Author's Note: Once again, I apologize for the lateness of this chapter, August has been a crazy and hectic month for me so far. I sincerely hope to have the next chapter up a lot faster. Unfortunately, I did not get to put a certain elf in this chapter, but it will definitely happen next chapter, which will also be from Alistair's POV.
Thanks once again to those who are favoriting, following, lurking, and reviewing. It would really be awesome if a few more people gave me some feedback, however! Please R & R!
Disclaimer: Bioware owns Thedas and related events, I own Ayla and all related events to her.
Chapter 13: Sloth and Pride
They had found and freed Wynne next. Unlike everyone else so far, Wynne had not been trapped in an illusion that was designed to make her happy; she'd been trapped in a horrifying nightmare, surrounded by the dead bodies of dozens of mages, believing that she'd failed to save the Circle. Ayla wasn't sure why the demon had chosen a true nightmare for her. Was it because she was a mage, unlike the others?
When Ayla and Aedan had come upon her, she'd accused them of abandoning her, of not being around to help her like they'd promised. They'd both tried their best to convince her that what she saw wasn't real, but in the end it had been Aedan who had gotten through to her, who had convinced her to concentrate until she realized something was wrong. This had been followed by all the corpses suddenly rising up and talking to Wynne, and when that hadn't worked, they had attacked as usual.
Ayla didn't know whether to be alarmed or relieved that Wynne had disappeared just as Alistair had following the defeat of the demons. Aedan seemed willing to believe that this meant they were just waking up, and that it was because they hadn't broken free on their own. But what if it wasn't? What if she and Aedan got out of this place altogether, and none of the others did? She tried to shake herself free of that thought as they made their way to the next island. She was not worried; she was not afraid. If no one else made it out, she would survive. She would be fine.
"By the way, that was an interesting method you used to break Alistair free." When Ayla looked over at Aedan, he was smirking at her, grey eyes twinkling.
Appreciating the distraction from her thoughts, she grinned back. "Well, it worked, did it not? Perhaps you should try it on Leliana when we find her."
Aedan laughed, shaking his head. "No thanks, I'd rather not be killed."
Ayla was amused. "Who do you think would kill you, Leliana or Morrigan?" She knew that Aedan and Morrigan were attracted to each other, and it was only a matter of time now before Aedan went to her bed. It was one of the many things she and Morrigan had discussed while out hunting previously.
"Both?" Aedan suggested, making Ayla laugh. "Seriously, though, I am pleased that things appear to be working out for the two of you." He paused, looking over at her before continuing, "I know Alistair has told you that he was raised in the Chantry, but I doubt that you fully realize what that means, being from another world."
Ayla nearly froze in shock before recovering herself and continuing on. "You know about that? And you believe it? How did you know?"
"Alistair told me at Redcliffe after the battle. He thought I should know, being the leader of this odd little group of ours. But I already suspected as much, since Morrigan had already spoken about her own suspicions to me." He frowned thoughtfully. "Hard as it was to believe at first, it made sense the more I thought about it. And it seems Flemeth is certain of the existence of other worlds."
Ayla was surprised about a lot of things, not the least of which being that everybody was taking the idea of another world so well. There was also the fact that Morrigan had discussed the possibility with Aedan. The witch had never asked her or mentioned anything. Morrigan did, however, know her other secret. She'd caught Ayla practicing the shift outside camp one night to make sure she could still do a full one in the leather armor. Ayla hadn't realized she was there, as Morrigan herself had been shifted at the time into the guise of a bird. It was only when she'd flown down and confronted her that Ayla had realized her mistake.
The two had discussed their powers at length after that. Morrigan's powers were apparently due to her magic, and were not limited to just one shape as Ayla's were. And though Morrigan had asked many questions, none of them had been about where Ayla was from. The two had spent time after that hunting together in their shifted forms, and Ayla had found herself starting to form an odd friendship with the woman. It had been a relief to have somebody not only know about her abilities, but accept them as well, though she had asked Morrigan not to reveal them to anyone else just yet. Apparently she had not, though she'd somewhat revealed Ayla's other secret.
"Well," Ayla shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts, "it is good that you know, I suppose. Have you told the others?"
