Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to the Dragon Age series
Daylen was woken up by a harsh shove from and armoured hand. He opened his eyes and recognized the templar shaped hole at the side of his bed. He sat up and followed quietly when the Templar tugged at him. He had heard whispers that his Harrowing would be soon and had been mentally preparing for this moment. Even if he hadn't suspected this was for his Harrowing, he would still have followed calmly. He knew well what happened to those who went against the templars. Being the First Enchanter's favourite wouldn't save him from their wrath if he was difficult. He knew that the Knight-commander had wanted to make him tranquil after the accident that had left him permanently blind and had had a long and loud argument with Irving about it. Irving had gotten his way but the templars have watched him that much closer since.
He was led to the Harrowing Chamber where a mage and three templars were waiting. He guessed the mage was Irving and one of the templars was Gregoir. He couldn't tell who the other two were. All templar shaped holes looked the same to him.
A templar marched towards him as he was led to the center of the room. "'Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him,'" Gregoir quoted. "Thus spoke the prophet Andraste as she cast down the Tevinter Imperium, ruled by the mages who had brought the world to the edge of ruin. Your magic is a gift, but it's also a curse, for demons of the dream realm – the Fade – are drawn to you, and seek to use you as a gateway into this world."
Irving moved closer to him. "This is why the Harrowing exists. The ritual sends you into the Fade, and there you will face a demon, armed with only your will."
Daylen nodded. He knew better than to voice his doubt. "I am ready."
"Know this, apprentice; if you fail, we templars will perform our duty. You will die." Gregoir warned.
The apprentice mage mentally rolled eyes. Comforting he thought but kept his comments to himself. He knew that would end badly. It always did for mages who were vocal against the templars.
Gregoir gestured to the bright light in the middle of the room. "This is lyrium: the very essence of magic and your gateway into the Fade."
Why is he telling me all this like I'm a child pulled in from the streets? He wondered while Gregoir talked at him. He kept his expression carefully neutral.
"The Harrowing is a secret out of necessity, child. Every mage must go through this trial by fire. As we succeeded, so shall you. Keep your wits about you and remember the Fade is a realm of dreams. The spirits may rule it, but your own will is real," Irving instructed. The apprentice mage could almost appreciate what his teacher was trying to do. He was no stranger to the Fade and demons but had never told Irving even half of his experiences while dreaming.
"The apprentice must go through this test alone, First Enchanter," the Knight-commander warned. "You are ready."
He walked over to the source of light and reached into it. He was engulfed in the glow and when it disappeared, he was in the Fade. The mage took in his surroundings. The Fade was the last place he could still truly see in. Everything was magic so everything was visible to him. Daylen wandered down the path that stretched out before him and waited for any sign of something coming for him. A few Wisp Wraths attacked him but an arcane bolt took care of those easily. He kept meandering until something small crossed his path. It looked like a mouse but he knew better than to take Fade creatures at face value.
"Someone else thrown to the wolves. As fresh and unprepared as ever. It isn't right that they do this, the templars. Not to you, me, anyone," the mouse complained.
Daylen shrugged. "I will succeed, right or not."
The mouse laughed, "you say that now. So have many others before you. Look at me, look what can happen. It's always the same. But it's not your fault. You're in the same boat I was, aren't you?" The mouse disappeared in a flash and was replaced with a man. "Allow me to welcome you to the Fade. You can call me…well, Mouse."
"Not your real name, I take it?"
Mouse shook his head. "No, I don't remember anything from… before. The templars kill you if you take too long, you see. They figure you failed and they don't want something getting out. That's what they did to me. I think. I have no body to reclaim and you don't have much time before you end up the same."
Didn't you just say that you don't remember anything from before? That's a lot for someone who claims not to remember. "I'm sorry for what happened," he apologized carefully.
"Don't waste time with that talk. You don't want to end up like… this. There's something here – contained – just for an apprentice like you. You have to face the creature – a demon – and resist it. If you can. That's your way out. Or your opponent's, if the templars wouldn't kill you. A test for you. A tease for the creatures of the Fade."
"Why pit me against such a creature?" He wondered.
"A question for those in the tower. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to ask. Maybe someday, so will I."
Hard to do without a body…
"There are others here, other spirits. They will tell you more, maybe help. If you can believe anything you see. I'll follow, if that's alright. My chance was long ago, but you… you may have a way out." Mouse turned back into a mouse and followed behind him as the mage continued further down.
Why follow me at all? He saw an armoured spirit in the distance and started to advanced towards it.
"Another spirit this way. It never seemed equal to its name to me," Mouse grumbled.
"Another mortal thrown into the flames and left to burn, I see. Your mages have devised a cowardly test. Better you were pitted against each other to prove your mettle with skill, than to be sent unarmed against a demon," the spirit of Valour remarked when he got close.
"You know why I'm here?" Daylen asked.
"You are not the first sent here for such testing. Nor shall you be the last, I suspect. That you remain means you have not yet defeated your hunter. I wish you a glorious battle to come."
The mage studied the racks of weapons behind the spirit. "Did you create all these weapons?"
"They are brought into being by my will. I understand that in your world mages are the only ones who can will things into being. Those mortals who can not must lead such hollow, empty lives."
