Chapter One

Azeroth to Thedas

I felt my eyes slip open and I drew in an unexpected breath. I groaned as I attempted to recall the events leading me here.

I was… fighting… I was helping the Champion of Azeroth in the fight… Ny'alotha, the Waking City… we had been N'Zoth himself – N'Zoth the Corruptor… I didn't make it. I had thrown myself in front of my Brother… he was the Chosen; I was not. Which made sense; Inas was a full blooded Night-Elf Druid, like our father, though Father wasn't a druid; Class wasn't hereditary… I was an abomination, not worthy to be champion. Before becoming what I was, though, I was a Nordic Dragonborn in Skyrim on Nirn… and again before that, I had been a human from Earth – 10,450 years ago… I spent 100 years killing Dragons in Skyrim before I died of a particularly nasty dragon bite and 10,350 as a half Blood-Elf half Night-Elf aberration.

I had the immortality of the Blood-Elves and 2 magics (not counting what I brought from Skyrim) – nearly unheard of! I was both a Druid and a Mage. I had specialized in Restoration and frost magics – the same as I had in Skyrim. It had been… way too long since I was a simple human girl that enjoyed gaming. I had to adapt fast when I woke up after my first death and a Dragon wanted to destroy a village I was in! It seemed that each time I died, I was thrown somewhere else… it was really sucky, because I kept the abilities of each 'life'. My name in Azeroth had been Faerine… Fae for short.

Now it was time to take a new name… again. And I needed to learn where I was; which game had I been thrown into this time? I had gone through two of my favorites, so if I was right, I was once more in another favorite – that limited the options, at least. In fact… it limited it to only 3 PC games, and 6 PS games. I thought about it. Probably not God of War if I was in a comfortable bed. Not likely to be Spyro – I was still humanoid in appearance. Somehow I doubted I was in Oblivion since Nirn was already done; Oblivion would have happened first anyway. I didn't feel fur on my body, so not Crash Bandicoot…

"Well, Mage – do you plan to tell us who you are?" I knew that voice. I sat up, noticing my lack of clothes; yet… I still looked like a blood elf… I reached my hand up to my ears and noticed that they were still longer than a Thedas Elf would have.

I looked around and gave a fake confused look when I noticed the Templar armor – I was in Dragon Age… at Kinlock Hold, no less.

The man who was questioning me was Knight-Commander Greagoir – he was 5'11 with greying black hair and hard brown eyes. "Who… where am I?"

My fake terror confused the ma for only a second, but he recovered, "You were dropped at our door in your current state. I suggest you cooperate."

I blinked, "Why… why did you call me a mage?"

He looked over to the man beside him – First Enchanter Irving; a man who stood at 5'9 with white hair and blue eyes.

"You don't know? Child, you're wounds healed on their own – no magic we've ever seen has…"

I shook my head, "That's the blessing of Elune – not magic."

"Blessing… of Elune?" Greagoir snarled, "Do you take us for fools?"

I shook my head, "If… if I had to guess… I'd say you are a commander of some sort – and of no less rank than this man beside you. But I promise you – the healing was no magic."

"Prove it!" he snarled.

"I… I don't know how. If I stab myself and it heals again, you will claim it is magic. If I stab myself and it doesn't heal, you will say it is magic. How do I prove a lie to be false?"

Irving chuckled, "She's a clever one, Greagoir. Why not… put her through the test?"

"I… wait – what would you do to someone you thought was a mage?" I asked.

"If it were an apostate – one who could potentially practice blood magic – I would smite them. It's painful, but it is a sure test of if you are a mage or not."

"Then do it – I have no fear of pain. If this is the quickest way, then… I'd like to know if I am what you call a mage or not." I was curious – would Templars be useless against me? I mean, my magics were from 2 different worlds, not connected to the fade… besides, I was a dragon soul.

Greagoir reeled back, "I've never known a mage to insist on that – for anyone, it's painful, but for a mage… it would make you rather ill and could even… you could be knocked unconscious once more."

I shrugged, "I'm sorry, have you not looked at my body – it's on display right now. Look at these scars, Greagoir – not one of these was made by accident. I am a member of King Anduins Army, pain happens. Just do it."

