Chapter 8

The Circle of Magi

Kingsway, 9:30 Dragon

Camp

Bridget was so fatigued from the battle that she could barely keep her eyes open as she and her friends sat around the fire eating their meals. Leliana had snagged a few items from the kitchens at the castle and the stew she had made for supper actually wasn't bad. Bridget was thankful to finally eat something that had flavor to it. They had set up camp in a small glen. The night air was cool, but not unpleasant and the crickets and cicadas filled the air with their nightly music. After doing some exploring of the area, Bridget discovered a small lake nearby and was very thankful that they had stumbled upon a body of water. She was in dire need of a bath. After supper, she had excused herself and grabbed her pack, making a beeline for the lake. Alistair and Sten had gone to fetch some more firewood. Upon returning and not seeing Bridget around, he asked where she went. Leliana grinned to herself as she thought this was an excellent opportunity to help push her friend along towards getting a little bit closer with their leader.

"Oh she went to go and fill her water pouch at the lake through those trees. I think she mentioned she needed to talk to you about something!" she stated.

Alistair, curious as to what Bridget wanted to talk to him about, followed Leliana's directions and made his way through the shrubbery to look for the lake. He figured he was on the right track when he heard the splashing of water and soon found the lake Leliana had mentioned, though Bridget was nowhere to be found. He turned and looked around for a moment before he heard quite a big splash and a gasp of air. Alistair drew his blade and turned around quickly to see Bridget in the water. He blushed furiously and snapped his neck back around after dropping his sword. Bridget, herself, was startled and yelped, covering her chest with her arms.

"Alistair! What in the hell are you doing here?" she demanded.

Alistair's face burned bright red. He hadn't seen anything…at least he didn't think he had seen anything. Maker it happened so fast, he wasn't sure if he had or not!

"I-I'm so sorry, Leliana told me that you needed to talk to me! She said you were just filling up your water pouch, I didn't realize you were, you know, bathing. Oh Maker, please forgive me I feel terrible, had I known what you were doing, I swear I wouldn't have bothered you…I…oh…"

Alistair hung his head in shame. Even though he had his back turned to her, Bridget was sure he was blushing furiously. She bit back a smile, but wondered why Leliana would give him that false information when she knew she had gone back here to bathe. So much for a nice and relaxing dip, though Bridget had managed to scrub down and she did feel a lot better.

"Just keep facing that way, I'm getting out." She said.

Alistair did exactly as he was told and dared not to look over his shoulder or turn around until Bridget gave him the okay to do so. She grabbed her linen and dried her body slowly, savoring the feel of the clean wool against her skin. Though Alistair wasn't looking directly at her, from the position of the moon in the sky and it reflecting off of the water, Alistair could see the shape of Bridget's shadow as she dried off and dressed herself. From her shadow he could see just how curvy she was, the curves of her breasts and hips were tantalizing, and they made him fantasize about things a good Chantry boy shouldn't even dare to think of. Alistair took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was certainly going to have a talk with Leliana after all of this! Bridget finished dressing and told Alistair that he could turn back around. She sat on a small blanket she had laid out and was staring up at him. She motioned for him to join her, and he did so, still completely and utterly embarrassed.

"I really am sorry, Bridget. It wasn't my intention to disturb you, especially when you were…um…"

Bridget raised her eyebrows.

"Naked?" she offered.

A new wave of redness washed over Alistair's face.

"Err…yes." He replied.

Bridget smiled at him and chuckled softly. He really was cute when he got so bashful. She waved her hand in the air and dismissed the misunderstanding easily.

"Don't worry about it, Alistair. I'm sure it's not the first time you've seen a naked woman." She joked.

Alistair rubbed the back of his neck.

"Riiight…well, I didn't see anything first of all! And secondly, if I had seen anything, actually it would have been my first time."

Bridget raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? I find that hard to believe. A handsome man such as yourself and you've never seen a naked woman?"

Alistair snorted and let out a nervous laugh.

"Well…life in the Chantry isn't necessarily a life for rambunctious boys, you know. They taught me to exude chivalry, be a gentleman, all that good stuff. And I didn't know any girls growing up…so the opportunity never really presented itself, you see."

Bridget furrowed her brow.

"So that means you've never…?" she trailed off.

Alistair smiled, guessing where this conversation was headed. Normally he would feel extremely uncomfortable talking about something like this with someone, but with Bridget, he found that he didn't really know when he should stop talking. He decided to have a little fun with it though.

