DRAGON AGE: Starting Off In A Mage Tower

There I saw the Black City, towers all stain'd, Gates once bright golden forever shut. Heav'n filled with silence, then did I know all. And cross'd my heart with unbearable shame.

-Andraste 1:11

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3rd pov. Unknown date Divine calendar.

Thunder rumbled in the air as arces of lightening forked darkened storm clouds in the waning hours of daylight.

A lone carriage could be seen steadily making its way down a beaten path, it's width being barely large enough for it purpose.

Some would come to believe the heavens wept that night as the rains that followed this storm carved their sorrows into the very earth itself, But for what reason only few would know. And none would find out. For it was this day that birthed a Monster. A Legend. A Myth.

Even so, as the winds rocked the carriage and rains continued their downpour, it's inhabitants showed no sign of pause or detour for shelter in the forests, which lay mere feet from their chosen trail.

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1st pov.

"???? ?? ????."'

Huh? what's that noise?' My eyes cracked open slightly as I slowly regain consciousness.

"??? ???? ?? ??? ????? Knife-ears."'

Human? Ahg. My head, was I caught?'

Trying to move my hands to clutch my aching head I find them bound behind me, with nought I can do but curl tightly as I grit my teeth and bury my head to my knees in pain. The uneven rough dirt trail not helping my course as my head inadvertently thumps the floorboards with every hump or bump.

BOOOOOM! The sound of thunder rumbled making the wooden caged carriage rattle with it.

A gust of wind picked the carriage briefly, forcing it sideways on two wheels before it slams back down on the trail resulting in a groan to be issued from its prison caged back.

"Fucking apostate, We wouldn't be caught out in this storm if not for this little scum." Came the voice of one of my captors.

"Just shut it Rodrick, you talkin me ears off not gonna do nofin bout it but make me wanna put a dagger in ye throat."

"Yeah yeah." Rodrick dismissed, digging in his nose with his pinky finger absent-mindedly. "Well, how much you think the templars will pay for em?"

'Mother!' My eyes snap open again as I try to look around frantically, but it's to no avail. I am alone here, tied and shackled to the carriage bed. Locked in a cage like some kind of animal.

Tears flood my eyes as I realise that.'I am alone... cold...it hurts... Damn these shemlens'

Just as I start to drift into despair. The winds brush the tears off my cheeks." You are never alone Elaris, Las Nadas Sulevin, We are with you in your dreams. and when you dream, the fade dreams with you. Always remember and we will always be with you, 'Din Dirthara Dirthera."

"Dunno, we're gonna be there's in a bit so shut up."

"In a bit? are you daft Kendall? there's still gotta be more then an hours travel in this weather." Rodrick said, irritated.

The carriage jolted as it hit a rut in the path, the wooden frame creaking in protest against the rough terrain.

Rain splattered against the carriage's windows like tears of the storm, obscuring any view of the outside world.'I can barely see a thing.

This storm... it's relentless.' Elaris thought, his vision obscured by the torrential downpour.

"Oi, did ya hear that? Sounds like a damned Wrath demon."

"Quit your blabberin', Rodrick. It's just the wind whistlin' through them trees." Kendall spat, his words barely audible over the sound of the rain.

The carriage lurched again, and Elaris gripped the sides of the cage, his knuckles white as he fought to keep his balance.

"Oi, scum, you listenin'? Templars'll be payin' good coin for you." Rodrick called out with a sneer looking over his shoulder.

"Templars... Chantry's dogs." Elaris muttered.

"Aye, that's right. Got yerself caught, didn't ya?" Kendall laughed.

"I wasn't 'Caught' you bustards raided and killed my family and clansmen, I'm glad most of your friends died with them, it's just a shame that you two get to live. you are undeserving." Elaris's face contorted in rage and anger.

"Hah, got a mouth on ya, knife-ears. Better watch that tongue, or you might lose it." Rodrick said, losing his smile as a glint passed through his eyes.

"I'll watch it when you stop talkin'." Elaris muttered quietly.

The carriage lurches again, and the sound of rain pelting against the roof intensifies."Rodrick, shut yer trap. You're scarin' the lad."

"Scarin' him? He's lucky we're takin' him to a nice cozy tower instead of lettin' him rot in the woods." Rodrick said regaining his cheer like nothing happened.

"Aye but a tower's no place for an elf, that's for certain." Kendall said,

CRASH! The sound of thunder roared like an angry giant, its reverberations shaking the carriage as if it were a mere plaything.

"Blasted storm. Can't see a damn thing. Hope we don't end up in a ditch." Rodrick grumbled, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Kendall, the other driver, dismissed him. "Just keep drivin', Rodrick. We're almost there."

As the rain began to subside slightly, the silhouette of Ansburg started to emerge through the darkness, its outline barely visible against the night sky.

The town was nestled against a hillside, its houses huddled together for warmth and protection against the elements.

Dim lights flickered in the windows, casting a warm, inviting glow in contrast to the storm outside.

'Ansburg... What awaits me there? More chains?' Elaris pondered as the carriage rolled into the heart of the town.

