Chapter Two
Arrival
We approached Ostagar. The ruin looked… old – almost as old as I was, even.
We made quite a fuss with our arrival; I saw the runner that was dispatched pointing out our griffins… and my blue hair. I'd learned by using the character creator that blue was not normal here – they only had the normal human colors.
Duncan was explaining things to us as we approached the 'gates' of Ostagar. "The kings' forces have clashed with the darkspawn several times, but this is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. There are only a few Grey Wardens here in Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. The Blight must be stopped here and now… if it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall…"
"Ho, there, Duncan!" I heard a voice. I looked up to see a man with golden hair – like real gold – and hazel brown eyes. He stood at 6'1 with pale skin and golden armor… that wasn't a good sign; this man would be a damn beacon in battle.
But I knew who he was, so I moved at once – I took a knee with one hand over my heart and the other resting behind my waist; my head was bowed.
Seeing that, the rest of my group – minus Duncan – moved to kneel or bow too.
"Your Majesty… I didn't expect…" Duncan began.
Cailan cleared his throat, "A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry that you'd miss all the fun! Please stand, friends! I'm most curious about your animal companions."
I stood first, but the others stayed Kneeling – I wasn't sure why. I spoke, "They're Griffins – from my home lands. A simple gesture of gratitude for them helping me get acquainted with this new land of yours. My name is Avalon Angel of Elysion, illegitimate but beloved daughter of King Jamal. You have the baring of a King."
"I… I am. Elysion? I'm afraid I've never heard of it…" he stammered a little as he watched the cub on my shoulder. I picked her up and held her out, "Ariel likes being petted."
He didn't stand on ceremony – holding the cub like she was a lifeline. I continued, "I am a very distant relation to Lord Cousland here. We narrowly escaped Howe butchering the whole family and castle together. This is Sereda Aeducan, second child of the Dwarven King. Faren Brosca, her brother-by-law," the others stiffened and I realized my mistake – that was information from the game… shit.
I pressed on as though I didn't notice, "Darrien Tabris from the Denerim Alienage. Alim Surana and Solona Amell from the Kinlock Circle. And Lyna Mahariel of the Dalish. My family offers a gift to you…"
I was cut off when my words sank in to him, "Butchered? Duncan, what do you know about this?" Cailan looked stricken.
"Tyren Cousland and his wife are indeed dead, your majesty… had we not escaped; he would have killed us too and told you anything he wished."
Cailan turned away, tears shining in his eyes and my opinion of him instantly went up. "I… I can scarcely believe it. How could he think he could get away with such treachery? As soon as we are done here, I will turn my armies north and bring Howe to justice! You have my word," he said looking at Aedan.
He nodded and said, "Thank you, your majesty."
"No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting the Wilds."
"No worries… honestly, I'm not so eager to tell him that his wife and our parents were all killed in cold blood…"
He nodded with a flinch, "I can understand that…"
I jumped back in, "As I was saying, Your Majesty – a gift from my homelands. This magical trinket will stop a death-blow and teleport you to a safe place. I hear that this battle gets more and more treacherous as time wears on – the enemy numbers grow while your own dim." It would teleport him directly into my home. My dad had made the trinket.
He took the ring, slid off his gauntlet and slid on the ring, "Well, you have my thanks – a wonderful gift indeed." Ariel trilled from his arms and hopped back over to me. He looked at her longingly.
I smiled, "Perhaps once we have a moment, we could discuss an alliance? My own people are certainly itching to move from home – that is my mission. To find a place where some of our people may move to. We Jinni don't take up much room; the truth is, we simply love to travel and wonder – we're somewhat nomadic. We can discuss this more at your leisure, of course."
He looked torn, "If I didn't have a strategy meeting with my general about 20 minutes ago – for which, I'm sure he'll lecture me for being late – I'd take you up on the offer to talk now. Loghain eagerly waits to bore me with his battle strategies."
Duncan cleared his throat and said, "Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that he could have his forces here in less than a week."
"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the Glory. We've won three battles already against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different."
I bit my lip, "You sound quite confident."
"Over-confident, some might say. Honestly, I'm not even sure that this is a true blight! There are plenty of Darkspawn on the field but we've seen no Archdemon!"
"Disappointed, your majesty?" Duncan sounded calm but I could see him glance at me with exasperation.
"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A King riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted God… I suppose this will have to do. Now, I really must go before Loghain sends a search party."