"I don't believe there is a need to," Aedan responded. "Nobody else knows the circumstances of how you joined us, so they shouldn't be suspicious. And the qunari are not exactly an . . . easily accepting sort of people. It might be best if Sten never finds out, and I'm not sure how well Leliana would do with the news either."
Ayla nodded. She didn't have a problem keeping it secret from the others. After all, what good would the knowledge do them? "What were you saying about Alistair and the Chantry?"
"Oh, yes, what I meant to say was that the Chantry is very strict about certain things. Most people who serve the Chantry are required to take vows of celibacy. And though Templars are occasionally allowed to marry, they need special permission from their commander, and are otherwise expected to remain celibate. Not that all of them do, of course. But those that are raised in the Chantry from a young age often have little choice or even opportunity. Though I don't know for certain, I would suspect it's been the same for Alistair." Aedan was frowning, obviously not fully approving of the Chantry's beliefs.
Ayla could only shake her head in astonishment. How meddlesome could one religious order be? It seemed entirely unfair to expect such a thing from those that followed them. It would explain a good deal about Alistair, though. "So, you are telling me to be patient with him, then," she guessed.
Aedan tilted his head as though considering it. "Yes, I suppose I am. Mostly I just wanted you to understand where Alistair is coming from, to give him time if he needs it. I would guess they have no such restrictions in your world, from the look on your face."
Ayla shook her head slowly. "No, in our world mating is viewed as a natural thing, not something to be ashamed of. But I can certainly give him time if he needs it." She was far too interested in the fire he invoked in her, so unlike anything she had ever felt before, to give up on him now. She could wait as long as she needed to.
"Good," Aedan began, but stopped as they arrived at another pedestal. "Ah, it looks like we have found the last one. Leliana must be on the other side."
"Well, let's hurry and get her. I cannot wait to get out of here." Ayla wasn't sure how much longer she could stand this place.
The two used the pedestal to travel to the final island, where they found Leliana praying, with a demon in the guise of an elderly priestess standing next to her. Ayla wasn't quite sure what to make of this illusion. It didn't appear to be either a nightmare or a happy dream, that she could see. Certainly Leliana couldn't be content to only huddle there and pray, yet neither was it a true nightmare on the scale that Wynne's had been.
Furthermore, Leliana did not seem to recognize them at all. When they addressed her, she only turned to the "priestess", saying, "Revered Mother, I do not know these people."
"Do you not remember? We're your friends," Aedan pressed, but from the confused look on Leliana's face, it was clear that she didn't.
"My suggestion is probably looking better now, isn't it?" Ayla murmured to Aedan, who merely rolled his eyes at her before going back to trying to convince Leliana of their identities.
Leliana continued to claim she didn't know them, and the demon told them to leave her alone to pray in peace. Eventually, Ayla had the idea of mentioning the dream that Leliana had stated was her reason for coming with them in the first place, and it finally succeeded in breaking through to Leliana. She decided to leave with them, remembering that she had a purpose elsewhere, which of course prompted the demon to attack.
Since there was only one, it was not at all difficult for the three of them to defeat it, and almost immediately afterwards, Leliana disappeared in the swirling mist, just as Alistair and Wynne had. Ayla still had no idea whether to think of that as a positive thing or not.
She exchanged a look with Aedan, who merely shrugged. "There is nothing to do but move on. Once we defeat the demon and break free, we'll know for sure what happened to the others."
She nodded, knowing the wisdom of his words, but she still couldn't shake the concern that plagued her. "There is only the sloth demon left now. Let's defeat him and get out of this place."
They made their way quickly back through the islands, using the pedestals, until they found the one that led to the center island, where Niall had said the sloth demon would be. They used to cross it over, and were not disappointed when they arrived on the desolate, circular island: the sloth demon was right there, seemingly waiting for them.
The sloth demon was different in appearance than when they'd seen him in the Circle; he now had some sort of pointed helmet covering the upper half of his face, while the bottom half only showed a horrible skeletal mouth. In fact, his entire body was rather skeletal looking, as though it were only bones covered by stretched skin, and adorned with red and gold sashes, shoulder guards, and chains.
"What do we have here?" the sloth demon drawled as she and Aedan approached. "Rebellious minions? Escaped slaves?" He laughed in a disturbing fashion. "My, my, but you do have some gall. But playtime is over. You all have to go back now."
