#I hate Orlais and they hate me for being an elf and a mage

[gayrui]

Doing anything besides wicked eyes and wicked hearts cause I don’t wanna do it 👍

[quenthel]

AND my Inqusitior... I think her name was Tilla or Tilia or something like that idr... but she was like THE oc for me for a while bc I made her literally around the time when I realized I was not bisexual but a lesbian so between 2 pts i just redesigned her HARD and chose to romance Sera... kind of explored what it meant thru her and for that I'm forever grateful...

Her backstory is mostly borne out of my own frustration at how mages and apostates are handled in dragon age bc its always they are 100% shunned by the "good" people and anyone who accepts them is evil and they are up to no good. So I made her a spirit healer (a bit like Anders lol) who lived in Orlais and was working at a brothel as a medical professional and a thief. I played Inquistion first as a dalish elf but I didnt really like how it all was handled... it felt kind of bad and I didnt really want to interact w that story anymore so instead I was thinking okay... what if she was a city elf lying about being Dalish... and then the whole swindler mage thing came to my mind lol. Also I liked the idea of a rags to riches story but about a person who was so wronged by society... like coming truly from the bottom... somebody who hates templars but who also hates all orlesian nobles too and then she had to parade around the palace trying to schmooze up to them... it was compelling....

Her personaly was once again kind of nothing honestly like she was cunning and kind but not much else... Very angry at the world too...

[crossdressingdeath]

I love Tahel's power-behind-the-throne angle. How does that go for him? Please, give me the hot Fereldan court gossip.

The thing is, it's both a secret and not. Everyone suspects that good King Alistair is really listening to the Warden-Commander whispering in his ear, especially when he starts acting in favour of mages and elves, but no one can prove it. When Tahel's sent to Amaranthine, everyone mutters that Alistair got sick of being on a leash. But also... Tahel is a fair and just ruler (occasional burning down of cities aside...) and a hero and has enough of the people's loyalty (and is powerful enough on his own) that if the bannorn tried to get rid of him things would get messy very fast, and aside from Maric's blood Alistair really doesn't have much going for him? Especially at first. So everyone's pretty happy to let Tahel and Anora handle the actual ruling. Once he's given Amaranthine Tahel mostly does his chancellor work from there, meaning Alistair is given more room to work on his own, but everyone knows that no matter how much he hates it he'll go running back to the Warden-Commander eventually. The situation does improve over time as Alistair comes into his own as a ruler and his and Tahel's relationship improves enough for there to be some level of trust between them, Tahel has enough faith in him to expect him to do the right thing, but also... at that point the trust between them is such that if the bannorn gets uppity about being asked to treat mages like people and the like Alistair will send a quick note to Amaranthine and the Lord Chancellor will return to Denerim to smooth everything over, so he's still the power behind the throne, just in the "diplomatic powerhouse" way rather than the "actively pushing for control" way.

Orlais does mock Alistair for it, of course. The king of the doglords on an elf mage's leash? It's simply too good. At least until the Lord Inquisitor Lavellan sticks Gaspard on a leash of his own and hands the other end over to Briala.

[somanykobolds]

inhales

Warden - She/her - City Elf Mage (Arcane Warrior/Battlemage) :

Orlais is too far away to care. Leliana cares, I support her.

No.

Make sure your reasons to use it are the good ones.

This is to abstract for me to care about beyond whatever I need to know to stay up to date with Leliana's business those days.

Chantry need to be reformed, or leveled to the ground and remade to be fair. I cannot stand their lies and excuses anymore.

The Qun is beyond our prism of understanding, unless we choose to care. Most people choose to hate. Ye useless fuckers.

Leliana, duh.

My hatred toward Loghain Mc Tir stills keeps me warm at night, but he is no nemsis of mine. We work together nonetheless, as we must.

To arrive after dark and bring her a warm meal, news from her nugs and the promise of a few peacefull hours.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (keep those sick bastard away from me)

I pray the Maker, sometimes.

BEST BOI

We do what must be done and pay the fair price for our ways.

Whatever is left from my family is far away now. Oghren is family. So is my Mabari. So was Wynne.

Staff and sword.

My dragonscale armor is my baby.

poor and famished ? Seriously, I was a kid, I broke stuff, played whenever I could, bothered grown ups with questions and had dreams that died as soon as I understood what being a city elf means.

s l u g s *hiccups and nausea*

Yeah. Leliana's death. It terrifies me and wake me up at night, screaming. I can cope with everything, except for the certainty of her being gone.

Burn my remains. I want to die fighting in the Deep Roads -as warden do- side by side with the Legion, and be burned so my ashes can be given to Leliana and/or thrown to the winds. Set. Me. Free.

No punching Alistair when I could without punching a king. He's been an ass to me in the end. I still resent him, his entitlement to me and his stick-in-the-muddery. Kids. I wanted kids. Children of my own.

Urgh.

Yeah. I wanted some. To be a mother and to know peace for a change.

Trade tongue (grew up with it), Chasind (did my best to learn some of it), elvish (grew up with some of it and learned a bit more of it with the wardens), a tiny bit or Orlesian (thanks to Leliana), and slurs. Dwarven, Qunlat and Antivan slurs (thanks boys).

I wanted to run away for a long time, or at least to cheat enough at whatever fates had planed for me so I would be happy despites the odds. Well, I guess I did ran away in the end.

See, there's this tip to get blood of cloth I heard of. Oghren says it's bullshit. I say I need a volunteer to give it a try. So, why don't you come at me and try to take my happy ending from me, you useless peace of crap ?

your canon DA worldstate

as veilguard's premiere comes closer, an ask game with a couple of lore-heavy questions for your warden/hawke/inquisitor — answer for all three in your canon worldstate, or for the protagonist of your choice.

your Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor's opinion on Orlais?

are they skilled in The Grand Game?

opinion on blood magic?

attitude towards Andrastianism?

attitude towards the Chantry?

attitude towards the Qun?

if they had to choose one person most important to them, who would that be?

who do they hate the most, and do they have an arch-nemesis?

what is their love language? 

are they good horse riders?

what are their religious beliefs, if any?

attitude towards Mabari?

their thoughts on the Grey Warden order?

who are they closest to from their family?

preferred weapon of choice?

do they get sentimental about their weapons or armour?

what were they like as a child?

do they have any irrational fears?

are they afraid of death?

where would they like to be buried?

what is their biggest regret?

have they ever been to Tevinter?

do they have, or want to have, children?

what languages can they speak?

what did they plan for their life to look like before the events of the game happened?

do they get a happy ending?

[valentineveils]

1, 10 and 23 for the DA ask game

heheheheh :3

so for reference my canon worldstate is : denaris tabris ; zevran romancer ; duelist rogue nikolas hawke ; fenris romancer ; reaver warrior arcen lavellan ; dorian romancer ; rift mage 1- your Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor's opinion on Orlais?

well honestly . im gonna be truthful i think all three of them are orlais haters LOL . arcen hates how stuffy and fake it feels , too many masks and ruffles and he feels like he cannot find honesty in it . and also the stones on the walkways hurt his feet . denaris hates it for its treatment of elves , and also he fuckin HATES celene . and nikky is . . . . indifferent , to it . its not a stop he stays at often , and when he does visit orlais its never for long . he doesnt enjoy the game it plays .

10- are they good horse riders?

arcen is ! ! its one of his preferred forms of travel ; he's been riding the halla ever since he was little . his preferred mount during inquisition is the bog unicorn ; he pampers the creature so much . he really likes horse riding . denaris doesnt do much horse riding , he's okay at it but can fall off easily , as he has shit balance and gets startled easily if the horse gets startled . nikky is scared of horses and refuses to get on one UNLESS ! he shares with fenris or bethany . he doesnt have good depth perception truthfully . 23- do they have, or want to have, children?

denaris has children ; kieran with morrigan , and sidony adaia tabris with zevran . kids weren't really something he thought of having , but he was never truly against the idea . kieran was technically the only one planned , sid enters the picture about 6 years after kieran is born . she was a surprise lolol but he doesnt regret either of his kids . if kieran is 21 during veilguard sidony is 15 whatttt . anyways . nikolas and fenris i think they take in a little apostate elf girl , who lost her parents . shes not named bcus i havent gotten too much planned with her , but it took her a bit to warm up to both of them [especially fenris] . w arcen im not Sure if he would have kids ? ? ? ive not had too much planned w that for him truthfully , but it is a cute idea for him and dorian to be dads [and both of them being the father they never had bu deserved . oh man] . BUT ! i do headcanon that arcen has some mage apprentices he's teaching in minrathous . his witch hat atelier era . he Does want kids , either through adoption or him carrying , but with the way his life has gone in recent years he's not sure bringing a kid into the world w the way the veil is threatening to come down is a good idea . but honestly knowing me he and dorian will have a kid alongside arcen's apprentices lolol

[citrinie]

Yesss. Blackwall is everything. He’s honestly so well written. Hope you enjoy. I wanted to romance him with a Dalish elf too at some point. I know everyone loves him with Cadash, but his romance animations only work well for Lavellan and Trevelyan so I doubt I’ll ever give it a go. Anyways, please tell me all about your canon playthrough. All your major game decisions. Who you romanced etc.

totally agree with you on that! Blackwall's character is very nicely written which makes him unique to me 🥺 i feel like we have so many sad grey wardens, but it will never be enough lol so far i have only played as lavellan and trevelyan. now in my head the inquisitor is an elf bc i have mostly only played as female lavellan 🧝‍♀️

you asked nonnie, so under the cut is just a “small essay” of my canon playthrough 😅 i could talk abt DA for infinity and never get tired of it, so i did get a little carried away but here you go!

my inquisitor:

my canon playthrough for DAI is a female dalish mage inquisitor. her name is Ithil. she is a raven-haired, pale-skinned elf with purple eyes. she has a very intimidating aura to her and is very standoffish. i found it very fitting for her to have the dark voice option even though her frame is tall and skinny hehe. most recent pic of Ithil, where im doing a rogue playthrough to justify siding with the templars 😃 i hate that decision so far lol

major DAI decisions:

for the major decisions im starting chronologically. i obviously sided with the mages bc Ithil is canonically a mage and i just love mages lol

then its the choice of who to leave in the Fade. this was for me the most gut-wrenching decision bc it stood between Alistair and Hawke 😭 like how could bioware do me like that? i spent a good solid 30 minutes contemplating what to do and ultimately ending up leaving Hawke in the Fade. reasons being that i could never leave Alistair and him being the first DA character i fell in love with, would just be heartbreaking. also someone needed to lead the grey wardens, so why not him? i felt so very sad for Varric. poor Fenris, who i romanced Hawke with, he probably hates Ithil and lashed out at anything close to him 😫 but i try to remember what Flemeth said to Hawke that she may one day find herself facing the abyss and “do not hesitate to leap”, and considering the quest name is Here Lies the Abyss 🥲

when it comes to the fate of the grey wardens, i saved them bc i felt that there were more benefits to being allied with them rather than getting rid of them. grey wardens were a huge part of the first game considering you played as one. 

as for who i had be the ruler of Orlais, i kept Celene in power. she and Briala also got back together. Gaspard was never an option to me so that was yet another easy big decision. i realize now how much female power i have in my DA canon playthrough lol

choosing who would be the next divine was a hard decision. there were pros and cons for both Cassandra and Leliana. i know Vivianne is an option too but she just hates my inquisitor lol. i ended up choosing Leliana tho bc of her standing with the mages and her view of progressive change in Thedas. she also has a huge interest in politics and is well-informed abt almost everything bc of her spies. i definitely think that choosing Leliana will cause chaos bc of all the changes, but im here for it hehe

those are all the major DAI decisions i can think of are important, but lmk if you want to know anything else ;)

romance & companions:

as for romance options, i had Ithil romance Cullen bc i have loved Curly since DAO hehe in my canon DA Cullen had relations with my warden who is a female human mage named Solona. i always think of them when you ask Cullen if he has anyone, and he says something like “not in Kirkwall”. which to me insinuates that he had someone when he was in Ferelden, before going to Kirkwall, but nothing serious as Solona got with Alistair another blond-haired dude with puppy-dog energy lol i love Cullen’s character a lot tho bc you get to see the various things he has gone through in all three games. so all the pain and suffering he is going through in DAI makes a lot of sense, bc of all the trauma he has experienced and the withdrawals he has from lyrium as he essentially is a drug addict. so i love the ending where Ithil and Cullen gets a dog, gets married, the inquisition is disbanded, they move to some place quiet and still help others in their own ways like the good ppl they are ❤️

lastly talking abt Ithil’s chemistry with the gang. the ppl she felt close to were Iron Bull, Solas, Cassandra and Dorian. she loves hanging out with the Bull and the chargers, drinking at the tavern and listening to various stories from everybody. Solas and Ithil have a platonic connection probably bc of their elven background, but also i feel like she learnt a lot from him abt spirits and the Fade. so we are feeling a little bit betrayed and bitter by the fact that Solas was behind everything that happend 😅 all the help for ppl in solavellan hell.  Cassandra and Ithil butt heads quite a bit, but playing Ithil as a rogue made me think that they would be really good sparing friends. and i think Ithil gets Cassandra out of her comfort zone in a good way :) as for her friendship with Dorian, they are both necromancer mages and i see them exchanging a lot of knowledge. i also think Dorian loves pimping Ithil up with dresses and jewellery, for her to show Cullen ;) she is also very close to Josephine who teaches her a lot abt diplomacy, as Ithil do not always have the best social antennas and can be quite blunt in situations where she should not be lol

the only romance options i have finished a whole playthrough of is with Bull and Cullen. so doing a Blackwall romance now, then i want to do a Solas romance just to have done it lol. loved both Bull and Cullen’s romances, they are quite different to each other but that is what i loved abt them hehe. Bull’s romance was so funny and kinky ;) Cullen’s romance was like cute and vanilla with a sprinkle of trauma ✨ in the end Cullen is the canon romance option in my little DA world 😊

[merrilldidnothingwrong]

it just amazes me and pisses me off how every time i bring up solas i get so much hate. origins and 2 showed so many times how oppressed the elves are, like if you play tabris you are forced by humans to get raped or die.

a clan can get murdered in every single game. it happens with marethari, and in two you can slaughter merrill's clan. in inquisition if you make the wrong table mission choice lavellan's clan is wiped out.

nearly everything in ferelden's, orlais' and tevinter culture is from the elves. the very war table mission is from a tree that was cut down after the elves "betrayed" the humans.

everything about being an elf in ferelden is based on survival. the dalish have to move around because the nobles can and will hunt them for sport.

they get slurs thrown at them, even when they are colonized with the humans life is even worse. their own religion is viciously mocked by the colonist hate group the chantry. the very group who preaches how every other religion (from other races) is make believe and evil. and the other races are evil and make believe. because the maker is the ONLY god and everything else is heresy.

the chantry goes out of their way to be an army. not just to mages but also the elves.

for a thousand years the treatment of other races by humans, elves is treated like "less than" because of who they are. they are hated yet everything about their culture has been taken away. there's so many limits on what they can do, that they are often enslaved.

im not saying, nor have i ever said solas is a good person. or that his plans are good. he does ignore the treatment of elves in current day. he cares more about happenings a thousand years ago.

when i talk about da4 and what does solas have planned? probably all shit.

what i AM saying is the elves need to be free. because of what the games have shown us. they deserve freedom.

that part is forgotten when people get mad over solas plans.

Tl;dr I'm pro elves, not solas

[bluekaddis]

How do Rein and Alistair rule their kingdom? Are they strict on laws? Are they lenient rulers? Are they sympathetic to the poor? Do they hate Mages?

