace on the other side of the room, knowing all too well where her servant was headed. She was a bit bothered about it, but knew her mother would be cross with both of them if the elf blindly followed her orders.

There came a knock at the door. "More love letters?"

"As charming as ever." Cousland grumbled. "What brings you here, Ser Gilmore?"

Roderick huffed. "Just Roderick, please, milady."

Cousland turned to him with a smirk on her face. "Fine, Roderick, how goes your duties?" Roderick was Cousland's personal guard. Tasked by her parents to accompany and protect her during travel. As Cousland started her warrior training, she wondered, for his use to her, but her father insisted.

"Fine, so far. Please, keep it that way." He answered.

Cousland stood up from her seat, and stood in front of Roderick. "Are you implying I make your job difficult for you?"

"No, I'm saying it, milady." Roderick smiled at her. Cousland glared at him, playfully, before she walked around him and out of the room. Roderick followed closely behind her, almost side by side. "You should make a decision soon." He told her. Cousland said nothing to him in response. "That way it'll be your choice, at least."

"I can't marry a stranger." Cousland finally responded. "I want to marry for love and if I can't, I won't marry just anybody. I deserve a king."

"Well, unfortunately for you, the king is taken."

"I wouldn't even imagine..." Cousland shook her head with a small smile. She has met the king before on more than several occasions. She finds him charming if not jejune, and most definitely personable. A shame the other teyrn's daughter got to him first. "No," Cousland sighed. She turned to Roderick and placed her hand on his shoulder, making him stop where he stood. Leaning to him on her tiptoes, she whispered, "I'd rather think about you and me," in his ear. She ran her hand down his chest and past his abdomen, then removed her hand and continued walking as if she didn't do anything.

She smirked to herself at her guard's reaction, hearing him mutter, "Why do you do that?" under his breath. "Quit teasing me!" He roared; louder than he intended, as he drew the attention from a couple guards passing them by. He quickly shut his mouth and lowered his head in embarrassment.

"Forgive me, Ser Gilmore, I mean it as no disrespect or insult." Cousland giggled at her knight, as she turned around. "I just like having fun with you." She said in a suggestive tone, and bit her lip for dramatic affect. She smirked as she watched Roderick blush brightly, and avoid her gaze. "You make it too easy."

Roderick cleared his throat, before he shyly met her gaze again. "Before I forget, your mother wanted you to accompany her for lunch."

"I'd say you already forgotten." Cousland murmured. She was not looking forward to lunch with her mother. By now she has definitely received the letters from her servant, and would no doubt pester her about them. "I guess we'll have to pick this up later. Say, tonight, my quarters?"

"Milady, please?" Roderick pleaded, once again blushing and avoiding her gaze.

"Fine." Cousland relented on her teasing. "Where does my mother feast, in the diner or the garden?"

"The garden." Roderick answered. Cousland nodded her head, as she continued on her way to the garden. She supposed she could attend her warrior training after lunch.

Just as expected, when Cousland entered into the garden, she found her mother reading the love letters she had recently received that morning. "Mother", she greeted. She strode across the garden to her, and gave her mother a hug.

"Dear", Eleanor greeted and returning her daughter's hug. She held up the letters to her. "What are these that Nesiara has brought to me?" She questioned her daughter.

Cousland let out a sigh. "Fan mail-"

"Cousland." Eleanor warned. "Why haven't you even bothered to read them? You must come to a decision soon."

"Mother, I still have a few years of my freedom left. I'd like to enjoy them without being bothered by a group of lovesick puppies." She answered. She took her seat next to her mother at the table and began eating her lunch.

"Oh, honey, it's so much more than that. Don't you want to get to know your spouse before completely committing? If you start spending time with them now, you will find out which one you are most compatible with." Eleanor placed the letters next to Cousland's plate. "You might even fall in love." Cousland took the letters from off the table and placed them in her bag. Her mother did have a point. Better to entertain them now than be stuck with some stiff with a stick up his rear end. "Now, there is a potential candidate who has preferred to meet you in person. He is your father's personal choice."

"Who is it?" Cousland questioned. Her mouth full of food.

Eleanor scowled at her behavior. "Thomas Howe." She answered.

