"And as you ripped it all apart,
That's when I turned to watch you
And as the light in you went dark
I saw you turn to shadow"
"Mammae?" Eshne was running.
She was barefoot, scared, and alone. Her naked body shivering while she raced through the mossy forest. Eshne didn't know where she was, but she knew she was trying to get away from something.
"Mammae!" She called again, running through briars that tore into her pale legs.
Behind her she could hear whispers. No definite gender to them, as it was many voices in one. The more prominent one was deep, threatening. It sounded like Mouse.
"You cannot hide." It spoke, "I see you."
Eshne fell to the ground. Her skin ripped apart by nettles and thorns. She saw a great blackness overcome the forest. And the voice rang out again as she screamed.
"There is no life in the void. Only...death."
"Eshne!"
Eshne awoke with a scream. Whoever had been holding her shoulders had reeled back from her flailing arms.
"Esh, it's alright," They came back to hold her face in their warm hands, "It's me. You're alright."
Eshne opened her eyes, adjusting to the light.
"Jowan." She breathed out, wrapping her arms around his neck, glad to see her friend.
"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice cracking with worry.
Eshne let go of him, sitting up on her bed and holding her head in her hands. Jowan sat next to her, "Esh?"
"Jowan," She looked up at him, "Am I dead?"
"If you were do you really think the Maker would send you back to the Circle?" Jowan smirked.
"He would if he really does see how much I blaspheme." Eshne laughed.
Jowan seemed amused, but a furrow in his brow spoke of concern, "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Please, Jowan," Eshne headbutted his shoulder, "I'm right dandy." She sat up.
"Well I'm glad. They carried you in this morning. You'd been gone all night." He frowned, "I've heard about apprentices who never come back from their Harrowing...was it...dangerous?"
"It was…" Eshne looked off into the distance, putting her arm on Jowan while she held her palm out into the air, "Harrowing." She squinted her eyes. When she heard Jowan scoff she punched his shoulder, "C'mon Jowan, you know I can't tell you. It's against the rules." She stood up, puffing out her chest, pretending to be Greagoir, "If you tell another apprentice before they're ready you risk the safety of the hurrburrdurr burrdurr."
Jowan sighed, "I know I'm not supposed to know, but we're best friends. Just one hint?" He begged.
"No, Jowan. Wynne would kill me. So would Redd, and Irving, and definitely Greagoir." Eshne put her hands on her hips.
"Where is she!" Eshne and Jowan heard a cry.
Nani burst into the apprentices quarters, she singled out Eshne and ran to her. She wrapped her strong arms around Eshne.
"Gods damn you, Eshne," Nani ruffled her sister's hair, "I was so worried."
"By the Creators I'm just fine." Eshne laughed.
Seeing both her friends frown, she changed her attitude, "C'mon." She got to the floor to search under her bed, pulling out a dusty chantry hat she had stolen years ago, she put it on and crossed her eyes, "Eshne Surana," She imitated one of the older sisters, "I know it's you and Na'Nalia who drew the profanities on the chapter of Maferath. Get back here this once!"
Nani cackled, "Alright, I believe you." She held her stomach.
Jowan smirked, "Shut up, Esh. You'll get in trouble."
Eshne straightened her eyes, "Do you think the revered mothers gather once a year and cluck like chickens with these on? With the Black Divine as the rooster?"
"Don't." Jowan sighed.
Eshne put her hands under her armpits, sticking her neck out.
Nani kept laughed, "So does this make the initiates the chicks?"
Eshne responded with a cackle.
"If the Templars see this…" Jowan sighed.
Eshne and Nani started to cluck, stopping when Jowan turned pink and took Eshne's hat.
"You're really trying to get us all killed." He shook his head.
"But I made you laugh." Eshne grinned, taking a bow. Taking her hat and throwing it to Nani, who adorned it proudly.
"I'd say I will miss you when you move to the mage's quarters, but I might actually get a full night's sleep for once." Jowan laughed.
"Lucky me." Nani snorted.
"Oh…" Eshne pouted, "Just when I was getting used to the lack of privacy, they move me into a single."
"Like you won't enjoy it." Nani rolled her eyes.
"Soon enough you'll be up with us, Jowan. Then we can prank the apprentices and get away with more." Eshne wiggled her brows.
Jowan shook his head, "I don't know when they'll call me for my Harrowing. Who knows if it'll even happen."
"Don't talk like that. You'll get your chance just like everyone else." Nani assured him, crossing her arms.
"I've been here longer than you have, Esh..." He sighed, "Sometimes I think they don't want to test me."
Eshne groaned, "Jowan, everyone goes through their Harrowing. Just you wait."
"It's the Harrowing, the Rite of Tranquility, or death." Jowan glared.
"Jowan, they're not gonna kill you." Nani said, "Simple as that." She put the hat back on Eshne, who swatted at her.
"Maybe. But the Rite of Tranquility is just as bad. Maybe worse." He pointed to the upper levels, "You've seen them. There's just. Nothing there. It's like being dead, but walking. Lifeless…"
Eshne sat back down next to him, "Jowan. They're not going to make you Tranquil. Trust me. You're too smart, and you're an excellent mage. They'll call you soon enough."
Jowan waved her off, "I shouldn't bother you with this. Anyway. I'm supposed to tell you Irving wants to see you when you're awake."
"Excellent. Probably to give me my bouquet of roses and my tiara." Eshne shot up and batted her eyes. She held her hands to her chest dramatically.
Jowan rolled his eyes, "Or to tell you how much you sucked and they throw you out of the window." He joked.
"Then I'd fly." Eshne clucked like a chicken once again.