Forgive me if this was asked before but I’ve been thinking about this with my own Warden and now I’m curious about others now. Also as always flawless work!

Hi! Thank you for such an interesting ask! I’m sorry that it's taken me so long to answer it. I just have too many thoughts and headcanons on how Ferelden could've changed between events of DA:O and DA:I and I lost track of the time writing them all down. 😶

I would say that Rein and Alistair are strict when it comes to enforcing their reforms for Ferelden. They do not have an easy task - Ferelden had barely started to recover from the years of occupation when the Blight began. When Rein and Alistair took over the crown, the country was under the threat of famine. Many villages were destroyed, their crops tainted. Denerim and a few other major cities were seriously damaged and Ferelden became an easy target for another invasion as half of its army was dead.

It was no time to play nice with the nobles, it was time to act. Ironically, the dire situation that the country was in, was obvious even to those opposing the new king and queen, and the protests were not as widely spread as one could imagine. Still, a few not-so-successful assassins and conspirators lost their lives during the first ten years of Rein and Alistair’s reign.

Here are some more important changes they've introduced:

- a royal decree was announced throughout Ferelden that any volunteer who decides to restore an abandoned farm and after a year manages to achieve a set amount of yield from it will be granted the rights to that farm. Any citizen of Ferelden, regardless of their race and social status, could apply for this task. As, in accordance with the Fereldan law, any freehold chooses the bann to whom it pays allegiance (and a head of every freehold can be elected bann by others) it was a great opportunity for the underrepresented people of Ferelden to gain some independence and political power. After Alistair named Shianni the first Bann of Denerim's Alienage, some city elves started to believe that they may have a chance to follow her example. Many succeeded and in a matter of a few years the influx of elves moving to the Fereldan countryside has lead to the situation in which many Ferelden villages have a larger population of elves than humans. A few small bannors with elven leaders were formed too (though they are not very politically powerful just yet, as human noble houses more often than not were not interested in alliances or trade agreements with elves). Immigration to Ferelden has grown, not only among elves but also surface dwarves and human peasants,

- elves were granted the right to carry weapons. They were also officially allowed to join the military and the city guard. The jurisdiction system was reformed to ensure equal rights of people of all races. It does not work perfectly and elves are still often treated unfairly, especially in places far away from the royal hand of justice. A few years after the Blight, the first elf in Ferelden was accepted to study law at University of Denerim and soon a few others followed,

- the sea trade with Free Marches and the land trade with Orzammar developed, while the land trade with Orlais worsened. The mountain trade routes have only been fully restored by the Inquisition when Skyhold became an important fortress on the border,

- what could be spared from the tight budget was spent on education. The court hired specialists from other countries (including Tevinter) and sent them to travel across Ferelden and share their knowledge to speed up the restoration of the country. Children are now encouraged to attend local schools for at least a few years. Now it is not much, but Rein and Alistair still hope that during their reign there will be new schools and even universities built across Ferelden and that soon Ferelden will no longer fall behind other countries,

- after the Blight, the necessity of having mages work outside the Circle was so clear that not even the Chantry could avert their eyes from the truth. The mage reformation is going slowly (to the monarchs’ frustration), but a few small compromises have been reached. The Chantry now allows small mage units to be transferred from the Circle to the cities. At first this rule applied only to Denerim, with Wynne as the royal enchanter, but with time every major city in Ferelden has began to host mages. The city mage unit consists of a Senior Enchanter and up to five assistant adult mages. Their duties include aiding the hospitals and assisting with restoring the land from the effects of the Blight,

- upon the Chantry’s request, each mage unit in the city is accompanied by a Templar unit of a similar size. The tension is still present as the templars can report any “suspicious” mages and request their transfer back to the Circle,

- after long negotiations with the Chantry, mage children up to age 13 were finally allowed to study in the city under the supervision of a local Senior Enchanter so that they have a better chance to stay connected with their families and learn the basics of magic in a more friendly environment. Unfortunately, the compromise was not perfect - afterwards, teenage mages must still spend at least 5 years in the Circle and go through the Harrowing. The same conditions apply to any mage who wants to work outside the Circle. The Harrowing is still required of every mage, except for those volunteering to be made Tranquil. As the Chantry is still guarding its independence from the country’s jurisdiction, the situation of Circle mages is not much better than it was under Irving and Gregoir’s rule,

- Circle mages working in cities slowly gain access to foreign spell books. While they're technically forbidden, the dangers of being caught with the wrong book - despite the Templars' supervision - are low,

- the Chantry still does not allow the Tranquil to work away from the Circle's control. They do not want to share the profits from the Tranquil's work,

- the fate of the apostates has not improved much, though not for lack of trying. Technically, under the new agreement, they could be hired outside the Circle but only after serving 5 years in Kinloch to “prove that they are worthy of trust”. Almost no one accepts those terms. Apostates still chiefly live in hiding, join the Mages' Collective or try to work as mercenaries,

- Grey Wardens are quite popular in Ferelden. The travelling units of Wardens are a welcome sight as stray darkspawn still appear above the surface. Queen Rein herself is often seen in the field with her most trusted companions,

- the first serious attempts at trade with the Dalish clans travelling through the Brecillian Forest have been made - in the first year after the battle of Denerim Alistair invited Sabrae clan to organize a trade meeting. It was agreed to take place in the outskirts of Brecillian Forest and last three days. King Alistair attended it personally to show his support for the Dalish (and to help prevent humans from assaulting or robbing the Dalish). During the event there were a few incidents where the royal guard had to intervene, but fortunately no one got hurt. Human merchants, at first, were interested more in getting close to the king and gaining his favor than anything else but they soon realized that the quality of Dalish products is simply astounding. The Brecillian Solace Market (as it was named) soon became an annual event,

- unfortunately, there is not much money left to spend on the military and the country's defenses. It is something that bothers Rein very much as even she has to admit that if Orlais wanted to attack again, Ferelden would be too weak to defend itself. It may sound cruel, but she gladly accepted the news of the conflict between Empress Celene and Gaspard...

...and then Dragon Age: Inquisition happens.

[morganaseren]

Warden Niamh/Warden Bethany AU

So because there seemed to be interest in the idea, I decided to expand on the second prompt on this list of AUs I made for Bethany and my Niamh Cousland.

Since Bethany is a Circle Mage in Niamh’s canon verse, I really wanted to experiment with Bethany in one of her other potential routes We don’t talk about the ones where she died not long after escaping Lothering or down in the Deep Roads. Like, what are you talking about? Lalala~ and see if I could work together a happier ending than what the games canonically gave her.

Like most of the AUs I’ve already written about though, this is just a snippet into the verse, so it’s not as polished as I’d like it to be, and the pacing isn’t on par with my main fic. However, there are still 50+ pages for your reading pleasure! Depending on reader interest, I’ll be more than happy to write more about this or other AUs once OtSttCA is completed.

Disclaimer: Any section written in present tense beneath the Read More contains notes or scenes that I’ve yet to expand upon properly.

CliffNotes version of what goes on:

This whole thing takes place sometime after Bethany becomes a Grey Warden and continues on through the years-long breaks between the Acts of DA2. The epilogue will be set sometime after the Trespasser DLC is completed.

Niamh is the Grey Warden who Morrigan chooses to do the Dark Ritual with, and through the obvious use of magic, Kieran is conceived. Because of this, Niamh’s sister Saoirse escapes her otherwise canonical death and gets to be happily married to Leliana.

Because of their mutual respect for one another, and the fact that Niamh went through the trouble of finding Morrigan through the events of the Witch Hunt DLC (she was worried about her friend and their son), she and Morrigan remain in close contact and co-parent Kieran together. Their relationship is often mistaken as a romantic one though.

Bethany eventually falls in love with Niamh over the years, but because she believes the other woman is in a relationship with Morrigan, she keeps her feelings to herself. As such, this is obviously going to be a slow burn romance much like OtSttCA.

Bethany only confesses (albeit by accident) when Niamh nearly dies during a darkspawn ambush when the two woman accidentally find themselves trapped down in the Deep Roads.

There’s a romantic kiss out in the rain along with a semi-NSFW scene later on, which explains why the Read More is in place beyond the fact that this is already super long despite the fact that it’s unfinished...

They both go off in search of the cure to The Calling not long after the Kirkwall Rebellion, and they both eventually get married sometime after the Trespasser DLC with Divine Victoria (spoilers: it’s Leliana) officiating their wedding.

Interested so far? Click below to read more!

“You’re originally from Ferelden, no?” Stroud asked, drawing Bethany’s attention from where she’d been listlessly staring at the cobblestones as they walked away from Amaranthine’s sea port.

The city itself seemed to be thriving with fishmongers and traders of all kinds rattling off their wares to passersby. Save for the workers carrying about lumber and other building materials, one might not have even believed that Amaranthine had suffered its fair share of woes during the onset of the Fifth Blight or the consequent, mysterious darkspawn attack upon its walls nearly a year later. Still, the denizens of the arling were ever a hearty people. For whatever hardship befell them, they continued to persevere. 

She supposed she couldn’t bring herself to be too surprised by that.

The Storm Coast had spawned some of Thedas’ most fearsome raiders once upon a time, and they had proven the bane of Orlais in the rebellion that had spanned over half an Age. For the empire’s trespass upon their freedom, they had fought back with a ruthlessness that matched the raging waves of the sea that was as much a home to them as the land. In the face of such an unsympathetic enemy, they depended on one another to see themselves and each other through to another day. Such faith eventually earned them the liberation they had long sought against Orlais.

Bethany could still see evidence of such camaraderie in the way the people greeted one another so whole-heartedly, stopping to make conversation or help with the transportation of wares. It was such interaction that she’d miss in all the time she’d been away.

Kirkwall had lacked such sincere enthusiasm.

Still, in the two years since she’d left it, she was finally back home, but Bethany knew it was yet another decision she hadn’t had a say in. She hadn’t agreed to returning to Ferelden any more than she had agreed to becoming a Grey Warden. Her jaw clenched, remembering how her sister had simply handed her over to them even when faced with the proposition that they’d likely never see one another again.

Was it really so easy for you to leave me behind, Sister? she thought bitterly, and perhaps upon sensing her melancholy, Stroud changed the subject.

“I realize it seems a rather abrupt choice in returning you here, but what I seek is far too dangerous for someone so new to our way of life to accompany me with,” he explained. “I’m meeting with the Warden-Commander of the Fereldan branch so that I might share some information in the event that things go awry. Their group is smaller than the ones seen across Thedas, but no one can deny their efficiency.” Stroud spared a small chuckle at that. “A bit like your sister and her crew, I suppose; I thought perhaps you would be more comfortable in such a setting.”

It had been a thoughtful suggestion; Bethany knew that. Still, she couldn’t help but sigh. She had always felt that the individuals whom had made up her little social circle were more Emrys’ friends than they had ever been hers. Her older sister had the type of presence to draw anyone to her with her rakish charm and absolute battle prowess.

…which was the exact opposite of her.

As an apostate, it was far easier to stay out of trouble by being unobtrusive. If she gave the Templars no reason to suspect her, she wouldn’t be taken away from her family and the quiet life she had always known. Yet, for all her trouble—and for all her desperation to abide by the rules of a society that had long hated mages like her—she had found herself alone anyway.

Bethany sighed as she looked down at the blues and silvers of the brigandine and tabard of her outfit that signified her status as a Grey Warden. Even with her staff openly displayed across her back, she supposed she no longer had to fear being turned into the authorities. Save for a few curious glances, no one so much as batted an eye at them.

She wasn’t entirely convinced this new life was better than the one she’d left. She could have dealt with the ever-present uncertainty in Kirkwall and the endless, interpersonal squabbles of their ragtag group than spending the remainder of her years surrounded by strangers and fighting darkspawn.

But the choice wasn’t hers to make.

Very little ever was.

---

“So that’s Velanna. She took over as Archivist for our branch when the Warden-Constable was promoted to her current position by our Commander,” Nathaniel said as he took Bethany and Stroud through a tour of Vigil’s Keep since the fortress’ respective Warden-Commander and Warden-Constable were currently out on business.

Their latest stop was a library filled with seemingly endless rows of bookshelves and even more that lined the walls of the chamber that consisted of three separate levels. It was impressive, and Bethany was half-convinced she could have spent an Age in this room alone and never be able to read the entirety of its collection.

At Nathaniel’s commentary, she spared a cursory glance at the woman writing intently at one of the tables furthest away from them, paying little mind to her audience. As was typical of most elves, Velanna was a slight woman. Her hair was a shade of blonde so pale that it was nearly white, but there was a surliness in her pensive expression that gave Bethany pause. It was something that suggested the other woman didn’t welcome the company of others easily, and she seemed to have been proven right by Nathaniel’s words.

“Don’t mind her if she’s a bit standoffish at first. Velanna’s usually that way with everyone until she starts warming up to them,” he assured.

“Oh?”

“Yes. She didn’t really like humans all that much to begin with—hardly a surprise considering how terrible some of them were toward her former clan. Truthfully, I think the only people she really respects are our commanding officers—the Constable mostly though.” He spared a soft chuckle at that. “Granted, the Warden-Commander could lead a damn army from one side of Thedas to the other, but only her sister has the type of negotiation skills that could somehow end up with a High Dragon allied with a sheep of all things.”

“Probably a good thing,” said Varel—the Keep’s seneschal. There was amusement in his dark eyes as he stroked his beard, which had long grown grey with age. “Actually succeeding in getting the Warden-Constable angry is a terrifying sight to behold.”

“Please don’t remind me; I still have nightmares from our first meeting…” Nathaniel muttered with a shudder.

Bethany found that curious, but before she could begin to question him, she saw how he blinked at further movement inside the library. She followed his gaze to see that a dark-haired, dwarven woman had entered through one of the side entrances, carrying two, steaming mugs. One had been set before Velanna, who whispered something quietly, but both of Bethany’s brows rose when she saw how the elf’s cheeks quickly reddened by the kiss that had been pressed to them by her latest visitor.

“Ah. And that’s Sigrun there—another one of those few, honored individuals who Velanna won’t immediately snap at,” Nathaniel remarked humorously.

The tour then continued elsewhere with the party entering the Mess Hall. While neat and tidy, it would have otherwise been unremarkable were it not for the lone dwarf snoring loudly atop one of the tables—an empty cask by his side. Bethany and Stroud shared bemused glances while Varel only cursed next to them, running a weary hand down his face.

“I told you we needed better locks for the cellar if we’re to keep Oghren away from the wine stores,” Nathaniel deadpanned.

Oghren grumbled nonsensically in his sleep before promptly rolling off the table and right onto the floor, loudly overturning more than a few chairs in the process. Despite the fall, he continued to doze away, and his snoring only seemed to grow in volume. They then watched as the poor seneschal wearily hauled the dwarf back to his quarters before he could cause another incident in front of their guests.

“…well, that was Oghren,” Nathaniel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck with a weary sigh. “Quite the interesting fellow, that one. With him, you’ve pretty much met every Warden in the Keep save for—”

He was interrupted by the sound of voices coming down the hallway.

“I told you that I’m more than capable of walking on my own!” protested a feminine voice, irritation evident within it.

“Says the woman who was nearly side-swiped off a cliff by an ogre,” came the deeper timbre of another woman’s amused reply.

Unlike Nathaniel or herself, the latest arrivals didn’t seem to bear the typical, Fereldan accent or even Stroud’s Orlesian one from what she could tell. Bethany could hear how some of the vowels lilted somewhat as they spoke.

“It didn’t really give me any choice in the matter,” was the dry response. “It was either stand before its charge or risk the family in the wagon being swept over the edge instead.”

