The Intricacies of the Blight

by whodoesitbe

Most people don't expect to wake up in the fantasy game they've been playing. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. I went to sleep just to find myself being carted away by Templars and only being told "You'll see." Hopefully this is all just a bad dream and I can wake up to find myself back at home. A version of MGIT where she ends up in Fereldan during the Blight.

2. Chapter 2: Jowan's Request

"Are you alright? Say something, please…"

My eyes opened wide and I pushed myself up onto an upright position. I start to crawl back towards the headboard and try to catch my breath. I look around wildly to make sure I'm not in the Fade anymore, or just in Thedas. Even though the surrounding area is blurry and double, I know I am not back home.

"Caerlion, are you alright?" I hear a worried voice come from my left and a pale hand starts slinking towards me.

I flinch, stopping the hand in its motion, and my head whips to the sound of the voice, I rushedly say, "Where am I?"

"You're in the dormitory. Take a deep breath… You're safe now," the voice says, trying to calm me down. The bed shifts as the person sits on the end of the bed. Relaxing slightly when I recognize the voice, who I now know is Jowan, I let my head fall back against the wooden headboard and try to calm down.

Jowan then continues, "I'm glad you're alright. They carried you in this morning. I didn't even realize you had been gone all night. I've heard about apprentices who never come back from Harrowings. Is it really that dangerous? What is it like?"

I get ready to answer Jowan, but I remember Irving's words about keeping it secret. Already feeling guilty about not telling him, I stuttered out, "It was uhm… harrowing, I guess?"

"Is that why they don't tell us what it's about?" Jowan whispers towards me, trying to keep his voice down if someone overhears us talking about it. "I know I'm not supposed to know… but we're friends. Just a little hint, and I'll stop asking, I promise!"

"Jowan, I really can't say anything," I look around nervously, wanting to end this uncomfortable conversation. I turn to sit on the edge of the bed as well and look at him with an apologetic look on my face.

Jowan twists in face in frustration and sighs out, "Fine, so much for friendship. I'll leave you alone then. And now you get to move to the nice mages' quarters upstairs. I'm stuck here and I don't know when they'll call me for my Harrowing."

"Don't worry about it, seriously," I try to calm Jowan down as I see him run his hands through his jet black hair. I put my hand on his shoulder to see if that will help any better than me verbalizing my sympathies, however, Jowan shakes off my hand and I let it fall onto the bed.

" Easy for you to say." Jowan scoffs and shakes his head. "I've been here longer than you have… Sometimes I think they just don't want to test me."

"That's not true, you know that. Besides, what are you even talking about?"

"The Tranquil never go through a Harrowing," Jowan tells, quirking an eyebrow at me as if I'm supposed to know this. Right, I'm a mage… I know this, I remind myself.

"You do the Harrowing, the Rite of Tranquility… or you die. That's what happens."

I nod and look away from Jowan, becoming uncomfortable with the events that I know. Oh what I would give to not know the things that I know, then maybe I won't feel so guilty about upcoming choices. Or, even better, I can wake up soon and forget all of this, and then chalk it up as a poorly made dream.

"... Caerlion?" Jowan's voice snaps me out of my thoughts, making my head snap towards him and a sheepish smile draws on my face.

"Yeah, sorry about that. What did you say?"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't waste your time with this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you woke up," Jowan stands up and looks at me with a sadness peeking out from his eyes. I stand up as well and straighten out my dress… robes? Well, whatever it's called, I straightened it out.

I stare at him blankly, tilting my head, and then blink, bringing my focus back to him, "It's alright, what does Irving need from me?"

Jowan shrugs and looks away, "He didn't tell me. About the Harrowing, I'd guess, but you never know with Irving. You'd better not keep him waiting. We can speak later."

I nod and start to walk towards the door. Looking over my shoulder, I look at the blurred figure of Jowan and smile at him, waving goodbye.

From the winding stairs, the continuous loops of circles I had made trying to find the door to the library when every door looked the same with the only difference being the doors location. Everything is easier when you have a minimap. Going through the library was fun, I got to see apprentices learning defensive and offensive magic, I saw children with magic learning their first spells and learning the history of magic, other apprentices looking at books, some even stopping to talk to me and congratulating me on completing my Harrowing. I would smile awkwardly and wave back before continuing.