"Would one of these weapons affect the demon?"
"Without a doubt. In this realm, everything that exists is the expression of a thought. Do you think these blades be steel? The staves wood? Do you believe they draw blood? A weapon is a single need for battle, and my will makes that need reality. Do you truly desire one of my weapons? I will give it to you… if you agree to duel me, first. Valour shall test your mettle as it should be tested."
Daylen couldn't help the snort that escaped. "It seems you would prefer to kill me yourself."
"How dare you accuse me! I am no demon, preying upon helpless mortals to steal their essence! I am a being of honour and valour! I am a warrior!"
"Then prove it! Help me fight the demon!"
"You are insolent… but your will is unquestioningly strong. Very well, mortal. You proved to me that you possess the strength to resist this demon. Go, prove your worth as you must. I am confident you will succeed."
Daylen took the staff offered to him and left the spirit of "valour" to whatever it was doing before. He resumed travelling with Mouse squeaking behind him. After fighting some Spirit Wolves, they came across something that looked vaguely like a bear.
"Hmm… so you are the mortal being hunted? And the small one… is he to be a snack for me?" The demon presumed, never bothering to move.
Mouse shifted to his human form and stood beside Daylen. "I don't like this. He's not going to help us. We should go…"
The demon sniffed and stood up. "No matter. The demon will get you eventually, and perhaps there will even be scraps left."
"What kind of spirit are you?" Daylen wondered.
"It's a demon. Maybe even more powerful than the one chasing after you," Mouse snapped.
"Begone! Surely you have better things to do than to bother Sloth, mortal. I tire of you already." The demon laid back down and turned its head away, clearly done with the two.
"I need help defeating a demon."
"You have a very nice staff." Sloth yawned. "Why would you need me? Go, use your weapon since you have earned it. Be valorous."
"He looks powerful. It might be possible that he could… teach you to be like him," Mouse suggested.
"Like me? You mean teach the mortal to take this form? Why? Most mortals are too attached to their forms to learn the change. You, on the other hand, little one, might be a better student. You let go of the human form years ago."
"I… don't think I'd make a very good bear. How would I hide?"
"Hiding doesn't solve anything. We need to face our fears," Daylen reminded.
"'We?' I have faced more in this place than you can imagine. Fear is… just one more thing. But… you are right. Hiding doesn't help. I'm sorry, it's the Fade. It changes you. I'll try. I'll try to be a bear. If you'll teach me."
"That's nice. But teaching is so exhausting. Away with you."
Mouse scowled. "I told you he wasn't going to help us."
"Mouse wants to learn. Teach him."
"You wish to learn my form, little one? Then I have a challenge for your friend: answer three riddles correctly, and I will teach. Fail, and I will devour you both. The decision is yours."
Daylen remembered back when he was a child and he and Jowan would take turned trying to come up with riddles the other couldn't solve. He hid his smirk and nodded. "I accept your challenge, Sloth."
"Truly? This gets more and more promising. My first riddle is this: I have seas with no water, coasts with no sand, towns with no people, mountains without land. What am I?"
Really? That's it? Daylen questioned. "A map."
"Correct. Let's move on," the demon grumbled. "The second riddle: I'm rarely touched, but often held. If you have wit, you'll use me well. What am I?"
Jowan came up with better riddles than this. "My tongue."
"Yes, your witty tongue. Fair enough. One more try, shall we? Often will I spin a tale, never will I charge a fee. I'll amuse you an entire eve, but, alas, you won't remember be. What am I?"
"A dream."
"You are correct. Rather apropos here in the Fade, no? But you've won my challenges and proven yourself an amusing distraction. So, I shall teach you my form. Now listen carefully…" Sloth explained how to change into a bear.
After hearing the explanation, Mouse easily shifted into a bear. "Like this? Am I a bear? It feels… heavy."
That was fast. Daylen thought.
"Hmm. Close enough. Go then, and defeat your demon… or whatever you intend to do. I grow weary of your mortal prattling." Sloth turned away from them and Daylen left Sloth to its nap.
Mage and bear returned to an open space he had seen earlier. "Good a place as any to face a demon," he mused.
A demon of rage crawled out of the ground. "And so, it comes to me at last. Soon I shall see the land of the living with your eyes. You shall be mine, body and soul."
"Then come get me, if you can," Daylen challenged.
"Oh, I shall. So, this creature is your offering, Mouse? Another plaything, as per our arrangement?"
"I'm not offering you anything! I don't have to help you anymore!"
"Aww. And after all those wonderful meals we have shared? Now suddenly the mouse has changed the rules?"
"I'm not a mouse now! And soon I won't have to hide! I don't need to bargain with you!"
Daylen noted the change in Mouse's tone. Why won't you have to hide, I wonder? Is it because I helped you learn a new form or something else?
"We shall see…" The demon of rage attacked and Daylen swiftly dodged and fired an arcane bolt and lightening at the demon. Wisp Wraths shot projectiles at his back but he ignored them. The demon was the bigger threat than the balls of magic bouncing off his robes.
The demon groaned and melted into the ground. Mouse transformed back into his human shape. "You did it. You actually did it! When you came, I hoped that maybe you might be able to… but I never really thought any of you were worthy."
