Journals
Cobian didn't know what to do or say. Lawrien was sitting in the corner of Irving's office, her head buried in her knees. Ciara and Myra were muttering to each other beside Lawrien, both their brows furrowed, anger sparked in their eyes. Narascha had wandered off, Epona by her side, after the pair spoke to each other. Sten and Shale were guarding the door. Shale looked relaxed, sitting on the floor, but Sten watching the hallway with alert eyes, posture stiff. Faren and Zevran were browsing the books, trying to pronounce the titles, while Torph searched through all the drawers, with Morrigan oddly enough? Leliana was talking to Wynne in the opposite corner of the room, both looked pained.
Cobian approached Sten. "Do you know where Narascha and Epona went off too?"
Sten frowned. "Epona wanted to do some research on bloodlines in the libraries. Narascha went to accompany her. Not the right time if you ask me, we were meant to be recovering and getting ready for our next fight."
"I guess they weren't up to resting just yet," Cobian mused. "Now I wish they had invited me too. I would love to browse the Circle's library."
"Uh, fuck..." Torph suddenly said, startling them all.
"What is it?" Faren frowned.
Alistair groaned. "You're seriously going through the Senior Enchanters desk? I swear if you just cursed yourself-"
Morrigan chuckled. "I was on the lookout for them. And I also just found some interesting information in Irving's journal." She held it out to Myra, eyes gleaming. "Do you want to know what your precious Senior Enchanter has been up to?"
Myra's face hardened, but she got up. Lawrien was frowning deeper now too, her eyes locked on to Morrigan. Morrigan who surprisingly softened when their eyes met. Myra took the book, her eyes scanning the pages, her face growing paler, then full of fury. The air in the room began to cool, goosebumps spreading over his arms.
Whatever this was, it wasn't good news.
.::.
"This is..." Myra stared down hard at the notebook.
"What's wrong?" Ciara approached, but paused. Myra looked furious. Almost murderous even. She almost flinched back, startled.
"What are you doing reading through Irving's notes-" Wynne began to chide.
"He started all this..." Myra clenched her fists.
Lawrien tilted her head. "Myra?"
Myra turned to them, Irving's journal in hand. "I followed another apprentice through supposed secret manoeuvrers today, and exposed her tendency towards blood magic. The environment of the tower is such that certain modes of thought are encouraged, both for good and ill. The students think we toy with them. The truth is far more intricate and directed. Deviant traits must be exposed early, or the whole of the Circle suffers. Uldred has been very helpful in identifying the markers to look for. His skills at misdirection are admirable. I daresay that the apprentices would be shocked at his ability to manipulate them. I must organize a retreat such that the other enchanters can benefit from his skills." Myra spat out the words like they were an plague, and her eyes hardened.
"He..." Lawrien bit her lip. "Jowan... Uldred must have gave up Jowan. That's how Irving knew-"
"Jowan had said Uldred taught him..." Ciara muttered.
Myra slammed her fist down on the table. "How many apprentices had to die because that bastard decided to sacrifice them all for the 'greater good'? He didn't even give them a chance. Irving didn't teach them another way! He used them to start this fire and look at the fire he's made!"
Wynne frowned, looking desperate. "You don't understand, Myra-"
"That your generation had to make the hard decisions? Don't you dare coddle me like that. You seriously agree with this? A healer? Why would a healer agree to murder children?" Myra spat, but then the anger drained from her as she closed her eyes and inhaled shakily. And much to Ciara's surprise ice cold determination replaced it. "Irving wants me to succeed him? I will. And I will change this damn Circle even if I have to drag it by its heels."
Wynne shook her head. "Myra-"
"I will break it and make it better," Myra spat. "And if anyone tries to get in my way? I will make them pay."
"There aren't many people who could say that and make me believe them undoubtedly," Ciara admitted. "You are one of the few who do."
"And if you and Lawrien beat this Blight." Myra eyed Lawrien. "You will show the world that mages can be heroes too."
Lawrien grinned, a watery eyed grin, but a grin nevertheless. "Yeah, we'll kick that Archdemon's ass. I promise."