Closing the door behind me, fully blocking me from the other apprentices and deeming me a true mage. Looking ahead of me, I see the stockroom full of, what looked like, crates and barrels of magical items, I think. Bustling around the room, in the most monotone way, were Tranquil men and women, some were checking the items in storage and making sure nothing was missing, while others were getting orders ready for mages and people outside of the Circle. If I was shocked by how many mages there were downstairs, I was even more surprised with how many Tranquil there actually were. In the game, you see about 5 at most, but in real life there are about twenty. Standing in front of the stockroom was a man, who I am assuming is Owain. I walk past his stockroom and head straight for Irving's office.

As I start to get near, I begin to hear shouting coming from the office. Slowing down so as to not interrupt them, I stop just outside the door and watch the argument happen. Looking at the warmly lit room, I see the enormous bookshelves, one with a ladder hanging onto it, and the wooden desk in the middle of the room. The room looks filled to the brim with papers, but with my poor eyesight I am not able to make sense of any finer details. The room itself is wide and large enough to fit a medium sized family. I stop studying the room and finally focus on the people there.

I see three people standing in the center of the office, two of them I immediately recognize, Irving, with his long grey beard, and Greagoir, with his slightly less long beard, and the third takes me a minute to recognize. The person had tanned skin and black hair tied back in a ponytail with a matching dark beard. The armor, which was blue and had, what looked like, white steel, gave me an immediate answer- Duncan. Shit.

"... many have already gone to Ostagar- Wynne, Uldred, and most of the senior mages! We've committed enough of our own to this war effort-" Greagoir shouts at Irving, his hand flying in the air in disbelief.

Irving scoffs and crosses his arms, "Your own? Since when have you felt such kinship with the mages, Greagoir? Or are you afraid to let the mages out from under Chantry supervision, where they can actually use their Maker-given powers?"

"Gentlemen, please. Irving, someone is here to see you," Duncan interrupts their bickering and gestures towards me. This prompts me to move forward and join the conversation.

"Hello," I awkwardly smile at the men, slightly waving.

Irving smiles warmly at me and puts his hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes, "Ah, if it isn't our new sister in the Circle. Come, child."

Irving lets go of my shoulders and stands beside me, while Duncan looks at me. He looks to be studying me. Makes me a bit uncomfortable if you ask me. Duncan then asks, "This is…?"

Irving nods and proudly looks at me, "Yes, this is she."

Greagoir, looking like he ate a sour lemon, looks at Irving and grunts out, "Well, Irving, you're obviously busy. We will discuss this later."

"Of course," Irving confirms with the same look on his face. "Well, then… where was I? Oh, yes. This is Duncan, of the Grey Wardens."

Pretending to look surprised, I look at Duncan, "Good to meet you, Duncan"

Duncan smiles and slightly bows, "You as well."

"You've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king's army at Ostagar," Irving looks at me, expecting an answer.

"What?" I blurted out, realizing my mistake when the two men looked at me, I quickly corrected my mistake. "Uh… I mean, why does he need mages?"

Duncan responds, looking at me carefully, "Mages are uniquely equipped to combat darkspawn, twisted monsters that dwell underground, where the sun's light cannot touch them. They have formed into a horde in the Korcari Wilds and threaten to invade north into the valley."

Duncan looks at Irving now, "I fear if we don't drive them back, we may face another Blight."

I shiver at the images that were burned into my mind from the game. Darkspawn are one of the most terrifying creatures in this entire game, after the giant spiders and high dragons. Hearing Irving clear his throat, I turn towards him.

"Duncan, you worry this poor girl with talk of Blights and darkspawn. This is a happy day for her," Irving tries to lighten the somber mood in the office.

Duncan looks troubled and uncertain as he replies, "We live in troubled times, my friend."

Irving looks at Duncan and tries one more time to speak some life into the man, "We should seize moments of levity, especially in troubled times."

Turning towards me, Irving smiles, "The Harrowing is behind you. Your phylactery was sent to Denerim. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi."

I laugh incredulously, this has to be an insanely vivid dream, "My phylactery?"

"You may not remember, but blood was taken from you when you first came to us. The blood is preserved within a phylactery," Irving tells me, expecting me to remember now. I nod at him as if I remembered that event actually happening. I do not remember that, though.

Duncan jumps in, "So they can be hunted if they turn apostate."

