Another week has passed. Unfortunately, Nelyafinwë had needed to leave before the usual rush of merchants looking to buy food had arrived. Martin, the only person learned in matters of trade is left to oversee the transactions that made up the lifeblood of Endataurëo. He has to admit it was a challenge. Many of the merchants who arrived would ask after the tall elf, curious about his absence. Martin had been worried about potential price hits from the uncertainty but there are none. The advantages being backed by someone who was trusted to the degree that Nelyafinwë was, he supposes. Once he has dealt with the merchants here, he will then need to leave to sell wine to the people who had placed an order last week.
If there is any weakness in the mercantile system that the strange elf has set up, it is the sheer volume of goods that must be processed. When news that the, locally, famous farms of Endataurëo are going to be selling their produce gets out their forest stronghold is flooded with people. Though the demands for food for the assembling armies are starting to dwindle, there is still high demand among the local human settlements. Martin sighs to himself as he sells off the last of the food. The shortage of food has not yet reached famine levels, but he is concerned. The number of people who have been joining Nelyafinwë in general, and this week in particular proves that there is no shortage of people who are willing to take a gamble for a better life.
Such heavy thoughts are put aside as the merchant begins to load up his handcart with barrels to take to the many customers who have wine orders reserved. It is a hard journey, one that causes his arms to ache with the sheer weight of the barrels being carted. Fortunately, most of the sales he makes are nearby, so he only needs to carry the full weight for a short time. As he blesses whoever made this rode so smooth, the trader considers what he is going to be buying while he is out and about.
The list Martin has is not a short one. The general gist of it is 'get everything that might be useful in future'.
"How much metal again?" He gripes to himself as a miner loads his handcart with more than he ever wanted to carry.
"I ain't cheatin' ya, if that's what ya're askin'." The burly dwarf replies.
"No! Sorry, I'm just complaining about having to carry it all back." The trader hurries to defuse any potential argument.
The short woman shrugs and throws the last load in the cart. "Ain't my problem. That's you done, git outta here."
The human trader hefts his cart, his arms already protesting the weight they were carrying. He still needed to find some sheep before he leaves too.
A young woman by the name of Fransis agrees to lead her small herd of five sheep to Endataurëo. Apparently, she's looking at being evicted since the new taxes have prevented her making her rent. Frankly Martin does not care why she's coming, just that she is. He's been having nightmares of the intimidating owner returning to sheep dung all over his hall and reacting as nobles are wont to do in such situations. The only way this could be better would be if she would take the cart off his hands for an hour. That would make her stop laughing at his suffering.
Martin was not looking forward to walking all the way to the Dalish clan to buy the horses he needed, but to his immense relief one of their horse traders had stopped in on their way to some local event.
"These five are probably the best for what you're looking for." The Dalish's tattoos always make Martin think of those stories of woodland savages. "If you want them for war, these are the ones we use for warriors."
"Right, thank you. You've really made my life easier." Martin bows, accepting the leads of the five animals.
The elf shrugs. "No worries, you pay good silver. Besides, I had to stop by anyway. I've got that package Merrill sent for."
"Thank you, I'll make sure she gets it." Martin replies, extending a hand.
The horse trader's eyes narrow. "I'd rather hand it to her in person. It's important apparently."
Martin frowns. "Well you'll be waiting a while, she and the boss are off on something at the circle. They won't be back for half a week if not more."
With a sigh the elf pulls out a large parcel wrapped in some king of rough cloth. "Here, if I come back next week and she didn't get it, there'll be consequences."
With those words the elf shoves the parcel into Martin's hands and leaves.
The parcel turns out to contain a new set of robes for the Elf mage. Among the more traditional lyrium woven cloth is a set of very carefully made light chainmail. The dark green is occasionally highlighted by red in the cloth sections and on the front is a stag's head centred within an eight pointed star.
"I fell a little bad about opening this now." Martin remarks as he wraps the parcel up once more.
He leaves it in Merrill's room on her bed, for her to find when she returns from the inquiry at the circle.
After three days of attending to the various tasks that need doing around the base, you gather Xandar and Merrill together to depart for the Circle.
"Xandar, you will ride with me. It is a three day ride to the Circle, we will be cutting through the forest, rather than riding the long way around." You instruct your companions.
