Hey guys been awhile. Like a really long time.
Why so long? Been busy at College studying and what not
My Exams are coming up soon and I wanted to get at least one chapter up so here it is(been writing in my spare time)
It's a bit shorter than I originally wanted but I just couldn't fit everything into one chapter(that ALWAYS happens to me)
Seriously I always write too much and need to cut things out or move them to later chapters
But I digress...
Hope you enjoy it.
Night, Hightown
Viscount's Keep
Upper Courtyard
It was a beautiful night in Kirkwall as the stars shined through the night above the Hightown estates and even the Viscount's Keep. Dumar found it very soothing as he sat taking the moment to relax after a long day.
"I miss the days when my only troubles were Nobles complaining about one thing or another" Dumar said lightly turning to face Ewald sitting beside him on the bench they were sitting on. "You regret becoming Viscount?" Ewald asked with an amused tone.
Dumar smiled lightly the first true smile in at least a month as he replied "there are days where I do regret it but no I like to think I've done Kirkwall good with what I've had to work with." "Even with Meredith and her Templars, those Knights of hers strut around like they own city" Ewald said looking towards the Gallows in the distance.
"It could be worse it can always be worst" Dumar said with solemn absolutism.
"Hehe yes it can always be worse" Ewald said. "A lesson only us tired old men truly understand" Dumar said lightly as he remembered all the years he and Ewald had spent in the inner workings of Kirkwall.
All the crises they had seen through only to be replaced by another one and forgotten soon after, all trouble with working alongside the Templars and general running of a city state. "Thing are pretty bad out there eh" Ewald said in a serious tone as the former Guard Captain looked over the city from their vantage point.
"Worse than people realize but not as bad as people fear and it's only just began" Dumar said simply as Ewald spoke up saying "the usual then?" "The usual" Dumar said nodding.
Both men chuckled slightly at their old joke that wasn't really funny. They both knew they couldn't discuss the situation with Coterie civil war but Dumar enjoyed the company of his last true friend in Kirkwall all the same.
"How's your son? I haven't heard anything in a while" Dumar said wanting to change the subject. "Fine. Still off in Orlais 'seeing the world' as he calls it. Never a thought about his dear old father" Ewald said with a small hint of sadness.
"He's young and restless the same as we were at that age. He writes doesn't he?" Dumar said calmly. "... When he can be bothered to remember" Ewald said sighing slightly.
Before Dumar could say anything Ewald stood up saying "but I've taken too much of your time old friend. Kirkwall will need you in the morning and you need all the rest you can get." Dumar nodded saying "there's always something that needs my attention, never enough rest to be had." Ewald chuckled slightly as he left the upper courtyard of the Viscount's Keep saying "yet another lesson only us old men truly understand. There's never enough time."
Dumar smiled lightly at that as Ewald took his leave of them. Knowing that Ewald was right and that he'd be needed in the morning Dumar stood up and left heading for his personal chambers.
The Fade
This place is different... it's always different Bethany thought as she walked through the odd surroundings that made up the Fade... or at least her perspective of the Fade.
She been wondering through this strange representation of what appeared to be a forest... mixed with some parts of what looked like the Docks the only difference being the odd mist from the Fade.
Copied locations, objects, people and concepts of the real world, though in a cruel and often confusing way... just like Tobrius's book said Bethany thought as she wondered what appeared to be a small hill.
Nothing's happened yet... why? Orsino so was grim but what's so challenging... unless I'm going the wrong way Bethany thought grimly as she glanced behind her not seeing another path to take.
Bethany sighed as she kept following the path unclear of what she was supposed to do and wishing she at least had her staff with her. Garrett would know what to do Bethany thought as she walked past what appeared to be part of one the ports of the Dock and into more forest area.
Why is it mixed... a section of port in the middle of forest, why? Bethany thought offhandedly as she continued walking before coming upon a hill of some kind. If Garrett were here... he'd FIND a vantage point and find the best route Bethany thought as she remembered the trip to Gwaren where Garrett usually took point.
Bethany walked up the hill keeping that in-mind before she reached the top and gaped slightly... the end of the hill was literally the end of the hill. It was like some crazed drawing of a child... the hill cutting off at the top and into... nothing.
Bethany carefully crouched down looking over the edge seeing the nothingness that was the raw Fade.
"What am I supposed to do?" Bethany moaned frowning deeply at all this useless wandering with no end in sight. Bethany sat there slumped against the edge for a few moments before she carefully stood up taking a step back from the edge.
"I won't give up. There always something, Garrett would know" Bethany said talking to herself needing to hear something as she ran her fingers there her red scarf. Bethany looked down at her scarf thinking about what her father had taught her and what she'd read in Tobrius's book.
Father taught me to stay away from parts of the Fade like this, taught me to defend myself just in case. Tobrius's book taught me about the Fade and the creatures here with the strange construct Bethany thought as she looked back at the path she'd walked not really seeing anywhere else to go.
Garrett taught me... taught me... he... didn't teach me much. Bethany thought glumly.
No Garrett did teach me. He gave me an example, what to do just in case Bethany realized thinking back what tactics she'd seen her brother use. Bethany's eyes widened as she remembered something so small yet useful... Bethany looked up.