"Who is King Anduin, child?" Irving asked. I shook my head, pretending to be completely confused. "You… don't know? How could you not know who the King of the entire Alliance is? Humans, Dwarves, Draenei, Night-Elves… they are all under his command."

They exchanged a look and Greagoir headed to a desk I had previously ignored in the corner of the room. He handed me a map and said, "Do you recognize anything on this map?"

I glanced at it and pretended to be confused, "No, is this… no this isn't a map of Azeroth. I can't say Outland, Draenor, or Argus either… what world is this?"

"This is where you currently are – Thedas." Irving said. I faked shock and paled, "But… but I don't have a beacon! How will the mages open a portal to bring me home?" I was a fucking liar! I didn't need a beacon and I could get ack if I wanted to.

"Portal; Beacon?"

"An arcane beacon – to tell the mages where I am, how to open a portal to come to me… how will I get home?"

"Mages… cannot open portals." Greagoir said.

"Oh, so you believe I'm from another world – but not that the mages there can do things yours can't?" Irving laughed, "She has you there, Greagoir."

Greagoir glared at Irving and said, "You are not helping, Irving. Look… I guess let's get this smite over with."

He gathered his own magic… but it seemed to fizzle out. I felt nothing when his magic released. I kept my face neutral and asked, "How… how long does it take to smite someone?"

"I already did – but even… you should have felt something!"

"Maybe… I'm just too used to the pain?"

I looked around and stood up, still naked. I saw a mirror and headed for it. Greagoir and Irving averted their eyes while the former asked, "What are you doing?"

"Checking to see if my appearance changed. You never know with these things."

Unlike most Sin'dorei – or blood elves – I was not amazingly thin… this was odd, because that trait was actually shared by the Night-Elves and the Trolls… whom were the ancestors to the Elves.

Instead, I looked mostly as I did when I was human – 5'3 (Elves were tall so that was another thing to hate me for), 243 pounds (That hadn't changed at all), with large breasts (42E – ugh, the back pain). My skin was the almost translucent ivory color of the Blood Elves, but dusted with bronze spots, (also unusual for any elf) and my waist length hair was a medium purple – night-elf coloring. I was covered in tattoos – at least both arms and most of my back were. Each tattoo was given as an accomplishment while on Azeroth. That re-birth had cleared me of any tattoos… or anything else really. I had been re-born; that was an uncomfortable experience. But being the sister to someone who became world-renowned like Inas was great for the free Ink at least. My eyes were silver.

I nodded, "Yeah – that's me. Couldn't I have lost some weight by now?" I muttered.

Irving coughed, "I will… send for some clothes."

I shook my head and said, "No offense to your… aesthetic but… could I possibly just have some cloth, needles, thread and leather? I'll make my own. You're robes and plate armor look… uncomfortable."

Not like I could summon my void-storage right now; they'd call that magic. I suppose it was – the void-traders had given me a ring that could call my storage, though so it wasn't my magic. Besides, since I was keeping my magic on the DL for now, I needed to use materials found in Thedas, not Azeroth… or Nirn. Meaning no calling my Deadric servant for clothes either.

Greagoir snorted and poked his head out the door, whispering something to a 6'1 tall blond man with gold eyes… and when that man saw me he flushed bright red and looked away… Cullen was so cute.

I sat back on the bed in the corner of the room and said, "So… now that we've established my… non-mage status, what now?"

"Well… I don't know. Would you like to come to my office with me once you're… clothed?" Irving asked.

I shrugged, "That would be a decent place to discuss options, I guess. It won't take me long – I have years of tailoring and leatherworking experience, so if you give me about 45 minutes, I'll have a whole outfit – down to the laces for a pair of boots."

Eyes widened, "How is that possible?" Greagoir asked.

"… You don't want to know." I sighed – a little magic would speed things along… Warp Time was usually used during fights – and I would only use Warp Time because my slow time shout would be… loud. A knock sounded at the door and I hopped up to answer it before Greagoir could.

I saw Cullen and his eyes widened as he flushed. "O… oh… I… I…"

I chuckled and pointed to the sack in his hands, "Is that my crafting supplies?"