One of your guards who is standing nearby interjects. "Sir, shouldn't you take an escort. We could probably throw one together if you give us some time."
You shake your head. "Merrill has killed a dragon, and I have made the trip through the forest alone many times. We will be fine, and if we get injured Xandar can heal us. You are better served guarding Endataurëo and making sure the new hires do not steal the silverware."
Besides, you do not believe they would count for much against the plate armoured Templars.
Your staff bid your party goodbye with a noticeable tension among them. You have discovered that no one has ever heard of a mage being allowed free of the Circle. The result of this tension is that almost everyone assembles to bid you farewell. No matter how often it happens, you will never not be touched by a crowd of people waving goodbye. As Endataurëo disappears behind the trees you turn your focus to travelling through the forest safely.
Your training with Ranger has paid off apparently. You spot the signs of spiders and Sylvans long before your party bumbles into them. You guide them around and past safely and with great speed. Before too long you are emerging from the Forest's edge. You feel pride swelling within you when you realise that you have managed to arrive exactly where you needed to. Your group can see the road that will lead you to the lake, and from there to the circle. You manage to make it to the first village where you can stop before dark. You sleep in a bed, a rough straw bed perhaps but better than sleeping on the ground.
Your second day of travel is uneventful. You continue to make good time. It is on the third day, as the Circle's tower begins to loom on the horizon, that Merrill grows uneasy.
"What ails you, Merrill?" You ask, unwilling to let this go unaddressed.
Merrill starts slightly, and looks at you, fidgeting. "It's about the inquisition."
"I assumed." You reply evenly. "What is the specific problem?"
Merrill fiddles with a lock of her hair. "Um, it's just that, what if they ask about things, I'm supposed to keep secret? I'm willing to help Xandar with the basics, but they might try to use this as a way to figure out how the Dalish teach their mages."
You pause. It is a fair concern, and you should have thought of it before.
"If you wish, you can leave the talking to me. You do not need to answer any questions. I did volunteer you without asking after all." You offer.
"And leave you to face the inquiry alone?" Merrill asks, sounding almost offended. "No! I'm going to be there with you, I do most of Xandar's training anyway."
"Then I suppose the only thing to decide is what to do about those questions you cannot answer." You muse.
"Well I can always just refuse to answer anything I think digs too far into our secrets." Merrill proposes.
You shake your head. "Too direct. It is likely to offend them, especially if they are asking in good faith. A better option is to be truthful but unhelpful. For example, if they ask how you teach Xandar, you can say that you teach him as you were taught."
Merrill chuckles. "I don't think that particular answer would go down very well."
You shrug. "You would know better than I, the principle remains sound though."
You arrive at the circle as the sun sinks towards the horizon. You explain what you have come for to the Templar by the boat. There is some negotiation and you end up waiting an hour for the young man to check with his superiors that you are indeed expected. You sleep in one of the chambers for the mages. It reminds you of a barracks, but it is not uncomfortable. Xandar does not find it quite so comfortable; he is clearly disturbed by all the Templars around and arises red eyed and groggy. After an incredibly bland breakfast you are escorted to your inquiry.
You are led to a large circular room. You think it might be some kind of repurposed lecture hall, given the seats around like an arena. In the centre of the room is a long table with a set of several chairs before it. Behind the table three people sit. A woman in yellow and red robes who you recognise as a member of the Chantry. Another woman in heavy plate armour or the Templars, sans helmet. The final member, and only man, is wearing a purple blue robe and a ridiculous grey pointed hat. Around the room are several Templars standing at attention. As you Merrill and Xandar take your seats you decide how you are going to answer the questions that they pose to you.
What is the saying, 'the truth will set you free'? Regardless of the accuracy of the quote you resolve to be truthful in your answers. You do not want to bore the inquirers with details nor do you want to paint yourself as suspicious by avoiding their questions. As you take a seat the chantry woman speaks.
"Who allowed them to enter with weapons? Seize them at once!" The woman almost spits as she yells.
You tense, ready to leap to your feet, but none of the Templars move. Before you can respond to the woman the Templar responds.
"They are not prisoners, nor are they accused of any crime. Given the security we have, it was judged acceptable to allow them to keep their weapons." The Templar's voice is surprisingly deep, you adjust your estimation of how much of her bulk is armour.
Xandar and Merrill take seats beside you, their grip on their staves tight and tense. As you smile at them to ease the tension, the Templar speaks once more.