I nodded and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you your majesty."
"Please – call me Cailan. Illegitimate or not, you are a Kings' recognized daughter – Princess Avalon. You are of near equal standing to me."
"Then you may simply call me Ava – everyone does." I beamed at how smoothly this was going.
He nodded and walked off with a smile.
"What the King said is true; they've won several battles against the Darkspawn here."
I shook my head, "Don't ever count your chickens before they hatch. I gave him that trinket for a reason. Without me, the king would die for his overconfidence. I'm sure of it."
"Speaking of uncanny knowledge… why did you call this duster my brother-by-law?" Sereda asked.
"His sister is your brother Bhelens' lover. Close enough for me. I uh… looked for the information." They knew by now that I could look up some histories – they didn't know I knew some of the future too. They wouldn't have understood how their tales could have been written before I met them.
Sereda sighed, "Lovely – I thought that red-headed casteless girl was just a noble-hunter. She seemed nice enough, I suppose."
Faren snorted, "Bhelen was Ricas' sponsor? Son of a nug – good girl."
We headed across a bridge – Duncan had offered to allow Barker (Aedans' ironically named dog) to stay with him while we got acquainted with the camp.
We all walked around – going our separate ways. Only Aedan stayed with me – I had claimed distant relation to him; he wasn't about to let anyone think I was a liar.
I bit my lip before stopping Duncan, "Release Jory and Daveth. They won't… be good enough for the Wardens."
"It is too late for that – Daveth was conscripted to keep him from the guards, and Jory was publicly recruited. Once recruited there is no going back. We will do our best for them."
"Then… when the time comes, make Jory go first. I don't know what this Joining entails, but I think Jory will balk while Daveth stands resolute."
He sighed, "On that note – I should conscript you as well. You will see what the Joining entails through Aedans' eyes, won't you?"
I nodded, "I will. See it, feel it, and go through it with him. Whatever happens to him will happen to me – to an extent. I'll already be joined – I just won't have any of the cool extras like enhanced strength… I think. None of my kind has undergone a linked joining like that before, so it's all theory. We've gone through other things – like burning alive. Regardless, you won't put me through the Joining before my Griffins are out in the world – you won't risk me failing, whatever that entails."
"… Shrewd of you – but you are right. Since you will see and feel everything anyway, I will allow you to accompany the others in their trials and even allow you to attend the joining ritual. I'd like for you to track down Alistair for me – bring him here to the camp in the next… 2 hours; as I've told the others to meet me here around that time too."
I nodded to Duncan and wondered off with Aedan.
The first person I met was Daveth… he was 5'10 with shaggy black hair, charming green eyes and tanned skin. From his physique, I knew that he was a runner… hmm. I let Aedan talk with him while I headed up to the Quartermaster to browse his wares.
The Quartermaster – 5'11, bald with blue eyes and powerful looking (to a Jinn) – was eyeing my hair as I approached him, "I'd love to know how you managed to make it look like that, My Lady."
I smiled, "It's natural – I get it from my mothers' side of the family. I'll let her know of your compliment; she'll be pleased."
He blinked but nodded, "Sure – I don't suppose you've seen an elf around here; young woman, vibrant red hair, carrying a suit of armor perhaps?"
"Hmm – I can't say that I have. Do you need help finding her?" I asked.
"Blast it – where is she? No need to trouble with my concerns, my lady – I just hope she returns soon. That Armor is for one of Teyrn Loghains' men and I would hate to eat the blame. You came over for a reason, right? Can I get you some Supplies perhaps? I have arms and armors – and some… goods on the side – for morale."
"I'll take a look at whatever you got – this is my first time in Thedas, so I'd like to look around," I flashed him my most charming smile.
He flushed a little and pulled over two crates for me to look through.
I looked around, not finding much of interest – recipes for various alchemist potions, a few poison recipes, trap plans, some trap and potion reagents, a few health poultices, Lyrium potions, dog treats, weapons, armors, a few backpacks, salves, and balms.
I said, "How about a trade? I want one of each of your recipes and plans as well as the dog treats, and in return, I'll offer an assortment of herbs."
My herbs had all bloomed, so I'd harvested some and replanted the rest; they grew quick, it seemed. I'd gone home one day last week in order to hire a Brownie to tend to my house and garden.
Usually, one didn't hire a Brownie. They followed you home and chose to stay or not. The only exception was the Jinn – who didn't have homes in places that Brownies could follow without invites.