"The Howe's are back at it?" Cousland supposed she shouldn't be surprised since her father tried to match her brother, Fergus with Howe's daughter, Delilah at Rendon Howe's beseeching. Thankfully they were never married due to Fergus loving a woman named Oriana, who was already two months pregnant with his child. Now, Howe hopes to rectify the situation by pushing one of his sons on her. "Mother, I'm not interested-"

"Hold your tongue." Eleanor hissed as she stood up from her seat to greet a young man coming into the garden, whom Cousland can only guess was "Thomas!" Her mother greeted. Cousland groaned to herself as she quickly finished off the rest of her meal. "So nice of you to join us."

"Not that nice." Cousland mumbled to herself, but judging by the death glare her mother sent her, meant that she had heard her too.

"Thomas, this is my daughter Cousland." Eleanor motioned her arm towards her daughter, signaling for her to get up.

Cousland rolled her eyes, but complied with her mother anyway. "A pleasure to meet you, Thomas." She greeted, and shook his hand.

Thomas bowed to her, to which Cousland only raised an eyebrow at. "These are for you, milady." He told her as he presented a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. "Your mother told me you favor flowers."

Cousland stared in awe at the bundle of crystal graces as she took the bouquet from Thomas's hand. "These are beautiful. Thank you, Thomas." She narrowed her eyes at her mother. This wasn't fair. None of her admirers were supposed to be getting any help from her parents.

"I have an idea." Eleanor announced. Thomas and Cousland turned to her. "Why don't the both of you go horseback riding for the rest of the afternoon?" She suggested.

Cousland sent a death glare to her mother. She completely set her up. "I can't go today, mother. I have training today."

"Training?" Thomas tried to question, but was over talked by Eleanor.

"Oh, pish-posh, darling. Do that some other time. Thomas is our guest. You wouldn't want to be a poor host, would you?"

Cousland gritted her teeth as she began to have a stare-down with her mother. She had agreed to entertain her courtiers, but only on her time. Not her mother's, father's, or theirs. "Mother-", she tried, but was cut off.

"Don't worry about your duties, dear. I'll have all of them taken care of."

She turned her eyes to Thomas. He had a hopeful look on his face that shone through his eyes. "Fine", she sighed. "Mother, can you put these flowers in a vase?" She shoved the bouquet in her mother's face.

"Of course." Eleanor responded and sent her daughter a stare that said, 'we'll discuss this later'.

Cousland smirked at her mother. "Follow me, Thomas." She grabbed his hand and led him out of the garden. She quickly released his hand once they were outside of the garden, and before Roderick could see.

"Milady." He greeted, giving her a questioning look when he seen Thomas close behind her.

"We are going horseback riding this afternoon." She informed him as she continued to make her way to the stables.

"We?" Roderick questioned, as he fell into step with her.

"Me, Thomas, and you."

"What?" Thomas asked her. He was really hoping that it would be just the two of them.

"Thomas, Roderick is my personal guard. At the behest of my father, he is to be by my side at all times, especially when I leave the castle."

Thomas slumped his shoulders in defeat. "Of course, milady." He understood, being a nobleman himself, but that didn't stop him from being disappointed.

As they arrived at the stables, the horseman began to saddle their horses. "So, how is Delilah?" Cousland asked Thomas. Despite that mishap, the Howes and the Cousland's have always been close, and she wouldn't want something like this to cause a rift between them.

"Delilah is delightful." Thomas asked as he straddled his horse, and Cousland followed suit. "I believe she might be seeing someone."

Cousland smiled, happy for her childhood friend, "and Nathaniel?" She asked, turning to him as they began to gallop out of gates.

"He's still in the Free Marches."

She detected a bit of sadness in his voice. Maybe he didn't hear from his brother often. "Well, I just hope he's doing as well as you are." She winked at him. She watched as his eyes lit up and a blush spread across his face. She wasn't trying to lead him on, but what could she say, she was a flirt. "What do you say we race to the meadows?" She asked, looking between her guard and her guest. "Last one there's an Orlesian!" She cried, as she sped off.

"Milady, no-!" Roderick tried to yell after her. Thomas took off with her, trying to keep up with her, but her horse was faster than his; and he soon was left in the dust. "Milady!" Roderick tried to call after her again, but she was long gone.