“I was hardly questioning your bravery, Sister. The people in that caravan certainly wouldn’t, but perhaps leave the more death-defying stunts to those of us with the armor to handle it, hm? I shudder to think what our brother or Aunt Eithne (writer’s note: pronounced Eth-Nah) would say once they find out about this...”

“Perhaps that you were lazing about while I was doing all the work as per usual.”

“Hey!”

Two women appeared in the doorway of the Mess Hall then, and Bethany was startled to find that one of them rivaled her older sister in both height and size. She was a warrior through and through if the impressive greatsword over her shoulder and her overall physique was any indication. Her mane of hair was the color of pale wheat, the length of which was held in a braid that trailed down half her back, and her eyes were a deep, stormy grey. The woman she was carrying—her sister, according to their conversation—was much slighter in comparison.

Rather than sharing in the warrior’s blonde-haired looks, hers was a stark, raven-black. The loose curls trailed to roughly chin-length with a longer fringe that covered one of her eyes—the color a whisper of smoke than the darker grey her sister had. The woman’s arms were also crossed over her chest as she regarded her sister—deeply-unimpressed—before her features cleared at the sight of their visitors.

“Ah. Stroud. Glad to see you and your companion made it across the Waking Sea safely. We weren’t expecting you both for at least another day, or we’d have sent an escort to meet you at the port.”

“No need for the trouble. The winds were kind during our voyage, Warden-Constable,” he said before tilting his head in concern. “Although it appears we’ve arrived too late to help you both. Has the darkspawn presence been more troubling as of late?”

The warrior whom Bethany deduced to be the Warden-Commander merely snorted. “They’re not as plentiful as they were a year ago thankfully. With Niamh’s and Velanna’s respective magic, our branch here has slowly been sealing any access tunnels we’ve come across, but our enemy may just be as awful as vermin with how they manage to reappear in other areas.”

“The incidents have been isolated so far as we can tell, but they’re capable of disrupting travel all the same. On that note…” The Constable trailed off as she turned her gaze toward the Warden who had been showing them about the Keep. “Nathaniel, we have guests from the caravan mentioned earlier. As it’s getting rather late, Saoirse and I decided it was best not to press our luck by letting them travel so soon after the darkspawn attack. Could you and Varel direct them to the guest quarters? We’ll arrange an escort for them to Amaranthine first thing in the morning.”

He pressed a fist over his heart respectfully as he bowed his head. “Of course.”

“Wonderful. Now—”

“Now we get you back to your quarters so that we can tend to your injuries,” her sister interrupted, cheerily grinning when it led to the other woman scowling outright, as if she had been reminded of her current position.

“And I’m more than capable of walking there on my own. Put me down!”

“And risk you further injuring yourself? What type of sister would I be if I were to allow that to happen? Now then!” The Commander directed a smile Bethany’s way, and she jerked in place at the sudden attention. “You’re the latest to join our Order, aren’t you? Stroud mentioned you were a mage. I don’t suppose you know any healing magic, do you?”

“Oh.” Bethany blinked. “Um, well, yes. I have some experience with it.” She had tended to her sister’s and their friends’ injuries often enough back in Kirkwall.

“Excellent. Would you mind tending to Niamh here as best as you can while I go find Velanna? I’m pretty sure my sister fractured a few ribs in that fight earlier.” She chuckled. “And don’t worry if she gives you any trouble; she has a history of being a terrible patient,” she added, earning a pained grunt for her troubles when the woman in question elbowed her sharply in the chest.

---

And before Bethany knew it, she found herself alone with the Warden-Constable in her quarters.

She was trying not to blush at the sight of the woman reclined against the propped pillows at the headboard of the bed. Modesty didn’t seem to be an issue for the other mage. Without another word, she had undressed—with a few occasional winces here and there as the movement pulled at her injuries—and was now bare from the waist up, save for the bindings around her breasts.

Bethany couldn’t help her own wince when she saw the livid bruising that covered the right side of the woman’s torso. It almost looked like the trunk of a tree had been slammed against it if the abrasions and bits of bark embedded into the cuts were any indication.

And she kept insisting to try and walk on her own with an injury like this? she thought in absolute disbelief before delicately pressing the tips of her fingers against the bruise. Despite being as gentle as possible, it still drew a sharp hiss from the Warden-Constable, and Bethany jerked her head up to see the other woman’s clearly pained visage.

“Sorry!”

“No, it needs to be done. Keep going,” she insisted even as pale eyes closed themselves to focus on breathing in and out evenly—albeit with some difficulty.

With permission given, Bethany laid her hand out over the woman’s side, drawing her magic out with a silvery-blue light. From there, she began sounding out the extent of the Warden-Constable’s injuries by feeling where it burned hottest beneath her palm—an indication of how bad the damage was. There was always a tickling sensation that spread out to her fingertips whenever she gently coaxed broken bones back into place. It was akin to puzzle pieces slowly sliding back together before she could encourage them to heal, and she waited for the pulsing waves around them to fade into a dull echo before focusing on the next fractured bone.

As for the bruised muscles surrounding them, they were far easier to deal with. Bethany poured magic beneath the skin in gradual increments—droplets of rain spilling into a cup one by one—until she felt the burning heat simmer down to a more bearable ache. She continued the process, slowly sliding her hand along the woman’s side until the patchwork of blues and blacks which had covered its expanse faded into a yellowish tinge and the superficial cuts had closed themselves. Bethany pulled away then with a satisfied smile.

“What song was that?”

Bethany blinked, turning her gaze up to see silvery eyes staring at her curiously. “Hm?”

“You were humming something while you were healing me.”

“Oh.” She felt heat gathering along her cheeks at the revelation. “It’s an old lullaby my mother used to sing to me. When my father first taught me healing magic, I used to hold my breath while I was performing the spell, but as you can imagine, it’s not a very sound idea unless you want both an unconscious healer and patient.” Embarrassed laughter spilled out of her then as she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear self-consciously. “After a time, I learned that humming a few songs was useful in reminding me to breathe.”

“I see.” The Warden-Constable smiled, looking a great deal more relaxed as she reclined further against the headboard. “Well, thank you.”

“Of course.”

The Warden-Commander walked in then with Velanna in tow, and the warrior seemed surprised to see her sister still in bed. “Did you actually manage to get her to stay there the entire time?” she asked incredulously.

Bethany blinked in confusion at that since her patient had otherwise been well-behaved. As it was, she could only nod tentatively, causing the other woman to grin openly.

“Hah! Well done! I didn’t expect Stroud to send me someone who could cow her into submission.”

The Warden-Constable’s eyes narrowed then. “It was not my hearing that was damaged in that fight, Saoirse. You would do well to not make such comments before me,” she deadpanned, and despite the threat, it only drew hearty laughter from her sister, who soon drew her attention back to Bethany.

“Stroud said your name was Hawke, right?”

She shifted uncomfortably, having grown too used to her surname being used to refer to Emrys, but she nodded all the same. “I’d prefer just to be called Bethany if that’s alright.”

“Ah. Understandable. Can’t tell you how many times my sister and I both answered ‘yes’ in the same room whenever someone called out for a Warden Cousland.” She smiled. “In any case, welcome to the Fereldan branch of the Grey Wardens, Bethany. We’re glad to have you with us.”

---

After that, Bethany settles into Vigil’s Keep.

She sends letters home every now and then, but they’re usually only addressed to her mother. They’re never really long—just enough to let her know that she’s alive and well. Although Bethany realizes it’s a petty thing, she doesn’t ask about Emrys or send her anything for that matter. She’s still angry and resentful that her older sister managed to escape their adventure down into the Deep Roads unscathed while she got cheated out a future, leaving her to a life of killing darkspawn until the Calling finally takes her into the abyss of death. 

Melancholy is ever her constant companion, but eventually, she gets paired with Niamh for missions, who teaches her much about their duties as Wardens over the months, which takes them all around Ferelden. They deal with darkspawn sightings and document areas where they’ve sealed off underground routes into the Deep Roads with earth-based magic, hopefully preventing them from returning so regularly to bother nearby provinces.

As partners, they slowly become closer.

---

"Do you regret it?" Bethany asked one night as they sat by the campfire, watching as Niamh effortlessly flicked a hand to control the size of it just as a strong wind passed beneath the rocky overhang they'd taken shelter under. "Being a Grey Warden, I mean?"

Niamh paused, giving the matter some thought. "There are worse things to be, I suppose." She shrugged. "For a time, I hated the idea of being a mage because it took me away from my family. However, my being a Grey Warden was likely the only thing that saved me from being slaughtered with the rest of them when Howe plotted his coup. It likely also saved me from dying at the hands of my colleagues in Kinloch Hold when one of the Senior Enchanters overthrew it with blood magic and his followers.” She looked over at Bethany then. "Truthfully, I enjoy being able to see more of the world than through the cage the Chantry kept me in. I like the experience of being a part of it even in the moments that people dislike most."

Niamh held a hand out past the edge of the overhang, casually catching droplets of rain in her palm. Bethany watched as a slow smile spread across her features at the sound of another crash of thunder, and she couldn’t help how her own heart seemed to quicken upon seeing that serene expression.

"Our lives are more finite than they ever were," Bethany said distractedly, knowing all Wardens had only a few decades at most after their Joining.

"They are," she conceded. "That’s why I intend to make the most of it." Niamh's expression then turned sheepish as she turned back toward her. "I’m sorry. That probably wasn’t the answer you were looking for, was it?"

"No," she admitted, but as mellow as the other woman was, she was hardly surprised. Niamh had a way of remaining positive despite everything else life seemed to throw at them. Bethany smiled in spite of herself. "It was an honest one though. Thank you."

---

Every day is always an interesting adventure.

If not darkspawn, they deal with brigands out on the road or aid people across the countryside. To Bethany’s surprise, their help is openly requested sometimes when they reach a new town or village. Following the Blight, the utter bravery of the Grey Wardens had earned them Ferelden’s deepest respect. Thus, despite the fact they’re two mages traveling about, their regalia draws easy admiration and conversation alike.

It’s admittedly an odd feeling to have as a mage: to be wanted.

Bethany slowly grows to enjoy it though, especially when she can help with her magic so openly without being reviled for it.

Sometimes the jobs asked of them are simple enough: deal with a band of thieves, rid the area of rabid animals encroaching too close to farmland, helping out with some odds and ends around the village, etc.

Given that Niamh is a veteran of the Fifth Blight, Bethany also ends up learning a lot of survival skills from her during their travels together. She’s endlessly amazed by how the other mage utilizes her magic in combat and with other tasks such as hunting or fishing.

Bethany’s understandably shocked when she realizes that Niamh knows how to shapeshift, often scouting the skies as a raven to search for any nearby danger or roaming the wilderness as a sleek-looking, black wolf to hunt for game. It’s an unexpected revelation, especially since the other woman admitted to having been a part of the Circle most of her life before being recruited as a Warden.

She’s never met another mage so intriguing.

While Anders had been a benevolent healer, offering his skills to those most in need, it was his restless anger—an almost blind righteousness��over the plight of mages that gave Bethany pause.

Merrill was sweet in comparison, of course, and Bethany never minded talking with her even if there were the occasional cultural gaps that led to amusing misunderstandings at times. Still, the other woman held an interest in blood magic that Bethany wasn’t entirely certain she was comfortable with. After all, she had grown up hearing about the dangers of such magic from the Chantry. Then again, Andrastian religion also denounced who she was as a person as well, which was depressing in its own right…

While Niamh’s aptitude for elemental magic alone is impressive, Bethany is certain the woman’s shapeshifting draws upon some form of ancient or arcane magic—something well outside of the Circle’s teachings. It draws her curiosity endlessly. As such, Bethany asks her about the skill one day. Niamh just smiles, idly toying with the wooden ring that sits on a cord of black leather around her neck, revealing that a former companion taught it to her.

And that’s how Bethany learns about Morrigan.

---

“What?” Bethany exclaimed when Saoirse revealed how she was able to survive the slaying of the Archdemon. “You’re telling me that she and Niamh were able to…” She trailed off, trying to fight the blush burning across her face as her mind began imagining the possibilities of how such a conception was possible.

“You know, I thought to ask Niamh the technicalities of it once, but given she’s my baby sister—and obviously lacks the essential, uh, tool for the matter—I just decided it was best not to pry,” Saoirse answered dryly. She idly waved her hand about. “I don’t care to learn about her intimate life any more than she cares to know about mine,” she added before the corner of her mouth lifted into a lazy grin. “But for all intents and purposes, Kieran is my nephew, and Morrigan’s very much family now despite her protests to the contrary.”

“And he has the soul of an Old God?” she asked quietly as she turned to look at Kieran and the two women who were his parents.

Oghren had heard of their latest visitors and was—

Bethany squinted in confusion.

He was doing some type of weird jig in front of the baby, who was currently in Morrigan’s arms. Unfortunately, the erratic, uncoordinated nature of it did nothing to amuse him or his mother. Seemingly uncomfortable by the sight, Kieran gave an unhappy whine before reaching out toward Niamh, little fingers grasping repeatedly in her direction. Morrigan transferred him easily into the other woman’s arms when it was clear she wouldn’t mind holding him, allowing her to dryly berate the dwarf while Niamh comforted their son.

“So Morrigan says, yes,” the warrior answered with a shrug. “I originally turned down her ritual because I couldn’t bear the thought of subjecting an innocent life to such a fate, but I can’t be mad at the result. I still have Leliana because of it, and I can see how much Niamh adores both Kieran and Morrigan.” Her smile softened. “She has a piece of the happiness that I always wanted for her—something Niamh felt she could never find in this world, terrible as it is for mages at times.”

Bethany couldn’t help but agree at the latter sentiment.

Looking at the three of them, they certainly did seem like a happy family. Still, Bethany couldn’t help but feel some small pang of envy. While she had discovered that Niamh could draw just about anyone into easy conversation with her, she was rather private about her personal life. It wasn’t until recently that Bethany discovered she was even in a relationship—let alone one involving another woman. She had no issue with the idea or with Morrigan for that matter. The other mage was well-matched with Niamh on the basis of intrigue alone, but…

Bethany bit her lip.

After all those long months together with Niamh, she couldn’t help but feel—

Bethany nearly swallowed her tongue when she realized sharp, golden eyes were staring at her over Niamh’s head—as if somehow reading her thoughts. Morrigan was tall for a woman of Fereldan origin, but not nearly as much as Saoirse. With her dark hair and pale skin, she was as bewitching as she was powerful—her magical aura a fount of seemingly endless, wild energy. Bethany almost felt like prey beneath the other woman’s gaze, and she averted her own nervously.

Thankfully, Morrigan made no comment about it, but Bethany did wince when she heard her suggest turning into bed early to Niamh. She and Kieran had arrived relatively late in the day after all, so they were no doubt tired from their travels. Niamh gave no objections, and they soon headed off to the woman’s personal quarters.

Bethany sighed soundlessly.

She was no stranger to infatuation. Her attraction to Leliana back in Lothering was a testament to that fact. Granted, it was also somehow deeply ironic that her commanding officer was now married to the same lay sister who had since gone on to become the Left Hand of Divine Justinia.

Sometimes she couldn’t help but think the Maker enjoyed toying with her in subtle, annoying ways. In any case, like with any other infatuation, she would just have to wait for the one she had on Niamh to run its course.

It couldn’t last forever after all.

---

Spoilers: it does.

---

During one of her occasional visits, Morrigan left Kieran temporarily in the care of Niamh to follow up on a magical lead involving some of her arcane research. As they weren’t needed outside of Vigil’s Keep for anything, Bethany also got to watch over him as well, and as she did, she brought up a question that she had long been curious over.