I'd told the others – ignore the Brownie because he said he didn't like to be bothered. I left a bowl of cream, or tiny cakes by the fireplace each night for him. Brownies didn't take coin. But they loved sweets and those were a gift to the brownie for my gratitude – they didn't like pay.
I'd also told them that Brownies made their own clothes and were very proud of that fact. Do not comment on the state of their clothes.
I'd also said Brownies don't like water, much… so the way they look is just the way they stay.
So, all-in-all… just don't go looking for the Browning, don't try to give him clothes or bathe him, and don't pay him.
The others had been uneasy about the no-pay, but I said that it was how Brownies were culturally.
The quartermaster looked over the small chest of herbs that I pulled out and his eyes widened, "Makers' Mercy. So many rare and valuable herbs… where did you get them?"
"I grew them in my garden. Picked fresh last night. Don't ask – it won't make sense. Do we have a deal?"
"… I'll throw in these jewels to make it a bit fairer to you. 6 Garnet, 4 diamonds and 5 rubies – all uncut." He nodded as he pulled out what I'd asked for and the gems. I passed him the chest of herbs and collected my purchase.
Aedan looked over my shoulder – I guess he finished with Daveth – and said, "You could always use some of my money, cousin. We're family – consider it that what's mine is also yours; or, if you don't feel comfortable with that, pay for caring for my nephew."
I smiled at him, "2 Sovereigns a week?"
"Deal." He nodded.
The quartermaster looked at Aedan in confusion before coughing, "You're Lord Fergus Couslands' brother? I saw him just yesterday."
"Indeed – I'm a Grey Warden recruit. Came here with Commander Duncan. Avalon here is my distant cousin on my fathers' side." Aedan threw his arm around my shoulders.
We finished up our talk with the Quartermaster – who called himself mark – before heading off. I noticed Solona talking to a tall, balding knight… I think she'd found Jory.
Alim was talking to an older woman and motioned me over. I admit to curiosity and headed over to them, "Alim?"
"Senior Enchanter Wynne, this is Princess Avalon Angel of Elysion. Ava, this is Senior Enchanter Wynne of the Kinlock Circle. She's a healer and my mentor."
She was 5'7 with greying hair, blue-green eyes and pale skin – she wore red robes and had a grandmotherly aura.
I extended a hand with a smile, "Charmed. Healer is an honorable calling, Lady Wynne."
"Oh, just Wynne, child – mages don't hold titles." She smiled.
I frowned, "They do where I am from. Magic is everywhere and a blessing. Hmm – I'll have to have a talk with your king. People haven't burned witches at the stake in thousands of years – most witches are just… everywhere now."
"I'd love to talk more of your homelands, child – but I shouldn't keep you. Alim says you have things to do?" I nodded and took Aedan to find Alistair.
I was positive we'd found him – he was talking to a man in red robes like Wynne was wearing.
The man looked a lot like Cailan had – with minor differences. He stood at 6'2 with rose-gold hair and brownish-green eyes. I knew through the Wiki that he got his eye color from his mother, Fiona – the red-gold hair must have come from his fathers' mother – I'd read that a portrait of her depicted her with red hair but witness accounts claimed blonde. Perhaps she had both.
The mans' skin was a lightly tanned color. He was quite muscular and I almost tripped over my own boots as I took him in… he was cute; I was very attracted to this man.
I blinked away my own desire and listened to what he was saying.
The mage spoke – I must have missed the charming mans' first words. For pity. "What is it now? Haven't the Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?" the mage sounded exasperated and annoyed.
I had the distinct urge to turn this man into a toad.
"I simply came to deliver a message, Ser Mage; from the Revered Mother. She desires your presence." I was impressed at Alistairs' willingness to be amicable.
"What her reverence desires is of no concern to me. I am busy helping the Grey Wardens – by the kings' orders, I might add!" the future toad spat.
"Should I have asked her to write a note?" I smiled at that.
"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!"
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message…"
"Your glibness does you no credit!"
"Here I thought we were getting along so well… I was even going to name one of my children after you – the grumpy one!"
I was more than sure that Alistair didn't know the toads name to begin with. I stepped in, "Hey – yes, you. Go see the damn revered mother or I'll just teleport you there and call it a day."
"As if you could." The mage sneered.
I gave a look that held all my 'I tried to warn you' feelings and snapped my fingers. The man vanished in a puff of ocean blue smoak. I then turned to Alistair with a smile, "Don't worry – your message was delivered."