Irving nods at Duncan sadly, "We have few choices. The gift of magic is looked upon with suspicion and fear. We must prove we are strong enough to handle our power responsibly."

Looking at me again, Irving says trying to sound happier, "You have done this. I present you with your robes, your staff, and a ring bearing the Circle's insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them. The robe and staff will be in your newly assigned room, but here is your ring."

I take the ring Irving handed to me and put the ring on my finger, I smile at them shyly, "Thank you very much, Irving."

Irving smiles fondly at me, like how a father would look at his child when they completed a huge milestone. He puts his hand on my shoulder again and looks at me seriously, the fond look on his face wiped off.

"It goes without saying that you shall not discuss the Harrowing with those who have not undergone the rite," the serious face is wiped off his face and replaced with a small smile. "Now, then… take your time to rest, or study in the library. The day is yours."

Hearing that, I excitedly look at Irving and hastily ask, "Could I possibly… leave the tower?"

"Not yet. Remember, the tower's walls protect us as much as they protect others from us," Irving shakes his head and starts to head back to his desk. To do what, I don't really know.

"I will return to my quarters," Duncan politely says, beginning to bow to us before leaving, until Irving stops him and asks me.

"Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan back to his room, child?" Both Duncan and Irving looked at me waiting for my reply.

I let a small smile draw on my face, "Of course, I don't mind."

Irving then tells me where Duncan's room is and then sends us on our way. We walked out of his office and towards his room. After walking in silence for a couple of minutes, I decided to pipe up and ask.

"Duncan, what is happening outside of the tower, right now?"

Duncan looks at me and smiles sadly at me, "Ah… I imagine you don't leave very often, do you?"

I shake my head and let out a wistful sigh, " I imagine Ferelden… Thedas is really exquisite."

"I am not a good source of news, I fear. I am preoccupied with the darkspawn incursion," Duncan says sympathetically, looking like he had better news to tell me.

Duncan stops himself and looks at me, quirking an eyebrow, "Has being an elf in the Circle been difficult?"

Ah, so I'm an elf, good to know. Let's me prepare for fantasy racism. I look at Duncan with a half smile on my face, "Honestly, I didn't even know I was an elf until today."

Duncan starts to laugh heartily and I giggle beside him, glad to have made the man laugh. Just like Irving, he seems to be a good father figure. I stop giggling as I remember my family.

Oh my god, my family. They must be worried sick about me. How long has it been on Earth since they've last seen me? I stop in the middle of the walkway and my eyes begin to water.

Duncan, turning when he sees that I've stopped walking beside him, must notice the crestfallen look on my face and puts a hand on my shoulder. He bends down to look me in the eyes and asks softly, "Are you alright?"

I nod my head and barely manage to choke out, "I'm fine… just miss my family."

I sniffled and smiled tightly before straightening up. I look at Duncan and give him a tight smile trying to communicate that I'll be ok. I refuse to cry in front of a man I just met, no matter how much I already know about said man. Duncan nods softly and motions to his door, "Well, I thank you for escorting me back to my room. I appreciated the company."

"Of course, as I said before it really is no issue," I wave goodbye to Duncan and go to the mage's dorm, which was ironically right next to his dorm.

Entering the dorm, I see that the rooms are separated by bookshelves. Seeing the mage in the center room gestures towards me. Walking over to him, he motions towards the robes and staff near the bed. I saw the yellowish robes laying on the green covers and the iron staff leaning against the wooden bed frame. Walking towards the mage standing by the bed, I look at him.

"Ah. There you are," the mage smiles at me and gestures to the bed. "You are to be moved out of the apprentices' dormitory and these are to be your new quarters."

I nod towards the mage and give him a smile. When he walks out of the room, I begin looking around the room. The back of the bookshelves create makeshift walls and there is a bed in the corner of the room. A tub and wardrobe sit in the more hidden parts of the room. I grab the red curtain hanging from one of the bookshelves and slide it shut. Closing myself off to the outside world.