Cousland arrived to the meadow in no time. Hopping off her horse, she laid down in the grass just staring up at the sky. This was her favorite place to come to for peace and quiet, where she could just contemplate about her life. She plays around with Thomas, Roderick, heck even the king, but that's not where her heart's at. Her heart already belonged to another. Cousland sighed as she thought about the man she was in love with. "Nathaniel", she whispered. It's been years since she last saw him.

"Your parents want us to get married." She heard Delilah say.

"Me and you?" Cousland asked in confusion.

"No, silly, your brother and I!" Cousland blinked at her in confusion. Why would they want that? She watched as Delilah looked to the ground and blushed. "Do you know where he is?"

With her brother, Cousland thought. "He should be at the stables with your brother." She answered, watching again as Delilah's eyes lit up.

Her eyes went from Delilah's face to her hand when she felt her grab it. "Let's go!" She urged, as she dragged Cousland along with her to the stables.

…and then she saw him. By the horse and talking along with her brother. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. "Cousland." He greeted her. When had he grown up? She wondered. Last she saw of him, he was a chunky boy and short.

"Nate." The astonishment showed in her face, and he smirked at it.

"What are you guys doing here?" Her brother questioned, and she tore her gaze away from Nathaniel.

"Delilah wanted to see the horses. Do you mind giving her a ride."

"What am I, the coachman?"

"Delilah is our guest!" Cousland reprimanded.

Fergus withheld from rolling his eyes, and gestured for Delilah to come over. After she was settled behind him, he looked over to his sister and his friend. "Are you guys going for a ride, too?"

Cousland rolled her eyes. "Cue the overprotective brother." Nathaniel chuckled at her joke. "You don't have to worry about me. I'm going back to be with Mabari."

"Don't you trust your friend?" Nathaniel questioned him, as he put him arm around Cousland. Immediately her heart began to race at the contact.

Fergus shifted his eyes between them, curiously. "Fine." He relented. Delilah happily wrapped her arms around him, excited for some alone time with him. "I'll be back...when you least expect it." He announced, before riding off with Delilah.

That's when she first started to fall for Nathaniel. She knew it, but she couldn't stop herself. That year, not only had she fallen in love with him, but she was his. "Why did you run off like that?" She heard Roderick demand.

She sat up with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "We were racing. It was fun! Wasn't Thomas?" She turned to him, not wanting to look at her guard for too long. She knew he'd be able to see right through her.

"Definitely an exercise for the horses." Thomas answered, as he took a seat next to her.

Cousland turned her body completely to him. "Tell me Thomas, did Delilah accompany you here?" Thomas shook his head. Cousland's smile dropped. "I see. She still doesn't want to see me."

"No, milady, that's not it at all." Thomas grabbed her hands, holding them in his. "As I said, she might be seeing someone. It's most likely she stayed behind to spend as much time with him as she can."

Cousland was shocked that Thomas had the nerve to openly touch her, but she found his words reassuring. She gripped his hands in return and offered him a smile. "Then I will write a letter to her. Would you take it with you before you go, and give it to her for me?"

Thomas gently her closer to him. "Of course, milady, whatever you wish."

Cousland's smile faltered again. Thomas seemed like such a sweet boy. She'd bet if she gave him a chance, she could be happy with him; but she knows herself, and she knows she'll never love him the way she loves Nathaniel. She turned her attention to her guard, or anyone for that matter. "Thank you, Thomas." She spoke, pulling away from him. "You're much better than my brother. He'd have been like, 'what am I, the messenger?' He never misses the chance to complain." She joked. Thomas watched her. She seen a flicker of disappointment shine in his eyes before masking it, and giving a forced laugh. She looked down in shame. Thomas was different than her other admirers. They had grew up together. Just as she had fallen in love with his brother, he had fallen in love with her. I'm sorry. She felt Thomas wrap his arms around her in a hug, and her heart sank even more. She returned his hug in earnest. She loved him. How could she not? They were family friends. It hurt her to break his heart.

"We should probably get back." She heard her guard suggest. She nodded her head and pulled herself away from Thomas's embrace. "Milady." Roderick said, as he helped Cousland back on her horse. Once she was settled, she took off once again, leaving the other two behind.