When we were going through the Wilds and heading towards Gwaren with the others Garrett would find the highest ground and look at the sun, the Southron Hills, and later the Imperial Highway as point of reference! Bethany thought.
Bethany gazed in the distance of the Fade 'sky' at the dark mysterious structure always visible from any point in the Fade... The Black City. Bethany looked at the Black City and noticed something she'd overlooked before... tiny little 'islands' floating around various distances from it.
Bethany got an idea in her head and turned around looking past the edge of the hill into the nothingness and up into the distance. Floating far above but not as far as the Black City were more tiny little 'islands' or sections of the part of the Fade she was in.
There has to be a way over there, to move on. Tobrius's book says some constructs can be like 'portals' across the Fade... doors Bethany thought as she stood at the top of the hill searching. That's when something got Bethany's attention... there right across the 'port' she'd walked by was a small path leading to a dark brown door. How did I miss that? Bethany thought as she walked down the hill retracing her footsteps until she reached the port again... only to find the door missing.
"That's not fair" Bethany muttered allowed. Sighing Bethany glanced back at the hill wondering if she should go back before she remembered something from Tobrius's book... - "the dangers of the Fade are of the perception of the mind. Constructs don't make logical sense to Mortals as only Spirits and Demons truly 'see' the Fade"
Getting an idea in her head Bethany stepped onto the construct that appeared to be the platform of a port on the Docks. Bethany took a step forward until she noticed something... the moment she stepped on the 'platform' a small but narrow staircase appeared going downward. Bethany frowned and stepped off the 'platform' only to gape slightly as the staircase vanished back into the nothingness of the Fade.
"Perception" Bethany said aloud as she stepped back onto the platform smiling slightly as the staircase reappeared seemingly from nothing. Bethany walked forward and followed the staircase downward finding the door she'd seen from the top of the hill... only to find it didn't lead anywhere.
The door stood vigil alone with nothing but the nothingness that was void of the Fade behind it... like it was cut off. Bethany let out a heavy breath saying "perception" once again before placing her hand on the door knob.
Bethany turned the door knob and pushed... as the door opened it didn't reveal the nothingness of the Fade but rather more forest area. Bethany slowly and carefully put one foot forward and placed it on the other side of the door. Finding 'solid' ground Bethany stepped forward completely walking through the door and into the other side. Standing there amongst the forest area she noticed something... the trees here seemed to be taller.
Bethany turned around closing the door and looked past it searching for where the Black City was visible. She found it the distance noticing this time it was lower from her point of view than it had been before. Looking down Bethany saw another 'island'. In the 'island' Bethany could see the hill that cut off and the port visible in the distance.
I moved on Bethany thought as she couldn't help but grin at the small but useful progress. Bethany turned around and walked on knowing she'd taken her first step to getting past the Harrowing.
Sometime Later
Bethany walked through yet another clearing of forest having gone through three more doors taking her across various 'islands' of the Fade. It'd taken her awhile but she thought she was going the right way after tail and error discovering that the right path seemed to take her further away from the Black City.
Bethany had continued using the Black City as a point of reference and though it was always visible somewhere in the distance she seemed to be moving further away... so she assumed she was going the right path to ending the Harrowing.
Bethany stopped in the middle of the clearing to get a better look at her surroundings. It was something Bethany kept doing as she remembered it's what Garrett had done on their way towards Gwaren.
I'm probably not even doing this right. Garrett had training in the Ferelden Army... but the Fade isn't the same as the mortal world Bethany thought as she took in everything she could see. That's when she noticed something... a light visible past a cluster of trees in the distance.
Bethany frowned and started towards the light as she squeezed past the cluster of 'trees' and entered a path leading towards another Fade construct. Looking around as she walked down the path Bethany noticed the forest area was fading away in the distance... to be replaced ahead by the Lowtown Marketplace. Bethany reached the end of the path and stopped looking at the strange but eerily similar construct of the Lowtown Marketplace... except it was devoid of any people.
Frowning Bethany glanced back up the path and at the forest area before taking a deep breath and headed into the Lowtown Marketplace. That's the booth where Garrett would get groceries from... the manager give us discounts because he knew we were Ferelden refugees Bethany thought as she warily walked through the Marketplace.
I wonder if... no. Maybe? Bethany thought as she got an idea and headed up a plight of stairs and turned right noticing the stairs to Hightown and the Estates were missing as she kept on walking before stopping at where the Hanged Man should be.
The building itself was there but the door was missing. Bethany moved on going right until she reached her destination... Gamlen's house.
There it stood an exactly replica of the house Bethany had lived in for than a year with her family… it was eerily similar. Bethany stood there in silence before slowly and carefully walked up the small plight of stairs opening the front door finding it unlocked. The door creaked open slowly revealing the exact same house she'd spent so much time in.
Everything's the same… that's not right Tobrius's book says they're always incomplete Bethany thought before she warily stepped inside. Walking to the breakfast table Bethany stopped and ran a finger lightly across the breakfast table… it felt so real.
Bethany looked around the house seeing the small cramped space that was the kitchen, the bathroom in the very back, the one bed room Garrett supposedly shared with Gamlen, and finally the room she shared with her mother. Bethany stared at the door to the room she shared with her mother not sure of what to do.
