#I apologize to people in the Arcane tag who are confused

[fallloverfic]

I'm not sure why someone would leap to compare Cait/Vi from Arcane and Mizrak/Olrox from Castlevania: Nocturne, as they're characters from different shows, different story universes, and different studios (Arcane was made by the French studio Fortiche, and only distributed by Netflix, while Nocturne is made by the US studio Powerhouse Animation, which makes a lot of shows for Netflix). Cait/Vi also has existed in a series with two seasons, and were a thing for relatively little of season 1, while Nocturne has only 1 season (season 2 airs at the end of January 2025), and were more of a thing in season 1. It's also comparing an f/f couple and an m/m couple, different dynamics, and the former is a pairing of a white woman/a mixed-race woman, and the latter is two men of color.

CaitVi is a story about classism and police brutality, while Mizrox is a story of European and Christian supremacy, colonization, and racism. The main through-lines for comparison are the analysis of privilege and how opposites meet and attract on a battlefield, and that they're both queer pairings. But whereas Cait is privileged over Vi for being rich and a member of a policing organization (which murdered Vi's parents) while Vi is from a poor background in the slums, Mizrak is privileged over Olrox for being highly ranked in a supremacist European religious organization and Olrox is a member of a marginalized indigenous group, which was colonized by followers of Mizrak's religion. You can compare the writing of the two, but to pretend they're 1:1 just because they're both queer pairings in shows that are on Netflix is bizarre.

And to pretend Mizrox has no build-up is to not have eyes. Olrox is an investigative person who's curious about the world overseas he's been invited to. As a member of a marginalized group now in the hotbed of the world that mass murdered many of his people, he's going to be wary of them and treat the area with suspicion. He knows they view him as lesser, even though he's a powerful vampire (likely he assumes the vampires view him as lesser). He likely wanted an in to learn things that Erzsebet, Drolta, and Emmanuel wouldn't tell him themselves, and it makes sense he'd target Emmanuel's right-hand man as a potential in, particularly if he found the guy attractive, as he seemingly did. Maybe the fact that Emmanuel, this uber-white French guy, had a man of color as his right-hand man intrigued Olrox, too.

Olrox was clearly extra intrigued by Mizrak's training and their conversation in the courtyard, especially when Mizrak didn't attempt to hurt him and just talked to him, and it seemed like he had fun with their tussle (like you can tell from Olrox's expressions he was enjoying the back and forth). I imagine the "this dude is hot and I want to bang"-ometer in Olrox's head skyrocketed. And I don't know how much action Mizrak has been getting in his position, especially when, unlike Olrox, Mizrak has to live around anyone he sleeps with. Olrox is a foreigner and can just go home if he makes a mess. A hot guy who's interested in Mizrak, seems a bit different from other vampires, and has some civility seems like someone who would intrigue Mizrak, especially if he wants more intel on the vampires coming to his city that he won't get from Emmanuel or Erzsebet.

Even if you're watching the story for the first time, the whole set-up for the courtyard sequence is incredibly obvious. Whether it appeals to you or not is subjective, but pretending the later scene of them in bed comes out of nowhere is bizarre. Olrox very clearly invites Mizrak to meet again with sexual innuendo at the end of the scene, and Mizrak is very clearly intrigued, even if you don't have the English subtitles on while Mizrak is staring after Olrox's departing back.

You can just see a lot in his expression. He's not disgusted or repulsed: he's curious. The story doesn't need to show every single moment of them reuniting somewhere, talking more, or perhaps just immediately moving to physical intimacy if one or both of them just really want to get off. I mean I'd personally love more of their story, which is why I wrote my main fanfic of them, but it's not necessary from an overall narrative standpoint. Olrox is introduced at the start of the story, and the team was clearly interested in exploring who he is as a character more. He doesn't have to stalk Richter for the entire narrative to do that, and having him pair up with Mizrak also develops more of Emmanuel's organization because we get to know Mizrak, who has no apparent connection to the heroes other than he works for Emmanuel. It also better develops the vampires as Olrox and Drolta vie for power, with Mizrak as a potential pawn. And overall it makes the different factions in the story feel full of people with their own agendas, ready for a showdown where those agendas don't fully align, but is bound to be interesting when it happens (such as when Olrox appears to stand between Mizrak and Richter in the dungeons).

Also enemies-to-lovers is a very popular trope. And if you haven't heard of people going overseas to get laid um... what rock are you living under? Sudden make-outs/flirting in action stories are also pretty common. Not even getting into the historic appeal of Christian x the vampire as a trope, including opposites attract.

