Do not own Dragon Age
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18 Verimensis, 9:31 Dragon, Lake Calenhad
In the morning, the companions stumble across the boatmaster, who informs the group that the Templars have called for the Rite of Annulment for the Tower. Alim, Alistair, and Solona gasp. He tells them that the Templars have confiscated his boats, the party will need their permission, to reach Kinloch Hold.
"Solona, can you do it?" Alistair asks, everyone, but Zevran, knowing what he's implying.
"I will try. I have too." Solona answers.
/
Approaching the dock, there are three Templars on guard. Alim, Alistair and Solona step forward. Alim recognizes Sir Carroll, this should be entertaining.
"Hold. The Tower is off-limits." Carroll informs.
"Hello, Carroll. Do you not remember me? I am Solona, a Grey Warden." she says charmingly.
"And I'm the Queen of Antiva. Greagoir gave orders, no one comes in." Carroll returns.
"Aren't Queens female?" Alistair inquires.
They hear the others giggling behind them.
"Don't question royalty!" Carroll retorts, serious.
Sereda is howling laughing. Faren pulls her face into his chest, to stifle the sound.
"Do you think that Greagoir would want to know we are here? We may be able to assist." Solona tries again.
"Hmm, you may have a point there. I don't know though. You have a lot of people with you, how do I know you're not here to steal me away on a whirlwind romance?" Carroll questions, completely serious.
"If you escort us to the Tower, you can save yourself from such...scandalous debauchery." Solona counters, raising her eyebrow.
"That's true. Alright. I'll let you in, but no funny business. I have a performance tonight, I need to memorize my lines." Carroll states, still serious.
"Thank you." Solona says.
The group, along with Dagna, boards two boats, to make the journey to Kinloch Hold, leaving his royal, actor, romantic behind.
/
"What was that all about?" Elissa inquires.
"Lyrium." Alistair says.
Elissa has a questioning look.
"The Templars take Lyrium to gain their abilities. There are just two problems with it. One, they don't actually need it, as demonstrated by Alistair. Two, Lyrium is addictive. Once you start, like any drug, you will need more, and there are long term effects to its use. Carroll is an example of one." Alim informs.
"It is a form of control. The Chantry uses it to keep the Templars in line. And the Templars keep the mages in line." Solona adds.
"Wha...Why?" Elissa asks, aghast.
"Because magic is meant to serve man, and never rule over him. At least, according to the Chantry. Although, I've always found it funny, considering Andraste was a Mage." Alim states.
"You don't know that for sure, but it is a popular theory, and not just in Tevinter. It's gained some footing amongst scholars as well. Some have discovered records in Antiva, Rivain, and even in Orlais, in the Dales, dating back to the time of Andraste, that have suggested that she was a mage." Solona explains.
"But that...that would change our fundamentals of the..." Elissa begins.
"We know. And what it would imply." Alim interrupts.
"And the Maker? Did she make him up, or is he real?" Zevran queries, curious.
"Now that I don't know. I'm open to the concept of Him, I'm just not sold on the idea." Solona explains.
"Oh, I like that." Sereda remarks.
"Got it, keep an open mind." Faren sums up.
"I'm glad Leliana isn't here, she'd probably have kittens with everything we're talking about." Sereda remarks.
Everyone nods.
/
The heavy doors of the Tower close behind them, pressing a sense of unease upon the companions. Alim and Solona see Greagoir, giving orders, they approach, waiting for him to finish.
"How did you two get here? I'll need to have a talk with Carroll, when this is sorted out." Greagoir remarks.
"Well, hello to you too." Alim returns, glibly.
"Funny. Look, I don't have time right now for you two. The Tower is besieged." Greagoir comments.
"Greagoir, breath. Tell us what's happened. Maybe we can help." Solona offers.
"We have Abominations and Demons running rampant. We don't know how it started. We have a lot of mages and Templars still missing. We do know that some of the mages turned to Blood Magic. I am keeping my men here, to guard against anything trying to make it out of the Tower." Greagoir explains.
"What of Irving, and the Senior mages?" Solona inquires.
"We don't know." Greagoir answers, weary.