Something from the room beckoned her and against her better judgment Bethany opened the door and stepped in. Being the room was like being in a sweet forgotten dream… it warm and comforting filled with fond memories. Bethany wasn't sure why but she smiled at the fond memories of the house walking to her bed. Still smiling but not entirely sure why, Bethany sat down her bed feeling the nice and soft fabric of the bed sheet with her hand.
Bethany glanced at her mother's empty bed all neat and made up like Leandra always left it and smiled slightly as she looked around the room seeing good joyful memories flashing by… specters of a better time.
It was so peaceful Bethany couldn't help lightly lay down on her bed enjoying how nice and warm it was. It felt was so good to just rest, it seemed like ages since she last relaxed and slept. Bethany closed her eyes still smiling but not entirely sure why as began to drift off to sleep… NO! Bethany thought as her eyes burst open and she sat up.
Bethany stood up looking around the room warily as she made her way out. Steeping out of her room Bethany reentered the breakfast room only to find the smell of her mother's cooking emanating from all around the house.
It smelled so good, bread and soup so simple yet so delicious under Leandra Hawke's cooking that Bethany stopped in her tracks. Bethany turned looking at the breakfast table seeing a fresh warm plate of her mother's food… it was so inviting.
Bethany almost took a seat but stopped midway and stopped back. Bethany shook her head about to leave the house entirely when something so surprising and unexpected happened it stopped her entirely completely catching her of guard… Leandra's voice.
"Bethany" Leandra's voice called out warmly stopping her before she even made it half out to the front door. Bethany slowly turned around seeing her mother standing in the doorway to the room they shared.
"Don't you want some dinner? Gamlen should be back with Garrett soon" Leandra said smiling as she walked towards the breakfast table taking seat. Bethany stood her mouth open slightly before closing it and shaking her head 'no' still looking at Leandra. "You should eat something Bethany you look awfully pale and I went through all the trouble" Leandra said smiling warmly and pulling out another seat for Bethany.
"… no" Bethany said in barely a whisper. Leandra stood up looking worried with motherly concern as she made her way towards Bethany saying "you don't look well dear, here let me take a look at you."
Leandra made towards Bethany her hands raised only to stop in her tracks frowning heavily… Bethany had raised her right hand. "Bethany what are you doing? I'm only doing what's best for you" Leandra said staring at Bethany's hand before slowly and carefully taking a step forward.
Bethany stepped back narrowing her eyes as she summoned her Magic forming a small orb of blue flame magic in the palm of her right hand. Leandra stepped back looking worried as she fearfully said "Bethany what's wrong? Are you trouble with your Magic again… just calm down let me help you."
Bethany kept her hand stretched out, the blue flame magic causing shadows to dance across the house as she said "this isn't real." "Bethany you sound crazy. Why don't you let me tuck you in" Leandra said warmly walking forward. Bethany raised her hand further the flame magic growing larger in her hand as she said "stay back."
Leandra frowned looking worried as Bethany took a deep breath saying "this isn't real" before firing her flame magic directly at Leandra. Bethany closed her eyes stroking her red scarf almost tearing up forcing herself to repeat the same words again and again "it's not real"… the frenzied cries and shouts of Leandra as she burned echoing across the house.
Bethany opened her eyes wishing she hadn't but knowing she had too. The sight before Bethany almost brought tears to her eyes, Leandra thrashing around the floor burning until it was over and only the charred husk of Leandra lay on the floor.
The door to the right of Bethany slammed open revealing Gamlen as he burst out running towards Leandra crying "what the blazes is going on! Leandra! Maker! Leandra!"
Gamlen crouched down sobbing as he looked over the heavily burned dead Leandra. Bethany just stood there breathing heavily when suddenly Gamlen glared up at her with puffy red eyes saying "you bitch! You killed my sister! Your mother!"
This isn't real. This isn't real! Bethany thought fiercely as she stepped back. Gamlen reached over to the breakfast table grabbing a knife before standing up. "After all we did for you!" Gamlen shouted as he charged forward with his knife raised.
Bethany panicked and raised her hand firing another burst of blue flame magic at the charging Gamlen. Gamlen was instantly struck and fell over thrashing around yelling as he burned… Bethany couldn't take it anymore and run out the house.
Barely holding back the tears Bethany ran through the odd construct of Lowtown before stopping in-front of where the stairs leading to Hightown should be. Bethany leaned against a nearby wall breathing heavily her hand shaking slightly from where she placed it on the wall.
Bethany stepped away from the wall still a bit shaken as she said "it's the Fade it's not real." "Bethany!" a voice suddenly called out that caused Bethany to snap around… Garrett.
There he was walking towards from where the Hanged Man should be. Garrett was wearing his Ferelden Field Armor… his Longsword and Shield sheathed. Bethany cringed as she raised her hand warily as Garrett walked towards her glaring.
"Mother and Gamlen! How could you! I was wrong about you Bethany! I wasted all those years on you for this!" Garrett yelled unsheathing his Longsword and Shield as he rushed her.
This isn't real! Bethany thought as she raised her hand firing another burst of blue flame magic. Bethany closed her eyes tight not being able to bear seeing or hearing the yells… it didn't happened.
