Anrothan sighed in relief once his people entered Lady Landra's castle.

"That is one less thing to worry about. I hope you will be safe, everyone." He said to himself.

"Are you sure about leaving your mabari behind?" Duncan asked as the noble turned to his companion.

"Oren needs Félagi more than me, right now. I'll feel better, knowing that my dear nephew is under his protection." Anrothan replied, allowing a sad smile on his face. "You mentioned something about some business related to the wardens, Master Duncan."

The Warden Commander nodded in response.

"Indeed. Our numbers in Ferelden are few and, while the Orlesian wardens have agreed to give us support, we can't be sure if they will be here in time."

"You mean to recruit more people then." Anrothan said.

"And one of the possible recruits lives close to where we are right now." Duncan said, his gaze turning to the west. The younger man followed the Warden Commander's look, his eyes widening as he realized where would the next recruit be.

"That's…"

"The Tower of Magi." Duncan finished. "And our next destination."

Origin of Amell

She had been awoken in the middle of the night by the templars. She didn't understand why, and the templar who escorted her didn't seem to be in the mood to reveal the reason.

"For the last time, apprentice. You will understand why we woke you up soon." The templar who escorted her to the upper level of the Tower said as they walked through the empty hallway. It wasn't evident because he was wearing a helmet, but she could tell from his tone that he was getting exasperated by her constant questions, so she opted to stay silent after that. It wasn't long before they reached the top floor, a massive, open chamber which was used on special occasions.

Standing inside the room were four more people; First Enchanter Irving, Knight Commander Gregoir and two templars, one of which she recognized as Cullen, the young templar who was recently sent to the Circle. Before she had a chance to even greet him, the Knight Commander stepped forward to address her.

"Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him. Thus spoke the prophet Andraste as she cast down the Tevinter Imperium, ruled by mages who had brought the world to the brink of ruin." He started saying. "Your magic is a gift, but it is also a curse, for demons of the dream realm, the Fade, are drawn to you, and seek to use you as a gateway to this world."

While he spoke, the young mage looked around the chamber for hints as to what could the reason of her presence possibly be. Her eyes fell on a pedestal, situated in the middle of the chamber, filled with an azure liquid. Could it be?

"This is why the Harrowing exists." The First Enchanter said, causing the young mage to look back at him in realization. "The ritual sends you into the Fade, and there, you will face a demon, armed with only your will."

'A demon? This sounds more like a test of strength, rather than a test of will.' She thought. Even so…

"I'm ready." The young mage said with determination.

"Know this, apprentice; if you fail, we templars must perform our duty." Gregoir said. She didn't need to hear more. If the demon took her, they would have to kill her. The Knight Commander's saddened expression only served to motivate her further.

"I understand." She said, focusing to the pedestal in front of her. It was the first time she was seeing so much lyrium from up close. She felt its essence calling out to her, her blood responding to it. She didn't even realize that the First Enchanter had approached her until he spoke.

"The Harrowing is a secret out of necessity, child. Every mage must go through this trial by fire, and as we succeeded, so shall you." He said, his voice nothing more than a whisper. "Keep your wits about you, and remember that the Fade is a realm of dreams. The spirits may rule it, but your own will is real."

"The apprentice must go through this test alone, First Enchanter." Gregoir interfered, his tone cold. However, when she turned to look at the old templar, his expression was soft.

"You are ready."

Nodding to both men, the young mage slowly walked towards the pedestal. As she reached the lyrium, she felt like her body was moving on its own. Her fingers brushed the liquid, and it was as if someone had hit her with electricity. Numbness took over, her vision darkened, and she didn't even feel the impact of her body falling to the ground as she drifted into unconsciousness.

She was on the ground. She didn't remember why, but she was lying on the ground.

"What happened?" The girl said, opening her eyes. The sight of a green, cloudy sky, however, caused her to jump in surprise as she started looking around in surprise. Remembering Irving's words, the young mage tried to calm down.

"That's right. I'm in the Fade. Although, it does look different than usual." She noted, her eyes falling on a creature far from her current spot. It looked like a bear, but enormous bony spikes protruded from its fur, and it looked like it was in a state of decomposition. Suppressing a shiver, the mage began to walk towards what seemed to be the only path that was actually passable.

"Someone else thrown to the wolves, as fresh and unprepared as ever." Someone suddenly said, causing the mage to jump back and summon lightning in her hands.

"Who's there?" She said while looking around for the speaker.

"It isn't right that they do this, the templars. Not to you, me, anyone." The voice continued. To the mage's surprise, it came from below. Looking down, however, she only saw a mouse. Which was looking at her. And she was in the Fade. That could only mean one thing.