"Alright Dagna, you're on triage. Prioritize severity first, then start treatment. Shale stay here with the Templars. Magic is ineffective against you, that can be reassuring to the Templars. If abominations or demons come through the door, have fun. I'll leave one person behind on each floor, keep on your toes. We will gather survivors together. Check palms and arms for cuts, those are signs of Blood Magic. If you find it, tie them up, or knock them out. If they won't surrender, then force the issue. Faren, Oghren, Sereda, you three will be less susceptible, use it to your advantage. Alistair, you know what to do, don't worry about Alim, Morrigan or I, we'll be fine. Any questions?" Solona orders, impressing Greagoir.
Everyone prepares themselves, Alim and Solona give Dagna all but three of the groups healing potions, the wounded here will need it more. The combatants can find more in the study room as they go. Greagoir has the inner doors opened, the party steps inside, the entryway closed behind them. They are on their own now.
/
Searching the apprentice quarters, the companions find some gold and potion ingredients. In the main chamber, they find a group of mages and children, a barrier erected over the entrance to the rest of the Tower. There is a Rage demon on the other side of the barrier, trying to find a weakness.
"You! What are you doing here?" an older woman asks, surprised.
"Why does everyone say that? What ever happened to, 'Thank goodness you are here'?" Alim quips.
"It does seem rather odd." Alistair comments.
"Wynne, is everyone alright?" Solona inquires.
"Yes, we are fine. I was able to place the barrier in time. No demons have escaped." Wynne answers.
"Take the children to the apprentice quarters. We need to go into the Tower and destroy the abominations and demons. I'll need you to dismiss the barrier." Solona commands.
"Where is Greagoir? Why isn't he helping you?" Wynne queries.
"He believes the Tower is lost, Wynne. If we can cleanse the building of all the creatures and rescue any mages not under the influence of Blood Magic, he will call off the Rite of Annulment." Solona explains.
"Very well, but I'm coming with you. Niall went to retrieve the Litany of Andralla, it can protect us from Blood Magic, but he has not returned. Plus Irving was at the meeting that started all this, we have to find him." Wynne suggests.
"What was this meeting about?" Alim questions.
"Uldred returned from Ostagar before me, I was delayed with an injury. He tried to get the Circle to side with Loghain, he had assurances that the Mages would be given autonomy, if they supported his bid as King. Irving and the other Senior Enchanters were about to vote in agreement when I arrived. I relayed what really happened at Ostagar. Irving renounced Uldred's proposal. Uldred and several other mages turned on the Enchanters. That's when I saw real Blood Magic." Wynne informs them.
Solona sighs, "Alright. It will be good to have a friend and fellow healer helping us." she states.
"Will the children be alright, being here with just a few mages?" Elissa asks, concerned.
"They will be fine. Petra and the other mages are quite skilled and can keep the children safe." Wynne reassures.
"Yes, because a whole lot of safe is happening right now." Morrigan comments, snidely.
"That's for sure." Sereda remarks.
Solona glares at the two.
/
The kids are moved away from the barrier, before Wynne releases the spell. The rage demon roars, coming through the entryway. Solona blasts it with a cone of cold, Alim sends a stone-fist, shattering the creature, killing it.
"Damn, that was anti-climatic." Oghren states, disappointed.
"I'm sure you will see things that will be more impressive the further into the Tower we go." Alim offers.
Oghren smiles, liking the sound of that.
/
The first floor is cleared swiftly. Sereda offers to stay behind, wanting to practice the Templar abilities Alistair has been showing her. With her here, no one will get accidentally hurt. Solona nods. The group goes through the door and up the stairs for the second floor. They arrive in the central chamber, but see movement to the right. A figure walks out from behind a partition.
"Owain, what are you doing in the Store Room? Why didn't you come downstairs, with the others?" Wynne chides.
"There was a demon preventing me from going further. The store room is familiar, I returned and began to tidy up." Owain says, monotone.
"What is wrong with him? Is that an affect of blood magic?" Darrian asks.
"No. Owain is a tranquil mage. I'll explain later." Alim offers.
"Owain, the way is clear behind us, you can meet up with Petra and the others." Wynne suggests.
"No, he can not. I gave specific orders. Owain, I am afraid you will need to stay here. I am sure you want to get the store room in order. If I find others, I will send them to you, they can help you clean up." Solona counters firmly.
"That is good. I will need help." Owain agrees.
"Stay safe." Solona offers, her tone gentle.
Owain nods, then moves back behind the partition.
"I am th..." Wynne begins.