"You'll have to better than that!" Garrett yelled as Bethany opened her eyes seeing Garrett had blocked her flame magic with his Shield. Bethany stepped back casting a hurried Spirit Bolt only Garrett to block it with his Shield once again as he charged. I need… I… I need something stronger Bethany thought somberly as she raised both her hands as Garrett got closer and closer.
Ice Magic… or Force Magic…Bethany thought as she focused deciding on Ice Magic. Just as Garrett was closing in Bethany cast Cone of Cold the Ice Magic curving as Garrett leapt away with Bethany trying to adjust but missing all the same.
Bethany kept her hands raised as she moved back keeping her distance from Garrett as he seemed wary of her with his Shield raised up. "I always knew you were just another worthless Apostate" Garrett said glaring at her.
He's trying to get under my skin Bethany thought as she glared back yelling "you're not my brother!" and cast a Spirit Bolt. Garrett blocked with his Shield and started advancing again.
Bethany got ready to cast Cone of Cold again when suddenly Garrett stopped in his tracks dropping his Longsword and Shield.
"Aweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Garrett yelled in a voice not his own… a voice deep and cold nothing like the real Garrett's voice. Bethany stood there watching frozen in place as Garrett shook until finally… a blue glowing blade from a Longsword of some kind ripped through Garrett's chest.
"You!" Garrett yelled in that deep cold voice that wasn't his… as a Spirit appeared directly behind him holding the Longsword that had back-stabbed Garrett, seemingly to have formed out of the mist floating about the Fade.
The Spirit glowed bright blue taking the form of a tall man in heavy armor of some kind wielding a Longsword and Shield. "Foul Demon" the Spirit said sternly as he pulled the Longsword out of Garrett in a single movement.
'Garrett' yelled out in agony as he slumped to the floor… only he started changing. 'Garrett' lay on the floor twitching and changing form till only a Sloth Demon lay slumped on the floor dead… it's true form revealed.
The Spirit slammed an armored boot onto the dead Sloth Demon causing it to erupt in a burst of ashes… fading away. "Be gone" the Spirit muttered in disgust before turning to Bethany with a look of… concern. "Are you alright child?" the Spirit asked.
"Fine" Bethany said lowering her hands as the Spirit smiled slightly before glancing around Lowtown saying "Sloth Demons, their trickery a foul thing." "I... I knew it wasn't real" Bethany said still looking at where the Sloth Demon pretending to be Garrett had been slain. Turning to look at the Spirit, Bethany said "thank you… who are you?"
The Spirit smiled warmly as he said "I am a Spirit of Justice."
"Justice?" Bethany said looking over the Spirit curiously. Bethany smiled lightly saying "I met another Spirit of Justice once." "That's good, not all of us here of the Fade are Demons though at times even your kind, confuse us" Justice said sheathing his Longsword beside his Shield.
Justice gestured at Bethany smiling as he said "luckily I saw your struggle with Sloth Demon though I'm sure child that you could have handled him on your own I thought to lend a hand."
Justice suddenly got a colder look about him as he gestured around Lowtown saying "I've seen this cruel test of the Templars before. Sending children against Demons with no weapons, the injustice of all it all. You should be allowed to face them fairly and on equal footing not thrown to the wolves like this."
Bethany nodded saying "thanks for the help Justice. Do you know how I can get out of here... if I don't get out in time the Templars will kill me." Justice straightened up saying "of course. The Templars would have you wander through the fade when the path out is so simple to us who can truly see the Fade as it is."
"You see the path out?" Bethany asked curiously as she blinked. Justice smiled saying "yes I can get you out. Here let me show you." Justice held out his hand beaming and smiling warmly at her. Relieved that she'd found a friend in this cruel test of the Templars Bethany let out a sigh of relief and made to take Justice's hand when something stopped her... a feeling.
"You're so happy?" Bethany said frowning at Justice and stopping herself from taking Justice's hand. "What greater joy is there than helping than innocent and bringing justice to the injustice" Justice said simply as Bethany remembered him killing the Sloth demon.
Bethany frowned thinking things over as memories flashed through her mind...
Anders with a dark look on his face saying "since when is Justice happy? Justice is harsh, Justice is righteous, Justice is hard... and yes sometimes Justice is cruel."
"YOU WILL NEVER TAKE ANOTHER MAGE AS YOU TOOK HIM!"
"FOUL WITCH, MORTAL OR DEMON WHICHEVER YOU BE, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!"
Whenever Justice spoke through Anders he was always stern and uncompromising... never happy and never once smiling.
Back to the present Bethany looked up at the smiling Justice before stepping back. "Child I seek only to help you" Justice said calmly as he remained where he was.
Bethany shook her head 'no' calmly saying "you're not Justice." Justice met Bethany's eyes before lowering his hand and chuckling. "Clever girl" Justice said still meeting Bethany's eyes and smiling but without any warmth at all as if it had never been there.
Justice started forward, the blue light that had encased his being darkening and fading away. It happened so fast Bethany barely had time to cast her spell... Justice unleashing an explosion of dark red destructive energy.
A glowing light blue field surrounded Bethany a split second before the blast hit her.