"You are not really a mouse, right?" She said.

"Nothing is as it seems in the Fade." The mouse said before it turned into a human. "Here, you are what you perceive. I think I used to be like you… before."

"What do you mean? Aren't you a spirit?" The mage asked with confusion.

"I was an apprentice like you, or at least I think I was. The templars kill you if you take too long, you see. They figure you failed, and they don't want something getting out. That's what they did to me, I think. I have no body to reclaim. And you don't have much time before you end up the same." The man said.

"Wait a minute." She said as she looked at his attire, confusion turning into suspicion. "You say you were an apprentice, but you don't wear the blue robes of an apprentice. Red is the color of the senior enchanters' robes."

"Is it?" The man said with a hint of surprise as he looked at himself. "I don't remember anymore. Maybe I had found these robes before I failed the test. Or it could be that my wish to become an enchanter helped me into changing the nature of my robe."

"Since it's the Fade, and you are what you perceive." The mage said, though she still wasn't entirely convinced. The man's next words only served to deepen her suspicions.

"I'll follow, if that's alright. My chance was long ago, but you may be able to do this." He said as he turned back into his mouse form.

'I don't like this at all.' The mage thought. 'But there might be some truth in his words. I should hurry and finish the trials.'

Looking forward, the sight of another spirit caught her eye.

"What about this one?" She said as she pointed at what looked like a humanoid spirit.

"It's another spirit that's supposed to help. It never seemed equal to its name though." The mouse said.

"What's its name?" The mage said, one eyebrow quirked.

"Valor."

There was obvious disgust in the mouse's voice. The mage was almost surprised to hear that tone.

"Well, if it can help, then I see no reason in ignoring it." She said as she walked towards the spirit, but not without noticing that the mouse kept a decent distance from it.

'Strange.'

As she came closer, she giggled at the oddity of this new spirit working on a forge. Valor, who seemed to hear her coming, turned and inspected her.

"Another mortal thrown into the flames and left to burn, I see. Your mages have devised a cowardly test. Better to pit you against each other, to prove your mettle with skill, than to be sent unarmed against a demon" the spirit said with contempt.

"I didn't sign up for this willingly. It's either take the test or suffer a fate worse than death." The mage said. "Can you help me succeed?"

"That is not my purpose. I hone my weapons in search of the perfect expression of combat." Valor said.

"So you crafted all these?" The mage said curiously as she pointed at the weapons surrounding the forge.

The spirit's form swirled as it replied. "Without a doubt. In this realm, everything that exists is the expression of a thought. Do you think these blades be steel? The staves be wood? Do you believe they draw blood? A weapon is but a single need for battle, and my will makes that need reality."

"Can I have one, then? I could really use it against the demon." The mage said with enthusiasm. It was short lived, however, since the spirit didn't look like it would help that easily.

"Do you truly desire one of my weapons? I could give one to you… if you agree to duel me first. Valor shall test your mettle as it should be tested." The spirit said with barely contained enthusiasm.

"What? Wait a minute!" The mage said, her eyes widening in surprise, as she took a step back and pointed at the spirit in accusation. "Why do you so sound so happy about that? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you are the demon in disguise. And why do you look like a templar to begin with?"

"How dare you accuse me!" The spirit said, obviously angry. "I am no demon, preying upon helpless mortals to steal their essence! I am a being of honor and valor! I am a warrior!"

"Then prove it! Help me fight the demon!" The mage shouted. The two figures, human and spirit, stood there for what seemed like ages, the latter testing the former's will.

"You are insolent, but your will is unquestionably strong." Valor said eventually, resigning from his position as he turned towards the stack of weapons. It then turned back to its original position with a wooden staff in its hands.

"Very well, mortal. You prove to me that you possess the strength to resist this demon."

The moment the mage took the staff, it started glowing in her hands.

"Wow! What's this?" She exclaimed in wonder.

"This staff is one of my greatest creations. It will serve you well in your most dire struggle." The spirit said.

"I haven't seen something like this in the Circle. Cool." The mage noted as she inspected the staff.

"Before you go." Valor added with a stern expression evident on its face. "I have a piece of advice for you. Be wary of your rodent companion. He is more than what he looks."

The mage nodded in response. "I'm aware of that. Thanks for the tip though." She said with a smile.

"Then go, prove your worth as you must. I am confident that you will succeed." The spirit said before it returned to its task.

Soon after the mage stepped away from the forge, the mouse approached her.

"Can you feel it? It's here!" He said, seemingly scared. The mage didn't need his warning; she could sense it. The boiling rage of the demon.

