siennadraws

[siennadraws]

I wonder when, exactly, does Lucanis tell Wenalen he can't do it, can't be First Talon. Maybe when Caterina is starting to go, with her age? When he actually starts to feel the full weight of that title? He never wanted it.

He tells Wenalen, but what does Wenalen have to say to convince him he can choose himself again?

Does he tell Illario? Viago and Teia? Caterina? And if he doesn't say anything, will they resent Lucanis for abandoning them to the mess that will come?

Or do they just gather what they can take, and walk away from Antiva? Maybe to Wycome first, to Wenalen's Clan and family? Or Minrathous, to the Shadow Dragons and Neve?

[siennadraws]

During their first kiss, Wenalen was so wound up he was going to pass out, I just know it. And you knowww it was just a peck, you knowww Lucanis would do that.

Wendy spent a whole day thinking about how Lucanis would kill every darkspawn or god for him? Well, he'll spend a whole week thinking about how that peck on his lips felt like.

[siennadraws]

Some Rook lore, because the handsomest man in Thedas deserves it.

Wenalen is an half-elf from Clan Lavellan, and Terys Lavellan's, the ex-Inquisitor, childhood best friend.

He was born at the exact same time as Terys, and grew alongside her. It was no wonder their Vallaslin were of the twins.

His padre, Alonso, was an escaped Crow, and his papae, Sa'Renan, was the one that found him, in the verge of death after another Crow was sent to kill him, and nursed him back to health.

When Clan Lavellan was attacked by humans and templars, his padre saved their family's lives by pointing a sword at Wenalen.

That image, and the attack, are a scar he still carries. That trauma made him disconnect from himself and latch unto Terys, becoming dependent on her. Once that connection was severed by the Inquisition, Wenalen was left to rebuild himself and find a future where she wasn't a guarantee.

When Wenalen reached Minrathous, he immediately caught wind of a shipment of slaves captured from the city. He had to do something, and was fully prepared to do it all by himself. However, he was joined in by some Shadow Dragons who already had their eyes on these slavers.

Among those captured was Lia Mercar. She couldn't walk, so Wenalen carried her home. The Mercars gave him a place to sleep in their home, as thanks for saving their daughter, and he became like a son to the family.

The Shadow Dragons recruited him immediately, not having any reason to distrust a Dalish, and admiring his courage and skill.

He had drinking problems, verging on addiction, ever since Terys joined the Inquisition. But having found a calling, delivering people from slavery and fighting against the Imperium, and not wanting to ruin his relationship with the Mercar family, he decided to become sober.

The family did notice his withdrawals and helped him, a lot. Especially the youngest daughter, Sarai, who Wenalen dotes over.

Wenalen sends Sarai souvenirs of the places he visits with the Veilguard

After Minrathous was attacked by Ghilan'nain, Wenalen arranged for the Mercar family to stay in Wycome with his fathers. At least until the Evanuris were defeated.

His territory with the Shadow Dragons was the Minrathous' Alienage and surrounding district.

While he tries to exercise as much caution as necessary, he does empty all his anger fighting slavers and Venatori. The aftermath isn't pretty, and stories about him are told.

He kept his full identity hidden from Varric, who would have heard about him from Terys. To the dwarf, he was just some Dalish half-elf, not the last Inquisitor's childhood best friend, and companion.

When he heard about Varric being in town, he started shaving his beard, hoping it'd be enough for him not to be recognized. He kept this habit while leading the Veilguard.

He plays the Dalish Guitar and has a lovely voice. After meals, or when he can't sleep, he'll play Dalish songs for a while. In the Lighthouse, Lucanis often joined to hear him during those sleepless nights.

Wenalen is learning to speak Antivan, since his padre never taught him anything beyond a couple basics. He's also trying to learn about the culture when he can.

At first he was very unnerved by allying with the Crows. But after some time of working alongside them he grew to respect the faction, and even enjoy the company of the Crows (some, or one, more than others).

Lucanis was the first to know his full story, after the dragon attacks. Wenalen told it to the team- after the meeting with Terys Lavellan, who also wasn't aware he was Rook, went a bit sideways.

He is best friends with Neve and Davrin.

Emmrich is like a mentor to him. With his Vallaslin to the elvhen psychopomp, Wenalen feels a connection to the dead, and greatly enjoys learning about the Grand Necropolis and the Mourn Watch.

Taash is like a sibling to him. He feels very protective of them, and can relate to the feeling of living in many worlds.

He gained the scar on his cheek fighting Fangscorcher.