Before either she or Aedan could respond, knowing that it would result in the fight they both wanted so badly, the white mist from earlier drifted past them. She and Aedan both turned, only to see Alistair suddenly appear behind them.
"Oh, here I am! Ayla, Aedan, where did you two go? You just disappeared. Well, no matter!" Alistair shrugged as he smiled at them both, obviously not caring what had happened. Ayla felt awash with inexplicable relief at seeing him standing there. She ruthlessly squashed the urge she felt to fling herself in his arms, even with the sudden unbidden memory of how right it had felt when he had hugged her after Ostagar.
"Alistair! Are you all right?" She couldn't stop the inane question from tumbling out; he obviously wasn't injured.
"Of course I am," he answered, a puzzled expression crossing his face. This was followed by a sudden, slow smile. "Why, were you worried about me?"
Ayla was fortunately saved from having to respond by the sudden appearance of Leliana and Wynne, on either side of Alistair. They both instantly zeroed in on the sloth demon, advancing forward to stand with Aedan.
"You tried to keep us apart. You led us from each other because you fear us. Don't you?" Leliana demanded of the demon, crossing her arms.
"You will not hold us, demon. We found each other in this place and you cannot stand against us." Wynne spoke in a commanding tone, obviously having gotten over her shaken confidence of earlier.
"If you go back quietly, I'll do better this time. I'll make you much happier." The demon was once again speaking in that slow, soothing tone he'd employed on them in the tower, though it seemed to lack the power it had had then.
"I don't want anything you offer," Aedan growled at him, turning back to face him, his hand going for his sword. "I will kill you for making me see them again."
"I made you happy and safe. I gave you peace. I did my best for you and you say you want to leave? Can't you think about someone –" Ayla cut off the demon's diatribe by throwing one of her daggers directly at him, unable to contain her fury any longer. Now that she knew everyone was safe, she was free to slaughter this demon as she saw fit. The demon dodged her dagger expertly, though it did have the fortunate effect of making him shut up.
"The only thing that you can do to make me happy is to die screaming," she snarled as she pulled out her swords. "Trying to use my father against me was the first of many mistakes you made!"
"You wish to battle me? So be it . . . you will learn to bow to your betters, mortal!" The demon exploded with sudden power, taking the form of one of the lesser demons they'd fought, the one that had looked like an ogre.
Ayla launched herself into the fight, Aedan right at her side, both of them uncaring about safety or finesse at this point. The others were quick to join them, Leliana firing her arrows and Wynne casting support magic and other spells aimed at the demon. Alistair had raced to join her and Aedan, and took the blow of the ogre on his shield before swinging his sword at the legs.
The battle raged on from there; just as Ayla had stabbed her swords into the back of the ogre's thighs, bringing it to its knees for Alistair and Aedan to deal a finishing blow, another explosion of power knocked them all flat. As they struggled to their feet, they realized the ogre was gone, replaced with a flaming rage demon, similar to the one she and Aedan had fought earlier.
They renewed their attacks on the demon; Ayla didn't care what form it took, she was going to make it pay. The battle continued on in the same fashion; each time they thought they were about to deliver the finishing blow, an explosion would knock them down, and the sloth demon would take on a new form. Ayla soon realized he was cycling through the forms of the lesser demons they'd faced.
Finally, they forced the demon back into the form he'd been in when they first confronted him. This form was more difficult than any of the others, but they all kept fighting, more determined than ever to break free of the Fade. Finally, they delivered the finishing blow; Ayla leapt to the thing's shoulders, stabbing her swords into either side of its neck, at the same time that Aedan ran his sword through its chest.
The demon crumpled to the ground as they both withdrew their weapons and Ayla jumped down. She was wondering what to expect, if the defeat of the sloth demon would just make them wake up, when a mage appeared in front of Aedan.
Ayla and the other party members stood back and watched as Aedan spoke to the mage; she soon realized it was Niall, as he thanked them all for defeating the demon and freeing all those who were trapped. He also told Aedan to take the Litany of Adralla from his body to protect against someone named Uldred, who was apparently leading the blood mages. He explained that unlike them, he had been trapped here too long and would be unable to return to his body. After Aedan had promised him they would do everything they could to save the Circle, Ayla felt blackness overtake her vision, and everything disappeared from in front of her.