"It's on the center of this island. You can face it, if you are ready." The mouse added.

'No choice but to fight it then.' The mage thought. As she moved towards the center, she could feel the temperature rising. She knew what she would face before she even saw it; the mass of lava known as a rage demon.

"And so it comes to me at last. Soon I shall see the land of the living with your eyes, creature. You shall be mine, body and soul." The demon said. The mage took a stance, eyes focused on her foe. It wasn't a strong one, but she still had to be careful.

"Then come and get me, if you can."

"Oh, I shall." The demon said before it turned to the mouse. "So this creature is your offering Mouse? Another plaything, as per our arrangement?"

The mage risked a glance behind to see the mouse, who had turned back to his human form by now, burying his face in his hands.

"I'm not offering you anything! I don't have to help you anymore!" He said in defiance.

"Aww, and after all those wonderful meals we shared? Now suddenly the mouse has changed the rules?" The demon responded.

"I don't need to bargain with you! Soon, I won't have to hide!" Mouse boldly declared.

"We shall see…"

Immediately, the demon leapt towards the mage, who yelped as she brought her new staff up in order to block the demon's attack. Summoning the magic in her staff, the mage threw a gale of ice that froze the rage demon, and followed up by striking it with her staff, effectively shattering it into pieces.

"You did it! You actually did it!" Mouse said enthusiastically. He was cut short, though, when the mage aimed her staff at him.

"You! You say that you are an apprentice, but you worked with the demon. You ate other candidates with him. How could you do something like that?" She said with a mixture of anger and confusion.

"I know that I can't take back what I did, and I regret it deeply." Mouse said with an apologetic expression. "But you- you have shown me that there is hope. You're not like the others who had no chance. You can be so much more than you know. With time, you will be a master enchanter with no equal. And maybe there's hope for someone as small and as forgotten as me. You just need to want to let me in."

Something was wrong, the mage thought. Something felt really off. She thought the mouse was suspicious from the start, and it all seemed too easy at this point. Every mage with a proper training knew that the rage demon's weakness is ice. The thought of this being a test of strength didn't seem so likely now that she thought about it.

"I'm starting to think that rage demon wasn't my real test." She said, grasping the true concept of the Harrowing.

"What? What are you…? Of course it was! What else is here that could harm a mage of your potential?" Mouse said with surprise before he looked down.

"You are a smart one." He then said, his voice nothing like it was moments ago. "Simple killing is a warrior's job. The true dangers of the Fade are misconceptions, careless trust… pride."

Before he had time to transform though, he grunted in pain. Looking at his stomach, he realized that the mage had impaled him with the staff.

"What's this? Where did you find this power?" Mouse groaned as he hacked what seemed to be blood.

"It seems that your own pride blinded you, demon. You didn't consider Valor a threat, but he had realized your true nature the moment he saw you." She said as the staff started trembling with energy.

"You are smarter than I thought, mage. Keep your wits about you. True tests never end."

"I'll remember that." The mage said, using all the concentrated magic in the staff and blasted him away. As the charred demon fell down, she swept her face while sighing in relief.

"That Valor sure knows how to make good weapons." She said to herself before she suddenly felt dizzy.

'Oh, I guess it is actually over.' The mage thought as she slowly fell to the ground while her name echoed all over the place.

"Emilie!"

"Emilie! Are you alright? Say something, please…" She heard somewhere close to her. Slowly opening her jade eyes, Emilie noticed a young man standing next to her.

"Ah! A demon!" She yelled, jumping out of the bed in the process.

"It's me, Jowan! Calm down!" The young man said. While Emilie slowly tried to get up from the floor, she noticed that he was really worried.

"Sorry, Jowan. I'm still a bit groggy." She admitted with embarrassment.

"Just… try to relax, ok? You were out cold for a couple of hours." Jowan said, finally allowing a small smile on his face. "I'm glad you're alright. They carried you in the morning. I didn't even realize you'd been gone all night."

"Really? It didn't feel like I was out for so long." Emilie said as she rubbed the back of her head. The young mage noticed that her bright red hair weren't in the ponytail that she had tied them into when the templar woke her up.

"I've heard about apprentices who never come back from Harrowings. Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?" Jowan eagerly asked. Emilie noticed that he also looked nervous for some reason.

"It was… harrowing?" She responded, not sure how to explain the experience.

"Is that why they don't tell us what it's about?" The young man said, evidently not satisfied with his friend's answer. "I know I'm not supposed to know… but we're friends. Just a little hint, and I promise I'll stop asking."

