Kirkwall has been experiencing an increase in corruption lately. Since Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall saved everyone from the Arishok's wrath, the conflict between the mages and Templars has been escalating. Certain parts of the city had to be reconstructed, and those who were willing to help were welcomed. He would occasionally spot Hawke and her group of wanderers assisting those in need. Hawke, a mage, had unrestricted access to the city, but she did not advocate for mages like others typically do. He noticed that after what happened to her mother, she was very stern with other mages, particularly those who practiced blood magic.

He felt a sense of pity for her - a young woman with magical powers coursing through her veins. She was constantly reminded of the danger that came with her gift. However, despite this, she remained steadfast in her resolve not to let magic corrupt her as it had done to others before her. Her unwavering strength and pure heart earned his admiration. She inspired those around her to aspire to be better people. Not everyone trusted mages, but even some of his fellow templars were beginning to question whether they should treat all mages as criminals. As the days passed, he would often cross paths with Hawke and her companions as they went about helping those in need. It was on one of these occasions that he noticed an elf among them whom he had never seen before.

He initially mistook the woman approaching him as a mage elf who usually traveled with her companion. However, he soon noticed that she didn't carry a staff, only a small blade and a bow. He studied her for a while, trying to figure out who she was. That's when Hawke and her group began heading in his direction. He instinctively stood up straight, which caught Hawke's attention. "At ease Knight-Captain." She sarcastically saluted him, which annoyed him, he didn't have time for antics. The young elf with her giggled and tried to cover it up with a cough. He looked at her and realized he had never seen her before. She had no facial markings, small round eyes that were midnight blue with a hint of orange, slightly darker skin than most elves, and was taller than average.

He quickly turned to Hawke. "I see you managed to pick up yet another mage within your group. They aren't stray puppies in need of a home," he said. The elf girl was taken aback by his response, but he did not care. 'Nothing gets past you, does it, Cullen?" Hawke went over to where the elf girl was and wrapped an arm around her, shaking her a bit. "This, my dear Knight-Captain, is where you are right and wrong. This here is Nereida of Clan Agarevran. A mage who isn't a mage, per se." Cullen just looked between Hawke and the elf in confusion.

Hawke noticed Cullen's confusion and quickly interjected, "She's a mage, but she hasn't used her powers yet because she hasn't found her purpose, Correct?" The elf shook her head and clarified, "No, it means that my people can only access their magical abilities once we have found a purpose that benefits our clan as a whole." Cullen raised an eyebrow, skeptical, "So you came all the way to Kirkwall, where mages are considered dangerous, just to find your purpose?" The elf acknowledged his point, "Yes, that's correct. But unlike other mages, our clan's magic is not easily noticed by demons. We are considered a waste of magic because once we gain our powers, they can easily be lost forever, cutting us off from the fade."

He had never heard of such a thing before and wasn't sure if she was telling the truth. However, he didn't want to offend her culture, so he asked, "So, is it something similar to the rite of tranquility?" He noticed how quickly Hawke looked at him with shock in her eyes and shook her head. "The rite of tranquility? What is that?" she asked, looking innocent and confused. He regretted bringing it up and cleared his throat. He could see that Hawke wanted him to drop it, but he wondered what harm could be done. After all, she was bound to find out eventually.

"The rite of tranquility is a procedure performed on mages who are considered too dangerous. By undergoing this rite, they forfeit their ability to use magic, and in return, they may be spared from execution and allowed to live peaceful and productive lives. When Hawke heard this, she threw her hands up and started to pace back and forth. The other members of the group scoffed, especially a mage named Anders who was with her. "Is that all? That seems pleasant; they become normal just like you right? I think having your magic taken if you are using it for bad isn't a terrible idea. Some of my clan mates can't use their magic because they lost their purpose, they were sad at first but came to terms with it and now they are happy." Nereida smiled brightly at everyone, and in return, everyone looked at her, even Cullen, with mournful eyes, knowing how innocent she was in this cruel world.

Hawke approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "This was something I wanted to keep hidden from you until you were ready," she said, directing a glare at Cullen. Nereida looked between Hawke and Cullen, trying to figure out what was happening. "I don't understand. The Knight-Captain just explained what the Rite of Tranquility was. Is there something I'm missing?" Nereida asked, confused. Hawke thought for a moment before responding. "The Rite of Tranquility isn't what you may think it is. Yes, it can make a dangerous mage non-hostile, but it also has a darker side. Once someone is subjected to the Rite, they lose all emotion and become empty shells of their former selves."

Nereida blinked her eyes trying to understand. "Lose all emotion? What do you mean?" That is when Anders stepped forward, "I think it would be better if you were to see for yourself." Nereida looked at him slightly hesitant than at Hawke and Cullen. It was a bit awkward till Hawke spoke, "Look we can go another time, we don't have to today. We still need to finish the repairs. I'm sure we already wasted our dear Kinght-Captians' time with these mundane questions. Isn't that right?"

Cullen faced everyone and stood upright. "You're right. I also recommend that you limit your activities. You may be the champion, but you're still a mage. Meredith has been generous enough to allow you to roam free, but don't expect her to be as compassionate as I have been." He gave them all stern looks, and then his gaze fell upon Nereida, who looked at him with pained eyes. 'Wonderful,' he thought to himself. 'What a great first impression.' His expression softened, but he quickly brushed it off and walked past them. As he did so, he felt their eyes on him and resisted the urge to turn back. He heard Hawke tell them to go, and just as he believed he was far enough away, he let his better self take over. He looked over his shoulder and stopped in his tracks.

As Cullen stood there, he noticed the woman staring at him with sorrowful eyes. He found himself lost in her gaze, but she quickly turned away when she realized he had caught her looking at him. She hurried behind Hakwke who had been observing them. Before walking away, she gave Cullen one last disgusted look. He was left wondering what had happened and who this woman was. Despite his confusion, he reminded himself that he had come too far to be distracted by meaningless squabbles. He turned around and made his way back to the gallows. After an eventful day, he just wanted to be back in his quarters and away from everyone. A good night's sleep would do him well.

He felt a headache coming on, so he reached into his pouch and pulled out a small vial of lyrium. After opening it, he drank its contents and immediately felt the headache disappear. As much as he disliked taking it, he knew he wouldn't be himself without it. Tomorrow would bring more issues, but his mind kept wandering to Nereida. Why did she have such an effect on him? He had only just met her, and after what happened, he was sure she only saw the brutality that the templar brought. He let out a sigh, knowing he shouldn't care for such small matters, but these thoughts were eating away at his subconscious. He shook his head, knowing he wouldn't feel any better until he apologized.

He shouldn't have been so harsh. Hawke and her friends were always looking out for the betterment of others at the expense of their own safety. That was it. He would apologize first thing in the morning even if they wouldn't accept it, and maybe he would get to see her again. He told himself to stop. He knew he had burned whatever bridge of friendship that could have been. With that, he removed his armor, settled in bed, and recited a part of the Chant of Light.

"The Maker is with us. His Light shall be our banner,

And we shall bear it through the gates of that city and deliver it

To our brothers and sisters awaiting their freedom within those walls,

At last, the Light shall shine upon all of creation,

If we are only strong enough to carry it."