Daylen tapped his chin in thought. "Worthy"? Worthy of what? Also, was that it? All that preparing and that's what was hunting me? "It's all a little too easy," he contemplated.
"That is because you are a true mage, one of the few. The others, they never had a chance. The templars set them up to fail, like they tried with you. I regret my part in it, but you have shown me that there is hope. You can be so much more than you know."
There it is. "So, what is it that you think you can get from me?"
"You defeated a demon; you completed your test. With time, you will be a master enchanter with no equal. And maybe there's hope in that for someone as small and as… forgotten as me. If you want to help."
Mm hmm.
"There may be a way for me to leave here, to get a foothold outside. You just need to want to let me in."
You said earlier you needed a body. You think I'll give you mine? "I'm starting to think the other demon wasn't my test."
"What? What are you…? Of course, it was! What else is here that could harm an apprentice of your potential?" Mouse looked down and then back at him with a smile. "You are a smart one." He let out a demonic laugh. "Simple killing is a warrior's job. The real dangers of the Fade are preconceptions, careless trust… pride." The now guttural voice echoed around him." Mouse flashed as he changed forms again into a Pride Demon. Daylen stepped back and was tempted to reach for his staff. "Keep your wits about you, mage. True tests never end." The mage let out a relieved sigh when the demon disappeared.
The Fade dissolved around him and Daylen was plunged into a world of nothingness. He was too tired to cast out his magic to see what was around him. He staggered as he stepped away from the light. Irving caught one of his arms to help keep him upright. A templar shaped hole stepped into the glow of the lyrium that he guessed was Gregoir. "Congratulations, mage, you have passed your Harrowing." Daylen felt himself nod but everything seemed so far away. He distantly noted armoured hands grab him as his legs gave out entirely.
Daylen woke up to someone shaking him. "Are you alright? Say something, please…"
Daylen batted the person away and sat up with a groan. "Jowan?"
"I'm glad you're alright. They carried you in this morning. I didn't even realize you'd been gone all night." The mage pushed himself off the bed and groped for his staff, still feeling too tired to use his magic. Jowan pushed the staff into his hand. "I've heard of apprentices who never come back from Harrowings. Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?" He pressed.
The younger mage paused as he thought about how to answer that. He knew he wasn't supposed to tell anyone what the Harrowing was like but this was his best friend and he wasn't feeling very obedient at the moment anyways. "It was… harrowing."
"Is that why they don't tell us what it's about? I know I'm not supposed to know… but we're friends. Just a little hint, and I'll stop asking, I promise!"
"I had to enter the Fade," Daylen murmured.
"Really? That's it?"
"And if a demon possesses you, they kill you."
"That… makes sense. They want to see if you can resist a demon and stop yourself from becoming an abomination. And now you get to move to the nice mages' quarters upstairs. I'm stuck here and I don't know when they'll call me for my Harrowing," Jowan pouted.
"Any day now, probably," Daylen assured.
"I've been here longer than you have… Sometimes I think they just don't want to test me," the older mage complained.
"Doesn't everyone go through the Harrowing?"
"The Tranquil never go through a Harrowing. You do the Harrowing, the Rite of Tranquility… or you die. That's what happens."
Daylen shuddered. "I don't even want to think about the Tranquil. They give me the creeps."
"They're so cold. No, not even cold. There's just… nothing in him. It's like he's dead, but still walking. His voice, his eyes are lifeless…"
"The thought of having no dreams, no emotions. What an awful thought."
"Apprentices can ask to be made Tranquil if they fear the Harrrowing. But the Circle also forces Tranquility on those they fear are weak. And sometimes they force it on apprentices they think might be too… dangerous as mages." Jowan looked away then back at his friend. "I shouldn't waste your time with this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you woke up."
"Where is he?" He really didn't want to have to try and track the old man down.
"He said he'd be in his study upstairs. You'd better not keep him waiting." Jowan watched his friend for a moment and realized he wasn't using a magical aura like he normally was. "Are you sure you're alright? You're not using your magic" He asked.
Daylen nodded. "I'm fine. Just a little tired still. The Harrowing takes a lot out of you."
"Did you want some help to the First Enchanter's study? The apprentice's quarters are still a mess." The older mage offered.
Daylen thought about the offer and agreed. "If you don't mind. I would rather not fall flat on my face. The others laugh at me enough as it is." He placed his hand on Jowan's shoulder and let the apprentice mage lead him through the mine field that was the apprentice mages' quarters.
They walked past two mages gossiping to one another. "Is he alright? Is he awake?" One asked.
"Why do you care? Are you best friends now?" The other teased.
"I'm just curious! The templar, Cullen, said it was the quickest, cleanest Harrowing he'd ever seen! He must be so talented," the first defended.
"Someone sounds jealous," the second mocked.
"Of the blind mage? Please," she laughed. "I just know I'll be terrified when my times comes. Like Wendell was. He threw up every day for the next week just thinking about it."
"Can't be too hard if the cripple could do it."
"Just ignore them." Jowan glared at the two women as they left.
They reached Irving's study and could hear the arguing even down the hall. Jowan stopped just outside the doorway. "We'll speak later," Jowan promised and left. Daylen entered the room and didn't bother with using his staff to catch tripping hazards. Irving kept his study incredibly clean.