"Y-y-yes… s-s-sorry." He handed me the sack and turned on his heel before adding, "There is… also… cosmetics there… the – the stockroom attendant was insistent that you would – ahem – that you might… need such things." I laughed, "Thank you, sweetheart. Poor guy – I think I've traumatized one of your… men?"

"Templar – we're called Templars." Greagoir said. I nodded as I shut the door. "Did you want to stay and watch me make strange clothes or… are you still here because you fancy me?" I teased.

At once, Greagoir fled the room, Irving following slowly behind him.

Even after almost ten and a half millennium, I still favored the clothes I had back in 2051 on earth – I'd thankfully learned to sew in my first life so I was able to make what I wanted… Azeroth had helped me hone my Tailoring skills as well as my cooking, fishing and Herbalism, blacksmithing and Leatherworking… I was a shit skinner and miner though and I couldn't do engineering to save my life.

I got to work, making a corset style black top that had no sleeves and a pair of black leather pants. Next came the boots that laced up to my thighs and gloves that slid up the spot halfway between my elbows and shoulders. As I had said – it took me less than an hour. I also cut a leather strip for a hair tie and pulled my hair back into a pony-tail. When that was done I looked at the cosmetics – I was fucking set. I chose a darker purple color for my lips and made my eyeshadow smoky and kind of… faded – light near the nose, dark at the edge with cats' eye eyeliner.

I opened the door again, stepping out and seeing only Cullen. I smiled at him and said, "I apologize for earlier – I'm used to being on the road with no privacy. Modesty never occurred to me."

He flushed and wouldn't look at me, "T-t-that… that's alright… I was… just surprised. I… apologize… for… for looking."

"Oh, sweetie – look all you want. I won't be offended – rather I'm flattered you could find me worth looking at." I winked. He flushed and said, "Was… was there something… you needed?"

"Irving wished to see me in his office. Would you escort me?"

He nodded and motioned for me to follow him.

I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. He flushed and glanced at me, "What… what are you…?"

I released him, "Sorry… that's how men escort a lady where I'm from – need to get used to Cultural differences."

He looked torn before holding out his elbow. I beamed and took it. He introduced himself as we walked, so I did the same – giving a new name for this new world. I learned we were on the second floor of the tower – and there were only 7 if you counted the basement and the Harrowing Chamber… and since most people didn't count the basement, they labeled the 'ground' floor as the first and counted up from there.

The second floor was the 'Mages' floor while the first was the 'Apprentice' floor. The mages floor consisted of a library where many mages watched me curiously as they indulged in self-study, a stock room, a church area and of course the mage rooms. Taking a peak into the bedrooms left me a bit horrified.

The rooms were small and crowded. Imagine the old lady who lived in the shoe, if you will. There were beds with a single armoire beside them… and a flimsy free-standing divider between the 'sections'. That was it. I dreaded to see what the first floor would look like.

We approached Irvings' office where I heard Greagoir yelling, "How dare you suggest…?"

I walked into the room, waving Cullen off. In front of me was a black haired man in a blue and purple robe – much like Irvings green one, actually. I was looking at his back. There was one other man in the room that I hadn't met – officially… Duncan.

His skin was that honey-caramel brown that I just adored, his hair was a dark black – actually, it was more shades of purple, brown and black with my enhanced druidic senses – that was dusted with grey. He had an amazing beard/mustache combo. His eyes were that beautiful dark gold that made me feel… well, he was attractive.

"Gentlemen, please. Irving – it looks like you have two guests."

The black haired guy turned in shock and I gave him a wink. His eyes were blue – the color of the Amells that this man was descended from. His jaw hit the floor at my attire.

"Bonjour, gentlemen! Irving, dear, what do I owe you for the materials for my outfit and all the makeup?" I asked with a soft smile.

Greagoir flushed, "Somehow, that outfit is… more provocative than when you were… disrobed."

The Amell boy – Daylen, if I was right – sputtered, "Knight-Commander!"

I giggled, "Oh, I know! King Anduin absolutely hated when I dressed like this… which was always. The trick is to use leather in the waist of the top to make it more slimming. You saw me at my absolute worst – fat and naked. I do apologize for that… it's never happened like that before."