Cousland and Nathaniel watched as her brother and his sister rode off together. "She says your father wants them to marry." Cousland accused, turning her body to him.

"That's neither your or my business." Nathaniel countered. She gave him a stern look in return. "Don't you have to go to your puppy?"

"Of course, because I so many people and things seeking my attention, unlike you." Cousland pointed at him with both of her hands before resting them on her waist.

Nathaniel scoffed. "You're right, I'm not seeking your attention. So, go run along and play." He shooed her off.

"I'm not a little girl anymore!" Cousland snapped.

"Then how about we take your brother up that ride?" He said, hopping on her horse.

"That's my horse!" She pointed at him.

Nathaniel simply ignored her, grabbed the hand she was pointing with, and lifted her up onto the horse. "Hang on tight!" He told her, as they raced off in the opposite direction her brother and his sister went.

"Where are we going?" She yelled over the wind.

"Just shut up and wait." He murmured. Cousland rolled her eyes, but quieted down nonetheless. She tightened her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back. Closing, her eyes, she felt so at peace with him like this. "We're here!" She heard him say and opened her eyes when she felt them stop. She lifted her head and looked around their surroundings. They were at some type a clearing, a forest behind them and a cliff in the front. She walked to the edge and looked over it. An ocean underneath. "Don't jump." He said, as he sat down next to her. She rolled her eyes at him and sat down with him. She was a good arm's length away from him, just out of his reach. "What are you doing all the way over there? You're clumsy, and if you start to fall I won't be able to catch you." She kindly ignored him, going to cross her legs when she felt him pulling her closer to him until they were shoulder to shoulder. "That's better." He said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Cousland smiled to him. "This is nice." She said and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I like places like this. It calms my nerves."

"What do you have to be nervous about?" She wondered.

Nathaniel paused. "More than you'll ever know." He answered and rested his head on top of hers.

"You can talk to me, you know?" Cousland tried reassure him.

"I know." He confirmed, "but I don't want to trouble you with my problems. You're my safe place. I don't want that to change."

Time seemed to have flew by. She went from sitting by his side to sitting between his legs and leaning against his chest. He had his chin on the top of her head and his arms wrapped around her body. "It's getting late. We should probably start heading back." Cousland nodded her head. She pulled away from his embrace and allowed Nathaniel to help her up. "Come on." He said, holding her hand back to her horse. He lifted her up onto the horse, then hopped on behind her. "Hang on." He instructed, and she grabbed the reins along with him.

When they returned to the stables Thomas was there waiting for them. His eyes lit up when he saw her, but dimmed when he saw his brother behind her. He put on his best fake smile. "Cousland, I've been waiting for you."

When she got back to the stables she jumped off of her horse and shoved the reins into the horseman's hands, not waiting for the other two to arrive to walk back. "Tell Ser Gilmore and Lord Thomas that I've retired to my chambers for the rest of the afternoon to write up the letter. I'll see them at dinner." She asked the horseman. He nodded in confirmation and she smiled at him in thanks.

Nesiara met Cousland at the gates of her castle. The servant smiled upon seeing her lady, but that smile quickly turned into worried frown when she seen that Cousland was by herself. "Where is your guard, milady? Did something happen?"

Cousland shook her head no. She allowed Nesiara to wrap herself in the shawl she was carrying. "Nothing happened. I just need some time to write a letter before Thomas leaves."

"Milady, your parents will not be pleased that you are by yourself."

"Not everything needs to be reported to them!" She snapped. It came out harsher than she intended, but still meant it nonetheless.

"Of course, milady. Allow me to escort you to your room." Nesiara offered.

Cousland accepted, but walked a few steps in front of her. "I won't be out until dinnertime." She told her servant, not giving her a chance to respond and closing the door on her.

She sighed as she unwrapped the shawl from around her frame. There was so much she wanted to say to Delilah, and didn't want to leave anything out. She'll start with the basics, she decided, before she got to more personal things, and good will. Delilah and Cousland have always been close, especially since their fathers were best friends. She knows Delilah felt betrayed when Cousland didn't have her back, but she hoped she understood that it was in support of her brother.

"Did you need me for something, Thomas?" She asked. He rushed to her side to help her down, grabbing her by her waist and lifting her down.

"Your father thought that we should spend more time together." Thomas informed him.