"You said you started the ritual with Morrigan when you were already a Warden, weren't you? I thought Wardens became barren after the Joining though?"

"Hm. That's the assumption, yes," Niamh said as she idly waved a stuffed griffon over Kieran, delighting the baby instantly as they laid on the floor together. "I’d been a Warden for a little over a year at that point. Perhaps it was still soon enough that infertility hadn’t affected me yet, or the spell did something to compensate for it."

Bethany just nodded as she looked over at the two of them. "I see bits of you in him."

"Do you?"

"Yes," she admitted easily enough. "There's his sweet nature, the way he seems far too clever for his own good at times, and how his eyes light up whenever he smiles or laughs."

Niamh chuckled, flattered over the assessment. "Morrigan and I are always arguing about it. I see more of her than me in him, but then she retorts that he’s retained my love of sweets and just about every known creature in existence." Her smile widened when tiny, grasping hands finally succeeded in pulling down the stuffed griffon in her hands, and Kieran wasted little time in snuggling the toy to his chest with a pleased hum.

"Do you regret not being able to see him whenever you wish?"

"Sometimes," Niamh answered, "but Morrigan’s mother…" She trailed off with a frown even as she ran a hand affectionately through her son’s hair. "She’s powerful, and she’s hurt her before. I can understand her caution. I’m willing to go years at a time without seeing them if it means they’re safe."

---

Morrigan eventually returns, and she takes Kieran with her to hide and do magical stuff as Empress Celene’s Arcane Advisor in Orlais as per canon.

Several months pass.

Although Niamh had professed to understanding the need for her little family’s relocation, the distance means that visits from them are now few and far in between. Bethany can see how much the other woman misses them and how she worries about their safety. She often catches Niamh distractedly playing with the ring on her necklace, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

As if anticipating that, Morrigan does send letters to Niamh every now and then, and Niamh’s entire expression lights up every time she receives them, learning how the other woman and Kieran are fairing in Orlais along with how their son continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

She cannot fault the happiness Niamh has found with Morrigan, but it also serves as a constant reminder of what life will never offer to Bethany.

Eventually, it gets to a point where Bethany grows resentful of their relationship because her own feelings for Niamh are just so strong by then. It causes her to lash out at Niamh one night in camp, angry with how calm and positive she always is despite knowing they all have a death sentence over their heads.

---

"What world do you live in that you see it through such an idyllic lens?! You can wax poetic about this life all you like! I never asked for this! I never asked for the darkspawn to steal what little I had from life only to be made the gatekeeper against the very things I despise most in this world!"

And Niamh was quiet for the longest time, having stopped mid-sentence over Bethany's sudden tirade. As the silence continued to drift over their camp, so too does a veil of sudden cold air, and Bethany realized far too late that she’d crossed a line with the other woman.

"No one does, really," Niamh admitted at last, the warmth gone from her voice. "Save for Saoirse and my brother, I lost most of my family, but the terrible thing was that it wasn’t even darkspawn that killed them or even the Blight. It was just one man’s petty greed for what he felt was owed to him. He pretended to be my family’s ally for decades, and under the cover of night, he used his men to slaughter nearly the entirety of my bloodline. My parents, my sister-in-law, my nephew… He was only eight when it happened, you see. Oren wanted to a warrior like my siblings. He was trying to defend his mother with one of those wooden swords young boys tend to play with, but against the likes of Howe’s men...”  She clenched her jaw. “They gutted him just like everyone else."

Another pause stifled the air between them even as Bethany stared at Niamh, horrified.

"Darkspawn are terrible, yes, but they’re not always as terrible as people," Niamh said, eyes narrowing as she looked into the fire. "We can be so far worse. If I'm at all patient, it's because I try to be kind in a world that offers so little of it. I want to believe it can be better than it was before. I want this to be a better place for our people, but I also want to ensure that tragedies like that never happen again. That the people caught in the middle—victims of simple circumstance—don’t have so suffer. If it means I must be a Grey Warden in addition to a mage, then I accept it. To do otherwise damns them as much as me."

With that, Niamh then gracefully rose to her feet and headed back to her own tent, leaving Bethany alone at the campfire.

The rest of their journey back to Vigil’s Keep passed without much conversation between them despite Bethany’s attempts. Niamh only said enough to give a suitable answer, but she never offered anything more beyond it. A vault door had seemed to close behind the cool grey of the eyes that had long enraptured her, offering little warmth. It was clear Bethany was no longer privy to the other woman’s innermost thoughts and feelings

Niamh wasn’t petty, however.

She still hunted when necessary so they didn’t starve, and as was long part of their agreement together, Bethany continued to cook whatever game she caught. Other than that, however, Niamh offered no friendly greetings in the morning when they woke or any words that allowed her to wander off peacefully into the Fade as she slept.

Bethany didn’t realize just how much she’d miss them.

---

When they finally return to Vigil's Keep, Saoirse is confused by how quiet and despondent her sister seems to be. Given how amiable Niamh normally is, she has a right to be concerned.

She pulls Bethany aside one night to ask what happened since they normally get along so well, but Bethany and Niamh haven't even spoken a word to one another since their return.

Bethany ruefully explains the situation, but she doesn't reveal the actual reason why she lashed out to begin with. As such, Saoirse just assumes it was just the usual stress of being a Grey Warden.

---

"Ah. It happens to the best of us, really. Here." Saoirse handed Bethany a tin box. Something Orlesian, according to the script on it. "Leliana’s currently away on business in Val Royeaux, but she sends care packages out to me whenever she can. This one's for Niamh though. It's tea," she explained with a laugh. "She loves this stuff more than anyone else I know."

Bethany still felt badly over the situation however.

“What if she doesn’t want to talk to me?”

“Oh, Niamh’s too well-mannered to outright ignore someone,” Saoirse insisted with a brief snort. “If anything, she becomes more… Well. ‘Distantly-polite’ as my wife would describe it. Besides, I have it on good authority that she never turns down a good cup of tea.” A lazy, conspiratorial grin played on her lips then. “Especially if there’s a spoonful or two of honey in it.”

That eventually culminated in Bethany making tea for Niamh that evening, who had been locked away in her office as of late. Bethany was still nervous despite receiving permission to enter the room, allowing her to face the woman who she hadn’t seen in nearly a fortnight. Concern grew within her when she saw the shadows beneath Niamh’s eyes—a familiar indication that she had been working far too hard. She watched as Niamh struggled to blink the exhaustion from her eyes as she regarded her, but she otherwise said nothing, simply waiting to hear what Bethany required of her.

“I’m sorry," Bethany said at last, contrition clear in her voice. "This isn’t the life I would have wanted for myself, but I shouldn’t have lashed out at you when you were merely trying to help.” She held out the still-steaming mug of tea in her hands—the very thing Saoirse had convinced her would make for a suitable peace offering. “Here,” she offered with a tentative smile. “If you’re going to be working through the night again, you should at least drink something.”

For a time, Bethany believed the other woman was just going to remain silent. It would have been well-deserved given how terribly she behaved the other week, but then Niamh reached out to gently take the mug from her.

"Thank you," she said at last, the ice slowly melting behind those wintry eyes, and as they did, Bethany could feel the vice around her heart gradually unhinge itself in relief.

---

Things pretty much go back to normal between them.

Niamh and Bethany are back on the road again, especially after several reports of wandering darkspawn near the outskirts of a town.

As expected, however, Bethany's longing toward Niamh is still there—constant as an evening star. Even with the taint of death coursing through them, Niamh’s aura emanates with so much life—like a forest in winter, cool and refreshing with the scent of pine buried beneath its depths, waiting to burst into spring’s lively greenery with just the barest spark of magic.

It fascinates her.

She often wonders if such single-minded focus is a side effect of the Joining other than the enhanced physical strength and the ability to sense darkspawn. She feels a hunger that is never sated, a thirst that is never parched, and also…

Amber eyes wander over to where Niamh is disrobing to bathe in the nearby river, and she catches sight of the elegant play of muscles along her back before she studiously turns her gaze away. She feels the way her face burns even as she feels something else stir in her veins.

---

While still traveling, they get attacked by some hapless bandits, and while the two women aren't hurt, they manage to lose one of their tents to a stray grenade.

They end up sleeping in the remaining tent together, but it’s small, and they huddle together inside it for warmth against the pouring rain outside.

Bethany is surprised when she unexpectedly wakes up in Niamh’s arms—one is around her waist, and the other is curled behind her shoulders—which pull her closer in sleep. Sometimes she’s amazed at just how warm the other woman is, and although she knows she should pull away to avoid any awkward conversations in the morning, she can’t bring herself to do so. This is probably as close as she’ll ever get to the intimacy she desires with Niamh, and while the moment won’t last forever, it’ll be one more memory she can cherish—something no one else can ever steal from her.

Idly, Bethany listens to the rain outside—now a gentle pattering instead of the rage of a growing storm—falling against the material of the tent, and the sound is so rhythmic that she begins to doze off again.

---

Sometime after that, they receive a letter from Stroud, who requests their assistance with a matter out in the Free Marches. Saoirse stays behind to oversee things at Vigil’s Keep, which leaves Niamh and Bethany to travel across the Waking Sea with Nathaniel as additional support.

They arrive in Kirkwall several days before the qunari invasion begins in full, but not long after they do, Nathaniel’s reconnaissance around the city reveals something terrible:

Bethany’s mother was murdered.

Bethany is understandably upset, but Niamh and Nathaniel do their best to comfort her. They end up holding a small wake in honor of Leandra.

By the time they manage to rendezvous with Stroud, the qunari invasion has already begun, and they’re caught in the middle of it, leading to the Wardens running into Emrys Hawke and her companions.

Emrys obviously wants to talk to her little sister, but Bethany is resistant to the idea since her emotions are still riding high with the news of their mother’s death and the ever-present resentment regarding how she was made into a Warden without her say so on the matter.

Niamh recognizes Bethany’s tension and politely tells Emrys to leave the matter be for the time being. There is little point in having a conversation if one half of the party isn’t ready to have it after all.

Running on adrenaline, the warrior objects and tries to push her out of the way, but Bethany retaliates immediately on Niamh’s behalf. She presses her hand against her sister's chestplate and essentially shoves her back several steps, momentarily forgetting her Warden strength. Both Hawkes seem surprised by the ease in which she can do that.

---

“Bethany?” Emrys uttered in confusion, especially as her sister outright glared at her.

"You do not accost Warden-Constable Cousland that way!"

“Wait… ‘Cousland?’” Emrys looked over to the woman in question, taking in the obvious staff situated across her back. A wolf’s head ornament adorned the top of the weapon in exquisitely-sculpted silverite, and her eyes slowly widened in realization, remembering tales of the mage who could bend the very heavens to her whims. “Wait, you’re the Storm Wolf of Ferelden? Sister to the Hero of Ferelden?”

The woman merely gave a long-suffering sigh in response. “I suppose I was being too optimistic in assuming Leliana’s tales would’ve lost their weight this far past Ferelden’s borders…”

---

Despite the chaos ravaging itself across Kirkwall, the Wardens can’t stay to help. As such, they’re not there to see the end of the invasion. It isn’t until Bethany returns to Ferelden with the others that she receives a letter from Varric, saying that Emrys nearly died in her duel against the Arishok.

While Varric takes the time to mention that Emrys is recovering, and that her bravery led to her becoming Kirkwall’s Champion, the idea that Bethany had nearly lost the very last member of her family is so shocking that she's left inconsolable one night.

---

"I was such an absolute wretch to her before we left, and she nearly died afterward!” she wept when Niamh came to check on her in her room. “She’ll never forgive me!"

The other woman’s eyes are sympathetic as she held her in her arms. "Don’t be so sure."

"How can you say that?" Bethany demanded as she looked up at her, eyes red and swollen with grief.

"I’ve seen the way you talk about her, Bethany. The memories stir up more than just hurt within you,” she explained. “They light your eyes up with joy in remembrance of them. I’m sure she misses you and wishes things had gone differently. She wouldn’t have bothered sending all these letters to you otherwise over the years.

"My siblings did the same when I was still in Kinloch Hold, where I often wondered if my family had forgotten all about me. There were times I feared my being a mage would have meant their love for me would have gone away, but it didn’t. I received letters from them all the time—sometimes over the most asinine things like Saoirse’s warhound tossing bits of her armor into the pig pen." Niamh rolled her eyes, but Bethany could see the fondness in her gaze before they refocused on her.

"Your sister has asked for nothing in return even in the times where you never sent word back. I won’t tell you how to resolve this. You were right in saying that no one truly asks for this life, but I believe she only had the best of intentions when she entrusted your safety to Stroud. Trust in that if nothing else, and if you still find the matter wanting, tell her so." Something sad and brittle lingered on the smile she shared with her. "The what-ifs hurt more than the reality of things at times. No one deserves that."

---

Niamh helps to cheer Bethany up over the course of several weeks.

They’re off in a nearby town, investigating more sightings of darkspawn, and Niamh goes downstairs to pay the innkeeper for breakfast while Bethany packs up some of her belongings to continue their journey. When she reaches for her staff, she blinks, startled to find an ice flower blossoming on the end of it. She stares in surprise at the door the other woman had left through because there’s no way someone else could have done this.

It's almost like something out of a scene from one of those romantic tales Leliana used to tell her back in Lothering. She had thought them nonsense at first—that surely no one actually did such sweet things in real life—but now…

Bethany gently brushes her fingers over the beautifully-conjured petals and leaves, feeling the cool aura radiating from them.

Now she’s not so sure.

---

During their travels, they’re ambushed by darkspawn, and in the middle of the fighting, the ground manages to crumble beneath both women’s feet. The fall is long and painful as they slide down an old mine shaft, and soon they find themselves down in the Deep Roads. Unfortunately, it's an area they haven't charted yet, so they have no idea where they even are.

They have rations from the last time Niamh hunted and smoked some game, but they know it won't last forever. They can feel the press of darkspawn everywhere against their senses, and it's difficult to get any real bearing down in the tunnels because of it. The ambushes are sporadic throughout the days as they try to find their way back to the surface. They have taken to sleeping in brief shifts so they’re not caught unaware.

One fight lags on long enough that they have to retreat, but their enemies lead them right into the lair of a broodmother.

Bethany has never seen something so hideous in all her life, but when she turns briefly to Niamh, she’s disquieted to find the other woman looks more terrified than she's ever seen her. She barely has time to think over that before the darkspawn attack them again, but now they have the broodmother and her various tentacles to dodge as well.

The fight rages on for quite awhile, long enough that Bethany voices the thought they might never see Vigil's Keep again.

---

“No.”

"Niamh—"

"No!" she repeated firmly, glaring as she lashed out with an arm, incinerating an advancing line of darkspawn to their right. "I am getting you out of here! I swear it!"

You.

Not us.

What are you planning, Niamh? Bethany couldn't help but think worriedly.

Then she felt the sudden rush of magic—causing Bethany to almost stumble in place at the overwhelming sensation—as Niamh’s aura manifested itself more tangibly in an array of colors. Blinding arcs of lightning and lines of roaring flames raced across her form, and Bethany could see her own breath forming in rapid, exhausted puffs as the temperature inside the entire cavern seemed to drop even as the stone walls rattled ominously from the breadth of absolute magic being conjured.

The power of it was soon unleashed as Niamh slammed her staff end into the ground, allowing countless rays of energy to simply explode from her body. They radiated out like spectral hands of vengeance, and the cries of the darkspawn were nearly drowned out entirely as utter destruction rained down upon them. Each blast hit like deafening peals of thunder, and the echoes of them spanned for several long heartbeats, leaving Bethany’s ears ringing even after everything eventually fell silent.

