Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Circle.

Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him.

Foul and corrupt are they

Who have taken His gift

And turned it against His children.

They shall be named Maleficar, accursed ones.

They shall find no rest in this world

Or beyond.

- Canticle of Transfigurations 1:2

~~~~~~~~~~

The room seemed to envelop them in its stillness, the faint glow of the candle casting shadows that danced along the walls. The quiet patter of rain against the windowpane formed a rhythm that echoed the ebb and flow of their conversation.

Kael spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "I can't imagine what you've been through, Elaris. But being here... it's not all bad."

Elaris's gaze turned toward Kael, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism in his eyes. "How so?"

Kael leaned back, his expression distant as he recalled his own experiences. "Well, for one, we're learning things most people could never dream of. And we have each other."

Lira nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on Elaris. "Kael's right. We're a community in here. We look out for each other."

Elaris's guard seemed to soften slightly, his gaze shifting between Kael and Lira. "A community? In a place like this?"

Kael's smile was gentle. "Yeah, it may not seem like it at first, but we're all in this together. And that counts for something."

Lira's eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and camaraderie. "You'll see. We have each other's backs."

Elaris's lips twitched, a hint of a smile emerging despite himself. "You two... you've been here a while. Have you learned anything that's worth the chains?"

Kael's expression grew thoughtful, his eyes turning inward as he considered the question. "I've learned to control my magic better, to harness it without fear. And the studies... they've opened my mind to things I never thought possible."

Lira chimed in with a grin. "And I've become quite the expert in creating illusions. Comes in handy sometimes."

Elaris listened, his skepticism warring with a growing curiosity. "Illusions, huh?"Lira's smile widened. "Yep. I can make you see things that aren't really there. It's like magic for the mind."

Kael's voice turned earnest. "And I've also learned that we're not alone in our struggles. There are others who understand what it's like to be different."

Elaris's gaze shifted, his thoughts drifting to the past, to the forests and the freedom he had known. "Different... that's one way to put it."

Lira's tone turned more serious. "But it's not just about magic. It's about who we are, who we can become."

Kael's words carried a note of hope. "We might not have chosen this path, but we can still make something of it. That's what I believe."

Elaris's gaze held a mix of emotions, his heart torn between resistance and a yearning for connection. "And what about the Templars? Are they part of this 'community' too?"

Kael's expression darkened slightly, a shadow passing over his features. "Not all of them. Some are more understanding than others. But they're here to enforce the rules, no matter how we feel about them."

Lira's voice was tinged with a hint of frustration. "They're the ones who keep us in line, make sure we don't become... what they fear."

Elaris's brows furrowed, his voice tinged with bitterness. "And what do they fear, exactly?"

Kael's response was measured, his tone somber. "Magic unchecked, I suppose. And the power that comes with it. They see it as a threat, something that needs to be controlled."

Elaris's gaze hardened, his resolve strengthening. "Controlled... or suppressed?"

Lira's eyes locked onto his, a glimmer of understanding passing between them. "You're not wrong, Elaris. But maybe... just maybe, we can find a way to prove them wrong."

Kael nodded in agreement, his voice unwavering. "We have the potential to do great things, to show that magic isn't something to be feared but for now."Kael's voice carried a reassuring warmth. "We'll help you settle in, Elaris. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll see, things will start to make sense."

Lira nodded in agreement. "Get some rest tonight. You're safe here."

Elaris offered a faint smile, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, both of you."