"Many have already gone to Ostagar – Wynne, Uldred, and most of the senior mages! We've committed enough of our own to this war effort!" Gregoir barked.
"Your own? Since when have you felt such kinship with the mages, Gregoir? Or are you afraid to let the mages out from under Chantry supervision, where they can actually use their Maker-given powers?" Irving retorted.
"How dare you suggest - !" Gregoir started but was cut off.
"Gentlemen, please. Irving, someone is here to see you," someone interrupted.
Daylen could hear the First Enchanter shuffle and guessed he was facing the young mage. "You sent for me?"
The First Enchanter strolled over. "Ah, if it isn't our new brother in the Circle. Come, child."
Heavily armoured footsteps approached. "This is…?"
"Yes, this is he," Irving confirmed.
"Well, Irving, you're obviously busy. We will discuss this later." Gregoir left the room.
"Of course. Well, then… where was I? Oh, yes, this is Duncan, of the Grey Wardens," Irving introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you," Daylen greeted.
"You've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king's army at Ostagar."
"Who are we fighting?"
"The Darkspawn threat grows in the south. We need all the help we can get," Duncan answered.
"What are darkspawn?"
"They are twisted monsters that dwell underground, where the sun's light can not touch them. They have formed into a horde in the Korcari Wilds and threaten to invade north into the valley. I fear if we don't drive them back, we may see another Blight."
"Duncan, you worry the poor lad with talks of Blights and darkspawn. This is a happy day for him," Irving chided.
"We live in troubled times, my friend."
"We should seize moments of levity, especially in troubled times. The Harrowing is behind you. Your phylactery was sent to Denerim. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi."
Something in him sunk at the mention of the phylactery but he didn't dare show it. He made sure his expression was neutral. "Thank you, First Enchanter."
"I'm sorry – what is this phylactery?" Duncan asked.
"Blood is taken from all apprentices when they first come to the tower and is preserved in special vials," Irving explained.
"So, they can be hunted if they turn apostate." Daylen was surprised at the slight disapproving tone the Grey Warden had.
"We have few choices. The gift of magic is looked upon with suspicion and fear. We must prove we are strong enough to handle our power responsibly. You have done this. I present you with your robes, your staff, and a ring bearing the Cricle's insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them." Irving placed the items in his arms.
Daylen slipped the ring on. "Thank you." He set his old staff aside and hung the new in its place on his back.
"It goes without saying that you shall not discuss the Harrowing with those who have not undergone the Rite. Now then… take your time to rest or study in the library. The day is yours."
Daylen nodded. "I will do that."
"I will return to my quarters."
"Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan back to his room, child?"
"It would be my pleasure."
"The guest quarters are on the east side of this floor, close to the library. Now, if you'll both excuse me, I have matters to discuss with Gregoir."
Daylen held his new staff and cast out a magical aura. "This way, Ser."
The Grey Warden watched as the mage navigated the halls with ease. He effortlessly avoided people and had his staff sweeping in front of him to alert him of anything he could trip over. It had been obvious from the moment he had seen the young man that he was blind and had been curious how he would be able to escort him to the guest quarters. They entered the guest room and Duncan couldn't help but be impressed with the mage. Irving had told him that Daylen quite talented and cast spells with the ease of a senior enchanter. He had been about to ask if could he conscript the lad when Gregoir had started yelling. When he first realized he was blind, he second guessed his decision. Now, he was second guessing his second guess. "Thank you for escorting me."
"It was my pleasure," Daylen acknowledged and looked like he wanted to say something more.
"Is there something else I can do for you?" The Warden Commander prompted.
"Can you tell me more about Grey Wardens and darkspawn?" He inquired.
"Certainly. I am intimately familiar with these subjects, after all."
"Have there been many darkspawn attacks?"
"A horde has formed within the Korcari Wilds in the south. If they are not stopped, they will strike north into the valley. We Grey Wardens believe that an Archdemon is leading the horde."
"Archdemon?"
"Darkspawn do attack the surface in ragtag bands, but Archdemons are capable of rallying the Darkspawn, turning them into an unstoppable force. A horde of darkspawn… a veritable army. It is dire news indeed. I fear this is what we will have to face."
"And the king is mustering an army to beat back the threat?"
"Yes. Perhaps it will be enough… if we play our cards right."
"Why were Irving and Gregoir arguing about the war?"
"It is not my place to comment."
"Please, I'd like to know." Daylen coaxed. Duncan was secretly impressed that the young mage was determined to get an answer.
"Gregoir serves the Chantry, and the relationship between the Chantry and mages has always been strained. You've realized by now that the Chantry merely tolerates magic? They watch only because they must."
"I don't see why the Chantry and mages can't get along." The Grey Warden noticed that Daylen was choosing his words carefully.
"The Chantry believes that a mage should fear his power. It was the pride of mages, they say, that brought the darkspawn upon us in the first place. Any mages who join the king's army can unleash their full power on the darkspawn. In fact, I'm counting on it." Duncan caught the way Daylen perked up at that but quickly hid his interest. "Gregoir may be afraid of what will happen. What if the mages decide they no longer want to governed by the Chantry?"