"I call this inquiry to order. I am Knight-Lieutenant Sandra, standing in for Knight-Commander Greagoir who has been forced to recuse himself due to his relationship with the apostate in question." Xandar flinches as the woman's voice booms through the room. "Representing the Circle of Magi is First Enchanter Irving, and representing the Chantry is Mother Eliza. These proceedings aim to investigate the Apostate Xandar's relationship to the Dalish and whether he qualifies for exemption from the circle under article twelve subsection iii of the Edict of the Dales. Could the apostate and his teachers identify themselves?"
"I am Xandar." The only human of the party answers, voice wavering only slightly.
"Merrill. First to Keeper Marethari and the primary teacher of Xandar." Merrill speaks before you get the chance to.
"Nelyafinwë Maitimo Russandol Maedhros, eldest of the sons of Fëanáro." As every eye in the room is drawn to you, a smile crosses your face. "I teach all who are willing to learn. Also, they live in my house."
The 'first enchanter' strokes his grey beard and the Templar nods. The 'Mother', who is not a mother if you understand anything about human biology at all, glares at all three of you.
Knight-Lieutenant Sandra opens her mouth to speak, but is interrupted by Eliza, who you will not be dignifying with her title.
"You! Son of Feeahnero." Her lips curl in disgust as she butchers your father's name. "What right do you have to dictate terms to the Chantry? How dare a heathen like you disrupt our divine mandate to control mages?"
You do not allow any of your fury to slip past your control, it will not serve you. "I believe that confinement is unnecessary in Xandar's case, and I believe being forced into the circle would be detrimental to the organisation's stated goal of protecting mages from themselves."
You calm words catch the attention of the First Enchanter. "What makes you say that?"
You pause a moment to word your response carefully. "Xandar reacts poorly to what he perceives as hostile organisations. He would be far more likely to resort to desperate measure in order to escape what he would perceive as a prison."
Eliza scoffs and speaks once more. "That is what the Rite of Tranquillity is for."
You are about to ask what the Rite of Tranquillity is when Merrill surges to her feet.
"Have you ever SEEN a Tranquil?" The elf hisses. "They are completely without will or emotion. It is a fate worse than death!"
"Enough!" Knight-Lieutenant Sandra bellows, slamming an armoured fist onto the table. "Only the Templar can invoke the Rite, and I see no evidence of its necessity yet. Please Mother Eliza, this line of questioning is counterproductive."
You are hardly pleased to by what you have heard. You are considering simply storming out at this point, given that this organisation wields something Morgoth would have considered a wonderful tool. Sandra, who has also lost her right to a title after this revelation, turns to First Enchanter Irving.
"In the interests of keeping this inquiry from descending into a pointless shouting match, could we hear the Circle's questions?" Sandra states calmly.
"Of course Knight-Lieutenant." The old man replies. "We know relatively little of the Dalish's training methods but give the lack of Dalish abominations pouring out of the forests we can assume it is of an acceptable quality. Our only true question is if they use blood magic."
The panel turn to face Merrill who seems deep in thought. A time passes, and the Templar coughs pointedly. When she is on the verge of speaking Merrill finally looks at them and answers.
"My teachers have always told me that the Beyond was dangerous, and blood magic especially so. I did not believe them at first. Recent events have proven me very wrong. If you search hard enough, I am sure you will find a Dalish mage who uses blood magic, but I will not." She looks back down and falls silent again.
At this point Sandra and Eliza begin to grill her on Dalish practices and training methods. You find it very amusing as Merrill's attempts to evade their questions start to sound more and more like the way you speak.
"How many mages would a Dalish clan have on average?" The Templar asks.
"If you are asking how many people can use magic, then that is a difficult question to answer. It would depend on how you define magic." Merrill says, clearly trying to sound wise. "But there is only one Keeper and one First if that is what you are asking."
Sandra takes a deep breath to continue her interrogation when First Enchanter Irving interrupts. "Perhaps we should turn our attention to the other teacher now. It would be unwise to focus too much on one and neglect the other."
"Very well." Eliza speaks over her companion. "What makes you think you are capable of housing not one but two dangerous mages. You are no Dalish, so I doubt you can afford the necessary safeties."