As the night deepened, the trio settled into a rhythm of quiet conversation, sharing stories and dreams. Their voices gradually grew softer, the weight of the day's events giving way to a sense of camaraderie and comfort.

Hours passed, and the room embraced the stillness of the night. The sound of rain against the window created a gentle lull, soothing the edges of their thoughts and worries. Slowly, fatigue began to take hold, and their conversation began to dwindle.

Kael's voice was a soft whisper. "We should get some sleep."

Lira nodded in agreement, her eyes heavy with weariness. "Agreed. Tomorrow awaits."

Elaris let out a contented sigh, his gaze drifting toward the window where raindrops danced in the soft glow of moonlight. "Yeah, sleep sounds good."

With a collective sense of anticipation for the new day, they settled onto their beds, each wrapped in their own thoughts and hopes.

The room embraced them like a cocoon, offering a respite from the trials of the world outside.As the night deepened, their breathing grew steady, and the room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.

The rain continued its gentle serenade, a reminder of the world beyond their walls.Later, as the room lay submerged in the depths of sleep, Elaris's consciousness began to shift.

He found himself standing at the precipice of dreams, a bridge between the waking world and the mysterious realm of the Fade.

The transition was seamless, his surroundings morphing from the confines of the tower room to a surreal landscape painted in shades of ethereal blue and silver.

The ground beneath his feet felt like a mixture of mist and stardust, a tapestry woven from the fabric of dreams.Above, a starlit sky stretched endlessly, its constellations shifting and pulsating in a dance of cosmic energy.

A gentle breeze caressed his skin, carrying whispers of distant memories and unspoken desires.

As he ventured deeper into the Fade, he encountered creatures of luminescent beauty and haunting strangeness. Spirits drifted by, their forms ever-changing, merging and diverging like ripples in a pond. Some radiated warmth and curiosity, while others exuded an air of mystery and caution.

The air was alive with fragments of emotions and thoughts, swirling around him like fireflies in the night.

Elaris reached out tentatively, his fingertips brushing against the intangible threads of consciousness. He felt a connection to the spirits, a shared awareness that transcended words.

Time became fluid, the boundaries between past, present, and future blurring into a symphony of sensations. He found himself immersed in memories that weren't his own, glimpses of lives lived and choices made.

Each thread was a fragment of a story, a moment frozen in time.

As he continued his journey through the Fade, he encountered landscapes that defied description. Forests of translucent trees swayed to a melody only he could hear, while rivers of starlight flowed with a rhythm that resonated deep within his soul.He found himself standing before a mirror-like pool, its surface shimmering with a thousand reflections.

As he gazed into its depths, he saw his own image morph and shift, revealing layers of his identity he had never before acknowledged.

Amidst the beauty and wonder, he also sensed darker currents, shadows that slithered along the edges of his perception.

Whispers of doubt and fear brushed against his consciousness, threatening to pull him into their depths.But Elaris refused to succumb. He reached within himself, drawing on the strength and resolve he had found in the waking world. With a surge of determination, he faced the shadows head-on, dispelling them with a burst of radiant light.

As dawn approached, the boundaries between the Fade and reality began to blur. Elaris felt a gentle tug, a call to return to the world of wakefulness.

Reluctantly, he began to make his way back, his steps growing slower as he lingered in the realm of dreams for a fleeting moment longer.

Back in the tower room, the rain had ceased, and the first light of morning crept through the window.

Elaris's breathing grew steady as he settled into a deep sleep, the echoes of his journey through the Fade lingering in his mind. And in that quiet room, amidst the soft glow of morning light. A slight breeze brushed a lone tear as it rolled down his cheek.