As the dust and debris finally settled from the turbulent winds, she could see the other mage leaning heavily upon her staff, utterly exhausted. Each breath she took seemed to be a laborious effort, but Bethany watched as those eyes remained keenly alert to their surroundings, waiting to see if any of the darkspawn she had laid waste to would try and attack them again. They both tensed upon hearing the low, wailing groan of pain, and they looked to the far side of the cavern to see the broodmother still alive—albeit barely.

While already repulsive, it was now a macabre mass of flesh, bleeding sluggishly from the wounds inflicted by Niamh’s attack. Bloated skin bore severe burn marks, and entire chunks of flesh were missing. One of the broodmother’s arms had been severed completely, but the heat from one of the elemental attacks had unintentionally cauterized the fat stump even if Bethany grimaced upon seeing the pink-tinged bone that still protruded from it. The broodmother’s entire form seemed to slump back with what they assumed was her final breath, but then the sudden sound of earth breaking behind them alerted them far too late to a final danger.

Bethany turned her head just in time to see a lashing tentacle sprout from the ground, and her mind barely registered the sight of it before she heard the frantic call of her name along with warm hands pressing against her side.

"Bethany!"

As if time had slowed itself, she watched in horror as Niamh pushed her out of the tentacle’s swooping path, but in doing so, the other woman took the brunt of the attack entirely. Niamh was sent flying into one of the naturally-formed pillars of the cavern, impacting it hard enough that it broke at its center, raining rubble down upon the mage resting eerily still at its base until she was buried beneath it.

Bethany’s eyes remained fixed on the sight even as she shakily rose to her hands and knees. An overwhelming sense of disbelief overtook when her longtime partner didn't emerge at all out of the stone pile. In fact, there's a terrifying lack of anything in that direction.

Nothing of the taint in Niamh's blood.

No sound.

No magic.

Just... nothing.

Distantly, she could hear the half-dying moans of the broodmother somewhere beyond her peripheral vision. Although Bethany was all too aware of how dangerous her current situation still was, all she could feel was a staggering rush of absolute rage building inside her. It seemed to grow with every beat of her heart until she could hear it pounding inside her ears—a drumming sound of accusation over the fact that she had been powerless to help someone dear to her yet again.

It was her anger that gave birth to the sudden burst of power—whether a second wind or simply a dying gasp, she didn’t immediately know—but Bethany whirled to face the grotesque beast, magic already gathering within her hands. With an infuriated cry, she pressed her palms out, and she felt the immense displacement of air around her immediately as she summoned enough force magic to take up almost the entire space of the cavern. The pressure of it proved too much against the broodmother, and Bethany watched impassively as its enormous body was flung toward the far wall with enough violence that it was reduced to a grisly splatter of darkened blood, pulverized bone, and putrid meat.

With its death, Bethany felt the presence of darkspawn waiting beyond the cavern retreat even further, as if afraid of tempting her fury. Safe from any immediate threats, however, she wasted little time in rushing over to where she last saw Niamh. She used her hands and magic to try and dig her out beneath the rubble, but when she found her, fear took hold of her immediately when she realized the other woman wasn’t breathing anymore. Desperately, Bethany tried to use her healing magic in an attempt revive her, but to her utter dismay, the chest beneath her hands remained impossibly still.

“Oh, no…” she breathed. “No. No! You can’t be dead! Niamh, get up!”

But her cry fell on deaf ears.

Despite her best efforts, no matter how much healing she tried to force through the other woman’s veins, Niamh didn’t respond. As each minute continued to pass by in silence, Bethany began to wonder what she’d have to tell Morrigan if she ever made it back to the surface, let alone the little boy with Niamh’s kind smile. It would be such a terrible thing, she knew, informing them the woman they loved died trying to save her.

Just like everyone that ever entered her life.

Leaving before she even got the chance to give her goodbyes.

Bethany withdrew her healing magic and began conjuring lightning beneath her hands instead—the same way Niamh had taught her once upon a time—desperate for anything that could attempt to shock some life back into the other woman. Niamh’s body jolted with each burst of power, head lolling about along the dirt, but she still remained impossibly beyond Bethany’s reach—perhaps now wandering past the Fade and into the Maker’s embrace.

At the thought, her anguish soon gave way to anger.

“Damn you, you selfish wretch!” she shouted as she pressed her hand over the woman’s sternum with another pulse of electricity. “I never asked you to try and save my life! You don’t get to do this to me! You don’t get to just leave me here when I never had to chance to tell you everything! Not when you don’t even know I love y—”

Just as she went to jolt the other woman again, Bethany felt a hand firmly wrapping itself around her wrist.

Shocked, she looked up toward Niamh's face, especially as she heard a very weak cough. The other mage hadn't opened her eyes yet, but she saw how the still blue-tinged lips began to move—too soft for her to hear anything. Bethany lowered her head to listen more closely and soon heard a quiet question.

"...are you alright?"

Her breath caught in her throat, and fresh tears began to fill Bethany's eyes again in spite of herself.

Even after everything they had both suffered through, Niamh's first concern had still been solely for her.

With a shaky breath, she carefully curled herself up against Niamh’s form, crying silently even as she rested her hand against the other woman's stomach to continue and apply weak, healing magic.

That was how the other Wardens found them later.

"There they are."

Bethany didn’t pick her head up off the floor, but there was little mistaking Morrigan's distinct voice. Saoirse’s own followed soon after.

"I owe you my thanks for this, Morrigan."

“Thank your sister; I would not have been able to find her were she still not wearing the ring I gave her years ago.”

A weary chuckled greeted the mage’s words. “Ever the sentimental woman, my little sister…”

The sound of heavy footsteps treading closer caused Bethany to look up, and she could see Saoirse kneeling down next to them. The warrior’s face was worn with stress, but there was nothing but relief in her eyes as she saw them both together. "It appears I owe you my thanks as well, Bethany." She jerked her head up then, shouting out an order. "Get a litter for them now!"

"But I'm not nearly as injured," Bethany protested, drawing her hand away from Niamh’s body self-consciously, especially when Morrigan appeared and began to take over healing and stabilizing the woman’s condition with fresh magic.

"No," Saoirse admitted even as her lips lifted up into a tired smile. "But you and I both know what a terrible patient my sister is. I’ll be depending on you to make sure she behaves herself if she wakes up during our trek back to Vigil’s Keep.” She gently clapped a hand over Bethany’s shoulder. “Thank you. I owe you a debt.”

“Warden-Commander—”

“No. Niamh and I have lost enough in our lives. It would have hurt me to lose her as well.”

---

Niamh remains unconscious for several days as she recovers back at Vigil's Keep.

Bethany and Morrigan basically take turns looking after her.

Despite the other woman’s position as a member of Orlais’ Imperial Court, it seemed Morrigan returned to Ferelden after receiving a frantic letter from Saoirse, saying that Niamh and Bethany had been missing for several days following a routine mission.

As mentioned in the previous section, Morrigan gave Niamh a ring, which would allow her to find her were she ever in danger. It proved especially useful when Niamh and the other Wardens were imprisoned in Fort Drakon, where Saoirse essentially put her foot in her mouth and ruined their attempt to sneak Queen Anora out of the estate she had been held captive in.

I believe the ring is only canonically available if a player is in a romance with Morrigan. However, I’m headcanoning that because she held Niamh in such high esteem, she gave it to her anyway.

Kieran is also present at Vigil’s Keep because there’s no way Morrigan was leaving him behind in Orlais. He’s about five years old at this point, and he’s grown to inherit both his mothers’ looks. A crown of dark, loose curls sits atop his head much like Niamh’s, and he even fashions a forelock like hers, which hangs in front of his right eye. His gaze is a piercing shade of gold reminiscent to Morrigan’s own. As a possessor of an Old God Soul, he’s also begun to speak cryptically at times, which is understandably jarring to those around him.

Bethany happens upon one such conversation by accident, and she immediately pauses in the doorway when she sees Morrigan and Kieran standing at Niamh’s bedside.

“Sire was caught within the paths of the Fade, Mother. She heard the voices of old ghosts calling to her, but she didn’t follow them.”

Morrigan indulgently runs a hand through her son’s hair. “Indeed; she did not.”

“She missed them though, but she still returned to us.”

“Of course. Why would she desire an eternity without you?” she asked with a fond smile, causing Kieran to giggle.

“That’s not why, Mother! Not completely.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. She would have missed the Sunshine too much. She’s been following her warmth for years. It would have hurt her to be without it.”

Kieran’s words pull at Bethany oddly, but she soon pushes them out of her mind and quietly walks away, feeling too much like an intruder upon the small family.

Thankfully, Niamh regains consciousness not long afterward, and everyone is understandably relieved by this news.

As per usual, however, Niamh proves herself to be an exceedingly stubborn patient, but perhaps wanting to set a better example for Kieran after her near-death experience, she remains in bed for the duration of her recovery. The other woman doesn’t seem to mind too much, especially given that her son continues to keep her company, telling her of the various odd things he’s seen around Orlais and the even odder people.

After several weeks under Morrigan’s watchful eye, the witch begrudgingly says that Niamh's okay to begin light duty around the Keep, relieving the other mage immensely. She goes out herb-gathering, an excuse just to get out of the fortress, and Bethany volunteers to go with her.

Things are quiet between them for a time as they begin picking up elfroot to place in the shared basket between them. Their conversations as of late haven't been of anything too substantial. A good thing, Bethany thinks, considering her feelings for her and how close she’d been to revealing them. Soon, however, they're caught in the middle of a light rain shower, and Bethany says they should head back. She begins to lead their way out of the forest when Niamh’s words stop her in her tracks.

---

"I was waiting for you to say it again, you know."

Bethany looked over her shoulder in surprise to still see Niamh standing in the middle of the clearing, her gaze expectant. “What?” she asked nervously.

"When I nearly died, I heard you say something… significant to me,” she revealed, causing Bethany’s heart to pound as she stared at her in disbelief. “However, when I recovered and you never repeated those words again, I thought it might have been little more than a fever dream of mine." Niamh's smile turned sad then when Bethany said nothing else to her words. "Perhaps it was after all... I’m sorry. I’ve made this rather awkward then, haven’t I?” She took a few steps closer, reaching toward the basket of herbs Bethany still held in her hands. “Here, let me—”

But Bethany just let it drop to the ground before she reached out to grab the collar of Niamh’s cloak. The other woman seemed taken aback, but before she can even begin voicing a question, Bethany pulled her forward to kiss her desperately in the rain, swallowing her gasp of surprise.

As far as first kisses went, it was a touch awkward as their teeth clicked together, lips mashed between them. Bethany felt a moment of panic as Niamh pulled back, but before the urge to run away in mortification could overtake her, a warm palm pressed itself against the back of her neck, keeping her in place. There was the brush of knuckles as they ran along her jaw, and Bethany was just able to catch the silver of Niamh’s eyes before all thought fled from her mind upon feeling the soft press of the other woman’s mouth on hers.

Bethany followed into the easy guidance being offered, and they both soon settled into a comfortable rhythm that sent pleasurable shivers down her spine. She felt light-headed with giddy delight, and her hands reached out to hold onto Niamh’s hips, helping to ground herself there, as their kiss continued. There was a soft sound as Niamh sighed contentedly into her mouth, as if she had been waiting just as long for this moment between them.

The thought seemed almost too impossible to comprehend, especially when she knew Niamh was committed to someone else. As such, Bethany pulled away first despite the sound of protest it caused. Despite her resolve, Bethany was reluctant to pull away from Niamh entirely, so she settled for gently leaning her forehead against the other mage as they panted quietly in the rain.

"I'm so sorry," she said breathlessly, practically speaking the words against Niamh’s lips. "It wasn't my intention to interfere with your relationship with Morrigan."

As close as they were, there was little mistaking the clear confusion in the eyes across from hers. "'With Morrigan?'" Niamh repeated. "What does she have anything to do with us?"

"But… I thought—” Her brows drew together in consternation. “Aren’t you both together?"

"What? No," Niamh answered, almost amused by the idea. "When we laid together for the ritual, it was an agreement of mutual benefit meant only for that night. She's not—Well." An exhale of breath escaped her in the form of laughter. "Morrigan's admitted she's not interested in women—or anyone, really—in quite that way, but none of the male Wardens with us at the time dared to lay with her even if it meant sparing us all from death. She trusted me, and I her. I consider Morrigan one of my dearest friends, and we share Kieran together as a result of that night, yes, but we are certainly not bound together as others seem to believe."

And Niamh’s answer suddenly changed everything.

What Bethany had been feeling, what was now possible between her and Niamh...

She couldn’t help but smile as she finally realized she could have a bit of the happiness she’d always wanted for herself.

---

So everyone knows that they’re a couple after that.

Niamh becomes more overt in the romantic things she does for her—the very same things Bethany had thought were the woman simply being thoughtful. She finds out that Niamh had apparently been interested in her for awhile and had actually been ready to confess her feelings a few years ago, but their first argument, where Bethany had accused her of being too idealistic, had stemmed the thought immediately.

Niamh had been understandably heartbroken by the words, which was why she’d had been so despondent for weeks following the incident, believing Bethany had no romantic interest in her whatsoever. The apology in her office later had restored their friendship, and while Niamh had been disappointed it likely would never evolve into anything more beyond that, she was still determined to be a good friend to her if nothing else. 

Bethany’s completely exasperated at the idea that they could have been together long before now, but she realizes it was likely better this way.

She had needed time to get over her anger and resentment regarding her life as a Warden.

She needed time to get past her guilt and the complicated thoughts regarding herself and her faith.

And she needed time to grow into herself and discover who she was as a person.

She’s grateful that Niamh’s been so kind and patient over the years, and Bethany finds great joy in the new facet of their relationship together.

They’ve kissed and been involved in heavy makeout sessions around Vigil’s Keep—much to the exasperation of their colleagues—but barring the incident that led to Kieran’s conception, Niamh’s been celibate for years, and canonical dialogue in DA2 reveals that Bethany’s pretty much a virgin. As such, she’s understandably very shy and nervous about the whole thing. However, she knew every part of her would be in good hands with Niamh when they finally reached that point.

Their first time together takes place several months after their first kiss, where Niamh tries her utmost to make it a memorable thing for them. She takes Bethany to a grove they frequent together outside of Vigil’s Keep for a midnight picnic. The moon is full, and the skies are clear, revealing an endless sea of stars. Little fireflies dance over the surface of the lake while they sit on the grass along its shore.

It’s a casual reminder that for all their hardship, life goes on and finds a way through a magic all of its own.

They stargaze for and handfeed each other little bits of food in between kisses, but soon things start getting a little more heated. Niamh gently tugs Bethany onto her lap, who follows willingly, settling her knees on either side of the woman’s hips. Bethany takes some initiative of her own, pushing at Niamh’s chest slowly until she lowers herself against the grass, and then…

---

Bethany’s breath caught in her throat upon seeing Niamh’s features haloed by the soft glow of the little fireflies. Normally pale eyes had darkened at their edges with both pleasure and interest as she regarded her, leaving Bethany flushed, especially as she realized she doesn’t quite know what to do from there on out.

Perhaps having sensed that, Niamh reached up to gently run a thumb along the corner of her mouth, and Bethany barely resisted the urge to press her lips against the pad in a kiss as slim fingers then went to cup her cheek gently.

“We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” Niamh reassured as she brushed a few strands of Bethany’s hair behind an ear. “I quite like kissing you.”

But Bethany did want to.