Before she could even think, Nathaniel was speaking. "Why would he think that?" He asked.

"Go ask him!" Thomas hissed.

Nathaniel gave him a hard glare. "I'm asking you."

She looked between the two brothers wondering where all this tension was coming from. Deciding to leave the two brothers to their tension, Cousland went to make her way towards the castle. When she walked around the corner she heard a sniffle and snapped her head in the direction. It was Delilah. She was curled up in a corner outside of the castle walls. "Delilah? What's wrong?" She asked as she approached her.

"He doesn't love me!" Her friend cried. She didn't need to ask who. If Delilah was here by herself and crying, she could only be talking about her brother. "He's in love with someone else."

"Delilah did you really love my brother?"

"What?" She sniffled.

Maybe Cousland hasn't been paying attention, but today was the first day she ever saw Delilah show an interest in her brother. "Just-" Cousland sighed. She didn't want to come off cold or uncaring, but she had to speak on what she was feeling. "It seems to me like you only 'loved' him because that's what your father wanted. If Fergus is in love with someone else, you should accept that. They should be together. You wouldn't want to be in some loveless marriage, always coming in second to the one who actually has his heart, would you?"

Delilah wiped her tears from her eyes and gave Cousland a deadly stare. She didn't respond, just sat silently as she glared as her childhood friend.

Cousland hadn't seen or heard from Delilah ever since then. She realizes now she should have just comforted her friend. That's all she wanted. That wasn't the time to give tough love, but just to be there for her friend. Instead, in a matter of seconds she messed up a friendship since childhood. She let out another depressed sigh when she finished writing the letter to her. She folded the letter up, and sealed it close, preparing it to be sent off. She heard a quiet know at her door, and she turned to it. "Who is it?"

"Roderick, milady. Are you ready for supper?"

She slowly opened the door and stepped out of her room. "Yes." She answered, and looked around. "Where is Thomas?"

"He's already at the dining room with your mother and father."

Great, she thought. Her mother and father were no doubt talking up a proposal, and giving him empty promises. When she entered the dining room, all eyes seated at the table turned to her. Thomas got up to greet her with his ever kind smile. He grabbed her hand and gave it a soft kiss. "Milady." He addressed and lead her to her seat.

"Thank you, Thomas." He's always been a gentleman, Cousland thought.

He found her sitting in garden of her castle. "Cousland." He called out to her. She silently turned her head to him and waited for him to speak. "I figured out why your father thought that."

Cousland returned her gaze to the garden. "Why?"

Nathaniel strode across the garden and took a seat next to her. "My father wants to join our houses."

She didn't respond that was the case for every noble house ever. "Does Delilah hate me?" She asked. She didn't care for the previous conversation. That problem will solve itself in time.

"She's upset, but she'll come around in time." Nathaniel answered.

"When?" Cousland asked. She didn't want to go too long without one of her closest friends.

"When she realizes that what you said was true." She felt Nathaniel grab her hand, and she turned to him. "We can't control who we fall in love with." She felt him bring his hand to her cheek and caress it. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "If you had to choose between my brother or me and the one you love, who would you choose?"

Cousland removed his hand from her cheek and held it in hers. "I don't know." She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Thomas?"

"Thomas?" Nathaniel asked, pulling his hands from her. Cousland pointed to behind him where Thomas was coming into the garden. Nathaniel sighed in relief and turned to give his brother a hard glare. "What are you doing here?" He demanded.

"I'm here to check on Cousland." Thomas answered. "I heard you and Delilah had a fight." He walked up to her and held his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and stood up. "Are you okay?" He asked, bringing her into a hug.

Cousland slowly wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. "I don't know." She whispered. A few tears fell from her eyes, but she found comfort in Thomas's embrace.

Cousland decided to hold out on giving him the letter until after dinner. "I really enjoyed your company, Thomas." She told him as she walked him out of the door.

"And I, yours, milady."

They stopped at the front gates and she presented the letter to him. "Please, give this to Delilah for me." Thomas smiled warmly at her and took the letter from her, "and if you hear from Nathaniel-" She stopped mid-sentence as she watched the smile Thomas wore, dropped completely into a sad frown. She placed her hand on his cheek and caressed. She could tell he was surprised by the gesture, but leaned into her touch nonetheless. Every time she mentioned Nathaniel he grew sad. She wondered if they still had a rock relationship, or worse, he knew that she was in love with him. Cousland pushed herself up on her tip toes and leaned forward to place a soft kiss on his forehead. His eyes lit up again, and he eagerly returned the gesture. "See you later, Thomas."