He snorted, "One good thing about the Blight, I suppose, is how it brings people together."
I giggled a little, "You're a strange man."
"You're not the first woman to tell me that, you know. Judging by your display a moment ago, I'm going to assume that you're a mage?" he looked a bit distant at that and my heart sank – was he one that hated magic?
"Er… not exactly. I'm from Elysion – Princess Avalon Angel, distant cousin to Aedan Cousland here. Though… I'm actually a bastard. But my dad loves me anyway. I'm part of a race called Jinn. It's very different from your mages… that… isn't a problem, is it?"
"Hardly – I just like to know my chances of being turned into a toad at any given time," he flashed me a charming smile and I relaxed.
"Oh, the chances are zero from me. I could do it – but not to a man as charming and handsome as you. It'd be a shame. I take it that you're Alistair?" I grinned back.
He flushed a little, "Well, I… that's good to know. Do I know you? You er… seem to know… wait, I do know you. Blue hair, strong magic, violet eyes? You're one of the ones Duncan was bringing in! I should have recognized you right away, I apologize."
I shook my head, "No harm done. Oh – I had a gift for you. Duncan said that you were like a son to him and since I couldn't give one to him… this is Fiona, your Griffin." I handed him a brown bodied cub with golden feathers and green eyes.
He gaped at it, "A… A griffin… Maker… Fiona, you said? I can really keep…?"
"She is all yours. All the recruits that Duncan came in with have one too. This one is named Ariel. Aedan here named his Griffin Bryce, after his father. I used my magic to find out who would be suitable for the griffins. I have 100 mating pairs… had. As I said, I gave pairs to each recruit so that when or if they settle down with a lover, then the Griffins… well, yeah…"
"What about yours and Fiona?" Alistair asked as he cuddled the griffin in his arm in awe.
"Ariel isn't part of the mating pairs my father gave me. Fiona will actually share a mate with Ariel – the Griffin that should belong to someone else… I just won't know who until I meet them. Anyway…"
"Right… as the uh… junior member of the order, I will be accompanying the recruits as they prepare for the joining."
I cut him off, "I'm actually coming with. Duncan knows, but due to some unique circumstances, I'll know everything you do anyway, so he told me I should just tag along."
"What circumstances?" Alistair asked.
I bit my lip, "I'm… I'm sorry, I just… don't know you well enough to tell you that. I'd like to, but things here appear to be different than back home, so… if you knew…"
"Hey – say no more. I get that. As long as Duncan knows, then I see no issue with you accompanying us for the Joining. It is his call, after all."
"Duncan is a good man – he and Ava here saved my life and the life of my nephew, respectively. Without Ava… I might not have any family left, save for my brother. Without Duncan, her work may not have mattered. He's kind, if firm."
I smiled, "He's like a father-figure. My own mom said he acted like one too."
"Huh… now that you mention it, I can actually see that…" Aedan chuckled.
"Well, anyway – it's a shame you're not a recruit; it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens… I wonder why that is?"
I hummed, "You now have 3 female recruits – Sereda, Lyna and Solona – what do you need little ol' me for?"
He shrugged, "It's not like having more women join would be a bad thing, right?"
I flashed him a charming smile of my own, "Why, Alistair – if I didn't know any better, I might say that this was a come-on of yours. Want to keep me close, do you?"
His face flamed red and he stammered, "I-I… that's not what I… I mean… I promise I'm not some drooling letcher… please stop looking at me like that."
I shrugged, still smiling, "That's a pity – if that wasn't you flirting, then I just made an ass of myself."
"No – you didn't; I mean… I think I did. Can we… start over?" he groaned.
I chuckled, "There's no need – we should be getting back to Duncan. He said 2 hours, it's been close to that."
Aedan took over as we walked – not liking the silence, I imagine, "So, Alistair that argument with the mage… what was all that about, anyway?"
Alistair looked relieved for the change of topic as he placed Fiona on his shoulder, "The Circle is here at the Kings' request and the Chantry doesn't like that one bit, of course. They just love letting the mages know how unwelcome they are. Which puts me at a bit of an awkward position; I was… erm… once a Templar…"
Aedan stiffened and moved, not so discreetly, between Alistair and I. Alistair looked almost amused as he continued, "The Chantry raised me from the time I was about ten until about six months ago. I'm sure the revered mother meant it as an insult to send me, and that mage picked right up on that. I never would have agreed to deliver it, but Duncan says we're all to get along and cooperate. Apparently, they didn't get the same speech…" he sighed and rubbed his face.