I do think Nocturne S1 had some feeling of rush on it, likely due to the desire to tell something of a whole story over worries of there not being a season 2 (it was renewed like right after the series was aired), and you can make criticisms of just not getting enough Mizrox, but the elements are there and I'm not sure how someone would miss them, especially if they were looking. And I honestly think it still works just fine as a narrative. Most narratives with a cast of more than 2-4 people are going to be a bit tight in TV format. Arcane also had elements of rush, which is likely due to it only getting 2 seasons.

Anyway, as someone who loves both Cait/Vi and Mizrak/Olrox, they're both good pairings.

[dreamcrow]

heya, hope you’re having a good day. are you aware that the arcane order are listed as siblings on the official wiki? i just wanted to check so i could see if i should use the block button or not.

oh! oh anon, i think this is the first ship wank ask i've ever gotten, how exciting. in return for such a gift, i'll assume you sent this in genuine good faith, and give you a genuine answer: i am indeed aware the "official" wiki lists the order as siblings. i do not, however, give a single crisp fuck, because

they're fictional characters, and

the "official" wiki couldn't cite itself out of a paper bag.

where on earth did people get the idea the arcane order are siblings? this happened with the janus order too, if i'm not mistaken, the most baffling two nickels situation i've seen in this fandom. i'm very glad for the people who have this headcanon, don't get me wrong. it can be cute! i can see the logic, even if it's not my own hc. (at least not as most of the order-as-siblings crowd means it.) many of the people most vocal about the-order-as-siblings however seem to be confusing their personal interpretations with concrete, citable facts.

which is fine, i am firmly in the camp of fandom as a no-homework zone. but i'm confident enough in my own interpretations i don't need to rely on a wiki that confuses "vibes" with "text." ╮ (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ╭

look. if you want my sweet order art/fic/meta/etc. (understandable) but want to skip the shippy stuff (you do you), i try to remember to tag it. but at the end of the day, this is *my* sordid den of wretched cartoon villain apology-slash-smoochin, and if you find yourself in a circus, you should perhaps prepare to see some clowns. if you can't follow someone whose character interpretations differ from your own, please do block me. genuinely: no hard feelings! love curating my own experience, 11/10, can't recommend it highly enough.

[alternateafterthought]

Arcane - Part 12

Ø  Meaning: Secret, Mysterious, Understood only by few. MAGIC

Ø  Pairing: Panther Hybrid Min Yoongi x Reader

Ø  Summary: Some secrets are kept for the good of people. Some secrets are kept for abuse or power. Yoongi had been a victim of abuse and power, and he wasn’t going to let anyone else use secrets for that purpose. So, when Y/N comes into his life with secrets, he doesn’t want to fall into that rabbit hole again. He doesn’t want to give all his trust to someone who will abuse their power over him. But maybe Y/N’s secrets are a good thing.

Ø  Genre: Hybrid!au, fluff, angst, eventual smut

Ø  Warnings: None

Ø  Word Count: 1202

Ø  A/N: Hey guys… here is the next part of my Min Yoongi fic!! It’s been quite a while since I last posted anything for Arcane, and I know this part is also quite short, but I have been recently editing GOLDEN TIME and posting it on AO3 and also Wattpad!! It would mean a lot to me if you would check it out, it’s completely edited and I’m adding more story to it!! So, I really hope you guys love and support this fic like you did with GOLDEN TIME!! If you want to be added to a tag list, message me or leave a comment or ask!! I would love and appreciate your feedback!! Thank you so much

PREV / NEXT

Finally after a day that seemed like it wouldn't end, Y/N arrived home, closing the door and sighing as she leaned back against it. Her eyes closed shut, not much darker then the cold house she walked into, trying to listen out for anything, anyone moving around the house.

Though like last night and the night before that, it was silent, not a whimper, not a whisper.

"Good to be home." Y/N whispered to herself as her body sagged, sitting her bag and coat down right where she kicked off her shoes before walking to the kitchen. "Maybe..." Y/N looked through the fridge at the lacking of edible food sitting before her. "Ordering in, it is."

Taking her hair out and running her nails against her scalp, Y/N moved towards her room, stopping in front of Yoongi's door. Under the door, Y/N could see movement against the light that was on in the room, Y/N just thankful that Yoongi was still present.

Knocking three times, Y/N went through a normal routine they had; "I'm home, Yoongi. I'm going to order some food, would you like anything?" Y/N waited a few heartbeats before speaking again. "Okay, I'll order now."

Y/N walked to her bedroom, freeing herself of any restricting clothing and into her most comfy pyjamas before walking back to the front door to get her phone. Before she walked away there was a knock at the door, confused she looked through the small window beside the door to see a delivery man standing there. Opening the door, thinking they might have had the wrong house, Y/N was prepared to turn them away.