She knew Niamh had more experience with sexual intimacy, and she worried she couldn’t be able to compare against the woman’s past paramours. There was no expectation in those starlit eyes however. Niamh was as relaxed as she had been when they first started, and Bethany knew she would have been more than content to lay with her beneath the stars if that was all she desired. She was always considerate with her feelings, never pressing her to do more than she was ready.

Thus, Bethany knew Niamh would be patient with her during their first time together.

“If I asked, would you show me what to do?” she whispered tentatively, and she watched as the corners of those lips turned up into soft smile.

“Always,” Niamh answered, gently tugging Bethany’s hand toward the buckle holding the front of her leather and steel-riveted brigandine closed. “Here. Help me out of this first please.” 

From there, Bethany quickly realized it all wasn’t quite as simple as the tawdry novels Isabela used to loan her made it out to be. Nothing really prepared for the warmth of the flesh beneath her fingertips as she gradually disrobed her lover of the layers that made up their Warden regalia. Fortune favored the bold, she knew, and she experimented by pressing kisses against skin as more was revealed to her. She smiled against Niamh’s sternum—pleased—when she heard the exceedingly rare quiver in her voice.

As promised, however, the other woman continued to give suggestions on what types of touches would best give pleasure, but she also allowed Bethany to set the pace of whatever she felt most comfortable with. With each encouraging whisper against her ear, each caress and rock of her hand became more confident. When Niamh shuddered beneath her for the first time—the barest hint of magic curling against her own—as she reached her peak, Bethany was convinced that she had never felt more triumphant.

And she didn’t think she had ever felt so unfettered when Niamh later returned the favor by kissing a line of fire down her bare body. Those mist-grey eyes never left her own gaze though. Bethany had long known how attentive the other mage could be. As their lead tactician, there was always a studious quality in how she approached anything set before her.

Feeling the full magnitude of that attention focused solely upon her, however, was another matter entirely. Niamh stared at her as if she had hung the very moon and the infinite tapestry of stars into the night sky. It was like she was her very reason for drawing breath, and the thought of that brought forth a stunning wash of emotions over her as she saw the clear reverence in those eyes—so much so that she couldn’t help the tears beading themselves across her lashes nor her soft, surprised exhale of laughter when Niamh leaned up to gently kiss them away.

It was only when she assured her lover that she was ready to continue that Niamh returned to her exploration. The woman was committed to learning every part of her, gauging every physical response—the touches that made her moan breathlessly or sigh in contentment with the press of lips against her skin—before reacting accordingly. She felt that dedication most vividly as a warm mouth settled between her thighs and began working itself thoroughly there.

Bethany couldn’t help but break eye contact with Niamh as she threw her head back against the cool grass, lost to the new but pleasant sensations coursing their way through her body. Her hips seemed to move of their own volition, especially as the almost overwhelming heat of a tongue pressed itself flat and lapped languidly at her.

After a time, it felt like she was freefalling, and she blindly reached out toward Niamh. One hand sank itself easily into the tousled waves of raven-black hair, but with the other, Bethany found slim fingers gently intertwining themselves with her own. There was strength and reassurance within the warmth of that grasp—a steady tether to ground her—even as Niamh continued with her ministrations, quickly unraveling the foundations of her world.

Were you the answer this entire time?

Were you the one whom my heart was always waiting for?

Bethany found her answer just as her climax crested over her.

---

The next scene takes place several months after Niamh’s and Bethany’s first time together but just before the Kirkwall Rebellion.

Niamh heads over to Amaranthine to see her aunt, Eithne Mac Eanraig, since she's the Arlessa there.

Now, here’s where I’m veering off from canon.

Per the events of Awakening, the Warden ends up becoming the Warden-Commander, and for their services during the Fifth Blight, Vigil’s Keep along with the entire arling of Amaranthine was given to the Grey Wardens. The fortress and the territory originally belonged to the Howes, but after Rendon Howe’s betrayal, all titles and properties were stripped away from them. As such, the Warden-Commander would also become the Arl or Arlessa of Amaranthine.

Per my headcanon though, Saoirse felt that she couldn’t tend to both her duties as a Warden while also ruling over the arling. Thus, she suggests to King Alistair to let her aunt oversee it instead.

While Eithne is technically my own creation, it was canonical that Eleanor had three siblings prior to marrying Bryce Cousland. All the children of Bann Fearcher Mac Eanraig—also known as the Storm Giant—were exceedingly skilled raiders although Eleanor was the most infamous of them. Still, I headcanon that Eithne’s own prowess allowed her to take over as head of the family and their impressive fleet after her father’s death sometime before the events of DAO.

I also headcanon that the Mac Eanraigs and their fleet proved instrumental during the Fifth Blight, allowing desperately-needed supplies to travel to the country without fear of them being intercepted by pirates. When the reconstruction of Ferelden began in full following the defeat of the Archdemon, Eithne opted to expand the services of her family’s fleet, offering to escort any incoming and also outgoing cargo ships. This allowed trade to flourish in Ferelden since the threat of piracy was reduced greatly against the might of the former raiding family and their respective crews. With goods being consistently transported and received, it led to the otherwise pricey import and export tariffs being lowered significantly.

It expanded the influence of the Mac Eanraigs considerably to say the least, and while they were of minor nobility compared to the Couslands, the family was already well-respected for their long connection to the Storm Coast and their role in the Fereldan Rebellion as well as the Fifth Blight.

As such, no objection was given by Ferelden’s Bannorn when the Mac Eanraigs were consequently raised further in nobility by the decree of King Alistair and Queen Anora, allowing Eithne to officially be named Arlessa to the city of Amaranthine.

---

"Aunt Eithne," Niamh began, walking into her office, "may I have access to the castle's forge?"

The older woman was sat behind her desk, looking through various reports when she glanced up at her. Kind, weathered features warmed instantly. "Ah, there's my wee Storm Pup," she said as she rose to her feet to meet her. "You know you’re welcome to anything within the castle, lass. I take it that blacksmith of yours is being stubborn at Vigil’s Keep again?"

As per usual, Niamh found herself looking up at her aunt as she rounded the edge of her desk. While her late mother Eleanor had been roughly her own size, the Mac Eanraigs as a whole towered over most people with their intimidating height and broad-shouldered frames—traits that Fergus and also Saoirse inherited as they grew into adulthood. In her youth, Niamh remembered that her Aunt Eithne had also possessed her mother’s pale blonde hair, but it had since turned silver with age and was now kept in a neat braid that dangled in front of her right shoulder. She imagined that Saoirse would likely resemble their aunt greatly in looks over the next few decades.

…provided they find a cure against the Calling first, of course.

Morrigan’s arcane research had turned up several possibilities, but the latest one she’d found seemed especially promising. Still, Niamh put the thought from her mind momentarily to answer her aunt’s question.

"You and I both know Master Wade won’t allow anyone to go near his forge. He’d pout for weeks on end before we could convince him to resume work again,” she said dryly before shrugging. “Just as well, I suppose. He can’t keep a secret to save his life. What I have in mind is more of a personal project."

Dark grey eyes blinked. "Oh?" she intoned curiously.

"It's... Well." Niamh shifted from foot to foot, a tad nervous to put her thoughts into words. "I'm making matching torcs for Bethany and I, so—oof!"

No sooner after she had stated her purpose did Niamh unexpectedly found herself drawn up into a crushing hug by her aunt, who lifted her clear off her feet with the force of it.

"Haha!" Eithne crowed with delighted laughter as she twirled her about. "Wait until I tell your uncles about this! Why, it’s been ages since we’ve had a wedding in the family!"

"We had one a year ago for Fergus and Olithia," Niamh corrected hoarsely as she tried to wriggle out of her aunt's grip to little avail. Corded muscles built over a lifetime at sea ensured the woman’s strength was nigh unbreakable. "And there was another for Saoirse and Leliana before that."

"Details, wee niece, details," she brushed aside when she placed Niamh back on her feet again, placing large hands over each of her shoulders with a grin. "Honestly, I was half-convinced my ashes would be scattered across the sea before I saw my last niece be married off! Dermot!" she called out loudly beyond the walls of office to her second-in-command, leaving Niamh wincing from the sheer volume of it. "Break out the casks! We’re celebrating tonight!"

Niamh merely sighed, somehow glad that Bethany was currently away from Vigil’s Keep with Nathaniel to tend to a matter out in another seaside province. There was no way she’d be able to surprise her with a proposal otherwise.

---

Bethany didn't know what to really expect when Niamh took her out to their favored grove, but then she was offered a… necklace of some sort. It was thick and sturdy but exquisitely-crafted. It formed an incomplete circle, but there was no clasp holding both ends together. As she took the necklace into her own hands, she found there was a certain pliability to it as she stretched the space between the twin, silverite wolf heads open a bit more.

"I spent weeks getting the details just right," Niamh admitted. "The hardest part was finding the perfect bits of citrine to match your eyes," she added, pointing to the small, gemstone orbs held in the maw of each wolf.

"You made this for me?" Bethany asked, awed.

"Yes. It’s a custom from the maternal side of my family. They’re generally gifted to those of status or individuals who have achieved great deeds. The more bands woven together designate one's importance." Niamh's expression turned somewhat sheepish then. "I don't think it needs to be said that I think highly of you."

Bethany looked at the thick braiding and saw that there were at least five bands wound together in a cord and then welded together.

"I..." Niamh wet her lips briefly, as if caught beneath sudden nervousness. "I realize marriage is usually just a matter of settling titles and heirs, but I believe you know by now that my family tends to eschew commonly-held norms. As such, I would consider it a great honor if you were to become my wife. As for anything official—a wedding for instance—we needn't concern ourselves with it right away. Not if you don't wish to certainly." Silver-colored eyes rolled themselves. "Honestly, my family uses any type of excuse available to throw a celebration. They’ll likely still drink the night away, knowing that I’ve finally settled down with someone."

Bethany couldn’t help but laugh at that. "They were that invested, were they?"

"Before you, they had a tendency to think I was more married to my duty within the Order, and I can’t say that were not wrong in thinking so."

"And that’s changed?"

"Well... I was managing day by day as well as any of our comrades, but I won’t lie in saying that there came a point when you were all I could ever think about in the many moments in between."

It was… quite the confession.

In an instant, all the stories her mother had ever told her of romance paled in comparison to this moment.

"Yes," Bethany said at last, watching as the ghostly-grey eyes across from her widened, but there was little hiding the hope building within their depths.

"Yes?"

"Yes to the—" She stumbled a bit over the word. "—torcs, you said?” Bethany asked in clarification, earning her a nod along with a very relieved sigh. “I don’t want a ceremony.” She bit her lip as she stared down at the thickly-braided necklace. “At least not just yet, but I like the idea of the promise these contain.”

“You would like to have your sister here when the time comes,” Niamh deduced understandingly. “Very well.”

“You can wait?”

A very warm smile burnished beautiful features that she had long fallen in love with so many years ago. “A Chuisle Mo Chroí,” she began, voicing an endearment that never ceased to make her heart flutter, “for you, I would gladly wait a thousand Ages and more.” (Writer’s note: A Chuisle Mo Chroí is phonetically pronounced Ah Khush-lah Muh Kree and means “Pulse of My Heart.”)

The words earned her a heartfelt kiss of gratitude. If Niamh noticed Bethany was trembling, she said nothing of it. In fact, they both had little to say at all as they slowly lowered themselves to the grass and surrendered themselves to the night and the promise of everyday thereafter.

---

The Kirkwall Rebellion still happens in this verse, and because Saoirse's busy butting heads with the higher-ups at Weisshaupt, she sends word to Niamh, asking her to go to Kirkwall to provide Leliana backup if things get bad. Bethany is concerned as well about the well-being of her sister Emrys, and she asks to go with her. Niamh, of course, can't really deny her anything, so they both take the fastest ship across the Waking Sea.

---

"There you are," Bethany declared when she managed to come across her sister and her companions despite the chaos around them. She settled her staff over her back, walking through the tangle of defeated Templars around her to meet them. "We’ve been looking everywhere for you. I'd almost feared you were dead."

Emrys hadn’t expected Bethany’s presence in the city, but she’s beyond elated to see her. At her words, the warrior merely preened. "As if they'd be able to best me. And, uh, what’s this about 'we?'" Emrys asked, confused. “Did you bring the other Wardens with you?”

“Just one.”

As if attuned to her thoughts, Niamh made her entrance then by Fadestepping through a handful of Templars—who had arrived on scene as backup—freezing them in their tracks. She and Bethany had momentarily split up to try and cover more ground in search of Emrys.

Bethany arched a brow at her sister while gesturing toward her lover with an emphatic wave. "You remember Warden-Constable Cousland, don’t you?"

Emrys had the decency to look somewhat embarrassed as she recalled their last meeting, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly as she regarded Niamh. "Oh. Yes. Uh, about the last time we met—"

But Niamh seemed amused more than anything, waving aside the apology graciously. “Bygones, Champion. No need to worry yourself about the past. My sister’s a warrior as well; I’ve fared worse on the rare occasion."

"In any case, Sister, if you need help, we’ll gladly give it."

“Really?”

“Yes. I…” Bethany swept a bit of hair behind her ear nervously, but as Niamh settled alongside her, offering her wordless support, she continued on. “I wanted to apologize for what happened down in the Deep Roads and for how we parted the last time I was here. You saved my life, but I couldn’t see past my own anger back then. I’m sorry,” she whispered, contrite. “I should have said it long before now. You’re all I have left of our family, so if you need help against the Templars, say the word.”

Emrys looked beyond thrilled at the prospect of having her at her side again. “I’m certainly not going to turn away help now of all times, but…” She shot a look of confusion over toward Niamh. “I thought Wardens weren’t to involve themselves in political matters?"

The other mage merely sighed. “While true, that follows a line of policy that my sister and I strenuously object to, especially given the matter involved here. She and I will deal with the leadership at Weisshaupt later if need be." Slim shoulder shrugged themselves then. "Of course, even if my sister-in-law weren't nearby, Bethany wanted to help, and that was good enough reason for me to be here."

Emrys’ dark brows rose at the claim, and she immediately turned a searching gaze over toward Bethany, who couldn’t help but turn her own away, flushing somewhat.

"Yes… Niamh and I are a bit of a package deal these days."

Unfortunately, the minor shift in movement allowed for something else to be revealed, and Isabela took notice of it immediately as her eyes darted toward the area of her neck just beneath the collar of her uniform.

“Wait… is that a torc?" she asked, brows raising, impressed.

“A what?" Emrys asked, flustered, especially when she saw the matching one that Niamh was also wearing.

“It's a little bit of tradition from my mother’s side of the family,” Niamh explained. “They’re beautifully-crafted pieces of jewelry, but they can be as symbolic as rings, especially in the ceremonial sense."

"'Rings?'" Emrys parroted with a choke. “‘Ceremon—’” The warrior paled instantly as she realized the implication, shakily pressing her hand against a nearby wall to steady herself when she began swaying in place. “Oh, Maker’s breath… I think—I need a moment,” she murmured, and Bethany watched—concerned—when Emrys practically folded in over herself, working to catch a breath. After a time, Emrys’ comically-wide blue eyes turned over to Niamh. “You’re married to my baby sister?"

"Engaged, technically," Niamh answered, blinking owlishly at her reaction. “I proposed to her before we left Ferelden."

---

Annnnd then Saoirse shows up because she got worried about Leliana, and she and Emrys get along like peas in a pod. They’re exceedingly competitive with one another though...

---

“Hah!” Saoirse crowed, grinning smugly at Emrys as she rested the flat of her greatsword along her shoulder. “Is that the best Kirkwall’s Champion can do? I managed to neatly cleave my opponent in half.”