"What are your opinions on the matter?" The Warden Commander clearly saw that Daylen was purposefully avoiding stating his own opinion.
"I believe we must defeat the darkspawn, one way or another. My opinion ends there."
Daylen nodded but stopped when he caught a mage hurry down the hall and waiting outside the guest room. "I'd like to talk more, but I have duties to attend to."
Duncan saw the other mage fretting outside the door and was curious how Daylen knew he was there. "Of course. Don't let me keep you."
Jowan was in front of him the moment he was past the door. "I'm glad I caught up to you. Are you done talking to Irving?"
"I think I am, for now," he answered. Irving would probably call for him to come back again soon enough.
"I need to talk to you. Do you remember what we discussed this morning?"
"Of course, I do. Why are you whispering?"
"We should go somewhere else. I don't feel safe talking here."
"You're starting to worry me, Jowan."
"I've been troubled… I'll explain. Come with me, please." Jowan plead and led them to the Circle's Chantry that was almost empty except for one person. "We should be safe here."
Daylen eyed the person. Not a mage or a templar. A priestess? "Alright. What's going on?"
"A few months ago, I told you that I… met a girl. This is Lily," Jowan introduced.
The younger mage chuckled, "my condolences, Lily."
"Very funny." Jowan frowned and Lily laughed.
"You can't have brought me here to chat about your love life so what's bothering you?" Daylen asked.
"Remember I said that I didn't think they wanted to give me my Harrowing? I know why. They're… going to make me Tranquil. They'll take everything that I am from me – my dreams, hopes, fears… my love for Lily. All gone…"
"That's terrible!"
"They'll extinguish my humanity. I'll just be a husk, breathing and existing, but not truly living."
"How did you find out about this?" Daylen probed, still not wanting to believe it.
"I saw the documents on Gregoir's table. It authorized the Rite on Jowan, and Irving had signed it," Lily answered.
"What are you going to do?" He asked his friend.
"I need to escape. I need to destroy my phylactery. Without it, they can't track me down. We need your help. Lily and I can't do this on our own," Jowan explained.
"Give us your word that you will help and we will tell you what we intend," Lily instructed.
"So, you'll tell me that you plan to destroy a phylactery and run away from the circle but not how you plan to do it unless I give you my work that I'll help?" Daylen turned to Jowan. "And really, you should know by now that of course I'll help."
"Thank you. We will never forget this," Lily thanked.
"So, what do you intend to do?"
"I can get us into the repository. But there is a problem. There are two locks on the phylactery chamber door. The First Enchanter and Knight-commander each hold one key. But it is just a door. There is power enough in this place to destroy all of Fereldan. What's a door to mages?"
"A regular door in a place full of mages? It's probably a magical door," Daylen theorized. "What then?"
"We have no choice. We can not get out hands on both keys. I once saw a rod of fire melt through a lock. You could get one from the stockroom. But Owain doesn't release such things to apprentices," Jowan answered.
"I'll get the rod then."
"We should stay here. One mage at the stockroom will attract less attention than a mage, an apprentice, and an initiate," Lily suggested.
"I'll be back soon." Daylen turned to leave.
"Do you need help?" Jowan offered.
Daylen shook his head. "I don't think you can. You said it yourself, Owain won't give the rod to apprentices. If you're with me, he might not give it to me. Besides, I'll need to get used to not having you around to help me. I might as well start practicing now." The younger mage fled before Jowan could stop him.
The mage passed by the basement entrance and saw an elven mage fretting outside the door. Might as well start showing I can be useful. He approached the mage. "You seem troubled."
"Do I? I'm fine," the woman lied.
"You sure? I have no problem helping you."
"You? How can you help?"
Daylen mentally frowned but made sure it didn't show on his face. "I'm much more capable than people give me credit for. Now that I have passed my Harrowing, I can help my fellow mages."
The woman sighed. "There are spiders in the basement. I don't know how they got in there. I just got promoted to Senior Enchanter. I don't want anyone thinking I don't deserve the title."
"Why don't I deal with the spiders? You can stay up here and keep people out until I get back."
The Senior Enchanter considered it and nodded. "Alright, I'll wait here for you to come back. Here's the key."
Daylen entered the basement and could immediately hear the skittering. "I hate spiders," he groused. He explored the basement carefully and cast out his magic as far as he could to watch out for the spiders.
The first one assaulted him with a loud hiss. The mage deflected the fangs with a barrier and used his staff to knock the webs aside. The creature squealed as is burned. The young man nudged charred husk out of his way with the butt of his staff and continued on.
Leorah fidgeted in place and kept glancing at the doors to the basement. What was I thinking? Letting him go down there. How's he supposed to find the spiders, let alone kill them? I sent him to his death. She had been about to leave to tell Irving what she had done when the doors opened. She stared in shock as Daylen closed them behind him.
"I dealt with the spiders." He dropped a sack of spider fangs at her feet.
The Senior Enchanter did her best impression of a fish for a couple seconds when the sack spilled open. "Thank you for your help! You ever need something, let me know."