After the curtain is closed and I can't hear the footsteps anymore, I sigh aloud. All of this pretending is getting to me. I feel the ball of anxiety start to rise in my stomach due to the fact of being alone for the first time. Trying to ignore it, I walk around the room to get a better grasp of what is happening. After a few moments I sit on the edge of my bed and fall backwards. I am enveloped by the mattress and feel how I slowly sink into the light feeling. Letting myself lay there for a couple of minutes, I begin to feel the tears run down my face totally unwarranted. Silently, I let myself cry at the fact that I'm alone in this familiar, but unfamiliar world. I allow the ball of anxiety starting in my stomach to consume my entire body.

After submitting myself to the curse of human emotions, I finally rise out of the tube completely pruned and feeling slightly better. Knowing my anxiety will never truly subside until it feels like it, I slip on a nightdress. I look at myself in the vanity and see the reflection of a tear stained, beet red face staring back at me. Sighing, I decided to let today's worries fade into the worries of yesterday. I put the mental bandaid back on the gaping wound in my soul and threw myself back onto the soft bed. Turning on my side, I let my eyes close and hope for a somewhat restful nap.

Laying in my bed with my eyes screwed shut, I barely open one eye to see if I can see the familiar room of my bedroom back on Earth; alas, that is not the case. Sighing, I open both eyes completely and sit up in bed. Scratching my head, I let my feet fall onto the frigid, stone ground of the floor. After realizing the floor is cold, I realize that the surrounding air is just as cold as the ground. I quickly dress and head out of the dorms.

"I'm glad I caught up to you. Are you done for the day?" Jowan suddenly whispers behind me, startling me out of the book I was reading and almost knocking me out of my chair.

Turning around abruptly and glaring at him, "Jesus, don't you know how to not scare me?"

Jowan, obviously confused at my choice of words, but decides not to mention anything, asks again, "Are you done for the day?"

"Yeah, I think so, why?" I ask, still trying to calm my racing heart. I know something important is supposed to happen soon, but I can't exactly remember what.

"I need to talk to you. Do you remember what we discussed this morning?" Jowan whispers, looking around to make sure nobody is listening.

I scrunch up my face in confusion, "Is this a trick question? Wait, why are you whispering?"

Jowan shushes me quickly and glances around again, "Shhh! I… I just want to make sure we're not overheard. We should go somewhere else. I don't feel safe talking here."

Watching Jowan flinch anytime a sound is made, I nod slowly, "Ok..."

"I've been troubled… I'll explain. Come with me, please," Jowan begs and then abruptly walks towards the entrance of the library I was sitting at. Sitting there for a minute, not expecting him to just leave like that.

"Oh, for the love of…" I exclaim quietly and throw the book on the wooden table. Throwing myself off of the chair, I follow the black haired apprentice speedily. It was probably an amusing sight to see for the other mages in the library, a pale, blonde mage chasing after an equally pale apprentice, while huffing and puffing. Amusing indeed.

Walking in the Circle's Chantry, I see a black haired figure talking to a red headed woman in a Chantry dress. I think I had, literally, run into this woman when passing by this very Chantry, ironically, who knows I could be wrong though. The figure turns around and waves his hand towards him, walking towards them the very blurry figures become slightly less blurry. Finally, near him, I recognize Jowan and the woman standing near him.

Shit.

"We should be safe here," Jowan sighs, obviously relieved of not having eyes on him wherever he goes.

Laughing nervously, I stutter out, "Uhm, Jowan, you do realize you're standing next to a… priest?"

The woman shakes her head understandingly and quietly fixes my mistake, "Not a priest. I am merely an initiate."

Nodding my thanks for the correction, I gaze at her and raise my eyebrows in surprise, "Wait, didn't I run into you earlier? Like actually ran into you?"

The woman laughs in amusement and nods her head, "Yes, but I often attend to my duties in this chapel, as well. Perhaps that is why I seem familiar, too."

Jowan looks at her, longingly I'm assuming, and sighs out, "A few months ago, I told you that I… met a girl. This is Lily."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Lily," I blurt out, jokingly and, well, seriously. The feeling of something sticking to the pit of my stomach and trying to inch its way up my throat. Once again, the feeling of not wanting to know the future is plaguing my mind. I try to keep my physical appearance a state of calm, while my insides are nothing but.

Jowan, falling for it, deadpans, "Very funny."

"No, but really, I'm happy for you both," I try to play the part of a good friend, while my heart breaks at the thought of their ending.

"There is something else," Jowan begins to whisper, making me step closer to hear him. "Remember I said that I didn't think they wanted to give me my Harrowing? I know why. They're… going to make me tranquil."