"Chickens don't fly." Jowan laughed, standing up to take the hat off of her again, "Now go see Irving before we both get into trouble."
"Fine," Eshne punched him lightly in the arm, "I'll see you later, Jowan."
"Get out of here." Jowan waved her away.
"C'mon I'll walk with you." Nani took Eshne's arm, both of them waving at Jowan.
Eshne and Nani walked into the hallway, hearing two mages talk quietly.
"Did you hear anything? Is she alright?" The first one asked.
"Why do you care? Are you best friends now?" Her friend scoffed.
The first one rolled her eyes, "I'm just curious! That Templar, Cullen, said it was the quickest, cleanest Harrowing he's ever seen! He says she's very talented, and very brave."
The second one shook her head, "He would say that about her now wouldn't he."
Nani and Eshne pretended not to listen.
Eshne tried not to notice their stares, hoping at least her butt looked nice for the occasion. Her mind wandered, were these the same two mages she and Jowan caught in the library? The taller one with her fingers up the others robes?
Eshne smirked, remembering she asked to join. Not jokingly either, which was a surprise to Jowan.
She didn't know why he was surprised at this point, Eshne was very open to the same sex, as well as the opposite.
Nani urged Eshne along.
"Redd was worried about you." She said.
Eshne puffed out her chest, "I don't know why, I knew I'd be fine."
"Oh, you know how you are. You've always been more sensitive with spirits…"
"Well I made it. End of conversation." Eshne pushed it off.
Going up the stairs, the two of them entered the stockroom.
Watching Owain stand there made Eshne think back to Jowan's conversation. She wasn't about to tell him it worried her that they might make him Tranquil. True, he sometimes fell behind in his studies, but she was always there so help him…
"Try not to let it worry you, Esh." Nani said, sensing the reason why Eshne had gotten so quiet, "He'll be fine."
"I know that…" Eshne sighed.
"You sound so sure about that." Nani rolled her eyes, "Jowan is going to be okay. Trust me."
"Yeah yeah…"
They exited the left side of the stockroom, heading towards the First Enchanter's Room.
Upon entering, they saw the unsurprising sight of Irving and Greagoir arguing.
There was another man next to Irving whom Eshne did not recognize, but she waited for Irving to notice her before asking questions.
"...many have already gone to Ostagar. Wynne, Uldred...and now most of the senior mages! We have committed enough of our own to this war effort…" Greagoir cried.
"Someone's annoyed." Eshne whispered.
"When isn't he?" Nani snickered.
"Your own?" Irving scoffed, "Since when have you felt kinship with the mages? Or perhaps you're too afraid to let mages out from under Chantry supervision where they might be able to do some good and put their Maker-given powers to work?" He seemed exhausted.
Gregoir glared, "How dare you-."
"Gentleman," The other man spoke up, his voice was calm and controlling, "Please, Irving. Someone is here to see you."
They all turned to Eshne and Nani.
Eshne for once felt uncomfortable with the attention, "Hi." She waved once. Nani just grinned.
Irving stepped towards her, "There you are! Come, child." He looked at Nani, "Thank you, Miss Surana."
"Anytime, Irving." Nani saluted, taking that as the cue for her to leave.
Nani went towards the upper library where she knew Niall would be waiting in his usual spot. She was surprised when she found him talking about fraternities with a few other mages , spouting his usual sermon on isolationism. Nani decided to wait in her chair until he was done.
She was engrossed in an article about the effects of entropic magics when Niall finally left his heated debate. He was red in the face when he sat down next to her.
Nani put her hand on his, "Come now, darling, not everyone thinks as you do."
Niall calmed, looking at Nani, "Yes, yes, I know…" He softened, "But would it be so bad if we were set apart from the rest of the world. Left alone…"
Nani shrugged, "Part of it has some appeal. I like the alone bit. As long as it's with you…"
"I couldn't agree more." Niall smiled at her, he hesitated, "Now that your sister passed her Harrowing, I take it you won't be alone as often now?"
"Oh, I don't know." Nani thought, "Eshne would understand if we needed...private time…"
"I don't much like the idea of her knowing when we-"
"She discreet." Nani seemed amused, "We'll be just fine."
Niall nearly laughed at the notion of Eshne Surana being discreet about anything, but he knew better. So he relented, "Alright."
A calm settled over them as they engrossed themselves in books they've already ready. Every now and then their hands would brush over each other and they would smile. Nani felt at ease, peaceful almost.
It felt like hours had gone by, and when Nani felt restless she gave Niall a quick kiss and excused herself to the mage's quarters to see where Eshne was to be roomed. She sauntered over to the mage dormitories, hoping Eshne was there.
She found her sister throwing herself upon her new bed, giggling with excitement.
Nani jumped up next to her, almost frightening Eshne. The two of them looked at each other and cackled.
"This is amazing." Eshne said.
"One of the best feelings." Nani agreed, moving to sit up.
Eshne pulled her back down to the mattress.
"I talked to the Grey Warden." She whispered.
"Did you?" Nani's eyes widened, "Irving had me in the room for a while when Duncan arrived."
"He's quite handsome-"
"Oh, Eshne, don't start." Nani gave Eshne a gentle push, "What did they want?"
"I'm not sure…" Eshne shrugged, "He talked a lot about darkspawn, and the King gathering an army to the south. Where Wynne was sent."
"Must be nice...to be outside fighting for the King." Nani commented.
"I would just relish in the chance to see the trees again." Eshne sighed, "The stars…"
"Don't think about it too much, Esh," Nani said quickly, "Just be happy you passed your Harrowing."
"I am!"
"Well act like it." Nani teased.
Eshne sighed, "I'll have to be more adult, according to Irving. While Wynne is away he wants me working with Kinnon to tutor the children that Wynne was supposed to be in charge of."