"I wish Sweeney could be here to watch, and so many of the others." Myra bit her lip. "But it's not possible now. So hopefully wherever they are now, they'll know we're going to keep trying."
.::.
Epona shuffled through more books, gathering them on to the table Narascha had helped her clean up. Narascha was now separating out the bodies, dumping the enemies in one side, and placing the others carefully down the other side of the room, all lying in neat rows.
"I still feel guilty for not helping you," Epona admitted.
"I told you I can do this. I've done it for my men plenty of times," Narascha said. "I'm just as curious as you about this old bloodline thing anyway."
"The song you hear in battle?" Epona asked.
"Yeah." Narascha nodded. "I don't remember any of my family members mentioning such a thing, but when the others go to Orzammar maybe they could ask the Shaperate for me."
"If we can rely on their information. They would have written that you murdered your brother after all," Epona said.
"Yeah." Narascha's shoulders slumped.
Epona frowned. "I can put an arrow in Bhelen for you if you wish-"
Narascha snorted. "Poor Duncan really did pick the craziest lot to be his recruits, huh?" She softened. "Thank you, Epona. But no. We can't go assassinating the last prince the royal family has."
"If I make him confess-"
"It doesn't matter," Narascha said, sighing tiredly. "My own father didn't want a family drama and had me tossed aside. Why would I go back to that? I love Orzammar. I always will. But its people ruined Princess Narascha, the Commander of their armies. I won't let them ruin Grey Warden Narascha."
Epona sighed. "I suppose that is fair enough. Just let me know if you ever change your mind."
Although, even despite what that, Epona might still be tempted to shoot this Prince Bhelen if she ever met him.
Her hand touched a book, and a bolt of energy spiked through her. Epona flinched back, startled, and stared.
The Journal of Ranger Commander Epona Mahariel
She didn't remember picking it up. Epona would have known she picked this up right?
"Epona?" Narascha frowned. "You went quiet."
"I don't remember picking up this book," Epona admitted, and Narascha wandered over, her brow furrowing.
"Your journal? As the Ranger Commander?" Narascha frowned. "That was that past you that you spoke to right? During the werewolf stuff?"
"Yes." Epona nodded. "It just sent a jolt of energy through me."
"Do you want some company reading it?" Narascha offered. "Or should I stay away?"
Epona grimaced. "I would not dismiss your company, Narascha. Yours is a welcome one."
Narascha climbed up into a chair, and Epona opened her journal.
It was blank.
"No!" Epona frantically searched the pages. "I thought I would finally gain some answers. This is so frustrating. What do I need to do to learn something about this bloodline situation?"
Narascha groaned. "That was such a tease."
"Wait-" Epona gasped. She had just seen something. A tiny piece of writing. She flicked back to it.
A piece of the story of the Ranger Commander. A very, very, tiny piece indeed. That only left her with more questions though.
"I need to talk to Cobian," Epona sighed.
.::.
Narascha had followed Epona who stalked the halls of the Circle, marching onward with a determined glint in her eyes. Narascha felt exhausted watching her, and even winced in sympathy when she shoved past Sten and Shale and grabbed Cobian. Cobian looked almost terrified. Narascha didn't blame him. If their most grumpiest elf suddenly stormed in and grabbed her, Narascha would also feel terrified.
"Good, you're here. I need your assistance," Epona said. "I was searching for information on the elven bloodlines when suddenly my ancestor's journal, the Ranger Commander's, ended up appearing on the desk I was reading at."
"Yeah, none of us had put it there," Narascha added.
"Alright, so this book must be magical in origins, but why come to me?" Cobian frowned.
"You're the smartest person in this group," Narascha reminded him.
"But I have no magical expertise."
"Then you should feel honoured that I came to you first, noble," Epona huffed. "The problem is that the journal is blank. I want to know if you can see past that, if there is something I am missing."
"I'm happy to take a look." Cobian smiled.
"It only shows me a piece of her story," Epona said, holding it out to Cobian.
The others looked very curious, but remained back, all but Lawrien who draped herself over Cobian's arm, looking at the book with squinted eyes.
.::.