This time, when she awoke, she was back in the Circle Tower, laying on the cold stone floor. Though the smell of decay, death, and rot hit her nostrils so hard she almost gagged, she was immensely relieved to be able to smell again, to feel the cold stone beneath her. She got to her feet and looked around, hearing noises around her that indicated the others were waking up as well, and though the view wasn't exactly pleasant, at least it was sharp and in focus. She never wanted to be back in that place again; not having the use of her senses had made her feel weak and helpless. Both were sensations she loathed more than anything.
As she looked around, she realized she felt utterly exhausted, not in the strange, leaden way that the sloth demon had caused, but in the way that meant she'd been awake and fighting for far too long without food or rest. She felt herself suddenly sway as her knees threatened to give way. Before they could, however, Alistair's strong arm wrapped around her waist, supporting her and keeping her on her feet.
"You're exhausted!" Alistair exclaimed. "You both are." Ayla followed his gaze to Aedan, who was leaning heavily on his greatsword, looking as weary as she felt. "How long were you two fighting your way through the Fade looking for the rest of us? You need to rest."
"I have no idea how long it was. It felt like hours, but how many, I have no idea." Ayla was surprising herself by leaning against Alistair's side, only too happy to let him support her. Had she not been so exhausted, she didn't think she would have done it; it would be so easy to become addicted to the feel of his strong arms around her, but so dangerous. "But we do not have time to rest."
"She's right," Aedan added, trying to push himself to stand up straight, waving off Leliana's attempts to help. "We have no idea how long we were in there, and the Right of Annulment could arrive at any moment. We have to get to the top, find the first enchanter, and defeat this Uldred before the whole tower is purged."
"But—" Alistair began, but Wynne cut him off. "I have a rejuvenation spell that will help, it will temporarily boost their stamina and restore their energy. We are nearly to the top anyway; we should find the others soon."
"Excellent, please do that if you would, Wynne, and we will be on our way." Aedan looked expectantly at Wynne, and she crossed over to him, casting her spell, surrounding him with a warm blue glow. Ayla watched as the lines of weariness left his face, and he straightened up, sheathing his sword.
Wynne next crossed over to Ayla to perform the spell, as Aedan searched the body of Niall, lying on the floor next to the body of the defeated sloth demon. It was an impressive spell; Ayla could feel the warmth spreading through her body, restoring energy to her limbs, and lifting the fog of exhaustion from her brain. She noticed the curious and not entirely approving gaze Wynne was bestowing on her and Alistair, who had not yet let go of her, but she ignored it. It was none of the old woman's business, after all.
Once the spell was complete, Ayla pulled away from Alistair, murmuring her thanks, with a feeling of regret that she also chose to ignore. She could not come to depend on him; it wasn't wise. Aedan straightened up, having found the Litany, and tucking it in a pouch, he gestured for them to move on.
They continued on through the remaining floors of the tower, finding only one more person alive before they reached the very top. A Templar by the name of Cullen was trapped in some sort of mystical prison by the stairs leading to the topmost room of the tower, and had obviously been both physically and mentally tortured. He was shouting about illusions and how about how he'd been forced to watch them kill "her" right in front of him, and been unable to do anything about it. Ayla felt cold at his words and at the obvious emotional damage that had nearly rendered him insane; her greatest fear was to see someone she cared about die in front of her and be unable to stop it. She didn't think she would be able to survive such a thing.
Aedan spoke to him, trying to determine what happened and if anybody else was still alive; once the Templar was able to accept the fact that they were real and not an illusion, he told them that the rest of the mages were in the Harrowing chamber at the top of the tower. He told Aedan to kill everyone up there, shouting that they were all blood mages now, that none could have survived. Aedan flatly refused to do so, however, saying that they needed to see what was going on first. Leaving Cullen ranting behind them, as they could not free him from his prison, they all continued up the stairs, ready to confront Uldred.
When they entered the circular chamber at the top, they saw a mage surrounded by abominations and a balding, older mage, all of whom were casting lightning spells directly into the mage's body as he screamed in agony. "Do you accept the gift that I offer?" the bald mage was shouting in glee.