"Well that'll be-"
"Awful." Eshne answered.
"You're good with children, you're just like them." Nani smiled.
"Hilarious, such wit!" Eshne cried dramatically, "I'm just apprehensive. I know Petra wanted it more than I did."
"Petra? She doesn't know a frost spell from a fireball!" Nani said.
"She was always better at learning the nursing spells." Eshne shrugged, "I'm rubbish."
Nani rolled her eyes, "You are so much better than Petra. No doubt about it." She nudged Eshne, "Or I guess you could always show off how you can summon wisps. They're always so playful when you do it."
Eshne hushed Nani, but any scolding was hidden by a chuckle, "Don't let the Templars hear you."
"Oh yeah I'm really scared." Nani scoffed, "At any rate, I think you'll be a fine tutor. Just don't forget about us lowly pranksters." She winked.
"Never." Eshne grinned, bopping Nani on her nose.
"Good." Nani smiled as she jumped up, "I'm going to find Redd, let him know you're okay."
"I'll see you later." Eshne called as Nani rushed away in a skip.
Eshne took the opportunity to take off her blue apprentice robes, goosebumps crawling down her body when the cold tower air hit her warm skin. Eshne shivered, glad for the wool socks Wynne had given her. She went over to her vanity to dress herself in the new tutors robes Irving had provided.
There was a blue long-sleeved undershirt she had to put on before her embroidered cropped cardigan. She welcomed the warmth it gave her.
Looking at her vanity, she saw how ridiculous she looked in just a fitted shirt, her smallclothes and grey wool socks. She felt a compulsion to let her hair down, letting it fly wildly while she danced in front of her mirror.
She turned to see her butt. Wiggling it happily. It was decent sized, but nothing like some of the human women in the tower, which Eshne had the pleasure of seeing up close.
Eshne raised her hands above her head, dancing like she hadn't a care in the world. Her bright orange hair going every which way.
"Oh my."
Eshne froze mid-dance, seeing through her mess of hair that a templar had stumbled upon her.
Quite used to these interruptions, Eshne sighed, putting the rest of her clothes on begrudgingly.
She slipped the black pants up until it fit over the bottom of her blue shirt. She turned to the Templar.
"You can look now." She said sourly, holding her knitted cardigan in one hand, her other set on her hip. She felt the wind come out of her when she saw it was Cullen.
"I'm so sorry, Miss Surana." Cullen shielded his eyes still, hesitant to lower his hand.
"Cullen." Eshne's voice cracked, "I didn't realize it was you." She rushed to pull her hair back into a braid.
"I should have knocked perhaps." Cullen slowly removed his hand from his face, seeing Eshne rush to braid her hair back.
"No it's alright, I was being foolish." Eshne laughed.
'Or rather wonderful.' Cullen thought, catching himself when his gaze lingered too long while her breasts bounced in her struggle to put her boots back on.
"I had c-come to congratulate you actually. I-I had seen you with that man earlier. I didn't t-think you were here." Cullen scratched the back of his neck, moving his other hand behind his back.
"Oh, Duncan. Irving just had me escort him to his chambers." Eshne brushed it off, not noticing Cullen had been frowning at the thought of her blushing because of the Grey Warden. Eshne barely blushed…
"What's that?" Eshne looked inquisitively at what Cullen was hiding.
"N-nothing."
"You're stuttering."
"What? I-I'm fine." Cullen argued, "Well. I'm just. Very glad to s-see that you're alright. You know? And I…" He revealed an assortment of clustered lilies, "They g-grow just outside."
Eshne's face lit up, "Cullen." She took the flowers from him, "These are so lovely." She looked up at him, "You're the one that put them in the vase by my bed when I was sick."
Cullen blushed, "I-I was worried. I know your lungs w-were quite poor."
"This is so sweet, Cullen." Eshne smiled, her heart fluttered, "I'll put them in water as soon as my things are brought up, she walked over to her vanity and set the flowers down.
She turned back to Cullen, now curious, "You didn't have to worry over me. I knew I'd be alright."
Cullen chuckled nervously, "Y-You've always been so confidant..." He became flustered, "I-I just. I've heard of Harrowings that go badly, and the consequences are...unpleasant." He sighed.
Eshne found herself almost chest-to-armor to Cullen. She looked up at him thoughtfully, "Would you really have struck me down, ser Cullen." Her voice softening as she glanced to his lips.
Cullen stuttered, "O-Oh...I-I would have felt terrible about it. But. I-I serve the Maker-"
Eshne pouted, "Oh yes. The Maker. We wouldn't want to disappoint them now would we?"
"Eshne, you know it's my duty to protect mages from becoming abominations. And yes. That means killing them if they bring a demon back from the Fade." Cullen's voice didn't waver this time.
"But I didn't." Eshne snarled.
"No. No you didn't. And I am happier than you know because of that." Cullen's eyes softened.
Eshne was quiet, she ran her finger over Cullen's armor.
He cleared his throat, "Perhaps I should get back…"
"Why?" Eshne asked, "Am I not one of your charges?"
"You are...but…"
"Then why is it strange for you to be seen with me?"
"It's not that...I. Um.
"Do you not want to stay...just a little longer?" Eshne looked up at him, her voice was sultry, and her violet eyes beckoning Cullen to forget his duties for a while and just give in.
"I…" Cullen could barely speak, his throat had gone dry and his stomach flipped.
Eshne put her finger to his lips. He could smell the vanilla lotion she always used, it drove him crazy.
"Cullen." Eshne spoke softly, her scarlet lips inviting him closer.
He bent down to kiss her, it was soft and gentle. But when his hand went to her hip, he lost control.