"Y/N Y/L/N?" They asked, looking up at Y/N expectedly, who just nodded before they offered a bag of food. "Enjoy."

"Um... thank you." Y/N smiled a little before they were walking away.

Y/N took a step back and closed the door, completely confused at the bag of food in her hands until she turned around.

"Oh my god, Yoongi, you scared me." Y/N stared wide eyed at the hybrid in front of her, hair a mess, bags under his eyes, and yet still standing in front of her.

"Well are you coming?" Yoongi spoke the first words to Y/N in days. "I'm hungry."

The hot bag of food pressed against Y/N's chest was starting to burn, but the confusion of what stood in front of her weighed more. Following dumbly behind the hybrid, Y/N stopped a little short from the kitchen, watching as Yoongi took out plates, going to set the table. Y/N really didn't know what to do, she just stood and watched him, not wanting to make any sudden movement to upset him.

"Are you just going to stand there?" Yoongi asked over his shoulder as he sat at the table in his normal seat.

"Right, yeah... sorry." Y/N moved quickly over towards the table, finally sitting the hot food down and sitting herself.

Y/N sat, quietly as Yoongi served them both food, eating the food and looking up every now and then at the panther hybrid across from her. He never said anything, only focused completely on eating, his eyes never even leaving his plate. It was awkward, or maybe it was just Y/N who didn't know what to do or say to the hybrid across from her.

Did she apologies? Did she make small talk? Excuse herself and give him freedom?

Y/N was about to make some excuse to leave the table, to leave Yoongi in peace after she finally saw that he was eating but he stopped her; "So, when am I leaving?"

"What?" Y/N asked, spoon halfway to her mouth.

"When do I leave?" Yoongi asked again, still not looking up t Y/N. "When are you taking me back? I can't satisfy you or your friends. You don't need me here."

"Yoon... Yoongi... I..." Y/N was confused, or completely beyond that.

"I'm sorry I wasn't good for you. I promise I'll leave quietly, I'm already packed. I have left everything you've bought me in it's place." Yoongi continued talking, not have completely heard Y/N stutter. "When did you want to send me back?"

So maybe confused wasn't the correct emotion to feel right now, anger could have been something, maybe a sudden willingness to hunt down his previous owners and make them pay was another thing. That was a good suggestion for Y/N, to hunt down whoever it was to turn such an amazing man, an amazing person, into this shell of a man.

"Yoongi, I'm not going to send you back." Y/N words only caused Yoongi's ears on his head to flicker uncontrollably, she could see the ends of his tail curl around his own waist. "Yoongi, I'm not... I mean... you... okay..." Y/N took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "Would you like to go back?"

That question seemed to be the golden one, it caused Yoongi to look up and at the woman across from him. She was giving him a choice, she was actually allowing him to choose whether he went back or stayed with her. No one had ever given him that choice before, no human had ever given him that choice.

"I'll do whatever you'd want me to." Yoongi said instead of answer.

"No, Yoongi," Y/N missed how Yoongi shivered when she spoke his name. "The choice is yours. If you would like to go back, then you can go back when the boys come to visit tomorrow."

"Their coming?" Yoongi stared wide eyed at Y/N, for the first time in a long time, hope shone.

"They'll be here tomorrow afternoon. If you wish to leave, I'm sure they'll love to have you go back home." Y/N couldn't look at Yoongi now, giving him exactly what he wants, and losing everything she could have. "I'll make arrangements for you, make sure you pack everything, even the stuff you bought while here, it's yours."

Y/N stood from her chair, walking away from a stunned Yoongi still sitting at the table, watching Y/N walk away. She had given him the option and even gave more for the choice he wanted to make, giving him everything he wanted. Yoongi could never quiet understand Y/N, he could never fully grasp what her intentions are with him. Yet, here she was, giving him everything he could ask for when he never asked for a thing, not really asked for but maybe... or she... Yoongi never quiet knew what it was that Y/N was doing for him, and maybe, maybe he wasn't strong enough to ask what she ever gained from him being here.

She would never allow Yoongi to hear her, not the way she completely broke down as soon as her door was closed. The cry that raked through Y/N's body came suddenly and loudly, a little too loudly before she tried to silence her cries. Moving through her room, Y/N ended up in the place she always ended up when everything got too much, when everything felt like it was moving in on her. Stuffing herself into the bottom on the wardrobe, Y/N cried and cried, not realizing that the hybrid in the kitchen could hear every heartbreaking moment.

PREV / NEXT

Tag List

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[ikesenlemonadestandstories]

Memories

I present to you Kinesis: Chapter 20, please feel free to look for all previous and future chapters on my Master List and under the “Kinesis” tag :) Love you all!