---

Amell was in the top room of the tower, the harrowing chamber. As far as she knew, her test was to go into the fade. It sounded easy enough. She believed herself to be talented in magic, and was very strong, mentally. She could pass this, no problem.

Amell lifted her hand and reached towards the lyrium that was displayed. When her hand connected with the lyrium there was a flicker of light, and her vision blurred. Once her vision cleared, Amell noticed she was no longer in the harrowing chamber. Instead she found herself outside, in a field of embriums. The sun shined lightly as it descended, leaving a trail of warm colors in its path.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Amell's eyes widened and she turned her head to the familiar voice. "Surana?"

The elf smiled. "We always wanted to see the outdoors."

Amell nodded her head, still in shock at the appearance of her best friend. "Surana, how did you get here?" She questioned, as she lowered her head.

Surana shrugged. "The fade is the land of dreams. I come to you in one." She walked over to Amell, and took her hand into hers. Amell's head shot up, in surprise. "Come with me. I want to show you something." Surana spoke, gently. Her voice was so soothing, as if she was actually the real thing. Surana led her out of the meadow to a forest where rams and nugs danced all around them. Surana watched Amell as she took in her surroundings. "What do you think?"

Amell stared in awe at the scenery. "It's beautiful." She whispered.

Surana's smiled hadn't left her face. "To think you would have the pleasure of experiencing this in less than twenty four hours. You must be overjoyed." Amell remained silent, as her gaze flickered to the elf still holding her hand. "Wouldn't it be better if we were to experience this together, like we are right now?"

Amell averted her gaze as she lowered her head. "Why did you come here, Surana?" She felt the grip on her hand tighten.

"To be with you", the elf answered. "Don't you want me to be with you?" Her voice sounded desperate, as she moved her hand to Amell's forearm.

"Of course I want that, more than anything."

"I know a way for me to see the world with you from here. You just have to let me in." Surana coaxed.

Amell's eyes widened in realization. So, this was the test? She must be dealing with a desire demon, preying on her inner, deepest desires. "No." Amell muttered.

"No?" The demon questioned, as if it didn't know the meaning of the word.

Its grip on Amell's arm faltered for just a quick second, but it was enough for Amell to jerk herself out of the demon's hold. "I will not let you in, demon."

"You will let me in." Amell watched as the demon stripped itself of Surana's appearance, appearing as a pierced, female body with horns. She watched as the animals around her go from dancing rams and nugs to wolves and bears stalking towards her.

Amell quickly got into her fighting stance, spells ready to cast at the tips of her fingers. She only had one thought on her mind, getting back to Surana.

---

Surana let out a soft sigh as she waited, in the library, for Amell to return from her harrowing. She knew her friend would be able to pass any test the templars threw at her, but she was still upset. She was so used to waking up to Amell's pretty face, and petty attitude. "Is something troubling you?" Her male companion asked.

Surana shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I'm happy for Amell. I'm just...going to miss her."

Eadric nodded his head in understanding. "Well, it's not like she's leaving the tower. Being a full-fledged mage, she'll just move rooms."

"Between her going on assignments and being in the creature research department, and my herbalism classes, we won't be able to see each other as often." Surana looked down with a sorrowful expression.

"Hey", Eadric spoke. "Everything's going to be okay. One thing I know for certain is that Amell will always make time for you. So, don't worry about it." He leaned towards her and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

Surana smiled to him in return. "What are you reading?"

"A book on elvhen history. I've read this one twice now." Surana moved to sit in Eadric's lap to get a better look at the page. "It's about an elvhen kingdom called Arlathan, ruled by the gods and goddesses of our people."

"Wow." Surana was astounded. She never thought to read about the history of their people. If she had maybe she wouldn't hate history so much. "What happened to it?"

"The humans would tell the tale that Tevinter destroyed it, but our people don't really know the true story." He answered, placing his hand on her hip.