Very friendly and comfortable with Spirits and Wisps, who enjoy his company back. Wenalen loves that when he hangs out with Neve, they also have a bunch of Wisps around.

Stopped shaving to mourn Davrin and Assan, and kept the beard after the team found them both healing with Eldrin, after Elgar'nan was defeated.

[siennadraws]

Some Rook lore, because the handsomest man in Thedas deserves it.

Wenalen is an half-elf from Clan Lavellan, and Terys Lavellan's, the ex-Inquisitor, childhood best friend.

He was born at the exact same time as Terys, and grew alongside her. It was no wonder their Vallaslin were of the twins.

His padre, Alonso, was an escaped Crow, and his papae, Sa'Renan, was the one that found him, in the verge of death after another Crow was sent to kill him, and nursed him back to health.

When Clan Lavellan was attacked by humans and templars, his padre saved their family's lives by pointing a sword at Wenalen.

That image, and the attack, are a scar he still carries. That trauma made him disconnect from himself and latch unto Terys, becoming dependent on her. Once that connection was severed by the Inquisition, Wenalen was left to rebuild himself and find a future where she wasn't a guarantee.

When Wenalen reached Minrathous, he immediately caught wind of a shipment of slaves captured from the city. He had to do something, and was fully prepared to do it all by himself. However, he was joined in by some Shadow Dragons who already had their eyes on these slavers.

Among those captured was Lia Mercar. She couldn't walk, so Wenalen carried her home. The Mercars gave him a place to sleep in their home, as thanks for saving their daughter, and he became like a son to the family.

The Shadow Dragons recruited him immediately, not having any reason to distrust a Dalish, and admiring his courage and skill.

He had drinking problems, verging on addiction, ever since Terys joined the Inquisition. But having found a calling, delivering people from slavery and fighting against the Imperium, and not wanting to ruin his relationship with the Mercar family, he decided to become sober.

The family did notice his withdrawals and helped him, a lot. Especially the youngest daughter, Sarai, who Wenalen dotes over.

Wenalen sends Sarai souvenirs of the places he visits with the Veilguard

After Minrathous was attacked by Ghilan'nain, Wenalen arranged for the Mercar family to stay in Wycome with his fathers. At least until the Evanuris were defeated.

His territory with the Shadow Dragons was the Minrathous' Alienage and surrounding district.

While he tries to exercise as much caution as necessary, he does empty all his anger fighting slavers and Venatori. The aftermath isn't pretty, and stories about him are told.

He kept his full identity hidden from Varric, who would have heard about him from Terys. To the dwarf, he was just some Dalish half-elf, not the last Inquisitor's childhood best friend, and companion.

When he heard about Varric being in town, he started shaving his beard, hoping it'd be enough for him not to be recognized. He kept this habit while leading the Veilguard.

He plays the Dalish Guitar and has a lovely voice. After meals, or when he can't sleep, he'll play Dalish songs for a while. In the Lighthouse, Lucanis often joined to hear him during those sleepless nights.

Wenalen is learning to speak Antivan, since his padre never taught him anything beyond a couple basics. He's also trying to learn about the culture when he can.

At first he was very unnerved by allying with the Crows. But after some time of working alongside them he grew to respect the faction, and even enjoy the company of the Crows (some, or one, more than others).

Lucanis was the first to know his full story, after the dragon attacks. Wenalen told it to the team- after the meeting with Terys Lavellan, who also wasn't aware he was Rook, went a bit sideways.

He is best friends with Neve and Davrin.

Emmrich is like a mentor to him. With his Vallaslin to the elvhen psychopomp, Wenalen feels a connection to the dead, and greatly enjoys learning about the Grand Necropolis and the Mourn Watch.

Taash is like a sibling to him. He feels very protective of them, and can relate to the feeling of living in many worlds.

He gained the scar on his cheek fighting Fangscorcher.

Very friendly and comfortable with Spirits and Wisps, who enjoy his company back. Wenalen loves that when he hangs out with Neve, they also have a bunch of Wisps around.

Stopped shaving to mourn Davrin and Assan, and kept the beard after the team found them both healing with Eldrin, after Elgar'nan was defeated.

[siennadraws]

Some Rook lore, because the handsomest man in Thedas deserves it.

Wenalen is an half-elf from Clan Lavellan, and Terys Lavellan's, the ex-Inquisitor, childhood best friend.

He was born at the exact same time as Terys, and grew alongside her. It was no wonder their Vallaslin were of the twins.

His padre, Alonso, was an escaped Crow, and his papae, Sa'Renan, was the one that found him, in the verge of death after another Crow was sent to kill him, and nursed him back to health.