We were almost to Duncan when a man stopped us, "Excuse me – are you Grey Wardens?"
I gave a curious glance, "A warden and a recruit – what can we help you with?"
"The dog – I have some medicine that might help, but I need him muzzled first… it's just… he ingested a bit of Darkspawn blood – so if I go in there and he bites me, then it's fatal. But wardens are immune to the taint so the most you'd have to worry about is a few tooth marks…" the Kennel-master looked nervous.
The Mabari was red-brown furred with golden brown eyes.
"Does he have a name?" I asked.
The Kennel Master looked startled, "Not really. Well, not one that I know – his master was killed and…" I held out my hand.
Aedan began to protest as I headed into the Kennel, but I scoffed and continued.
I knelt and looked the dog in the eye – I'd learned with Barker that these Mabari Hounds were truly smart creatures. I would treat him as I would any intelligent creature.
"I know not what you're called – but I will call you Valor; because you are worthy and brave. You will allow me to muzzle you and I will help you to recover. You will not bite me – because if you do, then I will be obliged to return the favor." I said seriously.
The dog chuffed in disbelief. I lifted an eyebrow, "Believe me or don't – yours would not be the first ear that I have bitten; and those I did belonged to less intelligent specimens than you. And they were probably filthier too. I have mouth-wash – I won't taste it for long; but, allow me to muzzle you and I'll give you this treat. Cooperate with treatment and I'll cook you a nice steak – boneless so you can chomp it down easily. With a side of eggs."
The dog considered my offer before sitting down proudly and giving a consenting whine. I smiled, "Do you prefer rare or more cooked?"
The dog pawed the ground once and I nodded as I slipped the strap around his head. "Your eggs – runny or fully cooked?"
Valor pawed the ground twice to indicate cooked. I hummed, "Good – as soon as you I finish what I need to do tonight, I will come to feed you dinner."
I stood and exited the pen. Aedan said, "That was risky – I'm the recruit here, not you."
"That was well worth it." I retorted.
Alistair said, "Just how smart are Mabari supposed to be anyway?"
"About as smart as your average tax-collector," the Kennel Master shrugged, "Are you planning on heading into the wilds?"
I answered, "If need be – what does he need for his treatment?"
"A white flower with a red center – it grows from fallen logs covered in moss. The medicine I have might work without it – but it isn't as high of a chance."
I bit my lip, "Can you draw a picture?"
The kennel master nodded and set to work when I handed him paper and a pen – he liked the pen. It was a very good drawing – perfect even. I concentrated and tried… but I was unsuccessful in summoning a flower. I would have to get it the old-fashioned way.
I smiled, "This will help. I wouldn't want to pick the wrong one. Alright, boys – we need to get to Duncan."
Just as we got to Duncan, so did Cailan and another man. He was 6'1 with shoulder-length black hair, green eyes and a weathered tanned face. He wore grey armor that had seen better days emblazoned with a black wyvern.
Cailan looked excited, "See, Loghain? Griffins!"
Ah, so this was the infamous Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir. I bowed my head to the General, "My Lord."
"I hear that you are a Princess?" he asked at once.
I shrugged, "Among my people, only the one set to succeed the King or Queen may have the title as Prince or Princess. I dare not claim the title – Ziva may believe me attempting to usurp her and hand me the crown."
"Wait – what?" Alistair asked. I smiled, "She has no desire for the crown – and, truth be told, neither do I. The Jinn are a humble lot for the most part. At age 25 we are all given our chains and spend some time in service to those that pick up our tokens. Once freed from our chains, we are free to settle down. The Service keeps us from becoming arrogant and boastful. It keeps us level. The longer one serves, the more likely they are to grow in power. Because every few years, we experience a breakthrough in ability. I missed my last one – I was supposed to have one recently. It may have been delayed. It happens."
"How long does a Jinn have to serve?" Aedan asked.
"If we aren't 'wished' free by a 'master' the only other way to be free is serve 200 masters. You are my 199th." I beamed at him.
Loghain coughed, "Regardless, you are the acknowledged daughter of the King, yes?"
I nodded, "Yes, of course – Jinn do not leave their children. We do not abandon our kin at all. Any Jinn you meet will be able to completely trace their line back to the first Jinn – Abu Al-Jann; a Jann that sired the Jinn. So to answer, even if daddy didn't hand me the crown… well, he and mom raised me themselves."