Surana was disappointed in the answer, but intrigued to learn more. "I want study elvhen history with you." Maybe through her studies she could discover the real answer.

"Much of our history is lost to us, unfortunately."

"There isn't anything more?"

"We know of the names of our gods and a little description of what they were known for, but nothing more. Almost the whole reason our history is lost to us is because our language is lost to us as well. 'Though, the dalish may know common phrases and words that were used regularly."

"Dalish?" Surana questioned, turning to face Eadric.

"Nomadic elves who are said to wander the forest."

Surana was astonished with the dalish. Wandering the woods and traveling the world sounded like a dream come true. "Tell me about them."

Eadric reached for another book on his pile and propped it open. "They wear vallaslin said to represent the gods, and travel with a herd of halla."

"What's a halla?" Surana asked. She watched as Eadric flipped to a page of an animal with horns on it. It was absolutely beautiful. To say she was fascinated would be an understatement. "Remarkable." She whispered. "Tell me about the gods."

Eadric let a smile grace his lips as he flipped to the section in the book about the elvhen gods. "There are five gods and four goddesses. This is Mythal, known as the protector. She is the goddess of motherhood and justice." Surana listened intently as Eadric told her of each of the gods and goddesses of their people.

"Eadric and Surana." The couple looked up to see whom was disturbing them and they quickly jumped apart from each other when they found that it was Enchanter Leorah. "Sorry to steal Eadric away, Surana, but it's time for his magic lesson." Surana nodded, her eyes going even wider than they already were when Eadric placed a kiss on her cheek. She looked at him, surprised then turned to Enchanter Leorah to see her smirking back at her. Before she could say anything, Leorah and Eadric were out of the room.

Surana looked down at the books in front of her. Eadric had a real interest in the history and culture of their people, and she could understand why. She drew several pieces of paper from her notebook and began drawing on them. She would gift this to Eadric as appreciation for the gift heghave her. She had successfully finished the elvhen goddesses and was about to start on the gods when she was disrupted by someone snickering. She followed the sound of the laughter to a couple of bickering mages.

"Did you see the mess that apprentice made with his spell? Looks like we have another magically-challenged airhead on our hands."

"Maybe with Irving's guidance he'll learn just enough to make it through the harrowing."

Irving got a new student? Surana supposed it was bound to happen. Since there was no second tries for the harrowing, she wouldn't know if Amell passed or failed until the next time she saw her. If Irving was now teaching his new pupil that would mean Amell was done with her harrowing. Packing up her notes and notebooks, Surana quickly made an exit out of the library. She made her way to Irving's study where, sure enough, she found him teaching another apprentice.

Irving noticed Surana immediately when she stepped in his doorway. "Surana!" He turned to her and greeted. "Come in, come in. I want to introduce you to your new associate." He ushered her over to him, holding his arm out to the new apprentice. "This is Jowan. Jowan, this is my star pupil, Surana."

Surana rolled her eyes at him. "You said the same thing about Amell."

"And she has passed her harrowing two years early."

Surana looked at him in shock, to which Irving just cast a knowing smile in return. "Amell passed her harrowing?"

"She has, and in record time might I add." Surana threw herself into Irving, giving him a big hug. She could cry tears of joy right now.

"Where is she?"

"In her old quarters, she will be out for the rest of the day. Her stuff is being moved to her new room in the mages' quarters."

Surana made a mental note to make sure she was there when Amell woke up, so that she can see her off to her new room. "Sorry, I'm late for class, Irving. I thought you would be out all day."

"It's quite all right. You can never know how long you're going to be out depending on a harrowing. I was just teaching Jowan here how to cast an arcane bolt."

Surana turned to Jowan, suddenly remembering his presence. "How is that going?"

"Not very good." Jowan answered.

"Maybe you can give him a few pointers." Irving suggested.

Surana nodded her head. She began to explain to Jowan the method she uses, that Amell taught her, when casting spells. "Now you try it."

Jowan took a deep breath and willed his body to do what Surana explained. He aimed his arcane bolt at Irving, who had a magic shield around him, and it came out collected and at a steady pace. "That was very good, Jowan." Irving praised. Jowan smiled at the praise, before it quickly disappeared when Irving turned to Surana. "You are a great teacher, Surana. You have the potential to be the next First Enchanter."