Daylen nodded and left her to her shock. He wasn't sure if he was happy or insulted that she was so surprised. Either way, it's useful to have a Senior Enchanter owe me a favour. He always hated dealing with Tranquil; where templars looked like someone cut them out of the background, Tranquil looked like someone had torn them out and put them back in with pieces missing and declared it good enough. "Owain?" He called out.
"Over here," a voice intoned. "Welcome to the Circle's stockroom of magical items. My name is Owain. How may I assist you?"
"I need a fire rod for my research on burn times of different objects," Daylen requested.
"Alright." Owain held out a sheet of paper. "Please get this form signed by a Senior Enchanter to get the fire rod."
Daylen took the form and returned to the Senior Enchanter. "I need your signature on this."
Leorah read over the form. "A rod of fire? Hmm? Oh… sure. I could sign that. What would it hurt?" The elven mage signed the form and gave it back. "Right… there you go. How's that?"
"Excellent. Thank you."
"It was a pleasure. You'll go far in the Circle, I bet."
The younger mage blinked at that, no one had told him that before. He quickly recovered and nodded and left. He revisited Owain. "Welcome to the Circle's stockroom of magical items. My name is Owain. How may I assist you?"
Daylen gave him the signed form. "Here's the signed form for the rod of fire."
Owain examined the form. "Everything looks to be in order." The Tranquil walked over to a shelf and returned with a rod. "Here is the rod you requested."
Daylen returned to the Chantry where Jowan and Lily were still waiting. "I hate waiting. It makes me nervous," Jowan complained.
He held out the rod of fire. "I have the rod."
"That was quick!" Jowan grinned.
"To the repository, then. Freedom awaits."
They had gotten into the repository without any issue. Daylen was somewhat suspicious of that but there was little he could do about it now. Lily stopped at the door. "The Chantry calls this entrance 'the Victims' door.'" It is built of two hundred and seventy-seven planks, one for each original templar. It is a reminder of all the dangers those cursed with magic pose."
The younger mage frowned at the last sentence but kept his opinion to himself, now was not the time. "How do you know this?"
"Initiates must learn the Circle's history if they are to work with templars and mages," she explained.
"Alright, how do we get past it?"
"The doors can be opened only by a templar and a mage, entering together. The Chantry provides the password, which primes the ward, and the mage touches it with mana, to release it."
"So, what must I do?"
"First, the password… 'Sword of the Maker, Tears of the Fade.'" Daylen and Jowan both looked in the direction of the sound.
"I heard something."
"The password only primes the door. Now it must feel the touch of mana. Any spell will do. But hurry." Daylen gathered his mana and released it at the door. The door swung open. He walked beside Jowan and Lily but stopped when his magic aura disappeared from in front of him. No hole, just nothing. His friend noticed he had stopped. "What's wrong?"
"I can't see anything," Daylen revealed and Lily looked at him strangely.
"You're blind?" She hesitantly explained.
Daylen looked unimpressed and Jowan chuckled weakly. "Daylen can use his magic to see his surroundings," he clarified. "And are you sure? Nothing?"
He shook his head. "As far as I can tell, there's nothing there. No wall, door, or floor. It looks like the two of you are standing on air."
The older mage looked around to see if there were any runes but couldn't find anything. "I don't see anything that could interfere with your magic. Maybe you're still tired from your Harrowing?" He offered.
Daylen stepped forward cautiously and grabbed Jowan's shoulder when he got close enough. "Maybe," he reluctantly agreed.
"This is the door. Melt the locks off!" Lily urged. He pointed the rod at the door with Jowan's help and…nothing. "What's the matter? Why isn't it working?" Daylen edged closer to the door and touched the rod directly onto the locks and still nothing.
"Lily…something's not right. I… can't cast spells here. Nothing works."
"So, it wasn't me."
Lily studied the etchings in the stone. "These are wards… this must be the templars' works. They negate any magic in this area. I should have guessed! Why would Gregoir and Irving use simple keys for such a door? Because magical keys don't work! How do you keep mages away from something? Make their powers completely worthless! That's it then! We're finished! We can't get in."
Daylen turned to the door he could see. "That door there, where does it lead?"
"I don't know. Do you think it's another way in?"
"That door probably leads to another part of the repository. What are the chances of there being another entrance?"
"Do we have a choice?"
"No. I'll take any chance I can get."
"We can't get into the chamber the way we planned, but we're not about to give up. We can see where this door leads, but I don't think it'll be easy… it looks locked, for one," Lily worried.
"I'm sure the rod will work on those locks."
"Yes. Let's hope they haven't warded that door as well," Lily agreed.
"Let's hurry… we've wasted enough time," Jowan pushed. Daylen was careful where he put his feet until he was far enough from the wards that his magic once more showed him the floor. He walked up to the door and touched the lock with the rod. They were rewarded with the sound of metal landing on the floor. As soon as the door swung open, the suits of armour came to life. "Oh, that's not good…"
Daylen stared at the armour, unsure what he was looking at. It almost looked like a Fade creature was in the armour but something was wrong with it. He didn't get any more time to think about it as the armour started its onslaught against them. He cursed under his breath and blasted the armour with arcane bolts and lightning strikes. It seemed every time they got a couple feet, more Sentinels would attack them. They finally got past them all and were in a room filled with ancient magical artifacts. He stopped when his magic interacted oddly with a statue. "There's something odd about this statue. Why would this be here?"