Emilie was conflicted. She wasn't supposed to tell anyone about the Harrowing, but, on the other hand, the more she thought about it, the angrier she got about this ordeal. She was really lucky to survive a test that involved resisting a pride demon.

"It's a test of will and strength, Jowan. You have to be aware of your surroundings at all times, because nothing is at it seems." She finally decided to say, causing her friend to become pale.

"I-Is that so? That sounds dangerous." He stuttered. The young woman smiled as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Don't worry so much about it. Relax; you will be ready when the time comes." She said in an attempt to calm him down.

"Easy for you to say. I've been here longer than you have… Sometimes I think they just don't want to test me. I'm afraid of what will happen to me." Jowan said, mumbling the last part.

Emilie stared at him in surprise. She had almost missed that last sentence. Jowan seemed to notice that, so he decided to change the topic.

"I shouldn't waste your time like this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you wake up." He hurriedly said. Emilie cocked an eyebrow at that statement.

"Huh? What for?" She asked.

"He didn't tell me. About the Harrowing, I guess, but you never know with Irving." Jowan responded, avoiding eye contact with the girl. "You'd better not keep him waiting. We can talk later."

Before Emilie had a chance to say anything, he exited the room along with a couple of apprentices who were leaving as well.

'Jowan looks agitated about something. I wonder what could it be.' She thought. She worried that, in his impatience, her friend would do something rash and stupid. Just then, she remembered what he told her before he took off.

'At any rate, I should go see what the First Enchanter wants to tell me.'

And with that in mind, the newly harrowed mage made her way towards Irving study. As she got closer, the sounds of an argument reached her ears.

"…Many have already gone to Ostagar. Uldred, Wynne, and most of the senior mages! We committed enough of our own in this war effort…"

"Your own? Since when have you felt such kinship with the mages, Gregoir? Or are you afraid to let the mages out from under Chantry supervision, where they can use their Maker-given powers?"

Entering the study, Emilie was greeted with the sight of the Knight Commander and the First Enchanter arguing as usual. What was odd, though, was that they weren't alone. There were two more men in the room; a black haired man with a beard who carried the air of an experienced warrior stood next to the two elders, and a blond man who seemed to be younger leaned on the wall in the back. Though both of them were armed, the older man wore a custom made armor while the younger man didn't look armored at all.

"Gentlemen, please." The black haired man intervened, nodding towards her. "Irving, someone is here to see you."

The young mage sweatdropped when the two elders turned to look at her.

"Uh, hello." She stammered with a nervous smile.

"Ah, if it's our new sister in the Circle. Come, child." Irving said, his expression softening at the sight of his pupil.

"This is…?" The black haired man whispered.

"Yes, this is she." Irving confirmed. The blond man cocked one eye open at that statement, as if he inspected her.

"Well, Irving, you're obviously busy. We will discuss this later." Gregoir said before he left the room.

"Of course. Well then… where was I? Oh, yes. This is Duncan, of the Grey Wardens." Irving announced, motioning to the man beside him before he turned towards the other man. "And that's… a recruit."

Emilie blinked in confusion.

"Grey Wardens? In the Tower?" The young mage asked.

"Grey Wardens go wherever duty sends them." Duncan responded.

"And what could bring you here?" She continued, still confused. A Grey Warden's duty was to fight the darkspawn. But these creatures lurked in the Deep Roads which were inside the Frostback Mountains.

"You've heard about the war brewing in the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king's army at Ostagar." Irving explained.

"But that's at the south. Is Ferelden at war with the Chasind?" Emilie wondered.

"Not quite." The Warden said. "The darkspawn threat grows in the Korcari Wilds. We need all the help we can get."

"Aren't the darkspawn a dwarven problem? Unless…"

"If we don't prevent them from invading the north, we may see another Blight." He finished the sentence, confirming Emilie's fears.

"Duncan, you worry the poor girl with talk of Blights and darkspawn. This is a happy day for her." Irving said.

"Yet we live in troubled times, my friend." Duncan stated.

"We should seize moments of levity, especially in these troubled times." Irving countered. Emilie was thankful for the First Enchanter's intervention. All this talk about the upcoming war was unsettling.

Turning to her, The First Enchanter added. "The Harrowing is behind you. Your phylactery has been sent to Denerim for safekeeping. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi."

It was at this point that the young mage remembered the trial she had just passed.

"That's it? That's all you have to say after you threw me to the wolves? I had to resist a pride demon!" She yelled at the First Enchanter. Irving seemed to expect that reaction from his pupil, for he didn't look surprised.

"We've all been through this, child." He simply said.

"I'm sorry- what is this phylactery?" Duncan asked, genuinely curious.