Jowan begins to panic, his voice breaking at the end, "They'll take everything that I am from me- my dreams, hopes, fears… my love for Lily. All gone."

My heart twinges in pain at the thought, "Jowan, I don't know what to say."

Jowan's voice becomes sad and full of despair, "They'll extinguish my humanity. I'll just be a living husk, breathing and existing, but not truly living."

Trying to calm him down, I reach to put a hand on his shoulder, "It's going to be alright."

"No, it won't! They're going to destroy me!" Jowan shouts in frustration and stops my hand in the process. Realizing he shouted, Jowan and Lily look around nervously until they realize nobody is looking. Whispering angrily now, Jowan looks at Lily with sadness painted on his face, "I won't put Lily through the pain of seeing me like that."

Nodding slowly and giving into the inevitable, I ask concerned, "Ok, I understand. How did you even find out about this, anyways?"

Already knowing the answer, Lily jumps in and replies quietly, "I saw the document on Greadoir's table. It authorized the Rite on Jowan, and Irving had signed it."

"Why would they even consider going through with the Rite, Jowan?"

Jowan looks down and shrugs slightly, as if he was ashamed at what he is going to say, "There's… a rumor about me. People think I'm a blood mage. They think that making me a Circle mage will endanger everyone. It's not safe here for me anymore." Jowan then looks around, his beady eyes nerve wracked and lowers his voice, "I need to escape. I need to destroy my phylactery. Without it, they can't track me down. We need your help. Lily and I can't do this on our own."

"Give us your word that you will help and we will tell you what we intend," Lily asks of me. Nodding, I tell them I'll help them and then they begin their nefarious plan. Long story short, I need a rod of fire to melt down the locks in the basement.

Walking away from them, I see Jowan and Lily huddled closely together. Almost touching, but not quite there. I snort and think to myself as I walk away, What a cliche Romeo and Juliet story.

After talking to Owain at the stockroom, get ready for a surprise, getting the form for a rod of fire. Not so easy, shocker. Going into the conjoining library I was in previously, I sit on a chair and think about what I should do. I have two options: go to Irving and tell him all about this plan, ultimately saving my own ass or don't tell Irving and get my ass in trouble. As I'm sitting in my muddled thoughts, I hear a throat clear behind me scaring me slightly. Turning around in the chair, I see the familiar Grey Warden armor and tanned skin of Duncan.

Smiling at him, "Hello Duncan, how are you?"

"I am well, I will be honest though, I was not expecting to see you here."

"Well, I am a mage and mages tend to be in libraries," I jest, trying to fool him into thinking I am not troubled. Duncan smiles at me, but the smile drops as he examines me closer.

"You seem troubled, are you alright?" Duncan asks and silently motions to sit in the chair across the table from mine. I nod and he sits, patiently waiting for me to answer his question with a genuine response.

I sigh and get comfortable, looking away from the concerned man, "I'm… worried about a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yup, this friend wants to… do something and I know how it is going to end, but I don't know how to go about the situation," I quietly say and try not to look at Duncan.

Duncan asks slowly, not wanting to push me, "How do you know how it will end?"

I freeze and slowly turn my head to him, I was not expecting him to ask me how I know. I gape at him and manage to push out a response, "I… gave it a good… guess?"

"Ah, I see," Duncan nods and thinks for a minute. "Would you like some advice from an old man?"

"Yes," I say a little too quickly, I physically turn in my chair and face towards him.

Duncan chuckles a bit, "I think you should trust yourself to do the right thing."

After Duncan says that he gets up and walks away. I sit and stare at the stop he was just sitting at. Groaning quietly I put my head in my hands and try to make the best decision in the long run.

"I trust you saw Duncan back to his quarters earlier?" Irving asks when he sees me walking in the room. Standing from behind the desk, he begins to walk towards me.

Wringing my hands, "Yes, I did. I really enjoyed talking to him."
Irving nods and a smile appears on his face, "Grey Wardens are peerless warriors who sacrifice all for our sakes. We can learn much from them. Now, did you need something?"

Ignoring the pounding beat in my chest and flushed face, I stuttered out, "Weren't there books about the dangers of blood magic? What happened to them?"

"I've removed them from the library. I was… advised it might be unwise to leave them where any apprentice may read them," Irving says, crossing his arms. "Now is there anything else?"