Jowan examined the statue. "How should I know? It's magical… this is a room of magical obje-"
"Greetings," the statue interrupted.
Lily jumped back. "Maker's breath! Did it just say something?" Jowan exclaimed.
"I am the essence and spirit of Eleni Zinovia, once consort and advisor to Archon Valerius. Prophecy my crime, cursed to stone for foretelling the fall of my lord's house."
"Archon Valerius?" Daylen repeated. He knew a little about Tevinter history but the Circle made sure that there wasn't much information available to the mages about the Imperium.
"I'm not sure. The archons were the lords of the Imperium," Jowan answered.
"'Forever shall you stand on the threshold of my proud fortress,' he said, 'and tell your lies to all who pass…' But my lord found death at the hands of his enemies and his once-proud fortress crumbled to dust, as I foretold," the statue continued.
"A Tevinter statue! Don't listen to it! The Tevinter lords dabbled in many forbidden arts! This is a wiched thing!" Lily hissed.
"How did a Tevinter statue get here?" Daylen wondered.
"It must have been here for years. Look at the dust. I feel a little sorry for it… her."
"Weep not for me, child. Stone they made me and stone I am, eternal and unfeeling. And I shall endure 'til the Maker returns to light their fires again."
"Do you need help?" Daylen offered. He could make out something around the statue but wasn't sure what it was.
"You can not help me as you are. No help can be given to me, for this is my doom and my destiny."
"Ambiguous rubbish. It could mean anything. I can do it too: The sun grows dark, but lo! Here comes the dawn!" Jowan mocked.
"Stop to it. Please, both of you," Lily begged.
"We can't do much for it anyways," Daylen sighed.
"Come on, Jowan. Let's go."
The younger mage walked to a bookshelf and stared past it. He could make out magical vials on the other side of the wall. "I think the phylactery chamber is on the other side of this wall," Daylen commented.
"The wall looks weak in spots," Jowan added, "we should be able to find something that can knock some of the bricks loose."
Daylen ran his fingers along the wood. "There's a bookshelf in the way."
"If we work together, we can shift it. Come on," Jowan urged. The two mages were able to get the shelf out of the way with some effort and a lot of communication. "Now we just need to find a way to get through this wall."
The younger mage looked at the statue of the dog in front of the wall. He sent some magic into it and jumped when it was magnified. He pulled out the rod and touched the statue with it. Fire belched from the statue's mouth and caused the bricks to explode. "Let's hope no one heard that."
They travelled down the set of stairs. "We must find Jowan's phylactery quickly."
"It's a pity they took mine to Denerim already," Daylen moaned.
"Would you destroy yours too, if it were here?" Jowan asked.
"Of course, I could escape with you."
"You still can. I don't think they'll be able to catch you, once you're out of here. You'd know how to evade them. You're clever… not like me."
"I'd never be able to stop running. They could track you two through me if I joined. It's too dangerous for you both." Daylen sadly shook his head.
"Let's just find my phylactery."
They got no more than a couple steps towards the stairs when more sentinels struck. "I will be happy to see the last of these," Daylen complained and used mind blast to stun the ones surrounding him. The last fell and they stepped over the armour pieces to go up the stairs. The younger mage looked at all the little vials with fine glowing lines leading up into the ceiling. He focused and followed Jowan's line to a small table.
"That's my phylactery? You found it! I can't believe this tiny vial stands between me and freedom." Jowan took the vial from his friend's outstretched hand. He studied the glass. "So fragile, so easy to be rid of it… to end its hold over me…" He held the vial out and let it drop and shatter on the floor. "…And I am free."
"The sooner we're out of here the better. We've been gone too long already. Someone may have noticed."
"I do not want to stay here a moment longer," Lily concurred.
They left the repository and enjoyed their moment of triumph. "We did it! I can't believe it! Thank you… we could never have-" Jowan stopped when Gregoir, Irving, and a number of templars surrounded them.
"So, what you said was true, Irving," Gregoir acknowledged.
"This is bad," Daylen muttered.
"G-Gregoir," Lily stammered.
"An initiate, conspiring with a blood mage. I'm disappointed, Lily." Jowan jumped and looked at Lily from the corner of is eye. Gregoir examined Lily closely. "She seems shocked, but fully in control of her own mind. Not a thrall of the blood mage then." The Knight-commander returned to standing beside the First Enchanter. "You were right, Irving. The initiate has betrayed us. The Chantry will not let this go unpunished. And this one, newly a mage, and already flouting the rules of the Circle."
"I'm disappointed in you. You could have told me what you knew of this plan and you didn't." Daylen wilted a little at Irving's admonishment but anger imemdiately stopped that. How dare Irving even think I would betray my best friend!
"You don't care for the mages! You just bow to the Chantry's every whim!" Jowan accused.
"Jowan, don't make this worse," Daylen warned.
"Enough!" Gregoir yelled. "As Knight-commander of the templars here assembled, I sentence the blood mage to death. And this initiate has scorned the Chantry and her vows. Take her to Aeonar," Gregoir ordered.