"Never…never what? There's an endless list of things I've never done. For example, I've never been to Orlais, I've never had someone shine my shoes…I've never licked a lamppost in winter!"

Bridget laughed and nudged him in the shoulder.

"Now you're making fun of me!" She exclaimed.

Alistair pretended to be offended.

"Make fun of you, dear lady? Perish the thought! Well, why don't you answer this question for me? Have you ever licked a lamppost in winter?"

Bridget gazed at Alistair as her smile faded. Her memories of Willem resurfaced and she looked down into her lap to hide her face from Alistair's view. She didn't know if she was ready to bring him up or not. And would Alistair judge her if he knew she had given her virtue away long ago? Why would she even care what he thought? Her thoughts became so muddled when she was near her companion. Whereas the rational part of her mind was telling her not too, her heart urged her to continue the conversation. Perhaps trying to keep everything bottled up wasn't such a good idea after all. Maybe it would be better if she brought up the memories of her past. At least if she did that, she would be able to tell if Alistair would judge her for it or not. Bridget sighed and drew her knees to her chest.

"There was a man before…all of this. I loved him. We grew up together, you see. We were friends and then suddenly it escalated into something more. It was a secret though, only my handmaiden knew about our…escapades. Had my father found out, well, I don't think I would have gained any approval, and I'm sure he would have sent him away. So to answer your question, if licking a lamppost has the meaning that I believe it does, then yes, I have. But only with…him. He died too, when my home was taken." She explained.

There. He knew. Bridget had told him, though she hadn't uttered Willem's name…she couldn't say his name. What would Alistair think of her now knowing that a well born lady such as herself had rolled around with a man in secret?

Alistair reached out and placed his hand on Bridget's shoulder. She looked back up at him, as tears filled her eyes.

"Bridget, falling in love with someone is nothing to be ashamed of. Sure, maybe he wasn't of noble birth and I know the Chantry says that women are supposed to wait until marriage to give themselves to their husbands, but if the love between you both was real, then who am I to judge you for it? Besides, I always thought that particular passage in the Chant was a load of hogwash. If men can go around and have a ton of partners, why can't women? Not saying that that's something you would do, of course. Or myself, for that matter."

Bridget smiled at Alistair and wiped her eyes. It felt good to have that weight off of her shoulders, and she actually felt like she could breathe for once. She tipped her head to the side and let her head rest against his hand that was on her shoulder.

"Not many people think like you do, Alistair. More should. Fair is fair, now. I answered your question, now you answer the same!" she teased.

Alistair's face turned red again as he chuckled.

"And here I thought we were having a moment and you had forgotten about that! Alright though, fair is fair. I myself have never had the pleasure…but it's not like I haven't thought about it. I mean I'm not at a total loss here, I know where certain things have to go and things like that, but beyond that, it's all a bit of a mystery to me. But let's back track a moment! You said I was handsome earlier…did you mean that?"

Bridget smirked at Alistair.

"Oh come on, you know you are." She replied.

Alistair shrugged.

"Maybe, but it doesn't hurt to have a pretty girl say it. Does this mean I get to say the same to you?" he asked, hopefully.

Bridget knew she should stop this fraternization, this flirtation between them. But once again, whereas her rational mind was telling her to stop, her heart was encouraging her to keep moving forward.

She gave him a small, seductive smile.

"Not unless you don't think so." She stated.

Alistair rolled his eyes.

"Oh please, I am not falling for that one! You're beautiful, capable, and all those other things you would probably hit me for if I didn't say them!" he exclaimed.

Bridget grinned.

"So glad you know." She replied softly.

They took a moment and gazed into each other's eyes. Bridget noted that Alistair's eyes really were the color of fresh honey; they were so warm and inviting. Alistair realized as he gazed into Bridget's that any man could fall into those eyes at any given time and be completely and utterly swept away. He turned his hand over that was resting on her shoulder and held the side of her face. He gently ran his thumb across the top of her cheekbone.

"You really are…beautiful." He whispered.

Bridget felt that swarm of butterflies enter her stomach once again as her breath quickened. Before they could go any further, her eyes widened as she remembered the amulet.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" she exclaimed and pulled herself away from Alistair's hold.

She stood and grabbed her pack and rummaged through it and took a brief moment to glance over her shoulder at Alistair. He looked a little sad that their close proximity had broken, but it was for the better…for now. Bridget located the amulet and closed it in her hand. She removed it from her pack and hid it behind her back. Alistair stood as she approached him.