"Blood is taken from all the apprentices when they first come to the tower and is preserved in special vials." Irving explained.

"So they can be hunted if they become apostates." The warden said.

"That sounds like blood magic." The recruit noted, surprising Emilie with his sudden comment.

'I haven't thought about it that way.' She thought, her eyes widening as the sudden clarity of the moment.

"We have few choices. The gift of magic is viewed with suspicion and fear. We must prove that we are strong enough to handle our power responsibly." Irving admitted before he walked toward his office. When he came back, he was carrying a set of yellow robes, a wooden staff and a ring.

"I present your robes, your staff, and a ring bearing the Circle's insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them." He announced as he handed the items to Emilie.

"Does that mean I can leave the tower now?" She asked with a hopeful expression. How she longed to see the world again.

"Patience, child. You have been through an ordeal. Let us not rush things. Remember, the tower's walls protect us as much as they protect others from us." The First Enchanter replied. The young mage noticed the elder's tired expression and decided to stay silent.

"I will return to my quarters then." Duncan said, breaking the silence.

"Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan to his room, child? It's next to the library." Irving asked.

"It would be my pleasure." Emilie said with a slight nod. As the warden and she were about to leave the room, she heard the recruit speak one more time.

"Master Irving, about that matter I discussed with you earlier…"

"Rest assured, child. I'll send a healer as soon as possible." The First Enchanter replied.

"Thank you. It is partly my fault that he saw so much." The recruit said. She could hear his relief in his voice.

"Shall we go?" Duncan said. Emilie blinked for a moment before she realized she had stopped walking.

"Um, yeah. Follow me." She replied as the two left the room. They walked down the hall for some time, each to their own thoughts, before Duncan talked.

"Thank you for walking with me. I am glad for the company."

"Ah, don't mention it." Emilie said, rubbing her neck in embarrassment. "To be honest, I wanted to talk to you a little more."

"Oh? What about?" Duncan inquired with a knowing smile. Irving had already told him about the young mage's passion for knowledge of the world outside the tower.

"I've heard about darkspawn sightings, but an entire horde? Are we actually going to see another Blight?" She curiously asked.

"I'm not going to lie." Duncan responded, his expression turning more serious. "A large horde is gathering in the Korcari Wilds. It doesn't look unorganized, so we Wardens believe that an Archdemon is leading them."

"That sounds ominous." Emilie said, obviously distressed.

"Darkspawn do attack the surface in ragtag bands, but Archdemons are capable of rallying the darkspawn, turning them into an unstoppable force. A horde of darkspawn… a veritable army. It is dire news indeed. I fear this is what we have to face." Duncan added.

"And that's why Irving was arguing with Gregoir? About the war?" The young mage asked. She noticed that the warden looked conflicted.

"It is not my place to comment."

"I know Grey Wardens are supposed to stay neutral, but, please, I need to know." She pressed on. Duncan sighed before he started talking.

"Any mages who fight in the south will be able to unleash their full power on the darkspawn. In fact, I'm counting on that. Gregoir is afraid of what will happen after the war. After tasting freedom, will the mages still wish to be governed by the Chantry?"

"I guess I can see where he's coming from." Emilie said as she looked at the ground. "Even so-" she added, looking back at Duncan. "the mages want to protect their country. I know that's what I want to do."

The warden smiled at her statement, and it reminded her of when her father smiled proudly for her.

"We must defeat the darkspawn, one way or another. My opinions end here though." He said as they reached the guest halls. "Ah, we're here. Thank you for accompanying me."

"Before I go, there's something I need to ask." Emilie said, stopping Duncan from entering the room. "What's going on outside the tower? They don't let us apprentices to leave so…"

"I'm not a very good source of information, I fear." The warden replied with an apologetic look. "I'm preoccupied with the darkspawn incursion."

"I see." The young mage said, clearly disappointed before she smiled. "It's ok. I'm an official mage now, right? I'll be able to leave the tower in no time."

Shaking her head, she added. "I should go. Rest well, Ser Duncan."

"Yes, I should not keep you." Duncan said, nodding in understanding. Emilie nodded back and left the warden's presence. She needed to think about what she heard.

Author's Note: Originally, I intended to write the City Elf warden and then the Mage. But then I thought that they are pretty close to the tower, while Denerim is pretty far from Bann Loren's lands, so there you have it. About the pride demon, it always bugged me how he leaves the mage be and then never reappears during the game, so I decided to take him out in a way that could make sense. Next chapter, which will include the second part of the Amell origin, will hopefully be out in less than an entire month, so stay tuned. See you later!