Eshne bit at his bottom lip, her moaning broke his fervor and he suddenly pulled away.
"Did I do something wrong?" Eshne asked.
Cullen shook his head, his lips covered in her lipstick, "I-I can't, Eshne."
"Why?" Her voice broke.
"Someone could see us."
"Someone can always see us, that hasn't stopped us before. Remember that night in the kitchens…?"
Cullen sighed, "Eshne, I really need to get back."
"I know." She frowned, "But will I see you later?"
"Perhaps." He held his hand to her cheek, "Will you be in the library later tonight?"
"Of course." Eshne smiled.
Cullen smirked, backing up to leave, "T-Then I'll see you there."
Eshne motioned for him to wipe his lips, giggling when he blushed.
She kept smiling, even after he left. She went to her vanity to fix her own lips, applying another coat of lipstick, which had the light scent of cinnamon to it.
A few Tranquil came into her room after a while, carrying her things into her room. Eshne spent the rest of her morning putting things in place. She was glad they didn't question the rusty birdcage that had been covered with a blue cloth. She moved it to her vanity, where she removed the cloth and set it aside. In the cage were her four small pots with black pungent dirt. Growing from each pot was a small green sprout. The previous ones had died, so when the Tower had a rare shipment of apples Eshne kept the seeds in her robes. It had taken a while to finally start growing, but Eshne was proud.
She dropped a little bit of her water into the dirt, hoping to one day plant these so they could properly grow.
Eshne's stomach rumbled, thinking of the crisp and juicy apples that might eventually grow from her saplings. She left her room to see what might be cooking for lunch, instead running face first into Jowan's chest.
"Eshne!" Jowan helped her up, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I was looking for you."
"Yeah well you found me." She laughed, "I'm starved, Jowan, let's go get some food." She pulled on his sleeve.
"Wait…" Jowan stopped, "I need to talk to you."
His tone made Eshne turn back around, "Is something wrong?"
"Do you remember what we talked about this morning?" He asked.
"Yeah, sure." Eshne scrunched up her nose, "Why are we whispering though?"
Jowan looked around, "We should go somewhere else...I don't feel safe talking here."
"Jowan, you're scaring me." Eshne hesitated to follow him.
"I'll explain everything, just follow me."
Jowan led Eshne to the chapel. In the corner was a young woman with mousy brown hair, she seemed on edge. And rightfully so, Nani had been standing there glaring at her, arms crossed.
"Are you trying to convert me?" Eshne joked.
"Like that would work." Jowan scoffed, he stood beside the young woman, "We should be safe here."
"Ah yes, in the chapel, where the Templars frequently come and go. Great choice." Nani said sarcastically.
"We can see anyone who comes through the door." The woman said.
"That makes me feel better," Eshne rolled her eyes, "Now what's going on, Jow?"
"Do you remember a few months ago when...when I told you I met a girl. Well...this is Lily." Jowan smiled at her.
Eshne thought back, "Ah yes. I was beginning to think she didn't exist."
Nani laughed, "My condolences, Lily."
"Oh, very funny, both of you." Jowan said sardonically.
Eshne sighed, "Well what now? Do you want me to marry you? I'm not sure I have the power. I have the hat…"
"No!" Jowan stopped Eshne, "This...this right now is more important. Do you remember when I said I thought they weren't going to put me through the Harrowing? I know why...they're going to make me Tranquil…" He scowled, "They're going to take everything from me! My dreams, hopes, fears...my love for Lily."
"Jowan, that's ridiculous. Irving wouldn't let that happen." Nani argued.
Lily chimed in, "I saw the document myself...Irving had signed it."
"I don't believe it." Nani said adamantly, "Why would they want to anyway? It's Jowan."
"There's...well there's a rumor about me. People think I'm a blood mage." Jowan sighed, "They think that making me a Circle mage would put people in danger."
"I don't fucking believe it for one second. Why should they?" Eshne crossed her arms, Lily seemed perturbed by Eshne's cursing, "What are you gonna do?" Eshne asked.
"I need to escape." Jowan told her, "Destroy my phylactery. Without it they can't track me down." He begged Eshne and Nani, "We need your help. We can't do this alone."
"Give us your word that you will help, and we'll tell you our plan." Lily said.
"What? You don't trust me?" Eshne joked, trying to lighten the mood. When she saw her efforts were in vain, she cleared her throat, "Yeah. Yeah you have my word." Her stomach twisted.
"Thank you." Lily sighed.
"Eshne…" Nani started, but was interrupted.
"Listen, this is really dangerous." Eshne said, "This plan better be written in gold and kissed by Gods."
"I can get into the repository," Lily said, "But there's a problem."
"Why wouldn't there be?" Nani mumbled.
Lily ignored her, "To get to the phylactery chamber you must go through two doors. The first enchanter and the knight-commander each hold one key."
"Excellent I'll just go up to Greagoir and ask him politely. Should I flash my breasts?" Eshne suggested.
"Esh." Jowan groaned.
Lily continued, "But it's just a door. And what is a door to mages?"
"So...we break in?" Eshne asked.
Jowan chimed in, "I once saw a rod of fire burn through a lock." He turned to Eshne, "You could get once from the stockroom. Owain doesn't release these things to apprentices."
"Then that's what I'll go do." Eshne sighed.
Nani felt her head ache.
"We'll stay here. We wouldn't want to draw suspicion." Lily suggested.
Eshne turned and threw her hands up dramatically, "Then I'll just do all the dirty work. Why not Eshne? Why not?"
"Well you're not doing it by yourself." Nani said quickly.
Jowan and Lily watched Eshne leave with Nani pulling on her sleeve. Eshne repeated the word 'alone' over and over so they would hear.