When Clan Lavellan was attacked by humans and templars, his padre saved their family's lives by pointing a sword at Wenalen.

That image, and the attack, are a scar he still carries. That trauma made him disconnect from himself and latch unto Terys, becoming dependent on her. Once that connection was severed by the Inquisition, Wenalen was left to rebuild himself and find a future where she wasn't a guarantee.

When Wenalen reached Minrathous, he immediately caught wind of a shipment of slaves captured from the city. He had to do something, and was fully prepared to do it all by himself. However, he was joined in by some Shadow Dragons who already had their eyes on these slavers.

Among those captured was Lia Mercar. She couldn't walk, so Wenalen carried her home. The Mercars gave him a place to sleep in their home, as thanks for saving their daughter, and he became like a son to the family.

The Shadow Dragons recruited him immediately, not having any reason to distrust a Dalish, and admiring his courage and skill.

He had drinking problems, verging on addiction, ever since Terys joined the Inquisition. But having found a calling, delivering people from slavery and fighting against the Imperium, and not wanting to ruin his relationship with the Mercar family, he decided to become sober.

The family did notice his withdrawals and helped him, a lot. Especially the youngest daughter, Sarai, who Wenalen dotes over.

Wenalen sends Sarai souvenirs of the places he visits with the Veilguard

After Minrathous was attacked by Ghilan'nain, Wenalen arranged for the Mercar family to stay in Wycome with his fathers. At least until the Evanuris were defeated.

His territory with the Shadow Dragons was the Minrathous' Alienage and surrounding district.

While he tries to exercise as much caution as necessary, he does empty all his anger fighting slavers and Venatori. The aftermath isn't pretty, and stories about him are told.

He kept his full identity hidden from Varric, who would have heard about him from Terys. To the dwarf, he was just some Dalish half-elf, not the last Inquisitor's childhood best friend, and companion.

When he heard about Varric being in town, he started shaving his beard, hoping it'd be enough for him not to be recognized. He kept this habit while leading the Veilguard.

He plays the Dalish Guitar and has a lovely voice. After meals, or when he can't sleep, he'll play Dalish songs for a while. In the Lighthouse, Lucanis often joined to hear him during those sleepless nights.

Wenalen is learning to speak Antivan, since his padre never taught him anything beyond a couple basics. He's also trying to learn about the culture when he can.

At first he was very unnerved by allying with the Crows. But after some time of working alongside them he grew to respect the faction, and even enjoy the company of the Crows (some, or one, more than others).

Lucanis was the first to know his full story, after the dragon attacks. Wenalen told it to the team- after the meeting with Terys Lavellan, who also wasn't aware he was Rook, went a bit sideways.

He is best friends with Neve and Davrin.

Emmrich is like a mentor to him. With his Vallaslin to the elvhen psychopomp, Wenalen feels a connection to the dead, and greatly enjoys learning about the Grand Necropolis and the Mourn Watch.

Taash is like a sibling to him. He feels very protective of them, and can relate to the feeling of living in many worlds.

He gained the scar on his cheek fighting Fangscorcher.

Very friendly and comfortable with Spirits and Wisps, who enjoy his company back. Wenalen loves that when he hangs out with Neve, they also have a bunch of Wisps around.

Stopped shaving to mourn Davrin and Assan, and kept the beard after the team found them both healing with Eldrin, after Elgar'nan was defeated.

[siennadraws]

10, 20, 40 and +1 from the fifty rook questions?

Hi!! Thanks so much for the ask, and for making the list!

10. Does Rook know their history? Do they know of the HoF, Hawke, the Inquisitor?

They definitely know their history!

Firstly, the Hero of Ferelden is Shaera Mahariel Sabrae. All the southern Dalish kids know about her, especially the hunters. Since Wenalen's clan, Clan Lavellan, was from Ferelden before the Blight, they also probably met each other at some point.

Mara Hawke they know the basics of. They know enough people that knew her to make her basically an acquaintance. Varric, Merril, Morrigan, Terys.

Now, the Inquisitor, Wenalen definitely knows. His best friend, they were born at the same time from different parents in the Clan, raised side by side, inseparable until Terys Lavellan took the mission to spy on the Conclave. They were even lovers for some time.

If her time as Inquisitor hadn't broken her so much and separated her from him, he wouldn't have broken too. If she hadn't traveled to Tevinter, alone, Wenalen would have never tried to follow, wouldn't have reached Minrathous and freed those slaves, changing his life with that action, wouldn't have met the Mercars and the Shadow Dragons.