Surana rolled her eyes at him again, but smiled. "You said the same thing to Amell."

"And she is already being considered for Enchanter." Surana gaped at him. "But that's just our little secret." Irving winked at her.

Surana smiled at Irving in return. She stole a glance at Jowan and seen he was sulking. She felt bad. She didn't mean to undermine his success. It really was an achievement when you casted a spell correctly. "Actually, Irving, can I have the day off. I want to work on a congratulation gift for Amell."

Irving nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, my dear, anything for my star pupil."

Surana smiled and waved goodbye to the two gentlemen. She figured with her gone Jowan would get the attention he needs and deserves. This was also a great excuse to finish her drawings for Eadric. She wanted to get them done before lunch. She'll work on Amell's gift after lunch. Surana returned to the library and sat at the table she was previously sitting. The books Eadric had picked out were still how she left them. She quickly took her drawings back out and rushed to finish them.

Surana was finishing the coloring for the last drawing when Eadric walked in. "I'm back." Eadric announced.

Surana looked up from her drawings and did a double take when she seen that Eadric was coming towards her. She rushed to hide the drawings in her notebook before he can see them. "You want to go to lunch with me?" She asked him.

Eadric looked up in thought. "Sure." He answered. The two walked together to the cafeteria. After they had gotten their meals and were seated at the table Eadric asked, "So, what were those papers, you were trying to hide from me?"

Surana beamed a smile at him. "A gift I made for you. I drew each of the Evanuris in manifestation form." She took out her drawings and presented them to him. "Elgar'nan." She presented a tall elf figure with green skin and red eyes. "I drew him green because green reminds me of plants and plants represent life; and his eyes are red because he wants vengeance. Like, 'Aah, all I see is red, I want revenge!'

"Then next, we have Mythal." A pregnant female elf with a blindfold over her eyes. "I made her blind because 'justice is blind'. Moving on!" Surana flipped to the next picture that showed a skeleton adorned with jewels around his neck and wrists, a crown on his head, a black robe around his body with the hood down...and elf ears.

"I don't think skeletons have ears." Eadric smirked. This was too cute

"Well you had to know somehow this was Falon'Din. He's a skeleton because he's the god of death. That's why he has on a black rob, and is holding a scythe; and the jewels represent his fortune." Eadric nodded his head and turned to drawing right next to him. It looked to be a figure of an elf, but had wings and was all black. "This is Dirthamen. I made him look like Falon'Din's shadow since they're brothers. He is a shadow, for secrets, and I drew his arms as wings to represent the raven...Next, we have Andruil." Surana presented a muscular female elf...with a tail. She had super long nails that were sharp, and was holding a bow and arrow. "I dressed her in fur to show she wears what she hunts."

"Why did you give her a tail?" Eadric couldn't help, but ask.

"The tail is symbolic to her connection with the animals." Eadric plastered a huge smile on his face. He didn't get it, but he'll go along with it. "Next is Ghilan'nain." Eadric's face contorted into a mixture of surprise, confusion, and amusement. It was a halla painted glitter gold, wings, and horns adorned with flowers. "I gave her wings because the highest animals have wings: dragons, griffins, you get it.

"Next is Fen'Harel." Eadric had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. Surana was so adorable. She drew an elf dressed up as a clown, holding a balloon, and showing off his big feet. "Since the dalish don't wear shoes, I drew him without any." She explained. "The last two, I had a bit of trouble figuring out." Surana was pleased in her creativity thus far, but it seemed to run out when she got to the last two. She presented to him June, a buff elf colored in four different shades. "He has one bronze and one iron leg, one gold arm and one wooden since he is the god of craft." She took out her last drawing and presented it to him. "Last, but not least, Sylaise. Since she is prayed to for the sick I made her body blue because that is the color of healing magic, and dressed her in plants." As in healing herbs.

Surana was starting to feel silly by his silence. Maybe she should of just ordered him something instead. She felt Eadric squeeze her hand, drawing her attention to him. "I love them, and appreciate you for taking the time to draw them for me." He did a quick look around, and swiftly planted a kiss on Surana's cheek. She smiled warmly at him. Just how she hoped she would be rewarded.

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I'm having a roadblock for Tabris and Aeducan's stories, but they will be added next chapter.