Lily frowned, "I don't like her."
Nani stopped Eshne from going into the stockroom.
"You gotta stop for a second." She said.
"What?"
"Eshne, this is going to get us in a lot of trouble if this goes wrong," Nani said, "I can't believe you so readily agreed to this. Now I'm all for causing mischief-"
"This is Jowan we're talking about."
"Some random initiate tells us all this stuff and we believe her? We don't know her Eshne. The best thing we can do is to tell Irving." Nani suggested.
"Well…"Eshne thought, "Jowan wouldn't be too happy."
"So what? His dick is blinding him. We gotta help him, the right way."
Eshne nodded, "I suppose you're right. Hoo boy." She rubbed her temples, "You really are right...Jowan is going to get into so much trouble."
"That's exactly why we need to tell Irving first." Nani led Eshne to the First Enchanter's quarters once more.
They saw him at his desk, mumbling about something under his breath. He seemed so tired…
Nani knocked, "First Enchanter?"
Irving looked up, "Ah," He smiled, "Come in, my dear girls." He set his papers aside, "I trust you saw Duncan back to his quarters, Eshne."
"Yes, ser." Eshne said quickly.
"I am glad you met him. He is an honorable man."
Eshne hesitated, her stomach churning, "Ser...um. Jowan says he's going to be made Tranquil…"
Irving seemed surprised, "How does he know this?" Then he thought, "It must be that initiate that he dallies with…"
Eshne's words stopped in her throat. Nani's eyes widened.
"You think I don't know?" Irving asked her, "Child, I did not become First Enchanter because I kept my eyes and ears shut."
"So…" Nani sighed, "It's true."
"I'm afraid so, child." Irving frowned, "Greagoir says he has proof that Jowan has been practicing blood magic. I cannot say more…"
"But, ser." Nani argued, "Jowan would never do something like this."
"Were it left to me, things would be different. But the Chantry…" He sighed, "I'm sorry. The Rite of Tranquility will happen.
"Ser," Eshne's eyes watered, "Jowan wouldn't do this. I know him…" Then she thought for a second, 'Maybe he might not have told me the whole truth?'
Nani looked at Irving, her voice emotionless, "Jowan is planning to escape with Lily."
Irving crossed his arms, "Is that so? What more do you know?" He asked.
Eshne sighed, feeling like her entire body was going to shut down, "He's going to destroy his phylactery."
"And I suppose his lady friend is involved?" Irving inquired.
Eshne nodded.
"She would know more about the repository than he would…" Irving said, "Do you know anything else?"
"No, ser."
"I suspected Lily would have told him when she found out about the Rite. But never would I have expected them to have the gall to break into the repository." Irving shook his head.
"What are we going to do, ser?" Nani asked.
"Hm...Reporting him to Greagoir and the templars will accomplish nothing at the moment." He said, "If the Circle must punish one of its own, I will see that the Chantry does the same. Lily will not walk free while my apprentice suffers." Irving's brow furrowed, seemingly fuming. Nani had never seen him like this.
She sighed, glancing at Eshne "The Chantry would have done the same thing. Will we report her to Greagoir?"
"If we do that now the Chantry will claim she was framed. No. We must catch her in the act." Irving pounded his fist into his palm, "Jowan will become Tranquil. But Lily must also face the consequences of her actions. Do they trust you?"
Eshne felt like she was going to vomit, "Yes."
"Do this. Learn what you can. Offer to help them. With solid proof of their crime, we can act."
"Yes, ser."
"Go. Convince them you are all for their cause. I will be outside the repository with Templars. Let them see the mischief into which their initiate led our student." He smiled at the two girls, "Perform well, and your dedication to the Circle will be rewarded."
Nani had Irving sign for the rod of fire request, and she immediately went off to grab it from Owain.
Eshne turned away from Irving. Before leaving, she looked back at him, "When you say you know everything that goes on…"
Irving raised his brow, "It's hard not to notice the glances, Miss Surana."
"Right." Eshne felt like dying.
She met up with Nani and they both made their way back the chapel, Eshne's stomach hurting and her head throbbing. She did the right thing, didn't she?
They heard Jowan talking to Lily.
"I hate waiting..." He paced.
"Hey, Jowan." Eshne came up to them, "Listen we should…"
"That was quick." Jowan lit up.
"To the repository then." Lily said, "Freedom awaits." She held Jowan's arm and looked up lovingly at him, which only made Eshne sicker. Nani squeezed her hand, and it made her feel better. Nani always did.
They went down two levels before they hit the first door to the repository. Eshne felt a pain in her side. She tried to talk to Jowan about what had been done, but he was so excited she didn't have the heart to do so.
The four stood in front of the door. Lily was the first to speak.
"The Chantry calls this the 'Victim's Door'. It's made of two hundred and seventy seven planks. One for each original Templar." She sighed, "It is a reminder of the danger those cursed with magic pose."
Nani furrowed her brows, biting her tongue before she said something nasty.
"How do we get past the door." She gritted her teeth.
"They can only be opened by a templar and a mage entering together. The Chantry provides the password. That primes the ward. Then the mage touches it with mana to release it."
"I trust you have the password?" Nani asked.
Lily nodded, "I got it from a Templar who recently entered..."
"That's nice." Nani cut her off, "So what do I have to do?"
"First I must speak the password." Lily turned towards the door, holding her arms out, "Sword of the Maker, Tears of the Fade."
"That's a stupid-ass password." Eshne elbowed Jowan.
Jowan rolled his eyes.
"The door must now feel the touch of mana. Any spell will do." Lily said.
Nani sighed and called upon a bolt of lightning, shooting a quick burst at the door, pretending it was Lily.