Templars marched towards Lily who backed up until she was at the edge of the stairs. "The… the mages' prison. No… please, no. Not there!" She pleaded.
"No! I won't let you touch her!" Jowan shouted and pulled a knife from his robes and sliced his hand. Daylen stared in shock at the unfamiliar magic coming from his friend. It gathered around him and lashed out at Irving and the templars. He turned to Lily who had a look of horror on her face.
"By the Maker… blood magic! H-how could you? You said you never…"
"I admit, I… I dabbled! I thought it would make me a better mage!" Jowan tried to explain.
"Blood magic is evil, Jowan. It corrupts people… changes them…" Lily kept backing away from the blood mage.
"I'm going to give it up. All magic. I just want to be with you, Lily. Please, come with me…" Jowan implored.
"I trusted you. I was ready to sacrifice everything for you… I… I don't know who you are, blood mage. Stay away from me…" Jowan ran off and Daylen was half tempted to join him. He knew that that was a bad idea though. If he ran now, they would assume he was a blood mage too and treat him as such when they caught him.
Daylen crouched in front of Irving and used his limited healing magic to help treat him. "Are you alright? Where's Gregoir?" Irving asked.
"I knew it… blood magic. But to overcome so many… I never thought him capable of such power…" Gregoir scowled.
"I can't believe he just did that!" Daylen stood up and helped Irving to his feet.
"None of us expected this. Are your alright, Gregoir?" Irving asked.
"As good as can be expected given the circumstances! If you had let me act sooner, this would not have happened!" The Knight-commander accused, "now we have a blood mage on the loose and no way to track him down!"
"I'm sure you'll think of something," Daylen commented drly before he realized he had said that out loud.
"Jowan destroyed his phylactery. Without it, he will be hard to locate," Irving clarified.
"Where is the girl?" Gregoir demanded.
Lily stepped out from her spot in the corner. "I… I am here, Ser."
"You helped a blood mage! Look at all he's hurt!" He accused.
"Lily didn't know he was a blood mage!" Daylen defended.
Lily shook her head. "You've been a friend, but you needn't defend me any longer. Knight-commander… I… I was wrong. I was an accomplice to a… a blood mage." She walked over to the Knight-commander with her head hung. "I will accept whatever punishment you see fit. Even… even Aeonar."
"Get her out of my sight," Gregoir hissed and turned away from her. He directed his attention to Daylen. "And you. You know why the repository exists. Some artifacts – some magics - are locked away for a reason!"
"Did you take anything important from the repository?" Irving asked.
Daylen thought to the staff he had hidden away. "No."
Irving nodded. "Very well. I believe you." The young mage felt a little bad for lying to his mentor but remembered that this was same man that expected him to betray his best friend and didn't feel as guilty anymore.
"But your antics have made a mockery of this Circle! Ah… what are we to do with you?" Gregoir blamed.
Daylen thought back to all the whispered comments by the templars, the thinly veiled contempt, the desire to make him Tranquil as a child. He also thought back to Jowan helping him after the accident. He thought of Jowan doing everything he could to keep him from being made Tranquil and all the encouragement he gave when he was still learning how to use his magic to see. He glared at the templar shaped hole standing beside Irving. "Do what you like. I stand by my decision to help Jowan," he challenged.
Gregoir stepped dangerously close to the young mage. "You helped a blood mage escape. All our prevention measures for naught – because of you!"
Daylen was about to throw Gregoir's accusations back at him when someone else joined their group. He recognized it was Grey Warden by the odd way his magic interacted with him; like something was insignificantly corrupting it. "Knight-commander, if I may… I am not only looking for mages to join the king's army. I am also recruiting for the Grey Wardens." Duncan placed his hand on Daylen's shoulder, making his intentions clear. "Irving spoke highly of this mage, and I would like him to join the Warden ranks."
"Duncan, this mage assisted a maleficar, and shown a lack of regard for the Circle's rules," Irving argued.
"He is a danger. To all of us," Gregoir added.
Duncan gave Daylen a light tug and he took half a step back closer to the Grey Warden. "It is a rare person who risks all for a friend in need. I stand by my decision. I invoke the Right of Conscription."
"No! I refuse to let this go unpunished!" Gregoir bellowed.
"If the Grey Wardens will have me, I will gladly go," Daylen declared.
"Gregoir, mages are needed. This mage is needed. Worse things plague this world than blood mages – you know that. I take this young mage under my wing and will bear all responsibility for his actions."
"A blood mage escapes, and his accomplice is not only not punished, but is rewarded by becoming a Grey Warden," Gregoir seethed. "Are our rules nothing? Have we lost all authority over our mages? This does not bode well, Irving. We should have made him Tranquil when I wanted to."
"Enough. We have no more say in this matter," Irving reasoned.
"So, I am to become a Grey Warden?" Daylen asked.
"Yes. Be proud, child. You are luckier than you know."
"Then I will be off."
Duncan turned and gently guided Daylen away from the two. "Come, your new life awaits."
I made this character for Fly Free (posted on AO3) but I liked him too much to only use him once. So, I decided to make a story. I debated not posting and keeping it for myself but decided against that. For anyone worried, Dalish Inquisition is NOT abandoned