Emrys merely scowled, matching pace with Saoirse as they marched toward The Gallows. “Only because I helped! Besides, that strike wouldn’t have held against him if he had a shield as well!”

“Yes, it would have!”

“Lies!” Emrys scoffed. “It would have been caught halfway through the shield before you would have been able to reach his armor!“

“Not with the proper leverage it wouldn’t have!”

As they argued heatedly about sword techniques, Niamh and Bethany shared a long-suffering glance with one another before moving on ahead of their respective sisters.

“Warriors…”

“Indeed.”

---

Eventually, this all culminates in that huge battle at the end of DA2, where Meredith is defeated. As per canon, it becomes clear that it’s no longer safe for Emrys and her companions to remain within the city without eventually facing possible repercussions from the Chantry. As such, they begin scattering to the winds not long after the end of the rebellion.

---

"You could come with us, you know," Emrys suggested.

Bethany looked over to where her sister stood next to Isabela, ready to board the ship that would take them to Antiva. Emrys’ expression was almost painfully hopeful, but Bethany knew it wasn't meant to be. Although she had resented it once upon a time, she had a duty to the Wardens, and she would not easily abandon it. She said as much to her sister.

"No. Niamh currently seeks a cure that affects the lives of every Warden."

"A cure for the Calling?” she asked, surprised. “Is that even possible?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. She is easily the cleverest person I’ve ever met though. If there is a solution, she will be the most likely one to find it, and I will not stand to be apart from her."

"I see.” Emrys rubbed the back of her neck, shoulders slumping somewhat. “So… this is goodbye again."

It was admittedly a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this had been the first time in years they had seen one another and it would likely be several more yet before they would meet again.

"For now,” she answered quietly. “You have your life, Sister, and now…" She glanced over at Niamh, who was talking to the captain of a ship heading back to lands far to the west—ones that had never been touched by the Blight, according to Morrigan. “I have mine.”

Emrys followed her gaze. “You seem happier."

"I am."

“That’s all I ever wanted for you, you know? Just to know that you were happy.”

“I know that now." Her smile turned more genuine as she stepped forward to wrap her arms around Emrys, hugging her for all she was worth. "I wish the same upon you always. Safe travels to you and Isabela, Sister."

---

And as mentioned in the bullet points up above, they spend several years traveling abroad. Some days are harder than others as they meet their fair share of challenges, but Niamh and Bethany support each endlessly through it all.

They both return to Ferelden several years after the Trepasser DLC when they’ve found a cure for the Calling. With the taint purged from their bodies, they’re guaranteed the long life that would have otherwise been denied to them. As such, Niamh and Bethany finally get married—torcs gleaming bright—as Leliana as Divine Victoria officiates the wedding.

---

And that’s pretty much it.

I have about 20 pages of random scenes I’ve yet to elaborate on for this AU, including one for the huge battle at the end of DA2, so while I don’t see it as being nearly as long as OtSttCA, it’ll likely make for quite the lengthy read when I finally get a chance to work on it properly.

Still, if this verse interests you, leave me a like, a comment, or just swing by my inbox to tell me your thoughts! Until next time, readers! Take care!

[a-byronic-heroine]

Kly as an in-game companion

RECRUITMENT

• She can be found in the jail beneath the Chantry in a cell after the “Wrath of Heaven” quest and title card. The first conversation occurs when the Inquisitor finds her. They discuss her presence, how she got there and who she is. The Inquisitor can continually approach her for conversation.

• After “Champions of the Just”, Kly is very angry and pacing. She warns the Inquisitor of the consequences of this. If the Inquisitor is dismissive, Kly warns them of the consequences of their actions. If the Inquisitor investigates, they learn more of Kly’s backstory. If they agree or remain neutral, Kly warns them they’ve made enemies and to watch their back.

• After “In Hushed Whispers”, if approached in her cell, Kly asks about the future the Inquisitor saw, and offers her sincere gratitude as well as appearing pensive and uneasy. The Inquisitor has the option to investigate and learn more of Kly’s backstory.

• At Skyhold, she is a subject of a Judgement. The Inquisitor can to give her to the Chantry and Orlais in an act of diplomacy, make her an agent of the Inquisition and companion, or give her to the Templars as executing her in Skyhold itself is deemed too risky without a greater templar presence. If she isn’t recruited, a War Table mission becomes available saying she has escaped custody and fled. She joins Corypheus along with the Underground without the positive influence of the Inquisitor and becomes an enemy.

• Kly can be found in the infirmary area of Skyhold as a companion. Ambient NPCs will occasionally mention “the blood mage” healing them or curing ailments.

CONVERSATIONS

Hostile greetings:

“You again?”

“What now?”

“Do you ever leave?”

Hostile farewells:

“Yeah.”

“And a merry fuck off to you too.”

“Finally.”

Neutral greetings:

“Ah, Inquisitor.”

“Yes?”

“Are you here for healing?”

Neutral farewells:

“Good day, Inquisitor.”

“Farewell, Inquisitor.”

“So long.”

Warm greetings:

“Ah, hello.”

“It’s good to see you.”

“All is well, I trust?”

Warm farewells:

“I quite enjoy these talks.”

“Come see me again soon.”

“Be well, my friend.”

Romanced greetings:

“So forward.”

“Yes, dear?”

“You look particularly lovely today.”

Romanced farewells:

“I’ll meet you in your rooms later.”

“What? No goodbye kiss?”

“I already miss you.”

DECISIONS

• She greatly approves of helping Ferelden citizens, killing templars and siding with mages. If she goes to Ferelden, she’ll sometimes give little tidbits of information like the origin of the mabari, the Blight’s affect on the land, history, noble houses, etc.

• She greatly disapproves of conscripting the mages or siding with/aiding any Templar forces. She only disapproves of disbanding and conscripting Templars.

• She approves of talking with spirits and demons, including the demon Imshael, instead of just immediately attacking them. Though she greatly disagrees with any deals made with them.

• She cannot be taken as a companion to Val Royeaux, as she’s considered a terrorist. During “Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts”, Kly can actually be found there, tough she is in disguise. If spoken to, she’ll say she’s there for “no reason” and cannot be spoken to again.

OPINIONS ON THE OTHER COMPANIONS

• She greatly disapproves of Vivienne’s recruitment. Anytime they’re in the same party, they’re particularly malicious with each other. She usually doesn’t even use her name when asked about her. She’ll call her Vivisection, Vasectomy or Venereal when asked about her. Kly will say “she was hot until she opened her mouth”.

• She distrusts Blackwall because “no one is that nice naturally” but otherwise gets along with him. She approves of his recruitment, and after his betrayal will disapprove of him becoming a warden. She is neutral towards romances with Blackwall. Pre-Ranier she’ll say “I guess it works. No pregnancy, limited number of years available for them to betray you. Quite the neat package”. Post-Rainer, she’ll say “It’s noble to forgive him for what he did. I only wish others could be as forgiving with me.”

• She approves of recruiting Dorian. She also approves of romances with Dorian. When they’re in the same party, they usually talk about how ridiculous they think Andrastianism is. If Dorian is romanced she’ll say it’s “nice not everyone hates mages”.

• She approves of recruiting Cole. She’s neutral to whether he becomes more or less spirit-like. She treats Cole a lot like a child when they’re in the same party, so she’s extremely gentle and patient with him even when he does “that mind thing I told you not to do”.

• She gets along well with Solas. If they’re in the same party, they’ll often discuss magical theory and what Solas has seen in the Fade. She approves of romances with Solas. If he romances the Inquisitor, she will mention it in party and say “I understand why you only like elf girls. I quite like them, myself. First crush I ever had was on a Dalish girl”.

• She disapproves of recruiting Iron Bull because he follows the Qun which is just as bad if not worse than the Chantry in her mind. If he becomes Tal Vashoth, she gets along well with him. If Bull romances the Inquisitor and he’s Tal Vashoth, Kly approves, mentioning the forgiveness thing she does with Blackwall’s romance post-Ranier. If Bull is still Ben Hasraath during a romance, Kly will warn the Inquisitor to watch their back. If they’re a mage, Kly will take them aside to try and dissuade them. In parties, Bull usually jokes about blood magic with her, claiming it will do fantastical things, and she’ll usually laugh and correct him.

• Kly dislikes Varric because he “asks too many questions” at first, though her relationship becomes more amicable the more they interact. His nickname for her is usually “paper cut”. In parties, he’ll ask her things like what she did in Kirkwall, where in Ferelden she’s from, etc. Kly will usually be truthful, but when he gets too close to an uncomfortable subject, she’ll just say “no, nope, not telling. New question!”.

• She’s neutral towards Sera, though Sera will disapprove of her recruitment. Sera’s relationship with Solas is similar to the one she has with Kly. Sera will tell Kly her magic is gross, Kly will offer her situations where it’s saved lives and Sera will blow her off, that kind of thing. Kly actually appreciates Sera’s pranks, even when played on her. She says they remind her of a simpler time though she never elaborates. Kly is neutral on romances with Sera. She’ll say “She’s certainly cute, but when she speaks, I can rarely keep up. It’s exhausting”.

• For obvious reasons Kly and Cassandra don’t get along. They often bicker about issues of religion and the Chantry when in the same party. Kly will bring up the times the Chantry uses blood magic or has committed mass murder and Cassandra will bring up blood mage crimes, even hinting at the one involving her family. Kly will take the Inquisitor aside if they’re a mage and pursue a relationship with Cassandra to try and dissuade them. She’ll usually remark “how does that work with that stick always up her arse?”.

OPINIONS ON ADVISORS

•Josephine reminds Kly of her mother in many ways, she’ll say as much. She’ll also say she find’s Josephine’s attempts at peaceful approaches to situations refreshing after all the war she’s seen. Kly will approve of a romance with her. She’ll say “I hope you’re ready for the most ridiculously lavish engagement parties you’ve ever seen”.

• In her opinion, Sister Nightingale has always had her fingers on the big moments in history. She’ll wonder aloud if that’s a good or a bad thing given these turns of events. If a Cousland was the Hero of Ferelden, Kly will remark on the relationship she had with her sibling whether it was friendly or romantic. If Leliana was killed in DA:O, Kly will not mention her.

•She’ll say she “knew of” Cullen at Kirkwall as he was rather notorious. If asked about Kinloch, she’ll say she has no idea if he was there during her tenure there. She will say he’s changed his tune, but she will still doubt his sincerity on the matter. If Cullen comes off lyrium, she’ll occasionally mention his blood feels like he’s not a Templar though she will not investigate the matter. If the Inquisitor is a mage, Kly will take them aside if they pursue a relationship with him and will try to dissuade them.

COMPANION QUESTS/CUTSCENES

• Kly’s first actual companion cutscene is at Skyhold. Just after her Judgement. She can be found doing blood magic to transfuse blood between soldiers. She is glaring at a very conspicuous Templar watching her. She asks if he’s a necessary precaution; the Inquisitor in some way reminds her she’s on thin ice. Kly says nothing would ever absolve her in the Maker’s or Chantry’s eyes before asking if the Inquisitor believes in the Chantry after what Corypheus said. 

• After “Here Lies the Abyss”, Kly asks the Inquisitor how they’re faring. She does a check up and talks about what she was doing during the last Blight and admits she’s sympathetic to the Wardens’ original intentions. If a Cousland was the Warden, Kly mentions it and her family can be further inquired about. A WT quest opens up with Fergus Cousland inquiring about rumors relating to his sister. The Inquisitor can send a missive being honest about her presence (Josephine) or they can lie to keep Kly’s presence secret (Leliana).

•After “Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts”, the Inquisitor asks what Kly was doing in Orlais at the ball. Kly speaks vaguely about a job for someone. It’s implied this is the Mage Underground. There are no approval changes. A WT mission opens about a string of dead nobles and Chantry officials in Orlais. Leliana’s spies know it was Kly. Leliana mentions many of the assassinations were helpful. The Inquisitor can send money to the families and Chantry with anonymous donations (Josephine), can put allies in the positions that need to be filled (Leliana), or a detail can be assigned to keep an eye on Kly to see if she tries anything else (Cullen).

• Kly’s companion quest starts with Kly mentioning she received a missive from an acquaintance and asks the Inquisitor to come with her to Redcliffe. The cutscene goes to the docks where a Tranquil mage is waiting. Kly speaks with the Tranquil, asking if they remember her and “the pact”. The Tranquil will mention they had been waiting for her. Then she will kill the Tranquil. The Inquisitor will be stunned and ask why Kly killed them. Kly will explain that this was an agent for the Underground and they fought during the war together. She talks about the promise they made to kill each other if one ever became Tranquil. If the Inquisitor disapproves, Kly will tell them she trusted them with this but was wrong to do so and she will greatly disapprove. If the Inquisitor approves, Kly thanks them for their understanding and asks if they can help bury them.

• Back at Skyhold, Kly will barge into a meeting of the Inquisitor and their advisors saying they have a problem. Kly shows them a missive explaining that the Underground has allied secretly with Corypheus. She’s been given orders to murder the Inquisitor. Kly has decided the Underground is no longer the force for good it originally was. There is an option to remove her as a companion. If this is done, she just disappears somewhere in Ferelden. If the Inquisitor is supportive of Kly, a War Table mission for Leliana opens to purge the Inquisition of Underground loyalists with Kly’s help.

[elvesofnoldor]

. 

[melekinh]

I redid the Inquisitor as companion thing 😳 I couldn’t find the original person who posted the template so I put it in a google doc here. If anyone knows who the OP is please let me know so I can credit them!

Inquisitor’s Name: Vianni Lavellan

Race / Class / Specialization: Dalish Elf, Dual-Wielding Rogue (Tempest) & Mage (Rift Mage)

Gender Identity: Nonbinary Woman

Varric’s Nickname for them: Magpie

Short bio:

Vianni grew up with their clan alongside their younger sibling Nialros, who they practically raised after the deaths of their parents. They were married to their childhood sweetheart, Danishan, when they came of age, and they had a daughter named Vylara together. Vianni’s role as an ambassador for the clan often took them away from home, and when they returned from one of their trips to find Vylara had died in their absence, it broke their heart and tore them and Danishan’s marriage apart. They left the clan and traveled for a few years, researching Elvhen history independently and offering aid to the elves in the cities they passed through. Vianni’s reserved and withdrawn, but feels a strong compulsion to help others that inspires others and makes it easy to follow them.

Initial Companion Card:

(The Hermit) Walking into the treeline of a forest, with their face partially covered by a hood. A city they’ve just departed from is in the background, and their eyes look both sad and determined. They hold a dagger in one hand, and are producing a soft light to guide their way with the other.

Recruitment Mission:

Leliana’s people would have gotten wind of someone stealing supplies from the rogue templars and mages and redistributing them to refugees in the crossroads. The inquisitor finds Vianni outside the templar encampment in the hinterlands, but they disappear before the fighting begins. They reappear after the inquisitor has taken out the templar camp, having already looted it for supplies during the fighting. They thank them for getting rid of them- they’d been stealing small odds and ends from it for weeks to help the refugees. They offer their services to the Inquisition after seeing they could probably make a bigger impact by working with them.

Where they’d be in Haven/Skyhold:

In Haven, inside the apothecary helping Adan mix grenades.