The door swung open. The three stepped through, going to the second door.
"Melt the locks off." Jowan said.
Nani took out the rod, pointing it at the first lock. Nothing.
"Why isn't it working?" Lily asked, exasperated.
"Maybe it's a magic suppressant door?" Eshne suggested.
"There are wards carved here." Lily observed, "They must negate any magical use." She groaned, "I should have guessed. Why else would Greagoir and Irving need simple keys?" She started to cry, "We're finished...
"I'm sorry…" Eshne said, then quickly added, "Let's just go back before something bad happens."
"No!" Jowan shot, "I will not turn back after going so far."
Eshne felt sick, "What about that door?" She pointed to the other end of the hallway.
They ran to the door, Nani half-heartedly used the rod of fire on the locks. It burned through to the other side, much to Eshne's dismay.
From behind them, a statue that had been standing idly creaked to life. It unsheathed its sword and rushed towards Lily.
Nani sent forth a cone of cold, freezing the sentinel before its sword reached Lily. Lily in turn slashed at it with her dagger, making it shatter to the floor.
"Great. Now we have to deal with these things." Eshne complained.
"We must keep moving." Lily insisted.
They pushed forward, barely making it into the second hallway before more sentinels came to life. Nani sent shocks of lightning at them, some falling to the ground, crackling with electricity. Eshne lit them on fire. Jowan froze another, and Lily fought back with her dagger.
The four made quick work of the body-guards, continuing on. Each time they came closer, they fought more sentinels, and each time they were victorious.
Finally they came to an open room, one that held strange artifacts from distant and ancient places. Eshne wondered if any might have been elven…
"We'll need another way into the phylactery chamber. This must be the repository." Lily said.
"Wow." Eshne wandered around, she saw a statue in the corner, curious as to what it was.
"There's something odd about this." Jowan came up behind her.
"I like it." Eshne said.
"Greetings." A voice echoed from the statue.
"Holy shit." Nani's eyes widened.
"Maker's breath." Jowan stepped back.
The statue spoke again, "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."
"She's Tevinter." Eshne marvelled.
"Yes. The Archons were powerful lord in the Imperium." Jowan said.
"'Forever shall you stand upon the threshold of my proud fortress,' he said, 'and tell your lies to all who pass.'" The statue said, "But my lord found death at the hands of his enemies, and his once-proud fortress crumbled to dust, just as I foretold."
"Don't listen to it." Lily said, "Tevinter lords dabbled in many forbidden arts! This is a wicked thing!"
"So am I." Eshne brushed her off, "If this is Tevinter, she must be very old indeed. The poor thing."
"It must have been here for years, look at all that dust. I can't help but feel sorry for it...her." Jowan said.
"It's a statue." Nani frowned.
"Oh but she must be so lonely…" Eshne said.
"Weep not for me, child," The statue spoke, "Stone they made me, and stone I am, eternal, and unfeeling. And I shall endure until the Maker returns to light their fires again."
"Do you need any help?" Eshne asked.
"No help can be given me, for this is my doom and my destiny." The statue said.
"Ambiguous rubbish, it could mean anything." Jowan said, "I can do it too. 'The sun grows dark. but lo! Here comes the dawn.!''
"You're starting to sound like me, Jowan." Nani laughed.
"Stop talking to it." Lily begged.
"Oh come on." Eshne rolled her eyes.
"It's history, Lily. It's interesting." Jowan said.
"Let's go." Lily pulled him away.
Eshne reluctantly followed.
Jowan looked at a wall behind an old bookcase, "This old wall looks like it could crumble any second." Nani came up next to him, "I think the phylactery chamber is just behind it. Help me push this out of the way. Eshne, keep out of the way it's really dusty."
Both he and Nani moved the bookcase, trying to to get splinters from the old wood.
They looked at the bare wall.
"Now we just have to find a way through." Jowan said.
"Oh, look at the puppy." Eshne went over to a statue of a dog, "We're real Fereldens now." She laughed.
"This is a statue that amplifies magic!" Jowan said, "You could probably use the rod again to break the wall."
"I'll give it a try." Nani said, taking the rod back out.
She touched the rod to the statue, activating it. From the dog's mouth burst forth forcefully mighty flames that knocked the old bricks to the floor.
Nani looked at the rod, "Would you look at that."
"C'mon." Jowan pulled Eshne with him.
They went into the opened room.
"This is it." Lily said, "We must find Jowan's phylactery, quick.
"Let's look around then." Nani sighed.
Again, more sentinels came out to fight. Nani used her freezing and lightning spells to subdue them, while Jowan and Lily helped shatter them. One was bigger than the rest, so it took more time to bring it down. But Jowan managed to get the upperhand and stun it while Eshne lit it on fire.
It fell to the ground with a great thud. Eshne felt out of breath clutching her chest. Nani felt a panic and held onto Eshne.
"Esh?" Jowan went to his friend, "Do you need the spell for your lungs?" He asked.
"I'll be alright." Eshne smiled, "Just a lot of excitement for one day."
Jowan helped her slowly move up the stairs while she caught her breath. When they reached the top they could see tons of shelves with different sized phylacteries.
"Damn." Nani remarked.
Lily had been at the other end, searching for Jowan's phylactery. She gave a squeal of excitement when she found it. The others rushed to her.
"You found it!" Jowan smiled, kissing Lily's cheek before he took up his phylactery, "I can't believe this tiny thing is standing in the way of my freedom." He marvelled, "It's so fragile. So easy to just...end its hold of me." He dropped it.
Blood spattered to the floor.
Eshne felt uneasy. Conflicted with herself.
"I'm free." Jowan smiled.
"Let's go." Lily said.
