"Ah, good, good," the First Enchanter says with a genial smile. "Then allow me to present you with your new robes and ring of membership," he hands over a folded bundle with a small wrapped package on top. "As well as a writ for a new staff from the armory. You may choose any you like, or request the Tranquil create a new one if none are to your liking."

"Thank you, ser."

Irving gives her a grandfatherly smile. "You are most welcome, child. But now I think I've taken up enough of your time. If I could trouble you to escort Duncan to the guest quarters, the rest of the day is yours."

"Of course, ser." To Duncan: "Follow me."

"Thank you, Serah Amell."

She'll lead him through the corridors then - luckily the guest space is on the same floor, though it's clear on the opposite side of the tower and there isn't a good direct path. Still - that gives her time to ask him questions (and him to ask her in turn, if he has any).

"Ser Duncan, what are the duties of a mage working with the Grey Wardens?"

"That depends if you mean as an auxiliary or as a recruit. The Wardens of course welcome magical support the same as other military units, for the battlefield control and healing capabilities you offer. But we also accept mages into our ranks, and a Warden is a Warden, magical talent or no."

Surprised blink. "And the other Wardens are accepting of that?"

"The primary duty of a Warden is fighting darkspawn. Wardens who turn their noses up at ways to do that more effectively tend not to live very long."

...That sounds like an opportunity. But... Hm...

Her biggest problem has been figuring out how to escape - how to grow past the chains the Circle places on her - without leaving Briony behind. 

"Would a Templar of the Chantry be welcome alongside me?"

"Ah. The Wardens do not discriminate, but there may be a question of conflicting oaths."

"...Of what sort?"

"The Grey Wardens answer to no nation or power. A templar swears their service to the Chantry, which is a bond not lightly broken."

"I'll speak to her," she says. "But - from a philosophical perspective, oaths to the Maker should be above oaths to any earthly power, should they not? And to fight the darkspawn for the good of all peoples would be in accordance with that ultimate oath."

She's aware of other issues, too - but, honestly, this is a good chance to test out her arguments for Briony to be released honorably to the Wardens, or wherever else would allow her and Lys to live together. 

He raises a brow. "An interesting theory. I am not sure how well the clerics would take it."

"But there is another option. The Grey Wardens possess the right of conscription."

She needs better arguments then, damn. Maybe specific quotes - ? Or if she can find precedence in the historic records in the library, especially from prior Blights... Though she might not have much time to research...

Conscription, though... Hmmm... "It depends," she says, carefully, "On whether the Order would consider that an honorable discharge." She's not entirely sure why but she's good enough at collecting rumors to know that there's more dread of dishonorable discharge than reasonable, that Templars who are kicked out for some reason or another are often followed by a storm of rumors about madness and death - that even honorably discharged or retired Templars don't always seem to live as long as they perhaps should - 

If she was in charge of an organization as tightly controlled as the Templar Order, charged with a duty as difficult and important as controlling mages, she'd figure out a way to ensure Templars who don't fall in line don't remain a problem for long. And Lys is very, very certain that whoever designed this system is exactly the kind of bastard she is, and honestly thoroughly unworthy of Briony's presence in their ranks. 

"It would not," Duncan says carefully, "be the first time."

"Then... It's worth considering."

"I hope that you do. The First Enchanter has told me of your skills; we could use a mage like you."

"I'll just need to talk to my - friend - Briony." Pause, then a little cautiously: "I'm not going anywhere without her."

"But... I have been considering asking permission for us to join the army. The Grey Wardens sound like - a good opportunity."

"It is a chance to do something great," Duncan agrees.

(And to obtain social status and a permit to explore more powerful magic outside the misguided bonds of the Chantry. (She doesn't object to the hierarchy. She objects to the stupidity.))

"How many are you hoping to recruit?" she asks, mostly idly. 

"As many as I can," he says. "Though I don''t expect to get more than one or two. Being a Grey Warden is not... traditionally prestigious, and it means giving up the life you had before. For most in the Circle, this will not seem to be better than their current circumstances. And outside of a true, acknowledged Blight, we must be conservative with conscription."

Hum. "I might know a few who'd be interested," she says, thoughtfully. "At least - for similar reasons to why I am. I can speak to them, after I talk to Briony. And First Enchanter Irving... He looks out for us when he can. I think he'd approve of mages who are poor fits for Circle life joining the Wardens instead."

"And even if they can't join now - they might be good initial candidates for when a Blight is declared."

"That would be most helpful. Thank you."

And soon after that, they arrive at the guest quarters. Duncan thanks her again for showing the way.