The silence builds as you hold completely still. Humans always find it unnerving when something does not move at all. When you judge the silence to be deep enough, you move an arm and the jingling of chainmail fills the room.
"I am more than capable of defending myself and others should the worst come to pass. I have fought dragons, trolls and demons from your darkest nightmares. I can prevent mages from accessing their powers if I choose to. It will not come to that. Though I am no mage myself, between Merrill's knowledge and my own arts we have created a safeguard that prevents passage to or from the Beyond in my halls. My arts allow me far more options for dealing with creatures from beyond the Veil. If by my life or death I can guard those who dwell within my walls, it will be done." You say, with all the solemnity such statements deserve.
There is a heartbeat in which nothing is said. Those who hold Xandar's fate in their hands search your face for deceit. They find none, you are not so morally impoverished as to resort to lies on this matter. You note a gleam of something approaching respect in Sandra's eyes. First Enchanter Irving relaxes after some time, smiling in a way you have heard humans describe as 'grandfatherly'. Eliza holds out the longest, scowling at you before throwing up her hands.
"Fine! I can't see any reason this cannot be done. In theory!" She stresses. "I still have many questions I want answered."
Though it seems that it is unlikely that Xandar will be arrested your response has engendered a great deal of interest from the assembled judges. They ask after every single part of your statement. They ask after your qualifications and personal history, your arts, the barrier your hall enjoys and your methods of preventing the use of magic.
You quietly resolve to conceal as many of your personal abilities as you can. You are happy to explain your defences and even your experiences, but you do not trust these people to know what you are capable of. It could cost you the benefits that complete honesty might bring, but it will be worth it should these people ever become your enemy. While you were deciding on your stance on the matter, your interrogators have confirmed the questions they want to ask you and begin to speak as you bring your focus back to them. Each has a slightly different expression, First Enchanter Irving looks concerned and stressed, Eliza looks furious, and Sandra looks sceptical.
Sandra is unsurprisingly the first to ask you a question. "You mentioned having fought a wide variety of powerful creatures. Could you perhaps elaborate on this?"
"Of course." You reply calmly. "I live in Brecilian forest, fighting Sylvans and giant spiders is simply part of life there. A demon of fear attempted to trap me in the fade with Merrill and I fought it off. I have fought besides Merrill and Xandar against a dragon in Brecilian forest. We successfully killed it with only a small hiccup in the plan."
You have to admit that Merrill is doing a wonderful job of maintaining a neutral façade at the memory of that embarrassing episode. This is in sharp contrast with Eliza who is looking as though she would set you on fire if she could.
"Are we simply supposed to take your word that you have fought so many dangerous creatures without proof? Further what is this bragging supposed to prove?" The chantry woman snarls at you.
"It demonstrates my capacity to protect myself and others from abominations and the depredations of the Beyond. As for if you believe me, I will happily prove myself against any champion you care to name." You answer, concealing your irritation at her.
First Enchanter Irving speaks up at this point, out of turn judging from the glare Sandra gives him. "I'm very curious about this barrier you have created. You say it prevents anything entering or leaving the fade?"
"Yes, that is true." You reply, turning to face him. "You will need to ask Merrill and Xandar for details, as they are the ones who created it. I can attest that it is impossible to enter the Beyond while the barrier is active, it neatly prevents possession. Though I'm given to understand that it makes practicing magic different."
Once again Eliza scoffs. "A powerful defence like that, concocted by a Dalish and an apostate. I find it hard to believe that something so convenient could exist."
You are finding it harder and harder not to inform this woman of exactly what you think of her.
First Enchanter Irving speaks before you can reply. "I will speak to them after these proceedings are done, I will assess whether it is possible."
"Very well." Sandra states solemnly. "For now, we will accept that you have attempted to create such a thing, regardless of its functionality. There is only one question remaining. You mentioned your arts give you more options than most, and I have a report that you are capable of magic that Templar's cannot suppress. Can you explain these things?"
"I can." You answer, breathing deeply to still your nerves. "I was not taught magic as most are, as a result I am capable of approaching situations from angles that are not considered in traditional instruction. It also allows me to address potential possession in manners beyond simply killing the afflicted."
The silence that answers your words indicates that you have made a mistake somewhere in your defence. The jury's faces display only negative emotions, from sorrow to anger. You are about to ask what the matter is when Eliza springs to her feet.