A sick feeling came to Eshne's stomach, "Jowan…"
"Not now, we have to go." He pulled her.
They exited through the regular door, not having to worry about locks now. Nani kept back from the others, twiddling her thumbs, knowing what was inevitable.
Jowan gave a sigh of relief when they walked back up the set of stairs, "We did it! I can't believe it! Thank you, both of you...we could never have-."
The sound of armor made Eshne want to curl up and die.
"So, what you said was true, Irving." Greagoir scowled, looking disgustedly at the four.
"Oh no." Eshne's throat went dry.
"G-Greagoir…" Lily said faintly.
"An initiate. Conspiring with a blood mage. I am disappointed, Lily." Greagoir shook his head. He examined her, "She seems shocked, but fully in control of her mind. Not a thrall then." He turned back to Irving, "You were right. The initiate has betrayed us. The Chantry will not let this go unpunished." He pointed to Eshne, "And this one. Newly a mage, and already flouting the rules of the Circle. And Na'Nalia...you should know better than this. Out of this whole group you-"
"It's not their fault!" Jowan argued, "This was all my idea!"
Irving stepped in, "The sisters are here under my orders Greagoir. I take full responsibility for their actions."
Eshne felt like her entire body cracked in two. The look Jowan gave her made Eshne want to claw her eyes out. Nani sucked in air through her teeth, avoiding Jowan's burning glare.
"What?" He asked, "You...you led us into a trap?"
"I'm sorry…" Eshne's voice cracked, reaching for him.
"Don't you dare speak to me." Jowan recoiled, glaring at Eshne and Nani.
"Enough!" Greagoir silenced them, "As knight-commander of the templars here, I sentence this blood mage to death."
"No." Eshne whimpered.
"And this initiate had scorned the Chantry and her vows. Take her to Aeonar." Greagoir ordered.
Lily backed away, utter fear crossing her face, "T-The mages prison. No. Please. Not there!"
Jowan stepped in front of his love, "No! I won't let you touch her!" He roared, taking out a dagger. Nani closed in on Jowan, trying to stop him.
"Jowan!" Eshne screamed.
He cut into his hand, the templars backed away. Eshne felt the air leave her body. Everyone in front of him, and Eshne's feet were swept from under her. A large explosion resounded through the whole room. Eshne could hear Nani let out a blood curdling scream.
Eshne tried to cover her face, but was too late. There was an ugly crack, her nose and the right side of her face started burning furiously. Blood covered the floor.
She could hear Lily screaming at Jowan, calling him a monster. Eshne turned and laid on her back, groaning in pain. Her face was covered in blood but she immediately moved around to look for Nani.
A templar ran to her, helping her up. She didn't know who it was but they helped clean most of the blood. Eshne saw Nani lying on the ground and she raced to her.
"Nani?" Eshne shook her sister.
Nani was covered in blood, Eshne didn't want to think that it was her own…
Eshne shook her, but Nani was limp.
"Nani!" Eshne screamed, tears streaming down her face.
"Take her." Greagoir said.
A few templars tried grabbing Nani away from Eshne.
"Don't you touch her!" Eshne cried, "I can help her." Eshne looked down at Nani, blood pouring from both of her ears." She started at healing spell but the templars pulled Nani away.
Eshne screamed and cried, reaching out for her dying sister. But a templar held her back.
"Nani!" Eshne yelled, "Nani!" She was picked up off the ground, she flailed and held her arms out to Nani.
She knocked her head back, hitting the chestplate of the templar holding her. Her head swam in pain and finally she fell limp.
Redding Surana heard the explosion from his post with Enchanter Leora. Deep in his heart he knew it had something to do with his daughters, so he ran.
He ran all the way to the source of the sound, but stopped when he saw a few templars taking away Nani to the infirmary.
"That's-" He whispered, his face grew red, a rage filled him, "That's my daughter!" He screamed as he raced to follow them into the infirmary.
A few healers stood over Nani, doing their best to clean away all of the blood. Redd felt sick when he saw her eyes moving rapidly from side to side, as if possessed. Tears streamed down his face at the sight of blood coming from Nani's ears.
He felt a presence beside him. He looked down and felt his heart torn out of his chest.
Eshne stood there, tears streaming down her blood soaked face. It was clear her nose was broken, and her right cheek was scraped and bruised. She looked devoid of emotion, her lips moved but no sound came out.
Redd let go of his duties as a templar, and he embraced Eshne as a father. Eshne sobbed, her cries drowned out by Nani waking up and screaming in pain.
"Please settle down, Miss Surana." One of the healers said.
"What!" Nani cried hysterically, "I don't understand!"
The healers tried to calm her. But a dawn of realization crossed Nani's face.
"Why can't I hear you?" She asked, hot tears streaming down her face.
Eshne and Redd looked at her. Redd was horrified. Eshne held her hands to her chest, quickly being ushered away so that the healers could see to her wounds. Redd's face fell.
"Why is she saying that?" He asked, his voice cracking.
"Da?" Nani looked at Redd, yelling for him, "Da!"
Redd wanted to die. He moved past the healers and fell beside Nani. He watched his daughter start to hyperventilate, she shook violently and thrashed about. Redd tried to calm her, but Nani kept screaming.
"I can't hear you, I can't hear you! Fuck! Why can't I hear you, da?" She screamed between sobs.
One of the mage healers had to pull Redd away from trying to hold Nani. He pushed them away, being met by a few templars who had to lead him away. He fought his hardest to try and stay with her, but he was outmatched.
The last thing he heard was Nani's bloodcurdling screams before the door was shut before him.
Nani laid on her cot in a daze. Bright white bandages were wrapped around her head, two cotton cloths held against her newly scarred ears. Her eyes burned, having just been dried of tears.
