Thea was tempted to tell the First Enchanter she was no child of hers, but held her tongue. Kaitlyn was in enough trouble as it is and she did not think it was a good idea to sour her reputation with the Circle any longer than was necessary. She followed the old crone quietly, uncomfortable with the silence but not quite willing to let it show. The Grey Wardens were mentioned, though why the Circle would entertain such guests would be... of course.

"So, there are Grey Wardens here in the tower?" She asked, hoping to break the silence with some conversation that didn't involve what happened earlier.

The First Enchanter nodded. "Yes, they are here looking for new recruits, among both the templars and mages. Though I believe the Revered Mother isn't happy with them looking at the trainees and newly Harrowed mages instead of those with more... experience. I expect your clan must have had a visit from them by now. The Dalish are one of the groups who signed a treaty to aid the Wardens, if my memory serves."

"They may have gone to other clans, but mine was never visited by a Warden, no." The First Enchanter was going somewhere with her line of questioning. There was no reason to bring up the Dalish here.

"I see. Well, much as I hate to see children I've taught and watched grow up in the tower march off to war, and I suppose there are some who would wish any opportunity to leave the Tower for good, even if they leave to certain death. Wardens are not known for leading long full lives."

"I suppose not."

"Now then, the Harrowing chamber is right beyond those doors. I imagine the Dalish do not have such practices, though no doubt you know how to avoid the dangers of the Fade. I must warn you, child, a young flower like yourself is temptation enough for the Templars, the fact that you're a mage under their charge and raised among the Dalish to boot will make you a more inviting target. I will be watching within that chamber to ensure nothing untoward happens, but be on your guard once the Harrowing is over."

Thea looked at the doors and considered the First Enchanter's warning. It wasn't anything she hadn't considered herself, but the words coming straight from the First Enchanter made it clear that at the very least, the mages were looking out for one another and she was one of them first, where she was raised was a different concern entirely. The mage simply nodded and stepped through the doors. "Magic exists to serve man, not to rule over him." The Knight Commander was already within the chamber, and began speaking when Thea walked up to the altar, filled with lyrium and surrounded by other magi. "The Harrow exists to ensure that all mages within our walls are able to resist the tempation of the demons who walk the Fade. Pass your test, and you will be welcomed into the fold, fail... and pay the price."

Thea rolled her eyes. "Simple killing is a warrior's job. Do not talk to me of the dangers of the Fade, templar, you know nothing. I am ready."

The Knight-Commander narrowed her eyes at the young woman and had Thea not been raised among the Dalish, she might have cowed under that stare. "Is that confidence, or arrogance?"

"We are the last of the Elv'henan, and never again shall we submit." Thea voiced the words of the Dalish, her eyes keeping contact with the Knight-Commander. "It is true even with regards demons."

"We shall see."

---

Thea awoke to a forest. [i]Her[/i] forest. The forest she had come to know like the back of her hand. The forest she had grown up in, learned to hunt and tame her magic. The forest she trekked with her clan. It was hardly surprising this would be the demon's battleground of choice. Any deal this demon had to make would play on her desire to return home, it seemed. Not that she would have a choice in the matter if she agreed.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Thea cried out into the silence of the forest, sitting at the base of a tree. She wasn't going to wander around and fight whatever stupid minions the demon had. No, she was dictating how this battle would go, however little power she had to do so in the real world.

"A feisty one. I do love a passionate woman." A desire demon appeared before Thea, curvaceous and wanton lust oozing off her purple body. Thea rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"The templars might kill me if I take too long, so do you mind if we sped this along? I want nothing you have to offer, not even the chance to return to my clan. Now, would you rather take me by force, or leave me alone?"

"You don't even have a weapon, and you're the one who stepped in my domain."

Thea smirked, touching her hand to the ironbark tree she was leaning against and pulled out a staff. This is a Fade, and I am dreaming, no? It would be easy to fashion a weapon in my own head."

The desire demon smiled, unintimidated. "If I had known you would be this cocky, I would have let a pride demon try you instead... Very well, Thea of the Dalish. I'll leave you alone, for now. One day I will return, when your arrogance can carry you no further. Maybe when that little templar whore you arrived with is at stake, hmm?"

The demon vanished and Thea could feel her mind being drawn back to her body. Well, at the very least, it seemed she had passed the test, though she wondered how specific the Circle was went they said to defeat the demon.