"I knew it!" She shrieks triumphantly. "He's a blood mage and an apostate! They want to use their blood magic to bind an abomination! Seize them!"
If you were calmer, you would notice the templars being waved off by Sandra, and the First Enchanter coming to your defence. You do not, Eliza has been testing your patience since the beginning. This accusation snaps your temper in two.
"You dare!" You roar, your rage making your impressive height seem even more intimidating. "You dare accuse me of dark magic!? Fool! I was fighting the forces of darkness when your ancestors were crawling in the mud hunting for worms!"
Red fills your vision as you loom over the now cowering woman. Your voice booms through the room. You hear the sounds of swords being drawn and you reach for your own. The situation is saved from escalating further by Merrill's voice.
"Nelyafinwë! Extinguish your light!" She cries, desperation tinging her voice.
You turn to face her, only to realise that the templar have used their abilities and now circle your group with drawn blades and fear in their eyes. The rage fades as you realise what this must look like. You allow the light of the Eldar to fade, to the relief of the Templars. The guards take a step back, but they do not sheathe their blades.
Although the prospect of immediate violence has now diminished, your actions have still caused no small number of problems.
"Abomination." Eliza hisses, more scared than angry now, but no less annoying.
"I am not an abomination." You reply quickly.
"You cannot deny that this looks suspicious." Sandra replies, eyes narrowed. "While I know that not all who are possessed by spirts are abominations, you cannot possibly hope to claim to be free of one given that display."
With a heavy heart, you realise that you have no way out of this that does not involve revealing more of yourself than you wish to. "I can actually, though I fear you will find the explanation difficult to believe."
"I will be the judge of that. Speak." The Templar replies.
"I hail from far away. Though you have identified me as an elf, this is not quite correct. I am related to but distinct from the elves you know. My people are immortal in spirit, though our bodies can perish. That light is simply part of my soul spilling into the visible spectrum, it happens when we are emotional." You explain, as truthfully as you can while not testing their belief with tales of other worlds and different systems of magic.
"Ridiculous." Eliza scoffs. "That just sounds like a spirit possessing a body."
You shrug. "I can prove that I am not a spirt, I think."
"You think?" Sandra raises an eyebrow.
"I believe, based on my study of spirits, that their nature would prevent them from using the kind of ability that the Templar are renowned for. Since I can use it I must not be a spirit."
There is a long moment as Sandra stares you in the eyes. Then she turns to the First Enchanter.
"That sounds correct to me, do you know of any spirits that can use Templar abilities?" She asks.
"I do not. It does sound contrary to my understanding of spirits, though I do not know enough about how Templar abilities work to be certain." First Enchanter Irving responds.
"You cannot be serious!" Eliza shrieks. "This is obviously a trick."
"Then it is one easily revealed." Sandra replies, drinking some lyrium herself. "Templar! Drop your fields. You, demonstrate your ability."
You take over from the Templar with barely a heartbeat between them ceasing and you beginning. Sandra nods.
"I would ask how you learned such an ability, but I believe I know enough to render a judgement." She proclaims. "Have all others heard enough?"
First Enchanter Irving nods and Eliza scoffs yet again. "I've known for a while now."
"Then deliver your verdicts." Sandra commands.
"This whole thing was a farce from the start." Eliza sneers. "Kill the abomination, make the others tranquil and be done with it."
First Enchanter Irving strokes his beard. "I think that the claims that 'Russandol' made are worth investigating. He may be an abomination, but it would be strange for one to also be a Templar. I would recommend a period of observation. If we find nothing there is no reason he cannot supervise a single mage."
Sandra interlaces her fingers and looks at you for several interminably long minutes. "With all the evidence presented, I find that there is a compelling argument for Xandar to be educated away from the Circle. However, in light of the events that just transpired I agree that there is too much risk to simply allow him loose now. Under clause viii of the articles of assemblage and section three of the Order of the Templar's charter, I proclaim that Nelyofinvay Matemo Russadol is to be observed for a period of twenty four hours. If, after that time, the Templar and the First Enchanter agree he is free of possession and First Enchanter Irving believes that this barrier is functional; Xandar is free to study under Merrill and Russadol, subject to inspection by the Chantry and the Order of the Templar. Session adjourned."
You are escorted back to your rooms, accompanied by two templar and a senior mage for the rest of your stay in the Circle.