Wouldn't have become Rook.

20. What’s it like to see them smile? Their laugh?

His smile is bright. Like the sunlight in your eyes it cuts through you, and you can't help but smile back. The way his eyes wrinkle, and then how his cheeks start to hurt but how he can't stop his smile, you know there's no lie in there.

When it’s with someone dear to him, his smiles are shyer but begging to show his teeth.

His laughter escapes from him, surprising even himself when it bursts, but if you know him, you know he never tried to keep it hidden. It's not a loud laugh, but it is warm, like hot and sweet chamomile tea in bed. If he loves you, it never stops.

30. What is Rook’s class? Did they choose it?

He's a warrior, and he didn't really choose it.

Wenalen became a hunter's apprentice as a teen, and being as tall as he was (an half-elf who's 1,86m/6'1ft tall as an adult), the hunters decided to train him with a sword and shield, besides the bow and arrow.

He enjoys it, wouldn't have liked to be trained in the Crow skills of his padre, like Terys was, anyway. And there's something fulfilling about protecting his clanmates, and then his friends and allies, with his shield. He's there, he's real.

+1 What does Rook smell like?

Wenalen has a woody smell to him, with amber notes. It's very warm, and with a hint of sweetness.

[siennadraws]

12? 👀

Hi Arthur!! Thanks for the ask!

12. Does Rook have any family? Do they keep in touch?

Wenalen has his papae and padre, Sa'Renan and Alonso.

They have been keeping in touch ever since Wenalen traveled to Tevinter and decided to stay (the sigh coming from that house after reading that particular letter shook Wycome). Now that Wenalen has the Vi'Revas they can exchange way more letters.

He also has the Mercar family, that basically adopted him, in Minrathous' alienage (the alienage and surrounding district are Wenalen's territory). He tries to write to them as often as he can, he feels like he owes them a lot.

[siennadraws]

fifty questions for rook

(no spoilers!)

veilguard is finally here yall!!!!! and now a set of character building questions for rook, because i wanna know all about them! there will be more question lists as I play the game, but those will be marked with spoilers and under a readmore for the next sixty days

1. How old is Rook?

2. How did Rook get the nickname? What do they think of it?

3. What was Rook’s life before their faction?

4. Which faction did they join, and why? How long has it been?

5. What was life like for Rook before joining the Veilguard?

6. What was the reason that brought Rook to Minrathous?

7. Why does Rook agree to join the Veilguard?

8. What makes Rook a good leader?

9. What is Rook like on the battlefield?

10. Does Rook know their history? Do they know of the HoF, Hawke, the Inquisitor?

11. Does Rook keep up with current events? (How aware of the situation are they at the start of the game?)

12. Does Rook have any family? Do they keep in touch?

13. Did Rook bring any trinkets/sentimental items to The Lighthouse?

14. What does Rook see when they look in the mirror?

15. What’s the first thing people notice when Rook enters a room?

16. Got any tattoos? What’s the story behind them?

17. How’d Rook get those scars?

18. Their fondest childhood memory:

19. What is Rook’s love language? What love languages do they respond best to?

20. What’s it like to see them smile? Their laugh?

21. What does Rook’s voice sound like? One of the voice options available, or do they have a different accent/voicecast?

22. Most embarrassing memory as a teenager:

23. What does Rook wear in the off hours? Do they like dressing up?

24. Does Rook have any nightly rituals before bed?

25. How does Rook like to spend their free time?

26. Rook is in charge of the grocery list. What’s on it?

27. When was the last time they cried?

28. Does Rook have any pets/animal companions?

29. Any vices?

30. What is Rook’s class? Did they choose it?

31. What specialization does Rook pursue? What called them to it?

32. How would a desire demon tempt Rook?

33. What do fear demons look like to Rook?

34. How does Rook begin their day?

35. Ultimate comfort food meal:

36. What would Rook say are their flaws?

37. Does Rook ascribe to a faith?

38. Did Rook have any relationships before Veilguard?

39. What is their room at The Lighthouse like?

40. Describe Rook’s bed:

41. What’s on their nightstand?

42. Something Rook regrets:

43. Is Rook the type to gossip?

44. What is Rook really good at?

45. Who was Rook’s closest friend before joining the Veilguard?

46. What does it take to earn Rook’s trust?

47. What’s Rook’s temper like?

48. A color, flower, animal, and weather to describe Rook:

49. What will always make them laugh?

50. Are they a mystery, or an open book?

+1 What does Rook smell like?