Warnings: Battle scene continued - read at your own discretion

[MC]

Memories

The warmth where Ranmaru’s grip had been was the only thing you could concentrate on. Why? Why had he done that? Why were you like this? Why were you always the one being saved? Why couldn’t you help anyone? Anger rose as fast as the burning in your veins and the magic inside of your crackled, itching to be set free. 

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you heard Shingen and Mitsuhide talking. They wanted to run away? They were just going to leave everyone here to fend for themselves while you ran and hid? You felt a tug on your arm as the air around you stilled, this time the hand that grabbed you was cold despite how familiar it was.  

You mind danced on the edge of a memory and just as you caught up to it, to Mitsuhide, there was a pop like someone had shot a hole through glass. That was when everything came rushing back in. Closing your eyes, you let it all wash over you, watching as the memories filled the blank spaces in your mind.

You were arguing with your maid, Margo, about the outfit they had put you in for the state dinner. The clothes were terrible, much too heavy to move around in with too many bobbles and sequins and twelve year old you was having none of it. Your entire body went rigid, and when you screamed the stone of the castle rattled and glass could be heard shattering. It didn’t take long before your family came rushing in, ready to defend you. 

“Rhian what’s wrong!” Your mother looked around the room confused, noticing just you, Margo, and the discarded party attire. 

“I don’t want to wear this, how is anyone supposed to move in that much fabric?” Your father and siblings bursting into happy laughter at your admission.

“Soliel, darling, why not let Rhian wear what they want?” He nudged your mother as a smile slowly crept up her features.. 

“I don’t see why that would be a problem.” She said to Margo, before turning a severe eye on you. “You are not to wear anything too casual, do you understand me?”

Appeased, you shook your head happily, running to your closet. When you opened the door, the scenery around you morphed, your breathing grew labored and your body hot. Out of the corner of your eye, you caught your brother Kai closing in on you. You did your best to push a controlled amount of energy to your feet. Using the burst to dodge, you flipped backward out of the way barely missing his fist, now engulfed in flames. 

“Would you look at that. Finally figured it out did ya?” You could have slapped the smirk off his stupid face, but your mother intervened. 

“Very well done, both of you.” Her usual grin sat happily on her face as you and your brother drank your water and made faces at one another. 

“You guys were so awesome!” You sister, Astrid remarked as she bounced over to join the group. “Though if it were me Rhian was sparing with, I would have landed the hit.”

“Oh, shut up, you would not have.” Kai shot back.

“Would too!” Astrid’s hands now planted on her hips. 

“Prove it.” You brother challenged as the two of them fell into a fighting stance facing you. 

“No! Absolutely not! I refuse to play this game.” Your voice was unamused as they crept towards you, embers popping off of their fingertips. 

“Who said it was a game?” They said in unison as you took off towards the opposite side of the gym. 

As you ran the navy walls melted into a sea of people, your sister calling you by your middle name. It was the alias you went by when you were out in public. You knew what was about to happen. You didn’t want to relive this. 

“(YN), I heard they finished early, if we head out now we’ll be able to-” Before she could finish your parents took to the stage as you inched forward to try and join them. Just as you reached the foot of the stairs, the ringing in your ears returned, and it happened. 

Explosions sounded off through the square, you moved in front of your siblings to put up a barrier only for you mother to let loose a wave of energy, ripping apart any defense you had just created. You were pulled forward at lightning speed, head smacking the cobblestone street as your consciousness was torn from your body and thrown into the Arcane. 

Surrounded by the deep purple mist you fought for clarity, the fog crackling with energy as you swam through the swampy air searching for an out. The familiar clicking of heels stopped you dead in your tracks, but you refused to turn around. 

“Rhian (YN) Kadupul.” You mother spoke. “Face me.”

Unable to ignore the direct order and the seriousness in your mother’s voice you did as you were told. Slowly turning on your heel, the storm around you grew, teeming with pent up energy. She looked just like she had the last time you saw her, though much more opaque, clearly a spirit or a figment of your imagination. “Mother.” You greeted bowing low, trying to hide the emotions clearly visible on your face.

“We don’t have much time but I need you to take this.” With swift fingers she removed the circlet from her forehead, the one with sweeping gold lines adorned with the brightest amethysts you had ever seen. Your favorite one. “With this crown, I bestow upon you my power and my throne. Will you accept?”

With tears streaming down your face, you nodded, “Of course,” was all you could manage as you stepped forward and kneeled before the Queen, your mother.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t do more.” Gently you felt her sweep your bangs from your face, the cold metal now situated where the warmth of her touch had been.

All you could do was nod, and watch as the fog consumed you. This time though, when you opened your eyes, you weren’t staring up at fluorescent lights. You were staring at a battlefield, watching your friends fight the same man who helped kill your family. 