Bethany was pushed back four feet managing to stay on her feet with some difficulty. Feeling a bit weak Bethany quickly cast heal on herself as she straightened up ready for a fight, the light blue Arcane Shield still protecting her even after the blast.
Bethany warily looked up noticing that Lowtown was gone replaced by an empty clearing of an 'island' and more importantly that 'Justice' was gone. Instead a huge horned purple skinned beast stood where 'Justice' had stood.
"Healing yourself and a shield... you're a resourceful one I like that" the Pride Demon said cruelly in its harsh deep intelligent voice as it studied Bethany with amusement.
Bethany kept her hands raised ready to cast any number of spells at a moment's notice. "Easy child. If I possessed you your stubborn little Templars would behead you and send me back here there's no point to this" the Pride Demon said in its deep harsh voice. Bethany narrowed her eyes ready for anything as the Pride Demon chuckled amusingly at her.
"I was just having some fun but I am satisfied with the Sloth I killed. Goodbye clever child. I hope we never met again... for your stake" the Pride Demon said before smiling one last time and turning around marching off.
Bethany just stood there still wary and ready for anything as the Pride Demon's loud thuds echoed off as it casually left. Suddenly a force emerged from somewhere beyond the Fade shattering the 'island' in a flash of white... I'm being pulled out Bethany realized.
Circle of Magi
Harrowing Chamber
Bethany blinked from the sudden change of bright blinding light to low barely lit room light. I'm back... Bethany thought as she realized she was on the floor. Elsa knelt down to her speaking in her strange stoically unnatural way that only Tranquil could saying "greeting you have successfully passed the Harrowing. Welcome officially to the Circle of Magi."
Bethany took Elsa's outstretched hand allowing herself to be helped up just as Orsino appeared beside her also helping her up. "You should have pulled her out sooner the MOMENT the Pride Demon showed up" Orsino said coldly looking at Elsa.
"Apologizes First Enchanter, it is protocol for the Mage to face the Harrowing with only their Will and no outside help" Elsa stoically and without emotion. "A Pride Demon" Orsino scoffed before continuing "even fully trained Mages wouldn't do well against one. It takes a team of Magi to safely deal with one."
Bethany shook her head slightly as she shook off Elsa and Orsino. "How are you holding up Bethany? That was an unusual Harrowing" Orsino asked looking concernedly at Bethany.
"I'm okay Orsino… wait you were all watching?" Bethany asked a little uncomfortable at that. "It is protocol for us to monitor" Elsa said answering Bethany's question before Orsino could.
"Part of the job, we need to know if we're needed" one of the Templars standing nearby said. "I wanted to pull you out earlier" Orsino began as Bethany spoke up frowning as she said "why didn't you?"
"Elsa and I brought you into the Harrowing only the both of us working together could pull you out. Elsa refused to do so until it was evident you were strong enough to resist" Orsino answering somewhat annoyed as he glanced at Elsa.
"It was-" Elsa began only for Bethany to dryly interrupt "protocol." "Yes" was Elsa's only response. Orsino patted Bethany reassuringly as he said "you did well. Many would not have succeeded this Harrowing."
Bethany snapped towards one of the nearby Templars, Sir Milford, as he started towards her with a small knife and an empty glass vial. Orsino patted Bethany reassuringly again as he said "this is the last part of the Harrowing. The Templars take a small sample of your blood. After that you're done." "What for" Bethany said not liking this.
"In case you ever escape we can and will track you down" Sir Milford said stepping forward and grabbing Bethany's arm. Bethany flinched slightly at the pain as Sir Milford lightly cut Bethany's arm and collected the blood in the vial.
Stepping back and sealing the vial closed Sir Milford handed it to another nearby Templar saying "see that it gets shipped off." Turning back at Bethany Sir Milford honestly said "impressive, that was a particularly hard Harrowing, three Sloth Demons and a Pride Demon; it's been years since we've seen one that difficult you know. Something to brag about."
Of course I'd get the difficult one... as if that's something to be proud of Bethany thought slightly bitter at the whole thing as she nodded. Elsa bandaged Bethany's cut and Orsino escorted Bethany out of the Harrowing Chamber and led her out of the maze of stairs and towards the Circle Apprentice Chambers.
Bethany looked around the Apprentice Chambers noticing that was much nicer than she thought it'd be as she followed Orsino quietly not wanting to wake the sleeping Apprentices.
Orsino picked out an empty room for Bethany and let her in saying "this will be your room." Bethany stepped inside finding it to bigger than the room she'd been staying in and with a somewhat better bed.
"You'll find your Apprentice Robes in the dresser and your things will be brought up tomorrow. You're allowed three days of rest until we work on where you're going go from here but for now relax, get to know some of the others, and enjoy your time off" Orsino said smiling slightly.
"Thank you Orsino" Bethany said as Orsino left her to her new room. Before he left Orsino turned around saying "Bethany one more thing." "Yes, First Enchanter?" Bethany asked looking at Orsino curiously.
"How long has your flame magic been blue?" Orsino asked with a curious look on his face. Bethany thought about it for a bit before saying "as long as I can remember. My father told me it was fine though and nothing to worry about."