"No. I have command here, you will follow or you can go back down." Solona interrupts, resolved.
Wynne is surprised, after a few moments, she nods. Solona inclines her head in return.
/
The library is in shambles, bodies and books strewn about. The group hears voices to the left, Faren scouts ahead, quiet as a mouse. He holds up three fingers, then chatting motion. Suddenly there is a scream, Faren scrambles back. The others rush forward, an abomination has appeared amongst three mages, it killing two already, the third is knocked down. The companions intervene, destroying the creature.
"She's a blood mage." Faren states, pointing to her hands.
Solona sees the angry, fresh wounds, "Why, Sareh?" she asks.
"You had it easy. The Templars were watching, always watching. Uldred offered a chance, a way for the mages to be free of the Chantry and the Templars." Sareh answers.
"You have no idea what it was like for me." Solona retorts, angry.
"You were Irvings 'little star'. You don't know what it was like for us. We just wanted to have a chance, now it's all gone." Sareh returns.
"Why blood magic? It's dangerous." Alim takes over.
"It was a means to an end. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I just wanted to be free." Sareh explains.
"And Uldred?" Alim inquires.
"He showed us how. Taught us in secret." Sareh tell them.
"Jowan?" Alim queries, not sure he wants to know.
Sareh nods, "Uldred offered him up, to keep suspicion off the rest of us. A sacrifice for the greater good." she informs.
Solona walks away, the companions can taste her anger, feel it in the air.
Alim sighs, "I will not condemn you, that is for you alone. Too many people are hurt or dead, and just because you didn't personally kill all of them, you are still complicit to the results. What would you have me do, if the roles were reversed? Do I kill you, or free you?" he finishes.
"I...don't know. I'm...I'm sorry. So sorry. I didn't mean for any of this." Sareh weeps, finally understanding.
"Go to Owain, help him clean up the store room. I will decide what to do with you after I clear out the rest of the Tower. There are several Templars stationed down the stairs, do not even think of running. Do you understand me?" Solona commands.
"Yes, I understand." Sareh says, standing up.
The others lets her pass, still not sure what the right thing to do is.
/
After clearing out their old quarters, they hear a noise from a armoire. Oghren takes one side, Sten the other. Solona opens the doors quickly, a mage falling out to the floor.
"Please, don't hurt me!" a man yells.
"Godwin. Why are you hiding in a closet?" Alim questioned.
"Well there are abominations and demons running around. I figured I would hide till things settled down." Godwin explains.
"How did you pass your Harrowing?" Alim asks, rhetorically.
"Shut up, asshole." Godwin remarks.
"Do you know a dwarf named Rogek?" Faren asks.
"Yeah, I do. We have...an arrangement." Godwin eludes.
"Yeah, yeah. What's the Lyrium for?" Faren inquires.
"Well, it's not just mages who need Lyrium, the Templars need it too. I supply them with...a little extra." Godwin tells them.
"You...take advantage of them...for money?" Alistair questions, taken back.
"Well, if it wasn't me, it would be someone else." Godwin justifies.
"I thought this was a good deal, when it was first presented, but after Alistair explained about what happens. No way. I'll still sell it, but not to you." Faren informs them.
"Godwin, go to the store room. Help Owain clean up there, until we get back. I won't turn you in, but no more Lyrium smuggling." Solona commands.
"I...but...fine." Godwin concedes, walking away.
"What a right git." Faren comments.
"Agreed." Alistair says.
/
In the chapel, they find another Reverant, it is difficult because of the floor. With the benches being thrown about, the fight is stifled. The creature is defeated in the end, Alim collects the note attached to the vial, adding it to a book.
/
They finished clearing the floor and are in Irvings office, Wynne is uneasy about rifling though his belongings. Solona finds a spellbook, skimming the pages, she discovers it was once Flemeth's. She drops it into her backpack, she'll give it to Morrigan, after Solona reads it first, sharing with Alim too. Darrian finds a box, addressed to the Friends of Red Jenny. He knows who, or more of what that is. Darrian places the box in his bag, if they go to Denerim, he'll drop it off. Oghren volunteers to stay on the second floor.
/
The group ascends to the third floor. Solona warns that this floor houses the Templars Quarters, Alistair and Faren take the lead. Undead greet them first, which was kind of nice, considering. The floor is a mix of Desire Demons, Possessed Templars and Abominations. They do not find anything of use or interest. Sten volunteers to stand guard.