Duncan looked highly amused, "You made that outfit yourself, did you?"

"In the last hour, I have been interrogated, had Greagoir smite me, and learned that I am far from my war-ravaged home-world before taking time to make myself clothes since the aesthetic here is horrid. Forgive me – where are my manners? My name is Atarah Stormlight – Daughter to the Betrayer, Illidan Stormrage and sister – well, cousin actually – to the Champion of Azeroth. You will find no better duelist, archer or beast tamer in all Azeroth." I gave a bow.

"Azeroth?" Daylen asked.

"My Home world; though to hear the residents talk of me… I'm afraid that despite all these lovely achievements, I am something of an abomination."

Greagoir drew a sword. I blinked in mock confusion, "Did I say something wrong? It's been a long time since an ally has turned on me so swiftly."

"Abomination!"

"Ah, that. Yes, I admit, I was born to two warring factions of Elf; Sin'dorei and Kaldorei. Due to that I was born with unique… gifts. The Kaldorei tolerate me due to the Goddess Elune blessing me – as you have learned. The Sin'dorei tolerates me since my step-father is their regent lord and the Sunwell blessing me…"

"Oh… abomination means something vastly different here, child…" Irving said. I blinked, "You do not view me as something not fit to live, then? I like this world better already."

Duncan snorted, "I am Duncan – commander of the Grey here in Ferelden."

I bowed my head and said, "Elune-adore, Duncan."

"Elune… the goddess you mentioned?" Daylen asked. I nodded, "Elune-adore means, Elune be with you – it is a greeting among my fathers' people."

"I'm Daylen Amell – I just passed my Harrowing last night." I nodded my head, "A test of sorts? You have my congratulations, then. Had I the ability, I would gift you something."

"No need for that! I'm just happy to be a fully realized mage."

I smiled up at him – he was 5'10 after all. Irving cleared his throat and Greagoir sighed and just… left.

I shrugged. Irving turned to Daylen, "You've heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages for the King's army." I snorted and all three looked at me.

Duncan looked amused, "What are you thinking?"

"You want Daylen for your order – not for the Kings' Army. I was in a kings' army, commander – I know the usual recruitment tactics. Don't lie to the boy."

"You're not much older than…" Daylen started. Irving shushed him and I smirked, "Daylen, dear – don't hide things from your elders. When the time comes, tell Irving what is happening – you'll know what I mean when the time is right."

Duncan looked at me sharply, "Are you a seer, then?"

"Call it a hunch. For now, I believe Irving has something for him?"

Irving looked stunned and said, "Mages robes and a staff…"

Daylen looked at me with a discreet nod and took the items. "Was that all, First Enchanter?"

"Could you show Duncan and Atarah to the guest rooms on the 4th floor? I'm too old to keep going up and down."

I chuckled, "You think you're old… my father was more than 20,000 when he became the Jailor of Sargeras."

Jaws hit the floor. I shrugged again and Duncan and I followed the young mage up to the third floor. It was… a large mess hall. Half the large floor was a kitchen area – it was closed off. I used my mage senses and discovered that a quarter of the Kitchen area was a large pantry. The other half of the area was an open space with many tables, chairs and such.

On the next floor were the Guest quarters. There were 15 Guest rooms – Daylen told us that they were mostly used for visiting mage and Templar groups. I took note that they were all exactly the same. A double bed that looked really soft, a nightstand on either side, an Armoire behind a changing screen, a desk with two chairs and a wooden tub that was polished to a shine was in each room. In the middle of the floor on this level was a communal gathering space – couches, a few tables and even a small work out space.

He stopped at two doors near the stars that would lead to the Templar Floor and said, "These will be your rooms for the night – Ser Duncan will be in the room right there beside his recruits. You will get this one, by the stairs." I nodded with a smile.

I looked at Duncan, "How many recruits do you have?"

"Aedan Cousland, Lyna Mahariel and Darrien Tabris are the three I currently have… why?"

I shook my head, "You won't believe me if I tell you. Suffice to say, it's an honor to meet you, Duncan."