~~~~~~~~~~

As the morning light filtered into the room, the trio of young mages began to stir from their slumber.

The tranquility of the dawn was a stark contrast to the events of the previous day, and a new sense of possibility hung in the air.

Kael yawned and stretched, his limbs unfurling as he sat up on his bed. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced around and then offered a warm smile to the others. "Morning, you two."

Lira, who was already sitting cross-legged on her bed, offered a wave and a sleepy grin. "Good morning, Kael. Sleep well?"

Kael nodded. "Yeah, I did. Rain always makes it easier for me to fall asleep."

Elaris, who had been awake for a while, his thoughts consumed by the dreamscape he had walked, was sitting on the windowsill, staring out at the now calm sky.

He turned his gaze towards them, his eyes distant. "Morning."

Lira noticed the distant look in Elaris's eyes and raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"

Elaris blinked and shook his head slightly. "Just... thinking."

Kael got up and stretched his arms over his head. "About what?"

Elaris hesitated, not sure if he should share his thoughts about magic being more than just control. and definitely not wanting the share his Fade dreams. "Just... the tower, I guess."

Lira leaned forward, intrigued. "Thinking about what awaits us?"

Elaris nodded, not going into detail. "Yeah, something like that."

Kael chuckled. "Well, it can't be all bad, right? We're here to learn."

Lira nodded in agreement. "And we have each other to lean on."

Elaris's lips twitched, a faint smile emerging despite himself. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

As the morning continued, a knock echoed through the room. The door creaked open, revealing an older mage with silver hair and a serene expression.

His presence seemed to command respect, and his eyes held a depth of wisdom that spoke of years of experience.

Enchanter Vilgartory, their teacher, entered the room with a warm smile. "Good morning, young mages."

Kael and Lira immediately straightened up, a respectful nod in their greetings.

Elaris, while less formal, still offered a polite nod.

Vilgartory's gaze settled on Elaris, his eyes gentle yet piercing. "And you must be the new arrival. Elaris, if I recall correctly."

Elaris nodded, his gaze meeting Vilgartory's with a mix of curiosity and respect. "Yes, Enchanter Vilgartory."

Vilgartory's smile remained unchanged, his voice carrying a soothing tone. "Welcome to our tower. I'm Enchanter Vilgartory, your teacher and guide during your time here."

Elaris's curiosity piqued. "Guide in what?"

Vilgartory's eyes twinkled with a hint of mystery. "In understanding magic, your abilities, and your place in this world. But more importantly, guiding you to discover your own truths."

Kael and Lira exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a sense of respect for their teacher's wisdom.

Vilgartory continued. "Today, I'll be introducing you to the basics of magical theory and its application. We'll meet in the lecture hall after breakfast. I look forward to seeing your eagerness to learn."

Elaris's gaze remained fixed on Vilgartory, his curiosity evident. "I'm eager to learn, Enchanter."

'I'm also eager to know the difference in the way you shemlens use magic and the real way of us Dalish.'

Vilgartory nodded, his smile warm. "Excellent. The path of knowledge is a journey worth undertaking. Now, go and enjoy your breakfast. We have much to explore."

With a nod from each of them, Vilgartory took his leave, the room filled once again with the quiet murmurings of morning light.

Lira stretched, her back arched causing her sizeable bust to become more apparent to the two young men in the room. Though Elaris did pay any mind Kael was transfixed for a little longer then was appropriate for an admiring gaze. "Well shall we get going?"

As Lira's stretch drew Kael's gaze for a moment longer, he quickly averted his eyes, his cheeks reddening. He cleared his throat and nodded in agreement with her. "Yeah, breakfast sounds good. Let's go."

Elaris, seemingly unaffected by the distraction, nodded in agreement. "Lead the way."

The three of them made their way out of the room, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor and down the steps to the second floor as they headed towards the dining hall.

Lira elbowed Kael playfully. "Caught something interesting, did you?"

Kael's ears turned a shade of pink, and he nudged her back, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Oh, come on. It's not like I haven't seen that before."

Lira grinned mischievously. "Of course, Kael. Just making sure you're still awake."

Elaris chuckled softly, his eyes taking in the easy camaraderie between Kael and Lira.

As they reached the dining hall, the smell of warm bread and hearty stew greeted them, along with the hum of conversation from other mages.

They found a table and began to fill their plates, there were eggs sausages and a brown rye bread, the slices of which were still releasing steam showing that they were freshly baked. other items such as mushrooms and tomatoes, baked potatoes and piping hot porridge also lay on the table, their laughter and discussions intertwining with those around them.

As they ate, the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle warmth on their faces. It was a moment of respite, a chance to connect with others who shared their struggles and aspirations.

Once their plates were empty, they exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. It was time to head to the lecture hall and begin their lessons under Enchanter Vilgartory's guidance.

With a final nod, they rose from their seats and made their way to the lecture halls.

The lecture halls were situated on the fourth floor of the tower, a place where knowledge was imparted and mysteries unraveled.

The trio climbed the stairs, the soft shuffling of their footsteps reverberating in the stone corridor.

The walls of the fourth floor were lined with tapestries depicting scenes of magic, history, and the world beyond. The air was filled with an air of anticipation as students bustled about, finding their seats and engaging in hushed conversations.