/
The fourth floor is for Senior Enchanters and where the higher ranked Templars are housed. The first door on their left is open, they can hear talking, but it is confusing to the non-mages. It sounds like a husband and wife talking about making dinner and tucking children into bed. Solona gives a sign to the rogues to disappear, Darrian, Elissa, and Faren melt into shadows. Solona walks into the room calmly, the others behind her.
"What was that?" a Templar asks.
"Merely the door, finish reading to the children and I will see who it is." a Desire demon answers, before turning to address the group.
Solona waits patiently.
"You are intruding on an intimate loving family." the demon informs.
"You have bespelled him. There is nothing intimate or loving about it." Solona counters.
"You are wrong. I saw his desire for a family that he loved and loved him back. I have given him this. The Templars deny themselves for their duty. I have provided him what he wanted, and I get to see the world through his eyes." Desire explains.
"But it is false love. Emotions, based on a lie are not real. What you have done is...abhorrent." Wynne retorts.
"A lie, he willingly fell into. If you attempt to free him, or kill me, he will die, my spell has seen to that." Desire tells them.
"I understand, but I must still free him." Solona returns.
Desire turns back to the Templar.
"Help, there are bandits at the door!" Desire calls.
"They will not get past me!" the Templar cries out.
Darrian stuns the knight, stopping him from using his abilities. Alistair engages the demon, knocking it back with his shield. Elissa appears next, slicing the Templar across the back of his knees, forcing him down. Faren is waiting for him, a dagger in his throat. Faren closes the mans eyes, as he pulls the knife free. Leliana and Lyna both hit the demon in opposite shoulders. Alistair does his quick spin, taking her head off. Searching the room, they find gold and a bottle of vintage ale, they will give it to Oghren at camp.
/
The room next door has four Enthralled Templars and a skilled Blood Mage. One of the knights is able to hit the group with his Mana Drain, taking the mages in the group out of commission. The mabari defend them, attacking any Templar who gets too close. They take out two of the knights, but the Blood mage uses them as fuel for one of her spells. Alistair hits her with a Mana Drain of his own, giving Elissa a chance to back him up, rolling behind the mage. She stands, then slashes across the mages side, Leliana hits the caster with a powerful shot, taking her in the chest. The two Templars fall a few moments later, Darrian and Faren standing above them.
The rogues search the room, they find a chest with two sets of robes inside. Alim and Solona have recovered a little from the mana drain. They inspect the robes, both get excited, then rock, paper, scissors for who gets which one. The rest of the companions chuckle at the two. Alim wins, taking a white set of robes, Solona takes the green. The two mages change quickly, the others turning around.
Alistair, Darrian, Lyna, Solona, and her mabari take lead, opening the next door. The others are still in the hall. Alim hears the demon talking, feeling his spell, he stops the rest of the group, pushing them backwards. He hears the others collapse, one by one. Alim signals to Faren, who peeks around the entryway. Faren comes back to Alim, who has moved everyone to past the first room.
"All five are down, but they're breathing, the dogs chest is noticeable." Faren tells him.
"The demon has pulled them into the Fade, feeding off their life force." Wynne informs.
"Can we kill the demon, to free them?" Elissa asks.
"No, That will surely kill them. We need to wait, give the others time. They will need to see past the illusions, and find a way out themselves." Alim explains.
"So we just sit here?" Faren inquires.
"Yes." Alim answers.
Morrigan has already sat down, leaning against the wall. The others join her, whispering amongst themselves.
/
Faren peeks into the room once an hour, the demon meandering about, his friends still lay on the floor, this is his third check. He is half way back to the others, when he hears a noise that grabs his attention, coming from where his friends lay. Faren quickly goes back and peeks around the entryway. The others are getting up, the demon is down. He rushes into the room, hugging Darrian, who hugs him back.
"We're...alright, thanks to Solona." Darrian reassures him, still groggy.
"You fuckers are not allowed to worry me like that again." Faren demands, pulling away, looking at everyone.
"We'll try. No promises." Lyna says.
"I'll go get the others. Morrigan was getting...antsy." Faren states, then runs out of the room.
Solona bends down, taking a scroll from another body. There is a sad look on her face, as she closes the mans eyes.