You knew Mitsuhide had asked you a question, despite not knowing what it was, you faced the three men who seemed to want nothing more than to get Ranmaru out of there and keep you safe. There was shock on their faces, but you couldn’t sit back and watch this time. You wouldn’t let the people you cared about go that easily. 

Looking them in the eyes, you let the magic in your veins sear new spells into your skin. Smiling as the memory of the cold metal of your mother’s circlet ignited and burned the same way the energy inside of you did. 

“I remember.” Was all you felt needed to be said. Surely if anyone would recognize you it would be those three. 

You pulled from the energy of Kennyo’s barrier, making a mental note to apologize for stealing some of his magic, before letting it all loose. The air around you crackled as the runes you unwitting drew all-around camp bloomed to life, lifting a wall of energy into the sky trapping everyone within its menacing glow. Gael and his men may have gotten in, but you’d see to it that they would never make it back out.

[liaragaming]

OC Interview Meme

I was tagged by @tel-abelas-mofo. I really liked how they put the questions in the form of an interview and decided to do the same. Much more fun that way. I’ve never written Sera before. Not sure I captured her right.

1. Pick an original character! 2. Fill in the questions/statements as if you were being interviewed for an article and you were the character/muse 3. Tag people to do the same: @accidental-apostate @imaridraws @rosenrotxiii @cherryblossomaxire @thecopperkidd @just-dread-wolfing @apostatehobolife @dammit--solas @inquisitor-julia (Don’t feel obligated. I just tagged people I thought might have fun with it. Do let me know if you’ve already done it!)

“A chronicler from the Chantry would like to interview you,” Josephine explains.

“Interview me?” asks Inan. “Why?”

“With everything that was lost from Inquisitor Ameridan, the hope is having an official record by the Chantry would prevent such an occurrence happening again.”

The way the Chantry views elves, it seems very likely to her it may one day conveniently lose such a record. After disbanding the Inquisition, she thought she might finally be free of the gesturing and posturing of politics. She gives a bitter laugh at her naivete.

“Josephine, can't I–?” She's tired. It's been a long week. On top of the Exalted Counsel and the Qunari threat, she lost half an arm, and Solas is… well…

“I would not ask if I did not believe it important.” Her eyes simmer with the unspoken apology.

She gives a heavy sigh. “Fine. But I want you to be there.”

“Of course.”

“And… and Cassandra.”

“I will make her aware.”

“And Sera.”

Josephine blanches. “S-Sera?”

Inan stares at her. She doesn't have the energy to explain that if she's going to make it through this, she'll need some damned humor.

“I… as you wish, My Lady.”

They sit in corner a row of bunches outside the Winter Palace. The open air relaxes Inan. She thought she'd be locked in some stuffy room with no means of escape. She feels safer here, like she could run if wanted, though she wouldn't. She wonders if the chronicler chose this location or if Josephine talked him into it.

1. What is your name?

“Inan Lavellan.”

2. No seriously, what is your name?

“I...” Inan pauses, confused. To her left, Sera gives a laugh. “Oh, sure. She has other names. Inky, for one. Tadwinks, for another. She has all kinds of pet names.”

Josephine's eyes widen in horror from where she sits next to the chronicler as she watches him scratch a few notes on Sera's words. But she notices Inan's smile, and bites her tongue.

3. Do you know why you were called that? 

“Well, inan is the elven words for 'eyes,' or more aptly translated as 'windows to the soul.' My eye color is unusual, so… that was the name I was given.”

4. Are you single or taken?

Inan's chest constricts at the question. She has no simple answer to this.

Sera lays a finger on her chin, turning her face. “Or she's taken, aren't you, Tadwinks?” Sera stares into her face like a lover, scooting closer, running her finger down her neck to trace her collar bone.

Inan smiles, fighting hard against the laughter that rolls up inside her.

Josephine stamps her foot. “Strike it out!” she tells the chronicler, who is scribbling.

“But this is important!” he protests. “Ameridan's lady mage was all but forgotten–”

“There will be no record of and no further questions involving the Inquisitor's romantic life.”

“But–”

“Strike it out or this interview is over.”

The chronicler sighs and does what she asks.

5. Do you have any abilities or powers?

“Well, I'm a mage. I… had a Mark on my hand that…” She trails off, her mind goes once again to Solas, to his confession, how he'd kissed her and taken the Anchor away…

Cassandra nudges her shoulder, breaking her from her thoughts.

“Uh…” She rubs her stump of an elbow. “I trained as a Knight Enchanter.” She has no desire to address the topic further.

6. Stop being a Mary Sue.

Josephine glares at the chronicler, who raises his hands in defense. “It's on their list of questions!”