That night, I was having trouble sleeping. When the wards to the basement were activated, I shot out of bed and into Duncans' room. I dodged the thrown dagger and said, "The Wards are active – if you want Daylen as a recruit, now is the bloody time to get moving."

He nodded and said, "Wake the other three while I get dressed."

I started bursting into rooms – Lyna Mahariel had a dagger under her pillow; she was 5'4 with brown hair and blue eyes. She held the markings of Andruil. Darrien Tabris was 5'7 with red hair and green eyes and… he also had a dagger under his pillow. Aedan Cousland was 6'0 with black hair and grey eyes – the weapon he pulled was a full length sword; Aedan also had a Mabari – one who was a pretty brown color with green eyes.

Aedan had been the only one dressed – likely due to the fact of what happened at Arl Howes' hands. I told each of them one line – "Duncan is calling you."

Everyone was out of their rooms at the same time – when I felt the wards break.

I looked at Duncan and we all rushed off down the stairs. I was right that the first floor was much worse for the Mages. More than half the floor space was taken up by class rooms that were part of the apprentice library. Past that, there were only 2 'bedrooms'. More like dorms, these rooms contained bunkbeds with two nightstands between each metal frame. It was obvious one dorm was for males and one for females. There had been no such distinction upstairs. These rooms looked far more crowded and the beds look much harder… especially seeing as only 5 or 6 beds were unoccupied in each of the small dorms.

We made it to the door to the basement just in time to see Daylen, and three others exiting – two males and a female.

Jowan was 5'9 with long, shaggy black hair and grey eyes – a popular combination in Thedas, it seemed. Lily was 5'6 with short red hair and green eyes. The other male was also the only elf – Alim Surana if I was right. He was 5'7 with blond hair and pale green eyes.

Jowan was happily exclaiming, "We did it; I can't believe it – thank you… we could never have…"

Greagoir snarled as he walked closer, "So what you said was true Irving. An initiate conspiring with a blood mage. I'm disappointed, Lily. . She seems shocked but in full control of her own mind – not a blood thrall then. You were right, Irving; the initiate has betrayed us. The chantry will not let this go unpunished. And this one – newly a mage and already flouting the rules of the Circle. And Surana… you showed such promise for an apprentice."

Jowan spoke up, "It's not their fault – it was my idea!"

"Amell is actually here under my orders, Greagoir. I take full responsibility for his actions." Irving commented. I nodded at Amell who was watching my little group in gratitude… he wouldn't have told Irving if I hadn't said something.

Jowan gave Daylen a horrified look, "You led us into a trap?"

Daylen shrugged, "Forces greater than us demanded it."

I coughed and shot him a rude gesture. He winked as Jowan said, "Don't you dare speak to me…"

"As Knight-Commander, I sentence this blood mage to death! And this initiate has scorned the chantry and her vows – take her to Aeonar."

Lily slowly backed away as she said, "The… the mages' prison… no, please… not there…"

Jowan snarled, "No! I won't let you touch her!"

He took a dagger and sliced his palm – holding it out and chanting something under his breath. Everyone around us fell unconscious except me. Did he spare me on purpose? No… he looked just as stunned and moved to stab me. I held up my hands and moved to my knees while saying, "I'll not stop you if you spare me."

Honestly, I knew he was needed for the whole thing with Eamon – I wouldn't stop him anyway.

He nodded and held a hand out to Lily who shook her head and backed away from him, "You… by the Maker – you are a blood mage. H-how could you? You said you would never…"

"I admit… I… dabbled. I thought it would make me a better mage!"

"Blood magic is evil, Jowan. It corrupts people… changes them…"

"I'm giving it up – all magic. I just want to be with you, Lily – please… come with me."

"I trusted you. I was ready to sacrifice everything for you. I… I don't know who you are, Blood Mage. Stay away from me."

He looked at me and, seeing I made no move to stop him, ran for the door.

I looked at Lily and said, "That was… dramatic. Come, let's wake the others. I will work on those four; you get the Wardens, yeah?"

I motioned to Greagoir, Cullen, Irving and Aedans' Hound as the ones I would take care of. I also moved to Daylen and woke him while she got Alim.