Kael, Lira, and Elaris entered one of the lecture halls, taking in the rows of wooden benches and the raised platform where Enchanter Vilgartory stood.

The enchanter's presence commanded respect, his silver hair glinting in the soft light that filtered through the tall windows.

As the trio found seats, Vilgartory's gaze briefly met theirs, a nod of acknowledgement passing between them.

The lecture hall soon filled with a quiet hum as students settled in, their notebooks and quills at the ready.

Vilgartory's voice, rich and resonant, broke the silence as he began his lecture."Good morning, students. Today, we embark on a journey of understanding, a journey into the heart of magic itself."

Vilgartory continued. "Today, we'll delve into the primal aspect of magic, a force rooted in the natural world and harnessed by the mages of the Circle."

Elaris's eyes widened with intrigue, his focus shifting entirely to Vilgartory's words.

Vilgartory gestured to the illustrations projected on the wall behind him. Images of roaring flames, swirling winds, and surging waters and flakes of snow filled the room. "Primal magic draws its power from the elements—fire, water, earth, air, ice and lightning. It is raw and untamed, a connection to the very essence of the world."

As Vilgartory spoke, the room seemed to come alive with the energy of the elements. An illusion of flickering flames danced along the edges of the walls, and a gentle breeze ruffled their hair.

"Primal magic allows mages to channel these elemental energies and wield them in various ways," Vilgartory continued. "Fire can scorch enemies, water can heal and soothe, earth can provide protection, ice can freeze and slow opponents granting you valuable time, lightning is just as devastating has fire and air can manipulate the battlefield."

Elaris's gaze remained fixed on the illustrations, his mind racing with possibilities.

Vilgartory's tone grew more somber. "But like all forms of magic, primal magic carries risks. Harnessing the raw forces of nature can be unpredictable, and the mage must learn to control and channel the energies without succumbing to their destructive potential."

Lira's brows furrowed in thought. "So, it's about finding a balance between power and control?"

Vilgartory nodded. "Exactly. Mastery over primal magic requires discipline and respect for the natural world. It's about aligning oneself with the elements rather than seeking to dominate them."

Kael scribbled down notes in his journal, his pen moving swiftly to capture the essence of Vilgartory's teachings.

Vilgartory concluded the lecture with a final thought. "Primal magic is a reflection of the world's beauty and chaos, a testament to the delicate equilibrium that sustains our existence. As mages, it is our responsibility to wield this power wisely and to honor the bond between magic and nature."

The lecture hall was filled with a sense of awe and contemplation as Vilgartory's words resonated with the young mages.

He dismissed the class, and as the students began to file out, Kael, Lira, and Elaris exchanged excited glances.

Elaris commented. "Well that was very interesting. So this is the magic you shemle... sorry, humans practice. To think such a shool of magic could be created by the tevinter.

Kael was startled. "But Enchanter Vilgartory never mentioned that... how did you know."

Elaris shrugged. "Lore passed down in my clan. The Tevinter used blood magic and sacrificed thousands of Dalish elven slaves that they had captured to empower their primal magic spells and destroy the last elven city of my ancestors."

Lira gasped holding her hands to her mouth in shock. "Blood magic! but that's so evil."

Overhearing the conversation Enchanter Vilgartory spoke up. " Yes it is, and yes it was. It was one of greatest sins of Tevinter empires history."

The trio nodded at those words.

Enchanter Vilgartory continued. "Elaris, while you may have knowledge of bygone times that are very informative... try to keep such statements more private, for your own benefit. One word of that magic reaching a Templar Guard could bring dire consequences of on you.

Nodding in thanks Elaris had thought as much but couldn't help commenting after such a lecture. "Thank you Enchanter Vilgartory, I will try to be more mindful."

Enchanter Vilgartory smiled. "Well off with you then, it should be lunch time by now, got and have yourselves something to eat."

As they exited the lecture hall, they found themselves on the fourth-floor corridor once again, surrounded by the grandeur of the tower's architecture that only the tower's forth floor seemed to provide. Their minds were buzzing with the knowledge they had gained, and a renewed sense of purpose filled their steps.