Ayla glanced around the room, noting that there were three mages lying on the ground off to the right. One was an older, grey haired mage with a beard, while another was a pretty young woman her own age with long black hair. The third was a brown-haired man of middle age. Though they all looked wounded, they were still alive, and not abominations.
A horrible scream jerked her attention back to the bald mage, just in time to see the mage being tortured turn into an abomination. Aedan stalked forward, fury emanating from him, and Ayla was only too happy to follow along with the others. She suspected that the bald mage was the Uldred that Niall had referred to, and likely the cause of everything that had happened in the tower. She could not think of anyone who deserved to die more.
"Ah, look what we have here. Intruders," the bald mage turned to them with a sickening smile. "I bid you welcome. Care to join in our . . . revels?"
Aedan drew his sword, and everyone followed suit. "I'm just going to kill you, if that's all right with you. I'm getting kind of tired, and I'd really like to leave now."
Uldred smiled viciously at him. "Fight, if you must. It will just make my victory all the sweeter."
"Don't forget the litany," Wynne hissed. "It will thwart Uldred's attempts to control the mages and win this fight for us."
As she spoke, Uldred suddenly turned into a massive purple demon in front of their very eyes, covered in spikes, with horns protruding from his head. He was even larger than the ogre that they'd fought at the Tower of Ishal. Alistair cursed from his spot next to Ayla. "A pride demon. That's just wonderful."
Aedan dodged the sudden swipe of an immense fist. "Leliana, see if you can take out his eyes!"
"Right!" Leliana nodded before she began firing arrows at the demon's head.
"Think we can use that same move we did on the ogre?" Ayla asked as she and Alistair began following Aedan's lead, dodging and circling the demon as they fought the three abominations accompanying it. Arrows and magic flew by them.
Alistair shook his head, blocking an abomination's arm with his shield before running his sword through it. "I don't think it will work, at least, not head on. The ogre was slow and stupid; pride demons are known to be fast and very dangerous. We should try to take out its legs while Leliana goes for the eyes."
Ayla nodded, and the two of them finished off the abominations with the help of Aedan and Wynne. They then began the dance of trying to circle around behind the demon and deal damage to its legs, while Leliana fired at its eyes and Aedan distracted it from the front. Every so often, the demon would shout something about accepting its gift again, and Aedan would yell out some words that must have been from the Litany, causing a protective barrier to spring up around the three mages.
Eventually, she and Alistair were able to cause enough damage to the demon's legs and tendons that it stumbled to its knees, at the same time that one of Leliana's arrows struck home in its eye. As the demon roared in fury, Ayla gestured to Alistair, and he nodded. Once again, he gave her a boost into the air; this time, she flew at the demon's back, and landed there with her swords. The demon let out another roar of fury and tried to shake her off, but she held on grimly and used her swords to start climbing its back as Aedan and Alistair stabbed at it from below.
She made it up to the thing's neck and, clinging to one of her swords, used her other hand to pull out one of her daggers and stabbed it straight up into the base of the demon's skull. It gave a wordless cry before it began to topple forward. Off-balance, Ayla wasn't sure she could ride it down without falling, so she leaped clear, hoping she'd land without too much damage.
She did not expect to land in Alistair's arms, but he caught her neatly, only stumbling back a couple of steps before stopping, holding her in his arms the same way he had in Redcliffe. "Well, it's not every day that beautiful women just fall from the sky." He grinned down at her.
"That was an excellent catch, good ser. Perhaps you should be rewarded for that." She gave him a wink, watching a slow smile spread across his face even as his cheeks turned pink.
"Oh? What sort of reward will I get? Cheese?" He asked teasingly, even as his eyes went dark with desire again, sending tingles throughout her body.
"I will have to think about it," she responded airily. "But for now, we should get these mages out of here."
He nodded, turning sober as he set her down lightly. "You are right, of course."
Everyone went over to the three mages, who were struggling to their feet. Though they looked as exhausted as Ayla had felt earlier, and had minor wounds all over their bodies, they were still well enough to stand, even the grey-haired mage who was obviously quite elderly.
"Maker, I'm too old for this," the grey-haired man groaned as he stood up.
"Irving! Are you all right?" Wynne cried as she rushed to his side.
"I've been better," the old man responded wryly. "But I am thankful to be alive. I suppose that is your doing, isn't it, Wynne?"