"Nope, just wanted to let you know about Duncan," I blurted out, fear coursing through my veins at a rapid pace. I wait distressed to hear his response.

Irving nods, "I appreciate the favor."

Feeling the anxiety calm down considerably, I speed walk out of the room and into the hallway. Leaning my back on the cool, stone wall I put my hand over my chest and try to calm my rapid heart beat. Ignoring the pit of guilt in my stomach, I make my way to the library to get the form signed.

When I walk into the library, I look to the right and see the man I'm looking for. I slightly skip over to him and walk up beside him. When he turns to look at me, I smile at him.

"Oh… hello. I don't believe we've met… are you new to the Circle?" Sweeny asks and I hold back a smile.

"No, but I was an apprentice, so you might have seen me then."

Sweeny shakes his head and places his hand on his forehead, sighing, "I'm sorry. There are so many of you, and I get confused. Not to mention these old eyes are starting to go."

I shake my head and wave my hand, "Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes."

He smiles, "You're too kind. I'm old and about to fall apart. Nothing in the world can fix that."

I shrug, "Couldn't magic?"

"Not any magic I'd be caught doing," he shakes his head. "Anyway… did you need something?"

I hold out the form to show Sweeny, "You're a senior enchanter, right?"

"I suppose I am. I've been here longer than just about anyone else," he bends down to look at the form in my hand. "What's this? A request form from the stockroom? 'Rod of Fire...'"

Sweeny takes the form and straightens up, I watch his reaction as he looks at the form closer, "I remember when the junior mages I mentored asked for some of those. Turns out they were burning holes in each other's trousers. One boy burned peepholes into the female apprentices' dormitory."

He laughs and looks at me, "You're not involved in any such rubbish, are you? No, of course you're not. Look at you. So angelic. Well, I won't ask why you need it. Tower's too boring lately. Tell you what, I'll put my name on this form… like so…"

He hands the form back to me and I look down at it excitedly, he begins to whisper, "... and if you get the chance, burn a big hole in the seat of the trousers of the templar that patrols the library. Do that for old Sweeny, won't you? Bastard's always giving me the stink-eye."

I laugh and nod, "I'll try my best, thank you, though."

He smiles and nods his head, "You be on your way now."

Jowan brightens considerably when he sees me return, carrying something in my hand. He begins to fidget and looks towards Lily, "I hate waiting. It makes me nervous."

I quietly snort and look at Jowan, I raise my hand and shake it emphasizing the wrapped rod in my hand.

"I got the goods," I quietly chuckle to myself at my stupid joke, though on the inside I realize nobody will get that joke besides me. So, that dampens my mood quite a bit. Putting the thoughts to the back of my head, I see Jowan's surprised face.

"That was quick!"

Lily starts heading towards the entrance of the Chantry, "To the repository, then. Freedom awaits. Freedom, sure. I follow Lily and Jowan, and try to ignore the brewing anxiety storm in my gut.

Before we make it too far, we are stopped by a semi-familiar face. A hand on my arm stops me and makes me turn around to look at the blond man in the templar uniform. Oh my God. I think to myself as I flush a bit and nervously glance around the room.

"Um, h-hello," the voice stutters out and the hand on my arm gets thrown to the back of the man's neck. "I… uh, am glad to see your Harrowing went smoothly."

Me, being the awkward individual I am, stutter as well, "Hi, Cullen."

He smiles nervously and then drops it quickly, still rubbing the back of his neck, "Th-they picked me as the templar to strike the killing blow if… if you became an abomination."

And the flush and awkwardness is gone and replaced with an uncomfortable feeling. I guess it must have been showing on my face that I was uncomfortable because then Cullen retracts and blurts out, "I-It's nothing personal; I swear!"

Jowan nudges me and whispers towards me, "Someone likes you."

Cullen then grabs my attention again, "I… uh, I'm just glad you're all right. You know."

I smile awkwardly. Thinking of a quick way to get on with the quest, I bluntly ask Cullen, "Thank you?"

"You're welcome," he says brightly before his face becomes solemn, "I would've felt terrible about it… But… but I serve the Chantry and the Maker, and I will do as I am commanded."