“Strike it out.”

7. What is your eye color? 

Inan stares at the chronicler. “I'm sitting right in front of you.”

“The Chantry requests that I record your direct answers to avoid any misinformation.”

Inan sighs. “They're blue. But they deepen to purple around the iris. That's what makes them unusual.”

8. How about your hair color?

Another sigh. “Blonde.”

9. Have you any family members?

“My clan is my family.” Who she hasn't seen in three damn years because of this job.

The realization crushes her, and she's grateful that the chronicler doesn't seem to notice and moves on to the next question.

10. I see… what about pets?

“I… uh…” She finds it odd she never thought about having a pet before.

“Me!” says Sera, laying her head in Inan's lap and smiling up at her.

Inan bites her tongue to keep from laughing and strokes Sera's hair.

There is no sound of scratching from the chronicler. Either he's taken Josephine's advice not to record such things, or he's decided to ignore Sera all together.

11. Tell me about something you don’t like.

“Punchy noble piss,” Sera mutters.

“Interviews,” Inan says.

12. Do you have any hobbies/activities you like doing?

She has to think. “Reading… and practicing. Magic or combat.”

“Combat?” asks the chronicler.

Inan holds out her hand, pulling energy from the Fade to form a magical sword within it.

“Ah,” he says.

13. Ever hurt someone before?

Josephine stares at him. “We are – were the Inquisition. What is that question meant to imply?”

The chronicler shakes his head and scratches the question out.

14. Ever… killed anyone before?

Josephine glares.

“Right,” says the chronicler, scratching with his pen. “Right.”

15. What kind of animal are you? 

The chronicler gives a nervous laugh. “I'm sure that got mistranslated somewhere.”

“I'm an elf,” she says. “A Dalish elf. Maybe I should state that officially.”

16. Name one of your worst habits.

Inan hesitates and looks to her friends.

“She can care so much about others,” says Cassandra. “Her friends and the strangers we meet, that she forgets to take care of herself.”

“She can get so serious,” says Sera. “She needs reminding how to relax and have fun.”

“In high stress situations, she can be… rash.” Josephine brings her hand to mouth, uttering a soft “oh” and glancing to the Inquisitor.

Inan smiles back. “All of those sound accurate.”

17. Do you look up to anyone at all?

Inan thinks for a moment. “Everyone. My traveling companions and my advisors. They all have their own strengths, and I wouldn't be sitting here let alone having lea the Inquisition or defeated Coryephus without them. I'm sorry that's not more specific.”

18. Sexual orientation? 

Sera breaks into a fit of high pitched giggles.

“Men,” Inan says simply. “I prefer men.”

19. Do you go to school?

“I was taught by my clan in the ways of magic and Dalish history. When I came to the Inquisition, there was an extensive library to learn more about politics, the arcane, history, and other areas. Josephine could live you a more detailed list if you require it.”

20. Do you ever want to marry and have kids someday? 

“… Maybe?”

21. What are you most afraid of?

The question hits her like a punch to the chest. Inan gasps for air.

She thinks of Solas, of what he's doing, of where his path might lead him, dark roads it terrifies her think about. She takes a shaking breath, a single tear rolling down her face.

“Spiders,” says Sera. “She's afraid of spiders.”

Cassandra grips Inan's shoulder. “Next question.”

22. What do you usually wear?

“Not this,” she tugs at the stuffy Inquisition uniform. “Something simple, casual, low maintenance, with pockets.”

23. Do you love someone?

“Next question,” says Josephine hurriedly.

24. What class are you?

“Um… common? I guess?”

25. How many friends do you have?

“You need a specific number? I had nine regular travel companions and three advisors if you need that for your records. I can give you their names.”

26. Thoughts on pie?

“Pies are delicious… although I prefer cake, chocolate.”

27. Favorite drink?

Dorian Pavus always has excellent recommendations. He left me a Tevinter ale that I have to admit is quite good.

28. What’s your favorite place?

“Skyhold. I'm… going to miss it.”

29. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?

“A lake. Saltwater burns my face.”

30. Are you interested in anyone?

“No romantic questions!” Josephine reprimands.

31. What’s your bra size?

Josephine gasps. Cassandra's eyes widen. Sera giggles.

Inan tries to keep a straight face. “I don't wear one.”

Sera laughs so hard she falls off the bench.

32. Well, what’s your type?

“No,” says Josephine.

33. And what attracts you?

“I'll just…” says the Chronicler. “Forget that one.”

34. Any fetishes?

Sera gasps with delight.

“No,” says Inan.

“Oh, come on!” Sera pleads. “You'll laugh! You will!”