"I have something for you." She stated.

Alistair raised an eyebrow, completely curious.

"Oh really? I wonder what it could be…" he said as his voice trailed off.

Bridget smiled up at him.

"Close your eyes and hold out your hand."

Alistair did as she asked.

"Just so you know, if this is a prank and you put a toad in my hand, our friendship is over." He joked.

Bridget chuckled. She placed the amulet in Alistair's hands and looked up at him to see his reaction. He opened his eyes and stared down at the necklace.

"Oh…this is…this is my mother's, the amulet I told you about! Where did you ever find this?" he asked curiously.

Bridget smiled at him.

"Bann Teagan gave it to me when we were at Redcliffe. He said Eamon fixed it long ago and wanted to give it back to you." She explained.

Alistair sighed happily as he closed his hand around the amulet.

"I thought I lost this to my own stupidity. Thank you. I'm surprised you remembered me mentioning it. A lot of what I say just usually tends to go over people's heads."

Bridget shrugged as she gathered up her blanket and her pack.

"Not mine. You're special to me; I guess that's why I remembered. We should head back, I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some sleep."

Alistair followed Bridget back into camp and smiled after her. He placed the amulet around his neck and stared down at it. He thought back to Bridget's words as he watched her go into her tent. He was special to her. Alistair wondered briefly what she had meant by that. Special as in a special friend or special as in something more, he really didn't know her meaning. He enjoyed their encounter by the lake, even though it started out as an awkward and embarrassing situation, it ended on a nice note. Alistair could feel things stirring within himself that he had never felt before. He knew he would never be able to get the image of Bridget's curves out of his head. Even though he had only seen her shadow, his imagination was able to easily fill in an image in his head, and it was that image that made something stir beneath his breeches. He bit his lip and shook his head, pushing any thoughts he would be ashamed of out so he could get some sleep…but that didn't stop his dreams from teasing him with forbidden fruit.

Bridget was just as conflicted as Alistair was as she stared up into the top part of her tent. Why was she not listening to her mind and kept going with what her heart said? She was going back against the very thing that Percival had taught her so long ago. She was a fool letting her emotions and feelings distract her from what was really going on. Still, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get Alistair's touch off of her mind. First at Redcliffe, now again at the lake. Maker, what was she turning into? Some giggly child with a crush? That was not who she was. Her thoughts turned to Willem once again. Why was she feeling this way towards Alistair so soon after Willem's death? She and Willem had been together for some time…then again…as she thought back to their relationship, she realized even though they told each other they loved each other, they pretty much just had fun sneaking around the castle and having sex when they could. Maybe what they had wasn't real love, just the thrill of a forbidden relationship. Their conversations never did change much once they had started sneaking around. Willem was a friend above all else…perhaps they just had that kind of relationship. Friends who occasionally, or in this case whenever they could, help each other…meet their more basic needs. She and Willem never did put a label on what they were. Maybe they were both just in it for the fun…and if that were the case, she wouldn't feel as bad about all the conflicted feelings she had brewing for Alistair now. Then again she couldn't just ask Willem about it, either. Bridget sighed, frustrated and disgusted with herself; she closed her eyes, willing herself to think about anything else and tried her best to get some sleep.

xXx

The following morning, the group packed up their supplies and set out for the Circle Tower once again. The rains held off, for a change and it wasn't a bad journey. Bridget noted that her companions were becoming a little bit more comfortable around each other. Even Morrigan was making conversation! She took great interest in Sten for some odd reason, a reason he wasn't even sure of. Leliana hummed a tune along the way and Sten retained his stoic composure, but would remark on how different Ferelden was from his own home here and there.

"I miss the smell of the sea. Ferelden smells like wet dog. Several wet dogs."

Bridget chuckled and looked over her shoulder at him.

"Don't forget the garbage too!" she chimed in.

Sten sighed.

"Yes, I was trying to forget that." He grumbled.

Zeus trotted alongside his mistress happily, and Alistair walked behind her. The group traversed through the highway for most of the day. At twilight, they finally made it to the docks of Lake Calenhad. Bridget could eye the tower in the distance and noted just how foreboding and dreary it was. No wonder why Jowan wanted to escape. To be locked up in a tower for all of your life, never seeing the outside, Bridget could understand why one would be eager to leave.

"Now you see why my mother and I choose to live outside of the Circle. Illegal as it may be, I would rather live my life forever on guard and on the run than be locked away in a giant, phallus shaped tower."

