Thread: Where Allegiances Lie [Kyre & The Intrepid Wanderer]

The young woman before him visibly relaxed as he hurried to ease her concerns, the tension dissipating from her posture and expression, as her smile took on a far warmer form. Oh, good. It was a great relief to hear that her one pleasure in this world had not been taken from her - if she were confined to her dorm with nothing to read or do Alisia was quite sure she would go utterly mad. Reading calmed her and focused her mind on something other than her circumstances, it kept her sane, and a sane mage tended to live a lot longer than an insane one. Her gaze fell to rest upon the book that was suddenly plucked from its place, quick enough to spy the title of the ominous looking tome. The Alchemical Properties of Ferelden's Fauna. An interesting read, if one had the patience for it, and probably quite useful if one were to roam the forests and plains of Thedas. Alisia had read a portion of that very tome, for academic reasons rather than personal interest - it had aided her well in her progression through alchemy classes. However, she did find herself curious as to why Darryn would have an interest in it - perhaps someone was ill. Oh, lucky you found it so quickly. I'm certain the Senior Enchanter has changed the cataloguing system half a dozen times by now. A soft laugh followed this observation, light and surprisingly cheerful considering the current circumstances. She liked Darryn. Often she had found herself wondering what their conversations would be like if they ever had the opportunity to talk alone and perhaps even beyond the restrictive walls of the Circle. If she wasn't a mage and he a Templar, would anything be different? Now, more than ever, the gulf between their opposing occupations seemed vast. A mage being kind to a Templar, and vice versa, could easily be construed poorly by both sides - either as a sign of betrayal or trickery. His question drew her out of her thoughts suddenly, eyelids fluttering in a succession of brief blinks before her mind actually processed what he had said. Had she had a good day? It was hard to say truthfully for all the days seemed to blend into one, each the same as the last. There was also that heavy sense of unease that had been hanging around her for days now did anyone else feel it? The muttered conversations that stretched late into the night seemed to draw a great number of whispered voices, more and more shadows gathering to express their anger, frustration and fear. Two more of their own had been taken last night, dragged away by the Templars and never returned. Yes, a good day - considering the circumstances. Alisia chose a diplomatic answer, wary of the eyes and ears that watched and listened nearby. And with you? Have you heard any news from the other Circles? It was a risk to ask, perhaps, but the knowledge of her kind killing and being killed weighed heavily upon the young woman. All it took was one spark, one instigator amongst the masses and a whole fortress of souls could be sentenced to death. In the face of death or being made Tranquil, how many had turned to the demons she feared so greatly? How many good people had lost themselves to darkness?