Irving – the last of my five to wake – asked, "Are you alright, child? Where's Greagoir?"

The man in question snarled as he paced, "I knew it! Blood magic… but to overcome so many… I never thought him capable of such power."

Irving took my hand and stood while saying, "None of us expected this. Are you alright, Greagoir?"

"As good as can be expected given the circumstances! If you had let me act sooner… now we have a blood mage on the loose and no way to track him down. Daylen says the Phylactery was destroyed!"

I cleared my throat and Greagoir rounded on me, "You – how did you resist the blood mages' tricks?"

"I'm not actually sure – likely the same way I felt the disturbance in the Wards. It's a high sensitivity to magic and artefacts developed over the years."

"I'd call you a mage again – but we've already proven you are not…" Greagoir sighed. I chuckled, "Feel free to waste your… power… by smiting me again. Honestly, I seem to be immune to both the mages and the Templars here – who wants to venture a guess at what else I can do?"

Aedan snorted while Daylen held an arm out to me. I yanked him into a hug and said, "You did well, kid – I'd prefer you be honorable then one who'd help a blood mage."

He gave a nervous laugh and hugged me back, "I wouldn't have gone to Irving without your advice… I had no idea Jowan was… I mean, he was my friend."

I looked at Cullen who was watching us and said, "What? You want a hug too? I don't mind…"

Cullen flushed and looked away. Daylen laughed and said, "Aww! I thought Cullen liked me!"

Cullen stammered and studiously watched Alim – he was the unknown here.

Greagoir looked me over, "How old are you, girl?"

"If I tell you, are you going to pass out?" everyone looked at me in confusion. I smirked, "Let's say 18… just so you don't have an aneurism."

"With ability like you have, though you're far older than any recruit we've taken… would you like to be a Templar? We don't normally take elves, but I think we can make an exception in this case."

I shook my head, "Sorry, Greagoir – I'm too used to saving the world; seems to be my calling. Besides, I've seen no romance here – I do eventually want to find a nice man or woman and settle down… maybe one like Cullen here."

Cullen choked on a cough, "There'd be nothing stopping you from that. I mean, Templars can marry – only those who wish to take those vows do so. There are just a lot of hoops to jump through to get married…"

"… Still going to have to pass." I shrugged.

"Fine… where is the girl?" Greagoir asked.

Lily looked at me with wide eyes from her little corner and sighed, "I… I am here, Ser."

"You helped a blood mage; look at all he's hurt."

I snapped, "She didn't know, Greagoir. You should have seen the look… the words she said. She's stayed here knowing you will still send her to Aeonar. Cut her a bit of slack – love is blind, deaf and dumb to boot."

Duncan chuckled, "I have heard no truer words, my lady."

Lily smiled sadly at me, "Save your breath, friend. Knight-Commander, I was wrong… I was accomplice… to a blood mage. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit. Even… Aeonar."

I stepped before her and glared the commander down, "Let me suggest something."

"I am listening – but I cannot promise anything."

"Then put Lily in the kitchens of a different circle. Don't keep her here or they'll try to stir up trouble for her or try to get her to help them escape. Send her to another circle as a Kitchen Drudge. I'm positive she learned her lesson – she'll be wary of everyone, now."

He looked thoughtful and sighed, "I will have a Templar escort her to Montsimmard, then. Thank the Maker, Lily – you've a benefactor."

She patted my shoulder and whispered, "Thank you."

I nodded and Greagoir looked at Daylen, "You were in a repository full of magics that are locked away for a reason…"

Irving asked, "Did you take anything from the Repository, Amell?"

He shook his head, "You gave me clear instructions on what to do; I did it – no side trips or extra steps were taken. In fact, I let them make most of the suggestions. Turns out, Jowan knew what that amplifier was the moment he saw it. He also noticed the old wall behind the bookcase there that butted against the chamber. For the most part, I played the 'we should get out of here and cut our losses' card."

Irving chuckled but Greagoir groaned, "Your antics have made a mockery of this…"

I stepped in once more, "Um… you did hear the part where Irving ordered it, right?"

"And this improves the situation? Irving is not all knowing."

Duncan nodded, "I do need a new recruit and Irving was speaking with me about this one."