Cobian greedily read along the page, holding the book carefully, like it was a great treasure. It warmed Epona's heart, something that she would reluctantly admit. Most humans wouldn't have cared about an elf's past, odd or not, they would scoff, and call it a waste of time. Cobian however was fascinated, and not just for his own knowledge too. He was a helpful, kind man, who would want to help Epona discover these mysteries too.
"Mathalin told me today that the people refer to him as the first Emerald Knight. How curious, they seem to forget that Lawrien and I started this together under Lady Mythal's guidance. I know I'm quite reclusive, but Lawrien is rather well known amongst the people. Lavellan of course finds all of this to be hilarious, but Lavellan has always loved a good mystery." Cobian inhaled sharply. "Mythal helped the Ranger Commander and the Lawrien of that time create the Emerald Knights?"
"Urgh, too weird," Lawrien grumbled, leaving Cobian's side. "Other me needs a name too."
Epona ignored her. "According to her journal, yes, but the Emerald Knights were of the time of the Dales. That means the Ranger Commander and Lawrien of that time would have been far older than the other elven," Epona said, crossing her arms.
"It's a shame you cannot speak to her again, or Witherfang," Cobian said softly, returning her, or well, the Ranger Commander's journal.
"I don't even know what happened to Witherfang after the Lady of the Forest disappeared," Epona admitted. "I wish we had more time to stay and search for Witherfang."
"Once the Blight is over, or if we need to go back there, I would happily help you search for answers." Cobian smiled warmly. "I can't imagine how frustrating this is for you. I would like to help solve this mystery."
"Thank you, Cobian. I would appreciate that."
.::.
They made their way further up, and after a painfully slow time they reached the Templar's quarters. Torph only knew that because of Wynne, who made sure to announce it as they began to spread out. Fuck, Torph had thought the bodies had been bad before. This was even worse. What was it the humans and elves called it when they had a bad dream? A nightmare? Yeah, this shit was a nightmare.
"You said Cullen wasn't downstairs..." Myra said weakly, eyeing Ciara.
She shook her head, face grim. "I'm sorry, Myra," Ciara apologised.
Myra's face hardened. "Uldred will pay for this, him and all his followers."
"Yep." Lawrien nodded, her face growing dark. "We better figure out how to kill them too. You said we shouldn't be like them, Myra, but I don't think giving them a nasty death is the wrong thing to do here either."
Myra winced. "I'd prefer the quicker route."
"Dammit!" Torph groaned. "Are we at the top yet?"
"Still another floor to go," Lawrien said. "Then we'll be at the Harrowing Chamber."
"I hate towers!" Torph complained.
He hated towers. He hated stairs. He hated stairs in towers.
"Same," Faren sighed.
"At least neither of you are in heavy armour," Narascha sighed.
"I do miss the outdoors myself, but-" Epona began, but Leliana's gasp startled them all.
Shit, why had the bard gone so far ahead by herself? Okay, yeah, Sten was with her, but the two looked terrified. Sten looked terrified? Fuck!
Cobian was the first in the room, shield up, but what they were met by was another creepy ass demon. Torph hated all these creepy ass demons! There was a guy lying limp next to the demon, just as the demon turned to face them all.
"Niall!" Myra gasped.
"Oh no!" Lawrien hissed. "Sloth demon!"
"Ah... We have visitors..." Its voice was so calm and soothing. "I'd entertain you, but too much effort is involved..."
Yeah, Torph could get that. Everything was rather exhausting, especially after climbing up all those stairs... So many stairs...
"Whoa, is the room suddenly spinning, or is it just me?" Alistair asked drowsily.
Everything was growing dark. Not spinney. Why would everything be spinning?
"Sloth demon... Sleeping effects..." Cobian slurred. "Have to... We have too..."
"Resist..." Wynne groaned desperately. "Resist... Or all shall be... Lost..."
Narascha stumbled forward, teeth gritted, but Torph was having a hard time making out why she was so angry, and who she was heading towards.
"You... Bastard..." Narascha growled.
"There is so much violence in the world. Don't you wish to leave it all behind?" It soothed, like a lullaby... It was coaxing them all down...
Yeah, that sounded good. That sounded so good. A bit of rest. No horrifying shit. Torph just needed to close his eyes for a bit. Just a little rest.
Torph didn't feel himself hit the ground.