"Then here in Ferelden – and indeed, all of Thedas, your title is still Princess." Cailan grinned. Ariel cooed and flared her wings… Cailan smiled happily when the Griffin hopped over to him.
"And your people… all have magic?" Loghain asked.
I held up one finger and sent my feelings to my father. He must not have been busy, because the booming man showed up in a puff of purple smoke, "Angel!"
"Avalon, Daddy – since Aedan has sworn to free me with his final wish once the mission is done, I've taken my adult name." I smiled and hugged my father.
"You… must be King Jamal! Hello – I'm King Cailan of Ferelden," Cailan smiled and reached out to shake the mans' hand.
Daddy was touchy – like most Jinn – and just pulled the man into a hug. I knew why – my own griffin was in Cailans' arms; thus dad knew that I liked the King. In what way, it didn't matter – it could be familial, romantic, or platonic – if I liked someone, my dad would show his full support. I loved my dad. He boomed, "Good to meet you – I see you have my little ones' support."
"I'm honored, truly. I wondered if we might discuss an alliance?" Cailan asked.
Daddy looked at me and I said, "I think that can wait until after tomorrows' battle, at the least. We wouldn't want paperwork getting lost or destroyed in battle zones. Oh, Daddy – tell Princess Ziva that I'm not taking her title, but since you're the king and I'm your daughter, they call me Princess here."
My dad laughed, "Ziva will be disappointed to know that you're not making a bid for it. I'll tell her – her parents will find this amusing too."
"Is… is Ziva not your daughter?" Cailan asked.
"Oh – not at all. We Gennies don't do succession by blood, but by ability. My daughter and Ziva are closely matched in ability, but Ziva is the more powerful of the two at the moment. Just as the king before me also had no relation to me. It keeps the Kings and Queens from being too arrogant – it's never promised when or if their line may take the crown again. We pride ourselves on being fair and open people." My dad explained.
I hummed, "Anyway – I'm going on a perilous quest into woods where I will surely be injured horribly and come back very sick – maybe dead."
My dad snorted, "If something can kill you then I will be very impressed. Maybe I'll give it a boon."
I shot back, "Old man – if something kills me, you should just run the other way or hope it's full off the snack… because for most things, you are a buffet."
He laughed and patted my head, "Stay safe, daughter; I will wait for your call on this alliance. You know you have the full support of the throne – you've never led us astray before."
I hopped up and kissed my dads' cheek, "Give mom my love."
"Always," and he vanished.
Alistair looked confused, "He didn't seem worried at all that you were going into a dangerous situation…"
"Ah, no. I have the ability to retreat into a puff of smoke and appear in my home until the danger is past if I'm quick enough. And there's nothing that can make a Jinn sick. We're made of magic – elemental and cosmic magic. He knew the minute that I said it that I would be fine."
"… Can I try something and you don't get upset? See – as I said… I was trained as a templar until 6 months ago. We can Smite mages – and that will cut off their use of magic for a short time and it sometimes makes them Ill…" Alistair began.
I shrugged, "You can try – but what you do with Mages is cut their connection to the Fade, and Jinn are made of Magic, we don't just… utilize it."
I could sense him building his ability – I knew that Templars needed Lyrium to do this quickly and efficiently, but he was sheer forcing it. I felt it wash over me – well… around me.
Jinn weren't connected to the Fade – Templars just reinforced the Veil to cut off magic from their victims.
I blinked at him, "Any time now."
"I-I… I already did. You reacted as any non-mage would – it didn't affect you."
Cailan said, "Well – there you have it. Not a mage. Now – Lady Ava – how about you and I have a chat whilst these recruits do as they need?"
"Oh… I was going to go with them, but I suppose I can just join up with them after a talk. Aedan?"
"I know – I can call on you and you'll hear me." He smiled.
"Any of you can – simply call my name and I'll hear you. Though Aedan is the only one that can get my attention with 'I Wish'. And perhaps you should put your Griffins away? Maria would have a fit about you taking them into danger when they're so young."
Instantly, the recruits all moved to send their griffins home. Alistair said, "Er… can Fiona stay with…?"
I smiled and sent Fiona with the others. Duncan had looked sharply at me when Alistair said the name.
They all headed toward the woods – with orders from me to pick the drawn flower – and Duncan said, "You know."