35. Seme or uke? Top or bottom? Dominant or submissive?

“No,” Inan says again to Sera's insistence.

“Is this really necessary?” Josephine asks.

The chronicler consults their list of questions, skipping to the end.

36. Camping indoor or outdoors?

Inan laughs. “I'm Dalish.”

37. Are you wanting the quiz to end?

“Thank goodness.” She stands from the bench, heading for the stairs and hoping Josephine will forgive her for leaving her to take care of the pleasantries.

[deanwinchesterjournal]

Amon Part Twenty Four

As soon as Gray and Vickers walked into the bar they knew it was a bad idea.

There was a collection of veterans in the dark bar, all of them paused to watch the duo walk into the bar slowly.

“Let me do the talking.” Vickers said quietly.

“I don't speak grunt, all yours.” the mage answered.

With a purpose the paladin walked over to the bar and put a small pouch of coins down. “I would like to buy a round of drinks for the brave men who have given so selflessly.”

The bartender opened the pouch and counted the coins quickly. “Round on the cow.” he said pulling out a bottle and a set of glasses.

A few people stood up to move towards the bard but a voice called out from the back. “We don't need charity from a high and fancy paladin.”

Gray whispered to Vickers. “Yeah, you do ALL the talking.” and took a step back.

“Is there a problem friend?” Vickers asked already knowing the answer.

“Problem?” the voice asked. “Problem? The problem was seven months ago.” a grizzled orc walked out of the shadows. “Where were you?”

“I don't follow.”

“I know you don't! That's the problem.” the orc raged.

Vickers took a second to center himself. “I'm sorry, I am Vickers of the Silver Hand.” and held his hand out.

The orc slapped the hand away. “I am Herezgor Flametusk of the I don't give a damn club. No one here wants your drinks.”

Vickers sighed. “Though I am tauren we are all of the same horde...”

“You think this is a race thing?” Herezgor screamed getting into the paladin's face. “I was a sub commander of chief Skullcrusher! I worked side by side with some of the bravest men I have ever met. Orc, troll, tauren, nine hells we had a goblin and I had no problem with them at all. No friend this isn't a race thing, this is a class thing.”

“Have I done something to offend you?” Vickers asked, getting to the end of this patience.

“Where were you when the Wetlands were overrun by enemy forces? Huh? Where were you when Nerkros was slain?” the orc asked.

“I..I was in studies.”

“Where were the Silver Hand then?” Vickers could smell the cheap whiskey on the orc's breath and knew this fight had little to do with him personally. “You prissy damn paladins, only coming in when your damn gods say its ok. What about before? What about when the fight can be won? What about day after day in the mud and swamp waiting for the enemy to come? Where the frack are you then?”

Vickers wisely said nothing.

“That's my problem with paladins, with the Silver Hand and with you.” the orc took the shot glass filled with whiskey the bartender had poured, held it up and then poured it out in front of Vickers. “You're no warrior, you're just a zugger in armor.”

The orc was blown off his feet as a mystical bolt came flying from behind Vickers. The bar froze as Herezgor was held off the ground by Gray's magic.

“You shouldn't call people that.” the blood elf said in a dangerous voice. “It's rude.” Three other orcs stood up and a wave of power came off the mage, throwing them, the tables and chairs back against the wall. “Me and Herezgor are having a private conversation, please do not interrupt.” looking back to the held Orc he said. “That word, it's offensive. You can tell by the way I am offended.”

“Blood elf dirt.” Herezgor spat. “What's wrong? You a zugger too?”

The orc screamed as Gray;s magic began to squeeze him.

“Stop.” Vickers said grabbing the mage's arm.

There was a flash of light as Vickers was thrown back violently, all the way out of the bar.

His head rang for a moment and then he looked over to the right and knew he had suffered a concussion.

Twin and Kaz were leading a regiment of guards in what could only be called a congo line of marching. The orcs took two steps up and then kicked one leg to the side before taking another two steps.

Then Twin saw Vickers in the road he stopped the guards paused, looking as confused as they ever had.

“Go away!” Twin ordered and the guards began to wander off.

With one leap Twin covered the distance from the back gate to Vickers. “What's wrong?”

Vickers slowly got up. “Graymark.”

“So I am going to give you a choice.” the mage said to the orc. “You get to pick the animal you're going to live the rest of your life as. Sheep, goat, how about a penguin? Ever see a penguin? I bet you'd love being one of those.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Twin asked, walking into the bar slowly.

“Etiquette lesson.” was all the mage answered.

“Gray.” Twin said in a calm voice. “Put him down.”

“I don't think so. He owes me an apology.”

Twin took another step towards the mage. “Well he's unconscious now, so he can't apologize for anything.” He took a step in front of the mage. “Gray, please put him down.”