Bridget had to agree with her on that one. They stopped for a moment and looked around. A lone templar stood on the nearby dock, not paying them much attention. Morrigan noted the small inn off to the side.

"Since I am an apostate, I believe I will sit this one out at this inn. I certainly don't want some templar fool grabbing me and telling me that I belong locked away in that tower. Besides, you are only here to remind them of their promise in your treaty and get them to help us with the demon child, it shouldn't take too long."

Leliana nodded.

"I will stay behind too. Perhaps there are patrons in the inn that would like to hear a song or two? Maybe I could earn us some coin!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

She followed Morrigan to the inn. Sten looked at both Bridget and Alistair.

"I will assist you with that man down there, but I am unsure if I wish to join you. If it is as simple as you asking these people for help, I hardly see where I will be of any use. Besides, when I was captured, I dropped my blade somewhere around here and I would like to look for it."

Bridget nodded.

"Fair enough, let's go see if this guy will let us across the lake."

Upon reaching the templar, the man, or boy rather as he was rather young, stood straighter and frowned. He crossed his arms as Bridget approached him and eyed her and her friends carefully.

"Hello…we're looking to get to the Tower, can you help us?" she asked.

The templar shook his head.

"Nope. Greagoir told me not to let anyone cross the lake! There's some business going on up at the Tower and they are in no way, shape, or form, able to take anyone in at the moment. So I guess you'll just have to move along now!"

Bridget looked at her companions and briefly wondered what this 'business' going on at the tower meant. She turned her attention back to the Templar.

"Look, we're Grey Wardens and we're on important business, it's imperative we get into the Tower to see the mages!" she exclaimed, her temper flaring up.

He crossed his arms.

"Grey Warden, eh? Can you prove it?" he asked.

Bridget sighed and removed the treaties from her pack, showing the templar the seal covering them. He glanced at it briefly and seemed completely uninterested as he handed the treaties back to Bridget.

"You know, I've got some documents too, they say I'm the Queen of Antiva, what do you make of that?"

Bridget frowned.

"That you're a complete idiot and you're gonna end up in this lake unless you let me and my friends pass!" she replied angrily.

Sten moved forward.

"This is getting us nowhere, here take these and let them pass." He grumbled.

The templar looked into the small pack and grinned.

"Cookies! Oh I love cookies!"

At first Bridget thought he was being sarcastic, but with as quickly as he began to eat them, she guessed he wasn't. She looked up at Sten and smiled.

"How long have you had those?" she asked curiously.

Sten shrugged.

"I got them from a village woman in Redcliffe after the battle. They were quite good. I'm a little sad that I must part with them. I am going to go to the inn also to see if they have any more and ask around about my sword."

With that, he left and Bridget, Alistair, and Zeus boarded the ferry and made their way to the Tower. The ferry ride was slow and it looked as if they had quite the distance to go before they reached the tower, so Bridget took a moment to relax. The moon was now bright in the sky and it reflected in the water, dancing with the small waves and ripples that the boat made. The entire area was washed in a cool blue glow. Bridget looked over at Alistair and smiled at him as he gaze Zeus a belly rub. Bridget had to admit that if even Zeus had warmed up to Alistair as quickly as he had, then maybe her strange feelings for him weren't so strange or too quickly felt after all.

"I hope the mages can help us. I want to get back to Redcliffe as quickly as we can." Bridget stated.

Alistair nodded his head in agreement.

"I do as well. I hope whatever evil Connor unleashed can be eradicated, and that Eamon will wake up and be alright."

Bridget looked down into her lap.

"If we lose Eamon, Loghain will take that throne. There's no one else that can possibly stop him. Cailan had no children; the Theirin bloodline is lost forever."

Alistair swallowed nervously. He looked at Bridget. Now was the time, he had to tell her. Especially if they continued to get close, she had a right to know. But how did one bring something up like that? It was a major secret that Alistair was not keen on releasing. However, Bridget had been so open with him about her past. Perhaps now was the time…

"Bridget…there's something I need to,"

Before he could finish, the boat struck the land that the Tower was built on and jolted forward, knocking Bridget over, on top of Alistair. She winced slightly and lifted herself from his chest.

"Ow, doesn't he know how to navigate this bloody thing?" she grumbled.

