Keeps their reflexes sharp. 

Sadly, Briony does have to go back to her duties eventually. And Lys might want to go pick up her things from her old space, maybe get her new staff.

Inconvenient of reality to intrude like that. 

Still, she does need her things, like Briony says. So: a goodbye kiss, a murmured, "Until next time, Ser Briony," and then she's off.

No one's been been messing with them.

Some of the apprentices look like they want to ask her about the Harrowing, but only Jowan is stupid brave enough to. "What was it like? You've been gone for hours, no one would tell us anything."

"Harrowing," she says with a mostly straight face, only the faintest smile on her lips. 

"That's not fair," he whines.

"It's tradition. You'll find out in due time, Jowan - and then it'll be your turn to tease the apprentices."

"You think so? I heard that for apprentices that don't show promise, the templars just kill you. Chop your head off right there."

She rolls her eyes. "You'll only die if you come back possessed - or don't come back at all. We've been told that multiple times, Jowan - and if you're too scared, there's always Tranquility." 

"Tranqu- That's not better!"

"Then stop fretting and start studying. And... Try not to do anything stupid - as an apprentice, or during your Harrowing."

He sighs dejectedly.

A younger apprentice approaches them. "Lys Amell? First Enchanter Irving would like to see you in his office at your convenience."

"Right away." To Jowan: "I'll see you around. And - your Harrowing won't be like mine, but if you need help studying... Let me know. I still owe you for a few projects."

Jowan is too busy feeling sorry for himself to really acknowledge her.

Typical. He's useful (and somehow mistakes blackmail for a fair deal), but she could do without his... Everything.

She goes straight to find the First Enchanter.

The First Enchanter's office is already occupied when she shows up, by Knight-Commander Greagoir and a bearded man she doesn't recognize, with griffons on his surcoat. Greagoir seems to be arguing with Irving about something involving the stranger.

She hangs back (and listens in) until acknowledged. 

Apparently, they are arguing about sending more mages away. The First Enchanter points out that it is their duty to assist the king's army against the darkspawn threat. The Knight-Commander complains that the mages will need a templar escort, and he's already facing manpower shortfalls.

The bearded man interrupts (with the air of one who is relieved to finally have an excuse to stop endlessly circling bickering) when he spots Lys lurking at the door. "Gentlemen, please! First Enchanter, you have a visitor."

"Ah, young Lys," Irving says. "Come in, child."

She does so. "You called for me, Ser?"

Greagoir seems unwilling to continue the argument in front of her. "We will continue this later, Irving," he says, stiffly, and heads out the door.

     "This is...?" the bearded man asks.

"Yes, this is she," Irving replies. "Our newest member of the Circle, Lys Amell. Lys, this is Duncan of the Grey Wardens."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," she says evenly. And, given there's not many reasons a Grey Warden would be hanging around here: "Do the Grey Wardens need mage assistance?"

"With the darkspawn invading from the south," Duncan says, "we need all the help we can get. Especially from the Circle. I fear if we don't drive them back, we may see another Blight."

"The situation is that dire?"

"So I believe," he says solemnly.

     "Come now, my friend," Irving says. "There is no need for this talk of darkspawn and Blight today. We welcome a mage to our ranks, this should be a joyous occasion."

Tiny smile. "I've celebrated already with friends." One very special 'friend,' that is.