The wheels rumbled over a cobbled road, and the air grew heavy with the scent of damp earth, mingling with the petrichor of rain-soaked cobblestones.

"Pull up by that tower, Rodrick. We're deliverin' this one to the Templars." said Kendall, his voice cutting through the wet atmosphere.

The carriage came to a halt, and Elaris's heart raced as he glimpsed the towering structure before them.

The mage tower stood like a sentinel against the night, its stone walls imposing and formidable. Windows glowed with an eerie light from within, casting elongated shadows that danced along the wet cobblestones.

"Right then, let's get the scum out." Rodrick's voice held a sense of urgency, as if he couldn't wait to be rid of their cargo.

The back of the carriage creaked open, and the guards dragged Elaris out with a roughness that left his limbs throbbing.

'This tower... a prison as much as my cage.' Elaris thought bitterly, his gaze fixed on the towering structure before him.

Templars in their distinctive armor emerged from the tower's entrance, their imposing presence casting an even darker shadow over the scene. The glint of their steel armor caught the occasional flicker of the torches that lined the entrance.

"What've we got here, Rodrick?" The first Templar Guard's voice was gruff and commanding, his eyes narrowing as they settled on Elaris.

"A gift from the woods. Caught him sneakin' about, lookin' lost." Said Rodrick arrogantly, his tone dripping with disdain.

The second Templar Guard interjected. "Another elven mage, eh? Chantry'll be pleased."

Elaris stood in the cold rain, his drenched clothes clinging to his body, feeling exposed and vulnerable in the presence of these armed guards.

"Take him inside. Initiate the processing. We'll sort out his accommodations later." Said the first Templar Guard, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Elaris watched as they exchanged words, feeling like a pawn being moved on a game board. 'One cage to another, then,' he thought bitterly, his heart heavy with resignation.

"Move, elf. The First Enchanter will want to see you." The second Templar Guard's grip on his shoulder was firm as he guided Elaris towards the tower's entrance.

Raindrops pelted them as they crossed the threshold, and Elaris's footsteps echoed off the stone walls of the tower's interior.

The air inside was cooler than outside, carrying with it a musty scent that hinted at the passage of time.

His gaze shifted from the polished stone floors to the arches that adorned the walls, each holding the weight of history and secrets.

Torches lined the corridors, casting flickering light that danced upon the walls, creating an eerie ambiance.

But not before he heard Rodrick speak up. "So Grant, what's the reward lookin' like this time, t'was a long hard ride to 'em here, ya know?"

Elaris was led through the dimly lit corridor of the tower, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. He had heard stories of mage towers as he was travelling with his tribe, but this place felt different, more austere.

'Bare walls and dim light. Not the grand halls and libraries of tales from Val Royeaux.' Elaris thought, his steps faltering slightly as he took in the stark surroundings.

He was ushered into a chamber where a man, seated behind a simple desk, looked up.

His robes marked him as a mage, but his gaze held a mix of weariness and authority, shifting slightly to pity as he saw Elaris.

"Thank you Tommin, you can go back now." The man's voice was gentle yet commanding as he addressed the Templar Guard who had escorted Elaris.

The Templar Guard hesitated. "Are you sure..."

"Yes, I will be fine." The man's words were patient and coaxing, and Elaris watched as the Templar Guard left the room, closing the door behind him.

Turning his attention back to Elaris, the First Enchanter spoke again. This time, his voice was no longer patient but tinged with a weariness that seemed to permeate the very air."Another new arrival, I see."

"Apparently." Elaris's response was curt, his gaze distant as he stared at the floor.

"You were caught wandering?" The First Enchanter's inquiry was accompanied by a hint of empathy, a subtle recognition of the journey Elaris had endured.

Elaris snorted in response. "Hardly, Shemlen bandits attacked and raided my clansmen in an unprovoked ambush. They killed everyone but me and threw me into a cage."

"Cages can protect as much as they confine. We're here to learn, to grow." The First Enchanter paused, his gaze thoughtful as he seemed to choose his words carefully."I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your family. These are... poor times to be magically gifted."

"And to be watched." Elaris's tone was bitter, the resentment in his words palpable.

"Monitored, yes. But also guided. Our power unchecked can be dangerous." The First Enchanter's tone was calm, as if he had recited this argument countless times before.

Elaris's thoughts churned with frustration. 'Ugh! Rules... chains in another form. Magic isn't evil, you shemlens are!' But he kept those thoughts to himself.

The First Enchanter's focus remained steady on Elaris. "You have potential, elf. But potential must be tempered."

"Tempered or tamed?" Elaris's question dripped with defiance.

The First Enchanter brushed off the challenge. "You'll understand in time. We are mages, yes, but we are not above the laws of the Chantry."

'Protect... or suppress?' Elaris mused inwardly, his gaze unwavering as he observed the First Enchanter. 'I'm not sure even he believes what he's saying.'

The First Enchanter continued, "Your time here will be what you make of it. Learn, adapt, and perhaps you'll find a place."

"A place within these stone walls?" Elaris's voice held a mix of skepticism and resignation.

"A place within yourself." The First Enchanter's words were laden with wisdom, echoing through the room with a weight that seemed to hang in the air.