"Your father was right it's nothing to worry about... interesting though we'll look into that later" Orsino said nodding and rubbing his chin slightly at the last part as he left closing the door behind him.
Bethany took a seat on her much more comfortable bed in her Apprentice's room letting out a heavy breath. "I hate Demons" Bethany said stroking her red scarf and remembering the cruel illusion the Sloth Demons had used on her. Orsino's right I should rest, even the Templars said my Harrowing was one of the hardest ones they'd seen in a long time Bethany thought as she got comfortable and started drifting off to sleep.
Day, the Chantry
It was an odd scene about the Chantry with its long grand halls filled with Sisters and Mothers of the Chantry glancing at the two Knights curiously. The Knights had been asking questions about another of the Order, Sir Hynes, whom they were looking for.
The Sisters and Mothers of the Chantry told the Knights truthfully that they'd not seen the man but the Knights held their vigil and kept asking until finally they came upon Sebastian Vael.
Sebastian had been staying late to pray of late and he had seen the man the two Knights had described, Sir Hynes. "When did you see him?" "and what was he doing?" Sir Cullen and Sir Thrask asked intently from they stood in front of Sebastian near one the many small Altars here.
"It was very late in the evening and he came in barely paying attention to me" Sebastian said calmly if not a little curious as to the grimness of the Knights. "What do you mean? Did he ignore you? Did he mutter anything or speak at all? How did he move?" Sir Cullen asked crossing his arms looking very grim.
Sebastian frowned not knowing what to make of that saying "uh he glanced at me but went about his business without saying a word… he moved normal I guess." "Please this is very important are you sure he moved normally? No clumsily movements of stumbles?" Sir Thrask asked Sebastian calmly but with all seriousness.
Sebastian blinked saying "as far as I can remember the man just calmly walked upstairs. Nothing wrong with him that I could see but I was praying at the time so I didn't get a good look." Sir Cullen nodded saying "What did he do upstairs?" Sebastian thought about it for a bit before saying "I'm not sure but he came down holding a book, a tome of sorts, and left not even glancing at me. I only noticed because they weren't many people here at the time."
"A tome?" Sir Cullen asked exchanging a confused look with Sir Thrask. "There are several books and tomes housed in the Chantry for various things…what kind of tome was it?" Sir Thrask asked frowning.
"I'm sorry Sir I didn't get a good look, all I can tell you is that it was a tome" Sebastian said shrugging. Sir Thrask grimly nodded saying "thank you for your time Sir. If there's anything more you can tell us?" "No I'm sorry that's all I know" Sebastian said honestly.
"You've helped us greatly here take this coin for your troubles" Sir Cullen said reaching for his coin pouch. Only for Sebastian to shake his head 'no' saying "it's no trouble anything for a member of the Order" "the Order appreciates you're assistance" Sir Thrask nodding as he and Sir Cullen left.
Sebastian stopped just as they were leaving saying "is Sir Hynes alright? All this trouble over what he was doing last night?" Sir Thrask turned around saying "I'm sorry sir but it is a private matter for the Order. Thank you again for your help."
Sebastian nodded not sure what to make of that as the two Knights took their leave of the Chantry. Once outside the Chantry, the two Knights left Hightown heading for the Gallows.
As they walked Sir Cullen turned to Sir Thrask saying "what do you make of this?" "Some of the other Knights investigating the incident said Sir Hynes was seen leaving the Viscount's Keep with another tome sometime in the early morning… I've no idea what this is" Sir Thrask said not liking this one bit. "Tomes… what do they want with tomes, and why do they need Sir Hynes to get them?" Sir Cullen said thinking aloud as he and Sir Thrask walked.
Gallows
Circle of Magi
Apprentice Chambers
Bethany lazily sat up realizing she'd slept in pretty late as she got out of her new bed and grabbed her new blue Apprentice Robes from the dresser and put them on.
It's actually pretty comfortable… better than those plain robes the Circle gave me before Bethany thought as she looked over herself in the small mirror attached to the dresser. How did the Tranquil know my exact size? Bethany thought curiously as she fixed her hair slightly before stepping out of her room.
Once outside Bethany noticed some other Apprentices milling about but otherwise not paying much attention besides a curious glance, the new girl. Bethany walked out of the Apprentice Chambers not really sure we to do in her free time but knowing she couldn't just sleep all day.
Bethany walked through the Circle deciding to look for Tobrius again and guessing that he was probably in the library again. As Bethany walked up the stairs and headed towards the library she saw a few Templars watching them, they were always watching, but she also noticed that they mostly kept their distance in the Apprentice Chambers and the library.
Entering the library Bethany noticed some more Apprentices going about trying to brush up to impress the special guest arriving soon. Bethany walked past them all not really caring as she instead looked for her friend.
She found Tobrius speaking with a librarian and another Enchanter, Tobrius looked like he was giving instructions to them, before leaving them to their work. As he was walking off Bethany caught to him saying "Tobrius."
Turning around Tobrius saw Bethany and more importantly noticed her Apprentice Robe, smiling he said "you passed your Harrowing, good I knew that you would." Bethany grinned slightly saying "I wanted to thank you again for that book it really helped."