Charming. Seriously. Finding my way out, I give him a tight smile, "Well... shouldn't distract you from your duties, bud."
Cullen immediately shakes his head and smiles, "Oh, you're not distracting. I mean, you are, but… well you're not. I mean you can talk to me anytime if you want. Uh… uh, yes. Maybe we can talk another time."

I smile again and nod, speedily walking away, I'll find you in about 10-11 years.

Getting through the first door, . "The Victims' Door" was fairly easy, but hey, a charming name, right? Lily and I just had to do some quick girl power. She said a password and I shot the door with an arcane bolt, nothing too hard. Moving on, we stopped in front of the second door that required the rod. Unwrapping the rod and holding it in my hand, I hear Jowan from behind me.

"Do you have the rod with you? Melt the locks off!"

The urge to turn around to glare and not do what he said was very strong, however, I am a good person. I would have felt horrible (even more than I do now), so I resisted the urge. Rolling my eyes, I use the rod on the locks. Which does not work, big surprise there. I try one more time for "good luck," and sigh when I see no change.

Lily steps beside me and worriedly asks, "What's the matter? Why isn't it working?"

"Maybe the rod's broken," I shrug and begin to feel a little excited about the possibility of not going through with the plan.

Jowan behind me panics and tries to cast a spell, "Lily… something's not right. I… can't cast spells here. Nothing works."

Lily starts to look closer at the wall and realizes that the door has warding and goes into a rant about how she should've guessed that they don't use magical keys. Ending her rant she finishes with, "How do you keep mages away from something? Make their powers completely worthless! That's it then! We're finished! We can't get in."

I turn to Jowan with a sad look on my face, "Jowan, maybe we should just turn around."

Lily steps in front of me with a new spark of hope in her eyes and shouts, "No! We can't get into the chamber the way we planned, but we're not about to give up. We can see where this door leads, but I don't think it'll be easy… it looks locked, for one."

Jowan nods, also with a gleam of hope in his eyes starts to make way to the door. I try to argue with them and tell them we should just leave and forget about this, but they don't listen. Making me use the rod on the door, we continue our hopeless journey.

Finally making it to the phylactery chamber was not easy. First, we had to fight spirits (yay…), suits of metal, and rat/worm looking creatures, also known as Deepstalkers. I mostly stayed in the back, healing when necessary, shooting the odd arcane bolt, learning that I know- my personal favorite- a glyph that paralyzes them, and whacking when the things and suits of metal got too close with my staff.

After we broke through the molded wall in the repository, we made it into the phylactery chamber. Where we had to do more fighting against, you guessed it, suits of metals. Sticking to the same method has been helping. Maybe one day I'll learn I have real spells… I'll stick with whacking and healing for now though. I think to myself.

Following Jowan and Lily up the stone stairs, I hear Lily shout, "We must find Jowan's phylactery quickly."

Looking around at all the glasses of blood, "Where is it going to be?"

Lily responds to me, "With the other apprentice phylacteries, I imagine."

"Super…"

Jowan makes mention, "It shouldn't be hard to find. There aren't many phylacteries here."

That is true, but how are we supposed to know it is his phylactery? Is he, or am I, going to have some sort of spidey-sense? Looking closer at the bottles, I notice names on them. Oh… I didn't think of that. How… convenient. I think to myself and wonder how I made it this far. Looking over, I see Jowan grab what looks like a glass of blood. Walking over to them, I grab a random phylactery and look at the name. I nudge Jowan to look at the name and he grabs it from me eagerly.

"That's my phylactery! You found it! I can't believe this tiny vial stands between me and freedom."

Looking around, I squinted to make out some of the features of the room, barely and rubbed my chin, "You know, I expected a larger room… and a lot more phylacteries."

Lily answers my unasked question, "Only apprentice phylacteries are stored in the Circle Tower. This tiny room could not hold the phylacteries of every mage who has passed through the tower doors."

I nod and then slightly jump at a breaking sound behind me. Lily and I turn to look at Jowan staring at the shattered vial with a gleaming, almost demented, smile on his face. Walking in-between us, he makes for the phylactery chamber's door. Turning around before he opens it, he calls to us, "Come on, you two. We're done here, and we should leave."

Lily nods eagerly and chases after Jowan, "I do not want to stay here a moment longer."

Slowly walking behind them, I realize I cannot ignore the sense of dread that is coming anymore. Especially knowing what is waiting out there for them.