'Not that I have a choice.' Elaris thought bitterly. "Fine, I'll try."

"Good. That's all I ask." The First Enchanter stood up, his movements fluid and graceful.

Elaris offered a curt nod in response, his gaze distant as he watched the First Enchanter move towards the door.

"Come along then, I'll show you to a room where you can stay." The First Enchanter's voice held a touch of warmth, a fleeting attempt to convey empathy amidst the duty he bore.

Elaris followed him, his steps slightly hesitant, as they navigated through the corridors of the tower. The dimly lit passageways seemed to stretch endlessly, the stone walls almost suffocating in their solidity.

They descended a spiral staircase, the stone steps cool beneath Elaris's feet. The soft glow of torchlight cast elongated shadows along the walls, creating a dance of light and darkness that seemed to mirror the conflict within Elaris's own heart.

As they reached the third floor, the First Enchanter motioned Elaris to a room, its entrance devoid of a door like the others they had passed.

Elaris entered, his gaze sweeping across the small space. A desk with an empty notebook and an unlit candle stood against one wall, its wooden surface polished with age. A simple bed occupied another corner, its blanket neatly folded and pillows fluffed.'Simple and stark. Just like this tower.' Elaris's thoughts were a mix of melancholy and resistance as he settled onto the bed.

The events of the day, the journey, the confrontation with the First Enchanter, all weighed heavily on his mind.

The First Enchanter's departure left a silence that was broken only by the scratching of a quill and the rustle of pages as Elaris contemplated his new surroundings.

The hours stretched on, marked by the occasional flicker of a candle or the creak of a bed frame.

Elaris's thoughts remained a blend of resistance and melancholy, the storm outside now a distant rumble that echoed the tumultuous emotions within him.

A soft cough from one of the students drew his attention. He looked up to see a young woman with ink-stained fingers and a tired smile. Her presence brought a faint hint of warmth to the room, a reminder that despite the tower's cold walls, human connections could still find a way to pierce through the isolation.

"New arrival, huh? Name's Lira." Her words were friendly, and her gaze held a glint of curiosity.

Beside her, a young man rubbed the bridge of his nose, his expression a mix of weariness and caution."And I'm Kael." His tone was more reserved, his eyes holding a hint of curiosity as they studied Elaris.

"Elaris." He offered his name with a guarded nod, keeping his emotions carefully masked.

"Welcome to the joys of studying under Templar scrutiny." Lira's smile held a touch of irony, as if she had learned to find humor amidst the challenges.

"Don't mind Lira, she's always been the cheerful one." Kael's voice was gentle, and he offered a small smile of his own.

"It's called coping, Kael." Lira interjected with a playful nudge, her eyes sparkling.

Lifting a brow, Elaris questioned skeptically. "Coping with what?"

"Coping with the fact that we're stuck here. You learn to find solace where you can." Kael's words were soft yet resonated with a depth of experience.

"Yeah... How long have you been here?" Elaris's curiosity mingled with a touch of resignation, knowing that he was now part of this world as well.

Lira sighed, her gaze distant for a moment. "Feels like a lifetime, but just a couple of months. I'm sixteen."

Kael's expression grew thoughtful. "I'm fourteen. I'm from a small town just outside Kirkwall."

Elaris raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Kael's origins. "Kirkwall? That's a long way from here. Why didn't you go to the mage tower there?"

"It was full, the recent mage hunts in the city turned up many new children with magical affinity." Kael's explanation was tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation.

Lira nodded in agreement. "He's right. We're all brought here, no matter where we're from. This tower is one of the most recent to be constructed."

Elaris absorbed their words, realizing that they, too, were prisoners of circumstance, their lives shaped by forces beyond their control.

"What about you, Elaris? How old are you?" Lira's curiosity returned to him, her smile warm and inviting.

"I'm twelve." Elaris's voice was soft, a reminder of his youth amidst the trials he had faced.

"You're younger than us, then." Lira's smile remained, her eyes filled with a kind empathy.

Elaris scoffed lightly, his gaze averting for a moment. "Age doesn't matter. I've seen more than most."

Kael's gentle voice broke through the tension. "And then they took you? The Hunters, I mean."

Elaris's gaze returned to them, his eyes holding a mixture of sorrow and anger. "Not before they took everything else."

"What happened?" Lira's voice was gentle, her words laced with a sincerity that invited Elaris to share his story.

Elaris looked down, his fingers tracing the faint pattern on the floor. "Bandits. They wanted slaves... and me. My tribe fought back, but... they were skilled. My parents, my clansmen, they were all killed."

"I'm sorry." Kael's voice was soft, his eyes reflecting the compassion he felt for Elaris's loss.

Elaris looked back up, his gaze fierce with unresolved emotions. "The two who brought me here were the only survivors from the bandits."

Lira's attempt to console him was gentle. "At least you're alive now."

Elaris nodded, his gaze distant. "Alive, but not free."

As the room settled into silence, the rain outside seemed to match the storm within Elaris's heart. Each drop that fell carried with it a weight of memory and pain, a reminder that within these stone walls, he was both a survivor and a captive.