Before Alistair could say anything, Bridget removed herself from him and helped him stand. They exited the ferry and quickly moved past the young templar who was now getting chewed out by a senior one for crashing the boat. She and Alistair entered the Tower with Zeus trotting in behind them. An odd sensation swept over Bridget as she entered the Tower. One could easily sense that many a powerful mage called this place home…and sadly for some, these walls were the only thing they knew as home. Tapestries depicting different verses of the Chant decorated the walls, and Bridget noted as she walked by them that they were all the verses that depicted magic as being an evil and unwanted thing that should be locked away for its own good. Bridget thought it was a little ironic, really. Slavery was illegal in Ferelden, yet did they not keep the mages and prisoners locked in a cage? Although they were allowed to study and practice their craft, they could never put it to any real use…not unless someone like Bridget came along and asked them for their help. Eventually, Bridget and Alistair entered the main hall of the Tower, and were immediately flooded with questions. A few Templars laid about, injured and others were running towards a very ornate door, trying to bar it closed. Bridget noticed an older Templar who looked as if he was calm, but his eyes belied how much worry he truly had. She approached him.

"Excuse me, are you the Knight Commander?" she asked.

The older man turned to her. His hair was completely grey, as was his beard, and he looked as if he hadn't slept in days.

"Yes, I am Knight Commander Greagoir…why are you here? Blast it, did Carroll let you through? Maker…I knew I should have put someone else at that post. What is it that you need, we're rather busy at the moment and I don't have any time to spare."

Bridget drew her brows together.

"Well, I'm a Grey Warden, I came here seeking the aid of the mages against the Blight…and there is a child in Redcliffe that is possessed by a demon that I need some mages for to help."

Greagoir pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"I grow weary of the Grey Wardens incessant need for aid…though it is your right to ask of it, I suppose. We are in no capacity to help you, however. The Circle has fallen, all of the mages here are turning into abominations. I've lost many men and I have no more to spare. I'm sorry, but we cannot help you. And this child that you mentioned…you may as well strike him down and eradicate the demon that way. That's the only way to get rid of those dammed things."

Bridget gaped at him.

"The child is the son of Arl Eamon! And I've already promised that I would help, they are counting on me!" she exclaimed.

Greagoir raised his eyebrows.

"Well that wasn't a smart thing to do, to promise something you have no idea you can fulfill! Foolish child, my hands are tied! Unless you want to go in there and find a mage that hasn't turned already, which I believe is highly doubtful, then be my guest. But I'm not going to risk any more of my men going in there on a lost cause!" he shouted.

Bridget's face burned. She didn't appreciate being called a child, nor having her decisions questioned. She stuck her chin out in defiance and motioned towards the door.

"Is that where you've locked them all up, then? Unbar the door, I will help these people too, if I must." She stated.

Greagoir looked at her as if she had sprouted a second head.

"Are you insane? Have you ever even seen an abomination before? If you want to go on this fool's errand then fine. So be it. Go in there and die, because that's what's going to happen. I can see already that I cannot reason with your stubborn attitude, so I'm not even going to try."

Bridget pursed her lips together.

"And what if there are survivors? Will you believe me simply on my word that the mages have regained their minds?" she challenged.

Greagoir shook his head.

"Not unless the First Enchanter stands in front of me and says it himself, then no, I won't believe you."

Bridget tipped her neck from side to side and popped it. Ready once again to prove to so many that she was capable of things far more than what they would give her credit for.

"Deliver the First Enchanter, got it. Now, unbar the door and let me pass."

Greagoir ordered his men to do so, though he still had his misgivings about it. The girl was a fool, obviously. All talk and no real skill or smarts to back it up. How could she possess any kind of remote skill, being as young as she was in the world? Regardless, he said a prayer to the Maker for her to watch over her; maybe He would find mercy and spare her foolish heart. Bridget approached the large doors without fear. She did not like to be underestimated. Especially by a man who didn't even know her or what she had been through. She would prove these Templars wrong and she would save the mages, as many as she could. She had to, for Connor's sake.

"Why can't anyone just be ready to jump up and help us when we ask for it?" Alistair wondered.

Bridget chuckled.

"That's an excellent question." She stated.

The Templars opened the doors to the mages quarters and locked Bridget, Alistair, and Zeus in. This was not a fool's errand. Bridget knew exactly what she was doing. She would find Irving and bring him back to Greagoir unscathed. She had seen the horrors of what demons and abominations could do at Redcliffe, and while Bridget didn't want to overestimate her own abilities, she was quite sure that she could handle whatever this Tower had to throw at her. However, Bridget would soon find out that she would face one of her hardest trials yet, within the Tower…and within the Fade.