"I wasn't alone. I had help," Wynne gestured to Aedan, Ayla, Alistair, and Leliana, who were all helping the other two mages to their feet. Aedan gave the female mage one of his healing potions, while Leliana offered hers to the other man.
Irving nodded in gratitude at the four of them. "The Circle owes you all a debt we will never be able to repay. Come, the Templars await. We shall let them know that the tower is once again ours."
"Very well, let us go back now." Aedan nodded in agreement, as he offered his arm in support to the female mage.
"I'll need one of you to guide me down the stairs . . ." Irving beckoned to them, and Alistair went over to help him, supporting the old man as they began to make their way towards the stairs leading out. Ayla and Leliana offered their support to the other man. "Ah, curse whoever insisted the Circle be housed in a tower," Irving muttered as they started down the stairs.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Ayla noticed that the mystical prison had disappeared, and Cullen was waiting for them. She expected him to start shouting that they should have killed the mages; what she didn't expect was for him to look at the female mage as though he'd seen a ghost.
"Terra?" he breathed, staring at her in disbelief. "I – I saw them kill you. Right in front of me."
"Cullen!" the woman cried, pulling free of Aedan and flinging herself into the shocked Templar's arms. "You're alive!"
"I – yes," the man responded dazedly even as his arms automatically went around the dark-haired woman. "But you – I thought I saw –"
"That was just an illusion they used in order to try and break you, I imagine," Irving said quietly, seeming not to be as surprised as the other mages, who were staring at the two in shock. Wynne looked a little disturbed and disapproving as well, Ayla noted. She supposed that if the Chantry frowned on Templars having relationships, they almost certainly disapproved of Templars being with the mages they were supposed to neutralize. She couldn't help but notice how Cullen suddenly looked much less broken and bitter than he had when they went up the stairs.
"Thank the Maker," Cullen muttered, tightening his hold on the woman and burying his face in her hair.
"While I am glad everything worked out for you," Aedan said, "it is likely best that we get everyone back down to the Knight Commander before he decides that we are not coming back."
Cullen looked up, startled. "Oh, of course. There should be no need for the Right anymore, if all the blood mages are defeated."
Aedan nodded in confirmation, and everybody began making their way back down the tower, this time with Cullen supporting Terra, while Aedan took over from Ayla and Leliana to help the other mage. It was much quicker to make their way through the tower without having to fight abominations or demons, and they reached the bottom in what seemed no time at all. After leaving Terra and the other mage with the group that Wynne had been with in the beginning, they made their way to the double doors, which were opened from the other side after a quick discussion through the doors.
Greagoir reared back in surprise as they all came through the doors, Irving in the lead being supported by Alistair. "Irving? Maker's breath, I did not expect to see you alive."
"It is over, Greagoir. Uldred . . . is dead," Irving said heavily, not sounding as pleased by the fact as Ayla thought he should be.
"Uldred tortured many of the mages, turning them into abominations," Cullen said soberly to his commander. "Fortunately, the Wardens and their allies arrived in time to save a few of them."
"We were simply lucky to have arrived when we did," Aedan replied. "We could not have managed it without Wynne's help, either."
"We will rebuild," Irving said firmly, pulling away from Alistair to straighten himself up. "The Circle will go on, and we will learn from this tragedy, and be strengthened by it."
Greagoir nodded, studying the group seriously. "We have won back the tower. I will accept Irving's assurance that all is well." He turned to Aedan. "Thank you. You have proven yourself a friend of both the Circle, and the Templars."
Aedan shook his head. "We merely did what had to be done," he hesitated, exchanging a look with Alistair before continuing, ". . . but we do still need aid to fight the darkspawn."
"I promised you aid, but with the Circle restored, my duty is to watch the mages. They are free to help you, however. Speak to them," Greagoir answered, gesturing to Irving.
"I thought the Templars were in charge of the Circle." Ayla looked at the commander, confused. Her understanding had been that the Templars made the mages do their bidding.
"The Templars guard and advise, but the first enchanter has the last word in what happens to the Circle. Please, excuse me," Greagoir was already turning his back, heading to direct his men. He turned briefly. "And Irving . . . it is good to have you back."