Greagoir turned on Irving, "You promised him a Warden?"

"He served the Circle well; he would make an excellent Warden."

Duncan spoke again, "We look for dedication in our recruits; fighting Darkspawn requires it often at the expense of all else."

"I object! You say he operated under your instruction, but I do not trust…"

"Greagoir… Daylen only did what was asked of him. Jowan was his friend, but he still turned him in – he knew what was going on was wrong, and told Irving. What would you have done if he came to you instead? You would have thought Lily was a thrall, right? This proved she wasn't."

He sighed, "You're surprisingly good at manipulating the conversation for one so young. Are you sure you don't want to join the ranks?"

I giggled, "You have no idea what my previous rank was… call me the general, commander."

More stunned looks ensued and Greagoir gave a wry smile. "That does explain quite a bit. Posture, attitude… still…"

"No, Greagoir; I still can't join your ranks. I'm sorry."

He gave me a soft smirk, "Very well – I will allow Duncan to take the Mage… if you allow me to teach you smite so you can keep an eye on him."

I blinked, "What makes you think I'll be going with them?"

"You said you were made for saving the world – that's what the Grey Wardens do." Duncan smiled.

I nodded, "And your point in this matter?"

"Let me make it clear – I'm recruiting you."

I sighed, "You know what? Sure – why the hell not? Are you sure you can teach me Smite; from the looks around here, it's not a common practice – and you said you don't take elves…"

Greagoir nodded, "Usually, you'd be right – but as a 'potential recruit' I can teach you this one thing. Templar powers are more effective with Lyrium, but as you will not be in the Templars… here's to hoping you have enough raw power on your own." He smirked at me. I sighed, "Fine – teach me, then. Tonight, since we must be on our way in the morning."

He nodded firmly, "Cullen you're coming with us. Irving, find someone to watch over Amell for the night… as for you Surana… you will be put to the Rite of Tranquility come morning."

I froze and said, "From what I've seen, you'd do better to kill him!"

Surana hid behind me and nodded. "Don't let them do it – please, don't let them make me tranquil… I'd rather die!"

I backed us to the wall, "Greagoir – either kill him or let us take him too."

"There are rules, girl. We can't allow him to go through the Harrowing since he was potentially corrupted by the blood mage – and killing him… he hasn't done anything that bad."

I saw Cullen watching us with scrutiny and I nodded, "Then you leave me no choice – I will not allow the rite to be enacted." I turned and swiftly snapped Alims' neck. He crumpled to the ground.

There were a few gasps and I looked back, "Still plan to teach me that trick, commander? Or will we all be leaving now?"

He flinched, "I… I'll still teach you. How can one so young be so… ruthless?"

"I told you – I am a general. I earned that title. I'm not nearly as young as you want to believe. Irving, how old is my father?"

"You said more than 20,000 years…"

I nodded, "I say 18 because that's how old I look. I'm an elf – my mothers' faction is immortal and my fathers' faction is close enough to it."

"Right… let's get the lesson over with. Irving, watch Amell…"

Cullen had my hand in the crook of his elbow as he escorted me behind Greagoir. I saw quite a few people pointing at us. I ignored them.

"So, Cullen… tell me; what made you want to be a Templar?"

He looked startled but gave a small smile, "I was 8 years old when I decided I wanted to be one. My siblings thought it was all in good fun, actually, but they played along. I visited the local chantry daily with the intention of getting the Templars there to teach me. I'm glad they humored me, at least. They kind of took me under their wing – teaching me to fight with a sword and defend with a shield. When I was 13, there was a Knight-Captain visiting the town; he took notice of me and… he took me in. My parents agreed and off I went. According to Knight-Commander Greagoir, I advanced quite swiftly. I was one of the older ones, but I caught up to my age group swiftly. I've been stationed here for about a half a year now."

"You have siblings?" I grinned.

"Yes – I grew up on a farm in a place called Honnleath – it's in the Arling of Redcliff. I have 2 sisters and a brother."

"Oooh – since I'm missing my own family, why not tell me about yours?"

He looked surprised at that but nodded as we continued up the tower.