[siennadraws]

Random Wycome person: Nice sweater, Wenalen!

Wenalen: Thanks, my husband knitted it 🥰

Random Wycome person: Oh, right, you married. Who's the lucky guy?

Wenalen: LUCANIS DELLAMORTE, FIRST TALON, THE DEMON OF VYRANTIUM, HERO OF THE VEILGUARD, MAGE KILLER, GOD KILLER

[siennadraws]

I love a character raised to be a weapon as much as the next guy. But what really gets me is a character raised to be a shield. Who can’t fathom being needed—or even being wanted— beyond keeping others safe. Who believe they are alive only to insure someone doesn’t die. no matter the cost. Characters who self-sacrifice not because they think they deserve it, but because no one else does deserve it, and it’s their job to protect.

Characters who’ve been told that’s why your important. Your worth something because this other person/ thing is important, and you are here solely to keep them safe.

Bonus points if it’s not a legitimate job they’ve been given. Maybe at one point it was, but now that they are free from it, they haven’t given up that mentality. No one is forcing or asking them to do this, but they need to. They need to in order to be deserving.

[siennadraws]

A letter sent from Rook to his fathers in Wycome:

It's always so good to hear from home. I'm glad things are as stable as they can there, and I hope it stays that way despite the troubles southwards, despite this mess I threw the world in.

I know I tried to do what's right, but I should have trusted Varric and stayed back. All this ruin, because I wanted to one-up Terys and scratch at that scar I swore I'd leave alone.

Sometimes, I still wish everything could go back to normal, that no one had traveled to the Conclave, some other could have found that Foci. But I have seen so much now because of that. I think that if someone tried to pull back time, everything I experienced would weigh down its fabric and keep it in its place.

But people are suffering; there's no use, there's no justice, in me wishing for reprieve. I need to set things right.

And, I admit. There's a piece of joy I don't know I could let go of, anyway.

I think you know what I'm talking about, who I'm talking about. I sealed the letters describing him (as clinically as I possibly could) red-faced. I'm sure you're both horrified by it if you've already been through the denial. Especially you, padre.

But I know you trust me, and I hope you still do. I'm seeing so much of the world. It is a living, breathing thing.

After the Blight, the Crows were changed. Your House is gone, padre, alongside many others, and many costumes. I am not naive to believe there isn't harm still being done as it was done to you and so many Crows, but it's not tolerated.

And Lucanis- if you met him, you'd understand.

I can recognize it in his eyes, he was raised like metal being worked into one of his daggers. Burned, beaten, drowned, skinned until he shone and cut, despite his status.

But there is a warmth to him that I can't pull away from. Believe me when I say I tried. For you, padre, for every scar on your body and mind. For you, papae, who tended padre's wounds and kept vigil through his fever.

It is a warmth like the embers on the hearth, like the tea they give us hunters at our night watch. He kills like no other, but I do too, and I don't believe my hands are quite as gentle as his' nor my actions as quietly thoughtful.

No one called "Demon" should make me want to wrap him safe in the furs and knitted blankets of my aravel, but in my sleepless nights I am pulled to him, and as I fight to string phrases, I can't think of anything else.

I'd probably beg you for your blessings, but there is nothing to bless. Hopefully just yet.

I have seen the glances he has thrown at me when he thinks I wouldn't notice (as if I don't take note of every single thing he does), and I can only hope they mirror mine.

I wish I could be as bold as I am, but I'll have to wait for his lead. As frustrating as it can be, his trust in me and watching it grow is as beautiful as he is.

Your son,

Wenalen

ps.: I swear next letter will be more informative, and thank you for letting the Mercars stay with you.

[siennadraws]

and the handsomest man in Thedas award goes to

[siennadraws]

Porcia Mercar, the matriarch; Eralen, a totally not ancient elf;

Lia, the eldest daughter; Enos, her husband; Sarai, the youngest daughter

When Wenalen arrived in Minrathous, and caught wind of a slave ring, he had no choice but to act.

Amongst the kidnapped was Lia, pregnant at the time. He carried her home and in exchange for his heroism, her family welcomed him with open arms.

Wendy and his dads

Still have to do the Mercars

[siennadraws]

Wendy and his dads

Still have to do the Mercars

[siennadraws]

by the way, the way Wendy said thank you to Terys, and the way she signs off her letters with "YRS," broke me

yeah, they love each other despite everything

[siennadraws]

them!!!!!!! (waiting for an half elf ears mod for rook)

[siennadraws]

A rare dagger for esoteric rituals, dating: mid-19th Century, provenance: France