/
Alim notices right away, seeing his sister. He pulls her into a hug, whispering in each others ear.
"You had me worried there, lethallan." Alim remarks.
"I was worried for a moment." Solona retorts, grinning.
"You have gained an ability." Alim states.
"I will teach you, lethallin. Tonight or tomorrow, depending on how tired I am after all this." Solona returns, pulling back.
Alim nods, the group checking on each member who fell. Once everyone was ready, the party continued forward.
/
The companions enter a room with a barrier prison in the corner of the room, next to the stairs, a Templar trapped inside. Solona sees the man, her eyes go wide.
"Cullen!" Solona calls, running up to the barrier.
"This trick again? It won't work, I will stay strong." Cullen retorts, kneeling to pray.
"I wonder how long he has endured?" Morrigan queries.
"Tempting me with the only one I've ever wanted, but could never have. Playing with my mind, dancing her in front of me, just out of reach. But you're not real, you're not my Solona." Cullen returns, heartbroken.
"Trick? It's no trick Cullen. Please, Vhenan. I am Solona." she tries again, sorrowful.
"That's...it's always worked before. You're real, you're really here?" Cullen inquires, torn.
"Yes, Cullen. It's me. We have fought through the Tower. Who did this to you? Never mind, I will try to release the barrier, give me a moment." Solona tell him.
"No. Save your magic for Uldred. He's upstairs, he dragged the Senior mages up there with his co-conspirators. Once he's dead the barrier will fall. Kill him Solona. Make him and all the mages pay for what they have done." Cullen explains.
"Cullen,...I won't kill an innocent person. Not all the mages are responsible, some, like Wynne, fought back, wanted nothing to do with this madness. We're not all evil." Solona reasons.
"You...weren't here. You don't know what they did, to the others and to me. You can not allow even one to live." Cullen retorts, angry.
"I'm a mage, Cullen. Would you kill me too, vhenan." Solona asks, heart on a precipice.
"I..." Cullen starts.
"This is a conversation for another time. If Irving and the others are up there, then we have to hurry." Wynne interrupts.
"She's right." Alim adds.
Solona nods, hiding her tears. Wiping her eyes, she takes a deep breath. She does not look back at Cullen, who watches her the entire time. The group ascends the stairs, Lyna going last.
"Do you know what vhenan means, shemlen?" Lyna asks Cullen mournfully.
"No." he replies, solemnly.
"My heart/my love." Lyna informs him, before quickening her pace to catch up with the party.
She does not see Cullen begin to cry, but she can hear his gasp as he weeps.
/
The companions return down the stairs half an hour later, Irving being helped by Alistair, Senior Enchanter Leorah being helped by Wynne. The barrier is gone, Cullen is waiting. Solona looks at him briefly, but turns her head down. They reunite with Sten and Oghren, then pick up the mages with Owain, who still wishes to remain in the store room. Solona nods, smiling. Sereda is very happy to see her friends, putting the book down she was reading.
At the inner door, Oghren knocks, but after not getting a response, he yells through it.
"Open the blasted door, you nug humping, moss licking, bastards!" he shouts.
The doors open promptly. Greagoir is relieved to see them.
"Irving, Maker man, you look awful." Greagoir states.
"I feel it too, but thanks to the Grey Wardens, I will be fine." Irving returns.
"What happened, exactly?" Greagoir asks.
Irving explains what happened, up till he is taken to the Harrowing chamber. Solona explains everything, minus a few incidents, from her leaving Greagoir, up till she arrived to Irving. The Knight-Commander, is silent for a few minutes.
"Irving is the Tower safe now?" Greagoir inquires.
"I believe it is. We did not encounter anything on the way back down. I would suggest the Templars, double check, just to sure." Irving answers.
"Very well." Greagoir says, then turns back to his men.
The Knight-Commander orders a group of five Templars to begin sweeping the floors, Leorah chimes in that she was able to gather a large group into the storage room caverns. She had given the key to Enchanter Sweeney, who was inside, before the doors were shut and she was taken. Greagoir praises her bravery, before ordering the mages rescued.
"You have grown so much in such a short time. I'm proud of you." Irving states, as Solona heals his leg.
"Thank you, Irving. That means a great deal." Solona returns.
"Once we get some rest, I want to hear all about it." Irving suggests.
"Of course." Solona says, a gentle smile on her face.
/
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