"Mia is the oldest. I was second born. Then came my brother Branson and after him was Rosalie… Mia was my biggest supporter when it came to my dream of joining the Templars. Rose was 7 when I left home, so I doubt she even remembers me much. That was 6 years ago almost."

"I have a cousin who… is more like a brother to me. My father – not long before I was born, he turned to harness the demonic energies of the world in an effort to better fight them. He was later labeled 'The Betrayer' and imprisoned for… so long. He redeemed himself in the end, but I was raised by his brother. Uncle Malfurion hated me so much; I was no more than a reminder of what my father had done. Father only loved one woman – and that woman was not my mother. I was a mistake."

Cullen cursed, "No… no one is a mistake!"

I shook my head, "Tell that to my Uncle. I was given my mothers' last name – no one wanted me mistaken for a good guy, so to speak. Stormrage is my fathers' name, but I was… I was a Silverlight before; yet here I am, having taken both names. Inas – my cousin – was the only one who ever wanted me around. When my father returned as a good guy, I was called his greatest mistake – by him, no less. Sorry, this was… supposed to be a light conversation." I realized my tone had turned bitter.

"Makers' Breath… I can't begin to imagine." Greagoir commented. I shrugged, "I've had time to get used to the idea that I shouldn't exist. Don't worry about it."

"You said your father harnessed demonic energies before you were born?" Cullen asked. I noticed the wary look.

"Don't worry – all I got was wings and immunity to demons magic; no more, no less."

Greagoir let out a curse, "Immune to demon magics… if you weren't already a Warden Recruit, I'd have to insist on you being a Templar."

I chuckled, "The Wings don't bother you?"

My question happened just as we reached the 5th floor, the Templar floor. It was amazingly comfortable looking. Each room held a double bed, an armoire, a nightstand, a desk with a chair and a small table set for two people. The whole floor was set with bedrooms except for two large 'meeting' rooms… those only held a large table with enough chairs to fit 30 people each and the rooms could be 'connected' if the sound-proof curtain wall was moved. There was also a room in the Center of the whole floor that was set up as a training room – weapons, shields, armor stands and sectioned off spots for one-on-one training – that was where we ended up.

Greagoir looked me over, "I see no wings."

I unfurled crimson leather wings – each one was twice as large as I was, and resembled dragon wings, scales and all. Greagoir and several other Templars cursed and before Greagoir could stop them, many rushed me to attack.

Before long, I was sitting on a pile of Templars while looking at the Commander. I had put my wings away before I fought.

Cullen was watching in awe, "I've never seen someone fight so… efficiently before."

Greagoir nodded, "Damn Duncan – taking all the good recruits."

I chuckled, "Let us get this over with, Greagoir."

The Templars beneath me were all confused when their commander began teaching me how to smite.

Greagoir had me facing him and Cullen as he explained the mechanics of Smite. I felt the buildup as being similar to ice lance for a frost mage. I was only mildly surprised that I would be able to learn this – I wasn't a 'mage' here. Sure, I still had all my abilities from Skyrim and Azeroth; meaning I was still a Dragonborn, Mage and Druid… but I wasn't a 'Fade-Bound' mage.

I got it right on the 32nd try – and I was exhausted by the time I did. When I used smite on Greagoir, he and Cullen were both knocked on their asses. All the Templars around us were gaping. I shouted, "Oh, shit. Are you okay?"

I rushed forward, helping Cullen up while Greagoir helped himself. "I haven't felt a smite like that since Knight-Commander Meredith in Kirkwall used it on a mage that was standing near me – and it wasn't nearly so… powerful. You have a gift; Lady Stormlight… is there nothing I can do to convince you to stay?"

"You see all these tattoos, Commander? Each detail shows something I have personally done. Each distinct tattoo is a world-saving achievement. I'm not meant to sit around and watch mages all day – I'm a dragon-slayer, a general, a vanquisher of true evil and someone who cannot sit by and watch while the world tears itself apart. It's time for Duncan and our party to leave, now. Who knows – I might see you again."

I headed down stairs where Duncan and his group were waiting. There were 6 of us leaving the tower that night – 3 humans and 3 elves.

It was almost a day later when I decided to play my hand.