It had been hours since Jowan had revealed himself to be a blood mage, and Nani was seething inside. There was a mix of rage and confusion boiling inside of her, and she wanted answers she couldn't hear.
Finally, she noticed Eshne slumped in a chair beside her. She had fallen asleep not too long ago, a gaudy bandage placed over her broken nose and fractured cheekbone.
She was angry she didn't hear the footsteps coming towards the doors to the infirmary, and jumped when the door swung open.
There was Knight Commander Greagoir, steaming in his armor. Beside him was Irving, readily saying something that Nani could barely make out.
It was all deep mumbling to her now. But whatever noise they made was loud enough to wake Eshne. She had stood up and was hurriedly talking to the First Enchanter. Greagoir had stopped her, holding up his hand in protest. Eshne had pointed to the door, where Nani could see the Grey Warden.
Why was he there?
Nani felt like crying again, feeling like she needed to defend Eshne from whatever Greagoir had been yelling about. When the vein in his neck popped, Nani nearly lept from the bed to tear out his eyes. Eshne caught Nani in time to bring her back down to the cot. She was saying something, but Nani couldn't understand.
Duncan had said something now that changed Greagoirs expression. His hand flung up to his face and he looked defeated. He threw his hands up and stormed away.
Nani was angry that she couldn't understand. She felt nothing but utter rage. Her face grew purple, and she didn't feel any better when Eshne sat next to her and took her hand.
Nani pretended not to notice the glances Eshne would make every now and then. She did however see that Duncan had been moving his lips, and the last thing he said made Eshne spin in her chair. She was talking with her hands, and Nani silently thanked her.
She could tell Eshne was in hysterics, and judging from Duncan's expression they were talking about what had happened with Jowan.
Eshne's hands fell to her side after Duncan said his last word. She looked at Nani, and Nani could tell from her frown that Eshne didn't know what to do.
Nani watched Eshne's ears twitch back and forth, and she could make out that Eshne really needed to talk but didn't know how.
"Eshne." Nani said through dry lips. She wasn't sure if she was yelling, or if she was too quiet.
The sound of her name made Eshne look at Nani, a glimmer of hope sparkling in her violet eyes.
Nani uncaringly tore off her bandages, much to the chagrin of the healers going back and forth.
Nani could make out very little of what Eshne was saying to her, but when Eshne got closer she could hear her a little more.
"Duncan...us...Grey Wardens!" Eshne said, her face brightened when Nani nodded in response.
Eshne leaned in closer to Nani and spoke a little louder. Nani could hear that they were possibly in danger of being Tranquil for helping Jowan, and Duncan was offering a way out. Duncan knew from Eshne that over the years Redd had taught Nani how to handle herself. Eshne advocated that Nani was a true warrior. Nani felt a swell of relief that Eshne spoke so highly of her to Duncan.
Eshne then told her Duncan was leaving for Denerim, and they would need to leave with him. Nani had to process the notion of being away from the Circle. This was where she grew up, where her friends were. Her family…
Then she thought about Redd, and seeing her Tranquil would have killed him more than seeing her a Grey Warden.
Nani nodded, then looked at Duncan.
"I will go." She said.
Duncan bowed. He said something but Nani couldn't hear, but she pretended to. Eshne patted her hand, saying something about packing her things. Nani gathered she would return later.
Eshne kissed her forehead, no doubt leaving her lipstick, and sped away.
Nani was left once more to the devices of the healers.
Eshne went to her room. Everything seemed to go by slowly. She looked at herself in her mirror and removed her gauze. Her nose started to turn black and green. The bleeding had stopped, so Eshne didn't bother with any more bandaging.
She went and gathered Nani's things first. Her few robes, her dragon staff, and her favorite book. Eshne lifted Nani's pillows and took the small locket from under it. Nani had told her it was the only thing left of her real mother, and Eshne wasn't about to leave it to the Templars.
She stuffed it in her brazier and returned to her own dorm.
Eshne had few things, but she packed them slowly. She strapped her staff to her back. Holding her covered birdcage in one hand. And her favorite starry-quilted blanket wrapped around her stuffed halla.
"I'm supposed to help you with your things…"
Eshne turned to see Cullen. He was downcast. Eshne dropped her things to the floor and ran to him, hugging his waist.
"I'm so sorry, Cullen." She said.
"I can't believe you're leaving…"
"You heard Greagoir...he'd soon make us Tranquil for what we did…"
Cullen spoke quietly, ignoring his anger for the fact Eshne had helped a maleficar, "Am I to ever see you again?" He asked.
Eshne looked up at him, "The soonest chance I get. I will come back. I promise you."
"Don't worry about me," Cullen tried to smile, "Go and plant those apple trees."
"I will." Eshne teared up.
Cullen gave her one last kiss. Then picked up her one bag, and birdcage, sadly starting towards the hall.
"I will write you." Eshne promised, racing to catch up with him.
"Often?"
"As much as I can. You'll fill a book. I'll punch the King in the face and tell you all about my experience in jail." Eshne smiled at him, trying to cheer him up.
"Please don't do that, Eshne."
"I've got to write you about something." Eshne said.
They stopped at the tower door. Nani was standing with Duncan, her ears wrapped once more. She looked angry to see Greagoir standing there with Irving. She was sad she didn't see Redd, remembering Greagoir threw him out of the tower to chase after Jowan.
Eshne took her things from Cullen.
"Goodbye, Cullen." She said softly.
"Goodbye, Eshne…"
Eshne went to Duncan and Nani, handing her things over.
And with that, the door opened for her, and the two Surana sisters welcomed the burn of the sun and the chill of the breeze once more.