"It was the least I could do. How are you feeling? Every Harrowing is different and they can trouble Apprentice for a short time even after completion" Tobrius said looking generally concerned. "It was… hard. I faced illusions from Sloth Demons. They were vivid and seemed very real, even knew things about me… about my past" Bethany said with a dark look on her face before brightening up and finishing with "but I always knew deep down it wasn't real."
Tobrius smiled lightly saying "it appears you had a difficult Harrowing but you kept your wit about you and survived; that in itself is an accomplishment I think you'll do well here."
"Do you have time I wanted to talk… about some things" Bethany said looking for a more private spot. "Yes I have some time" Tobrius said before gesturing at an empty table saying "here."
Bethany followed Tobrius and took the seat across from him. "I wanted to know what happens now? I passed the Harrowing and the Templars took my Phylactery. I'm an Apprentice now but what do Apprentices do in the Circle?" Bethany said wanting to get everything off her chest feeling she could talk to Tobrius. Tobrius chuckled slightly saying "you spent at a lot of time away from here and in less than a month you passed your Harrowing so I assume no one explained things."
"After a Mage has achieved Apprentice status they study in one field or another eventually finding a mentor to help them on their path or they may simply be and help with other services needed, I recommend the former" Tobrius said honestly.
Bethany blinked saying "some Apprentice don't move on and just… help around where they needed?" Tobrius nodded saying "yes those who do not wish to learn more and rise through the ranks of the Circle. There are some like that but not many, once completing the Harrowing the choice is completely up to you."
"I… I don't really know" Bethany said honestly not knowing what she should do having never thought she'd end up in the Circle. "It's quiet alright you have plenty of time to decide, all the time in the world to be honest" Tobrius said gesturing around at the library continuing "some Apprentices take years to find themselves a mentor."
Bethany nodded taking that in before lowering her voice saying "… you knew my father. Malcolm."
Tobrius nodded laughing slightly at some memory of his as he spoke in a low voice saying "yes I knew Malcolm when he was here. What did you want to know? He must have told you a lot already."
"No… my father didn't tell me anything really just that he didn't want me in the Circle" Bethany said honestly. Tobrius seemed genuinely surprised at that, pausing slightly before saying "odd but I suppose he had his reasons."
Bethany looked up at Tobrius curiously as she still spoke in a low voice saying "what was my father like when he was younger?" "He was quiet the enigma amongst the ladies" Tobrius began before getting an awkward look about him and saying "uh he was very much a ladies man before he met your mother."
"Oh… I never really thought about it" Bethany said only remembering Malcolm as her father. The man with all the answers, her mentor, him helping her when she had trouble with her Magic as a child, him smiling as he spent hours of the day with her teaching, always funny with amazing stories and wise words at the ready.
"Malcolm was very worldly and well, the women loved his stories from where he'd been and some of things he'd done" Tobrius said simply. "They were especially interested in how he was captured in Ferelden and then brought here for being a little too much trouble over there" Tobrius said.
"My father was a trouble maker back in the Ferelden Circle?" Bethany asked frowning as she couldn't match the man Tobrius was describing to the man she'd known only as her father. "Oh yes he loved showing up several Apprentices and even some Enchanters with his skill that surpassed most of them… even here he was known for it" Tobrius said smiling slightly as if remembering something humorous.
"It drove some of them mad, the Ferelden dog who never ranked higher than Apprentice and never found a mentor yet surpassing so many regardless of rank" Tobrius said laughing lightly.
"He… he never found a mentor or moved up the Circle?" Bethany asked honestly surprised having always assumed her father had been highly ranked due to his tremendous skill in Magic.
"No not even here in Kirkwall, he absolutely refused to follow the path of the Circle and did his own thing" Tobrius answered simply. "I know he met my mother at some party of a Noble that wanted Magical entertainment for the evening" Bethany said wanting to know more.
"Yes I remember that. Near the party's end he and your mother um 'got acquainted' in one of the back rooms. After that night he never stopped talking about Leandra and stopped his activities with the other ladies here" Tobrius said shifting slightly.
Bethany was first incredibly awkward but smiled slightly at the end, glad that her mother had such an effect on her father… even if after only one night. "How did my father… how did he-" Bethany began only for Tobrius to interrupt saying "I'm sorry but I honestly don't know."
"He did tell me he was leaving but I never understood everything, only that he had gotten the help of a Templar, Sir Carver, and that he was going to run away with your mother after he finished some business" Tobrius said getting an odd look about him.
"What business?" Bethany asked curiously having never once been told any of this by her father. Tobrius shook his head 'no' saying "I honestly cannot say. Malcolm was a man of many secrets and though we were good friends he never once told me nor anyone else. Even his stories of his travels, he told them but he never fully explained them or even what he was truly doing there. Orlais, Antiva, Tevinter, and finally Ferelden where he was captured."
Bethany stay silent at that… he's right even with me, Carver, and Garrett he never really explained what he was doing all that time before he was caught in Ferelden she realized.
Tobrius snapped Bethany out of it as he got a curious look about him speaking in barely a whisper saying "you know he offered to take me with him and Leandra. To join him if I wanted too or make my own way after leaving the Free Marches. I still wonder about it at times."