Irving smiled. "Ah, I'm sure we'll be at each other's throats again in no time."
As Greagoir headed off, signalling Cullen to follow as he barked orders, Irving turned to Aedan and the other members of their party. "Here we are, the tower in disarray, the Circle nearly annihilated . . . though it could have been much, much worse. I am glad you arrived when you did. It's almost as thought the Maker Himself sent you."
Aedan shook his head, looking uncomfortable with the praise, though Ayla wondered herself if it wasn't the work of the Goddess that had sent them here at just the right time to save the few lives that they had. "We are glad that we could help, but, it was the Blight that drove us here to seek aid."
Irving nodded. "The least we can do is help you against the darkspawn. I would hate to survive this only to be overcome by the Blight."
"I thank you . . . but there are so few mages left," Aedan said hesitantly, looking uncertainly at the first enchanter.
"Do not underestimate us. Even one mage will be a great help to you. You have my word, as first enchanter. The Circle will join the Grey Wardens in the fight." Irving bowed his head to Aedan, who bowed in return.
Wynne came forward from where she had been standing by Leliana. "Irving, I have a request: I seek leave to follow the Grey Wardens."
Irving frowned, looking at the elderly woman. "Wynne . . . we need you here. The Circle needs you."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Irving, but the Circle will do fine without me. The Circle has you. These people are brave and good, and capable of great things," Wynne said, gesturing to Aedan and the others. "If they will accept my help, I will help them accomplish their goals."
Aedan glanced at the other three, who all nodded in return. Though Ayla was getting the feeling that Wynne might be a little judgmental, she knew that her skill with healing magic would be invaluable. Aedan turned to Wynne. "We would be honoured to have you join us, Wynne. Your healing magic would be of great help."
Irving sighed and shook his head in defeat. "You were never one to stay in the tower when there was adventure to be had elsewhere."
"Why stay when I can be of service elsewhere?" Wynne asked reasonably.
"Then I give you leave to follow the Wardens, but know that you will always have a place here." Irving turned back to Aedan. "There is much to be done here, and I must go. You must forgive me for not being a proper host."
Aedan held up a hand to stop him. "Wait, we have one more favour we would ask of you. Can the Circle go to Redcliffe to aid a possessed child?"
"The child is possessed? But killing the demon would mean killing the . ." Irving trailed off, his brow knotted in confusion. "Unless you intend to enter the Fade? Yes . . . yes, it can be done with a group of mages." He nodded firmly. "I shall gather what mages I can and we shall leave promptly. A life is at stake."
"Excellent," Aedan smiled in relief, and Ayla heard Alistair breath a sigh of relief as well. "We have a boat waiting by the ferry that you can use to take back across the lake to Redcliffe. It will only be large enough to carry you and the other mages you can gather; we will have to make our way back on foot. Companions of ours are already there, keeping an eye on the child. Please let them know we will back as soon as we can, and I would ask that you please go ahead with the ritual as soon as you return."
"Of course." Irving went back to the room where they had left the other mages, returning in a few minutes with three other mages and carrying packs. All of them headed down to the ferry docks, where the Templar that had brought them over earlier was still standing guard.
Their group took the ferry back across first, and then waited on the shore until the boat returned with Irving and the other mages. Aedan had meanwhile gotten the sailor out of the inn and explained that he would be taking the mages back to Redcliffe while the rest of them walked. As soon as Irving arrived on shore, the sailor took him and the other mages and set off back across the lake.
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I would like a hot meal and a rest at the inn here before we set out," Aedan stated, turning to look at the others.
Ayla nodded; she was feeling exhausted again, and she still had no idea how long it had been since she had slept or ate last. "I couldn't agree more. I believe Wynne's spell is starting to wear off."
"I imagine it is," Wynne responded. "While it is effective, it is no substitute for proper rest and food."
"I think we all deserve a little rest, no?" Leliana smiled at the others. "We accomplished much at the Circle."
"Well, I am starving," Alistair declared cheerfully. "And it will be a long walk back, so we may as well rest first. Let's go inside."
They all went into the inn, in order to get a hearty meal and a good night's rest before setting off again. Ayla hoped that their walk back would be far less eventful than the last few days. After all, she still had to find a time when she wasn't quite so exhausted to give Alistair the reward she had promised him.