The mage made a dismissing gesture and the orc fell to the ground.

“Ok!” the bartender said, pulling a rifle from under the bar. “You need to get out of here!”

Graymark turned to the bartender and saw the orc raise the gun in fear.

Reaching into his bags he pulled out a sack of gold and tossed it on the bar. “For the damages.” and walked out.

Twin looked at the damage around him and asked the bartender. “What the hell happened?”

The bartender, who had taken the gold shrugged. “The orc called the paladin a zugger and the mage went berserk.”

Twin, who knew a lot of orc, didn't recognize the word. “What's it mean?”

The bartender looked up at the warrior. “It's a man, who likes...other men you know?”

And Twin indeed did know.

“Tell chatty over there when he wakes up, if I hear him call someone that again I will personally make him nine pounds lighter from the shoulders up. That's a promise.”

The bartender made a dismissive wave as Twin walked out of the bar.

Kaz was making sure Vickers was ok when the walked out.

“Where did he go?” he asked the panda.

Kaz pointed to the small lake behind them. “What happened?”

“I know why he left Silvermoon.” Twin said walking over to the dock.

Graymark was tracing the air with arcane energy, making mana flowers and letting them float down to the water's surface. When Twin walked up he said nothing to the troll.

“So in you culture, all life is sacred huh?”

Graymark said nothing.

“What about furthering of the race? How they look on that?”

The mana flowers faded from view.

“Yeah I thought so. So let me see, in a perfect world with perfect people you all are supposed to go and make more perfect people and if you don't...”

Graymark glanced over at him.

“You're either forced to or you leave?”

The mage sighed. “You are branded an outcast and told never to return or you are instantly involved in an arranged marriage where there are, I swear to you, yearly check ups to see if mating has occurred.”

“Ouch.” Twin said looking out across the water. “Well that sucks and I'm sorry your race sucks but you can't go blowing up random bars every time someone gets mouthy.”

“You're talking to me about losing one's temper?”

“I am, so that should tell you how serious it is.” He moved closer and looked Graymark in the eyes. “Look, I know what is it like to hate the world. I mean really hate the whole thing. To despise it from top to bottom and the urge to kill the idiots that populate it. I really do, and before I met you guys I would have said I was done with it. I just wanted to die making sure my teeth were sunk into the throat of someone else to make sure I didn't go alone.”

“And now?”

The troll sighed. “And now I understand the word Amon.”

“I don't recognize it.”

“In my language the word for family is Amin, meaning the blood you were born into.” Gray nodded. “I was born into half a family, I have a half brother and a mother and that's. My brother's dad died years ago and my dad..well he didn't stick around so my mom was left with the burden of raising me alone. Our life, our family were considered...you would say low class but the word is e'drak which literally means walking trash. My brother took off the first chance he had and when I came of age I took off so I wasn't a burden to her anymore. It was Kreuzer that found me, gave me a home and a purpose. And when he died...I wanted to die also.”

Gray cocked his head. “Not that I mind, but why are you telling me all this?”

“Shut up.” he said flatly. “So when Kaz found me I was ready to die, ready to just tell this shit life to go fark itself. And then we met you two and now...I get it. Amon.”

“What's that mean?”

“Amin is the family you're born to, Amon is the family you make on your own.”

Gray stood there speechless.

“I know we all just met and I know it's stupid but...”

The blood elf stepped forward and hugged the troll.

Twin froze for a moment and then gave the mage a soft pat on the back before pulling back.

“You do that again and I will kill you.”

Gray nodded with a smile.

“I don't care what you are, I care who you are. You're my little brother and I can't have you going off starting stupid fights in the middle of nowhere.”

“I'm 1,100 years old.”

“You're my older brother so I can't have you running off half cocked since we both know that is what I am going to do and only one of us can be nuts at a time.”

“I got it.” Gray said as they walked back to Kaz and Vickers.

“Tell Kaz and I will also kill you. This time slowly.”

Gray nodded again.

“And don't tell the cow either, he looks like the weepy type.

“Totally.”

“And again, hug me at your own risk.”

The mage laughed. “I consider myself warned.”

“What was all that about?” Vickers asked when they caught up to them.

“I was...triggered.” Graymark said. I apologize, will never happen again.”

“We still don't have any information about Nefarian's Lair.” Vickers brought up.

Twin pulled his dog tags out. “Oh, I'll handle that.” and walked back into the bar.

“He's going to get killed.” the paladin said out loud.

“Magic necklace.” Kaz said studying Graymark. “What did he say to you?”

The mage smiled. “He told me to grow up and stop throwing tantrums.”

Kaz's eyes narrowed but he said nothing.

He could smell a lie when it was told to him.