"You stayed when you could have left?" Bethany said in a low voice very surprised, her eyes widening slightly. Tobrius smiled lightly before glancing around the corner of a nearby shelf where a female librarian with curly long blond slightly graying hair was looking into something. The female librarian glanced back at Tobrius and smiled brightly at him before turning back to her work.
"Malcolm told me openly and honestly that his plan allowed only one extra to come with him and I had a reason to stay. It may surprise you but I'm comfortable with the life I've made here" Tobrius said still smiling at the female librarian.
Tobrius turned back to face Bethany saying "your father and I said our farewells and the next day he was gone. The Templars hunted for him but they never found him… all these years I'd hoped Malcolm had made his own way and lived a good life."
"He did. He was very happy and I miss him… he passed away a few years ago" Bethany said feeling happy to know more of her father. "I knew the moment I saw you that he'd passed away" Tobrius said with a sad look about him.
"What… how?" Bethany asked honestly curious. Tobrius smiled sadly with a hint of humor as he said "if Malcolm were still alive you wouldn't be here. He'd never allow that to happen."
Garrett was like that too… I hope he's okay there's nothing he could have done Bethany thought. Tobrius suddenly looked at Bethany with intent eyes asking "was he happy? Did he truly live a good life?"
"Yes my father was very happy. He had three children and though we didn't have much and moved around a lot he always made that best of things and we never lacked for anything. He was always smiling and laughing" Bethany answered honestly which seemed to greatly please Tobrius.
"That's good to know" Tobrius said happily. Tobrius suddenly looked at something behind Bethany saying "I think your friend is looking for you." Bethany looked around behind her seeing Maire looking around the library before spotting Bethany heading for her. "Tobrius good to see you sir. Hey Bethany there you are I've been looking for you oh and congratulations on passing your Harrowing" Maire said stopping to stand in-front of them.
"Hello again Maire did you need something?" Bethany said glad to see another friend here. "Not me, First Enchanter Orsino. He wanted to see you in his office" Maire said casually.
"He probably wants to talk to you about the paths you can take in the Circle. Go. You shouldn't keep Orsino waiting" Tobrius said good-naturedly. Bethany nodded standing up and following Maire out of library, waving goodbye to Tobrius as she left.
"So how does it feel being an Apprentice?" Maire asked as they walked up another plight of stairs. "It hasn't even been a day yet, I don't know, good I guess" Bethany answered honestly.
"You'll get used to it everyone does and besides you'll have more freedom to go about the Circle now that you're officially an Apprentice" Maire said just they reached Orsino's office.
"Well here we are. Orsino's a good adviser good luck" Maire said taking her leave of Bethany. Bethany stepped towards the door about to knock when she heard something from the other side… light laughter.
Is Orsino busy… he did send Maire to get me though Bethany thought before raising her hand and lightly knocking on the door. "Yes?" Orsino called from his office. "It's Bethany you wanted to see me First Enchanter" Bethany called standing in-front of the door.
"Come in" Orsino called as Bethany opened the door and stepped inside Orsino's office seeing him at his desk with another Mage sitting across from him. The Mage sitting across from Orsino was an older lady but not entirely elderly just yet, around her mid-fifties with gray hair.
It was odd; though she wasn't very old the Mage seemed to have kept most of the beauty of her youth about her. "Hello Bethany I know these are your days off but I wanted to talk to you about where you can go from here, I don't believe anyone's explained things yet" Orsino said as the Mage sitting across from him stood up.
She's an Enchanter Bethany realized seeing the Mage's Enchanter Robes. "I can come back later if I was interrupting something" Bethany said honestly. "No, no I was just catching up an old friend" Orsino said gesturing at the Mage.
"But I do believe I should get some rest it was long journey to Kirkwall" the Mage said grabbing her Staff that strangely seemed to emanate a light coolness about it. "No doubt you've heard about the special guest arriving shortly" Orsino said as he straightened up seeing his friend about to leave. "Not much just that someone was arriving" Bethany answered honestly as he took another glance the Mage's strange Staff.
"It was nice catching up Orsino I don't know how long I'm staying but I'll be sure to stop by before I leave" the Mage said politely. "Anytime, I've recently acquired some very nice wine that I could use some help finishing" Orsino said smiling.
"I'll have to take you up on the offer" the Mage replied somewhat eagerly. As the Mage was leaving she turned to Bethany holding out her hand to shake saying "I'm sure I'll see you again at my lecture miss?" "Bethany" Bethany answered shaking the Mage's hand.
"Wynne" the Mage answered before taking her leave of them.
I'm sorry if the pacing is a bit odd but it'll all make sense in the long run
First I want to address somethings. Why there's no Garrett in this Chapter(the real Garrett and not a Demon).
Not enough space. I had some scenes, one with Garrett and Tolan involving the aftermath of robbing the Coterie branch, and another with Gamlen but it would have made the chapter too long.
Even though this Chapter is shorter than I wanted I'm very happy with it.
That said any constructive criticism would be appreciated, always room for improvement.
Anyway the whole thing with Tobrius is just some ideas I had. I had a lot of fun writing a bit of his backstory and his relationship with a younger Malcolm
But I digress...
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for Reading and please Review!
P.S I'll do my best to update though my testing week starts in a few days so I might have some delay but I'll get around to it.