In Skyhold, in a nook in the library

Personal Quest:

Vianni will suddenly become withdrawn from the Inquisitor, and upon being prompted reveals the seven year anniversary of their daughter’s death, Vylara, is approaching, and they would like to visit her grave near the frostback basin for the first time since they buried her. If the Inquisitor agrees, Vianni is locked into the party. Upon arriving, you find the area is riddled with demons and rifts, and every time you near one, a wisp-like spirit helps the party seal the rift. The closer you get to the grave, the clearer the wisp’s voice becomes, and Vianni (who’s very distressed) says it sounds familiar. When you finally close the last rift, the wisp takes the form of Vianni’s daughter. Vianni begins to break down, apologizing to her for not being there to save her. If Solas is in the party, he tells them the spirit is not actually Vylara, but a spirit of curiosity. The spirit reveals that Vianni’s daughter had been a mage, but had been keeping it secret until Vianni came home from their last trip. The spirit and Vylara had been friends, and the spirit wanted to tell Vianni that Vylara wouldn’t want them to blame themselves. Vianni embraces the spirit, and their daughter’s form melts away. Vianni asks the inquisitor to help them clean their daughter’s grave. They greatly approve of the inquisitor helping, and slightly disapproves if they don’t.

They ask the party to return to Skyhold without them- they want to spend the night there, and go back to their clan for a short while.

They return a month later, looking more at peace with themself than before. They thank the inquisitor for their help, and depending on how the conversation goes, their romance is locked in here.

How to get their approval/disapproval:

Vianni has a strong instinct to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and will slightly approve of anything that helps the less fortunate or the oppressed. They would slightly approve of the inquisitor asking them respectful and genuine questions about the Dalish, and slightly disapprove of ignorant or rude questions. They wouldn’t approve of sit in judgement decisions that result in making anyone tranquil.

Break down of Approval Ratings for Major Missions:

Fate of the Mages

Conscript: Slightly Disapproves

Ally: Approves

Fate of the Templars:

Disband: Approves

Ally: Slightly Disapproves

Inquisitor’s Lead:

A Dwarf/Elf/Qunari stands for us all: Approves

Example as a Mage: Slightly Approves

For Faith: Disapproves

For Order: Slightly Approves

For What’s Right: Greatly Approves

To Stop Corypheus: Approves

For Personal Power: Greatly Disapproves

For Vengeance: Slightly Disapproves

Fate of the Wardens:

Exile: Disapproves

Ally: Approves

Ruler of Orlais:

Gaspard: Greatly Disapproves

Briala (Through Gaspard): Greatly Approves

Celene: Disapproves

Reunite Celene & Briala: Slightly Disapproves

Public Truce: Slightly Disapproves

Arrest Florianne: Approves

Save Celene: Slightly Disapproves

Kill Celene: Greatly Approves

Abelas Alliance

Ally: Greatly Approves

Reject: Greatly Disapproves

Drink from the Well:

Non-Lavellan Inquisitor Drinks: Slightly Disapproves

Lavellan Inquisitor Drinks: Approves

Morrigan Drinks: Disapproves

Are They Romanceable?

Yes- I think their romance would have to do with them and the inquisitor becoming comfortable enough for them to confide their past in, and building the trust to move on from the pain of their previous marriage. They’d be an attentive and sweet partner, who falls into domesticity with ease. They’re bisexual and romanceable by an inquisitor of any race or gender, but it will be harder for them to trust a human enough to let their walls down.

Can you have sex with them?

Yes

Are they open to polyamory?

No. They don’t have a problem with it, they just wouldn’t be comfortable with it in their own love life.

If they can be romanced and are not, will they begin a relationship / relationships with other character(s)? If so, who?

Yes- if not romanced by the inquisitor and taken out in the same party past a certain point, Vianni and Solas will begin having academic discussions that become more and more flirtatious. They will also start to appear in the rotunda instead of their usual location in Skyhold, sitting with a book on Solas’ couch. They stay with the Inquisition after he leaves, but are considerably withdrawn after.

Who are they friendly with?

Vianni is generally a very amicable person, but is closest with Solas, Josephine, a softened Leliana, Sera, and Varric.

Who do they dislike?

I think they’d dislike a hardened Leliana, and probably have a rocky or distrustful start with Cassandra and Bull that would lead into mutual respect. They’d like Blackwall until they find out about his lie, after which they’d hate him.

Companion Card Changes: (use a text desc. if you don’t have visuals)

Loyalty: (Three of Swords in Reverse) Vianni’s hood is no longer drawn, and three daggers float in the air suspended by their magic. They have a warm smile on their face, and a halo of gold shines from behind them.

Loyalty Alternative: (The Three of Swords) Vianni’s silhouette walking into the mountains, sparing a last look over their shoulder at Skyhold

Romanced: (Two of Cups) A close-up of Vianni grasping the inquisitor’s gloved hand in their own in what looks to be a handfasting ceremony, gazing at the inquisitor with a loving smile

Side Missions:

Bookwyrm: Vianni will ask you to help them find a ruin in the Emerald Graves that they suspect holds Elvhen artefacts. Upon finding the ruin, you fight dragonlings and walking corpses within, eventually fighting a possessed dragon in the lowest chamber. After killing the dragon you find an ancient Elvhen tome, which you can give to Vianni (resulting in Great Approval)

Opinions on mages / templars / how the world is going to shit?

Vianni thinks mages should be free, and while they think circles aren’t necessary they think something like them that offers mages the option of an education should be available to those who want it, rather than being forced on them. While they personally are more predisposed to trust mages than templars, they can empathize with the plight of the templars as well after learning more about them from Cullen and Cassandra, and actually thinks it makes more sense to get their help to close the breach. (but they think the Inquisitor should disband the Order rather than ally with them.)

They’re afraid for everyone in the world who’s defenseless and can’t make a difference, which is why they feel obligated to do so.

Something guaranteed to make them leave the party:

Vianni stays with the Inquisition unless asked to leave.

Special Events:

Imprisoned at Redcliffe: How is your Inquisitor holding up in Redcliffe, being slowly infected with red lyrium over the course of a year?

They are distraught and furious, and want to crawl out of this broken skin that doesn’t feel like it belongs to them. They have no desire to live, they just want to go down fighting.

At the Winter Palace: Does your Inquisitor enjoy the party, any special events with them at the Palace?

Vianni was the ambassador for their clan years ago, so they excel at and delight in political intrigue. They are very fascinated with Briala, and would try to covertly talk to the servants to hear if Briala’s work is helping them, and if so, how they can help Briala.

If romanced, you will be able to share a dance and a kiss on the balcony.

In the Fade: Your Inquisitor’s reaction upon entering the Fade? Fear’s taunt, and Inquisitor’s response? Epitaph on their grave?

Their reaction would be a mixture of uneasiness and academic curiosity- they would love to get the opportunity to spend more time observing how physical objects interact with things in the fade and what secrets are to be found there, but ultimately stay focused on the goal to escape.

Their epitaph would say: ‘Not Changing Anything’

The Nightmare will taunt Vianni by telling them it’s their fault their daughter died, and who she would’ve been if she’d lived.

Trespasser: What is your Inquisitor up to two years after Corypheus’ defeat? Any special events with them over the events of Trespasser?

Vianni stays with the Inquisition, staying close to the inquisitor in their travels after the defeat of Corypheus, assuming they ended on good terms. Their sibling Nialros joins up as well, and the two have been working alongside Dagna studying magical things in Solas’ absence.

During Trespasser they’re happy to see everyone come together again, but are worried about the future of the Inquisition and the inquisitor themselves. They will be shocked and confused by Solas’ identity initially, but not be too surprised after ruminating on it more.

Vianni stays with you no matter what if you romanced them (or if you had high approval with them and they did not get together with Solas.)

If they got together with Solas and had high approval with the Inquisitor, they decide to stay with the Inquisition to try and stop him/save him, depending on what the Inquisitor chooses to do.

If they got together with Solas and the Inquisitor did not have high approval, they will try to do what they can to protect him from the inside- though they could be swayed into believing his death is a necessity.

If the Inquisitor told Vianni to leave, and they had gotten together with Solas, Vianni is on Solas’ side and working with him.

Other Major Events: Any other major events that happen with them over the course of the main game?

nah I’m tired lol

[thelittlestboi]

For the Inquisitor ask: 2, 5, 12, 23, 26 and 34 if that's not too much? (i just want to know more about Mahanon omay? 🤤)

OKAY SO, I was gonna make a whole comic thingie, BUT panel 3 has a full background to show off the main room furniture, and I realized thats stupid, I just wanna answer these TTnTT  so sorry about the wait, and here is the list if anyone wants to use them: click me!

How did they decorate and structure Skyhold?

So Mahanon has the idea that Skyhold should be a safe place for everyone. A neutral ground, for Mages Templars Orlesians Fereldens, Elfs Humans everyone. So he makes it a point to have a little touch of as many different places as possible. He gave the Main Hall to Dorian, who of course made it Tevinter themed. (Mahanon keeps the Dragon throne, he loves that thing) But the windows are dalish, the drapes are Orlais, Magi banners, ect ect.

Who is their favorite follower and adviser?

That would be Josie! He was always close to her, because she was always super nice to him. They Gossip together, they bond over Dolls and Mahanon respects her greatly and takes her advice often. Leliana is suspicious of him at first, for good reason mind you. However he does becomes close with Leliana after he admits to being a mage. Most war table missions are done through Red. As for cullen... Well, He respects commander cullen. He helps him overcome his addiction, he gives him a dog. But if there was a fire and the three advisors were in danger, but he could only save two? He wouldnt weep over the loss.

Did they drink from the Well of Sorrows? Why or why not?

OH HE DID, Mahanon at the time was panicked and determined to keep the well in elf hands. He doesnt trust Morrigan yet and Solas wouldnt drink so He felt he had to. But he regrets it. (hinted at here lol) If he could go back? He wouldnt drink, he hates the voices. The gaps in his memory, waking up in strange rooms, it scares him.

What do they think is their greatest triumph? 

Before the inquistion, was his “becoming of age” challenge, were he had to fight his Father the Arishok. (joint leader of clan lavellen uwu) after Inquistion? Getting to make out with a demigod no Setting up the college of magic. He takes great pride in being able to help his fellow mages.

What makes them trust someone? 

time. and doing good. Mahanon, to some risk, is very  trusting. As long as you show you are good to your word, and you want to do good, he will probably trust you. If someone does bad things but earnestly wants to do better you get one shot with him. Try your best do good by it, but if you betray his trust, in way that harms him or his loved ones,  or endangers others he’ll consider it his responsibility to stop you. just... be nice to him and hell probably fall in love with you.

How do they cope with the stress of being Inquisitor?

AHAHAHAHAHAHA cope. uh yeah. sex, wine, elfroot, and a big ol heaping dash of DENIAL. He tries really hard not to take every fight personally. everydeath is on his head and he likes to distract himself from that with good company, and good wine. He partakes in familiar drugs, pot mushrooms. hes very careful not to get lost in them, as his responsibility do loom over him constantly. But he is always very close to a mental breakdown, he hides it well just dont prod to hard.

THANK YOU i cant say it enough, that is not too many at all! you are wonderful! I love doing these, I really wish I didnt take so long trying to draw this like a silly =x=

[crossdressingdeath]

Your comment about how there were many people who would want/benefit from Justinia's death reminded me of my Warden (well, my 'main' Warden) who absolutely hates her. Not for any big political reasons, but personal ones. He can't forgive her for what she did to Leliana, essentially pulling her back into a life she'd desperately pulled herself out of. I guess it's supposed to be okay because Justinia was sorry about it and Leliana wasn't mad, but I always felt my Warden, who loved Leliana like family, would never be okay with it. The fact that he's a Dalish elf definitely adds to his resentment, of course.

I don't know, maybe I don't have enough context since I've only played the games, but I really feel like all of Leliana's character development post Leliana's Song is just erased.

What really annoys me is that her character arc is... basically the same fucking arc she had in Origins. You can either soften her or harden her, with her starting hardened for... reasons. Presumably related to what Justinia used her for. It's just really lazy writing. And yeah, Leliana finally got out of the spymaster/bard thing that was clearly bad for her and started spending more time with people who love her for her and not what she can be used for... and Justinia drags her right back rather than finding someone who's still part of the Game. "Oh, Justinia was sorry about it-" if she was sorry she wouldn't have fucking done it.

But honestly for all they go on and on about how wonderful Justinia was all I remember is her presence in DA2 and The Last Court. I mean, in DA2 she's planning a fucking Exalted March because the mages are getting upset about being tortured, raped and murdered on the daily! In The Last Court she decides to throw the weight of feeding and housing all the people she's bringing to the Conclave on a tiny marquisate so far west that it's barely in Orlais (and also is so far out of her way it's not even funny) and that has been largely cut off from wider society (so probably limited trade routes and resources) for the last three generations so that they can "prove" that they're not bad people... which they supposedly are because their great-grandfather was an apostate. Like, Justinia is mostly a negative force in the lives of the characters we actually interact with and play as! She dragged Leliana back into a life she desperately wants to escape, she's an active threat to the entire DA2 cast because she's starting to plan a war against the city because the mages (which would likely include the two/three mages in that cast) don't like being tortured, she forced the Marquis of Serault to support her entire retinue on land that's constantly one bad day away from collapsing around them, and oh yeah, she's the head of the religion that makes half the cast of each game's lives hell. Hell, the thing that causes her death is her trying to push the mages and Templars into some sort of compromise when no such compromise could be morally supported; I mean, what does compromise look like when one side wants nothing less than the total subjugation of the other for being born? Basically for all that DAI tries to tell us that Justinia was super nice and progressive and wanted to do the right thing what we're shown across the previous games is that she at best wasn't willing to actually take risks in defence of the people oppressed by the Chantry and at worst was just a really good liar who pretended to be progressive to win people over without having to do anything. DAI continues to fail at this entire conflict.

[dgcatanisiri]

As bad as I feel about how much I hate Dorian, I honestly feel worse that I can’t stand bringing Sera into my Inquisitions anymore. Mostly because with Dorian, his writing paints a character who I wish I could punch, but I take enough major approval gains at the plot developments to make that impossible, but with Sera, I see a character who I want to help but her writing won’t let me.

Like in over a dozen runs of Inquisition, I have only gotten her rooftop cookies scene ONCE, which was in my ‘for variation’s sake’ siding with the templars run. I just cannot make headway with her approval metric. 

But the bigger thing is that... Her writing pretty much actively hates her. It is filled with the Inquisitor talking down to her, and treating her in the most juvenile ways, rather than respecting her. And, in return, we don’t actually get to HELP Sera come to terms with her self-hatred, with the crisis of faith she has, with anything that she struggles with. It’s not that Sera’s a stagnant character in Inquisition’s narrative, it’s that she’s a stagnant character and her writing calls that a feature, not a bug. 

And it gets worse when I remember that... Gaider defended this, back when he was with BioWare. Her writer made a fratboy’s image of a lesbian, created a romance dynamic that is borderline (if not over the line) abusive, and when actual lesbians were calling it out, said he thought that she was fine, and that he liked that she would be “divisive.” In addition to this, there’s the fact that she’s the only character who can be kicked out of the Inquisition at any time, plus the fact that within the Inquisition itself, most of the companions don’t seem to care for her (side note, this is a frequent problem I have with characters written by this writer, that he continually makes characters who no one gets along with for no apparent reason). Oh, and then there’s the classism implied with a lot of what done with her, where she “doesn’t make sense” because she uses a boatload of slang that’s common on the street level of Thedas.

Just... I’m not gonna argue that characters shouldn’t be divisive. That characters shouldn’t be opinionated and such. But... Okay, the post I wanted to link to is from a long-deactivated blog, so the short version is that people who have legitimately worked with abuse survivors could use a checklist against her - there’s the way she blames the Inquisitor for HER OWN dreams, there’s the shitty way that she treats Lavellan for being Dalish, hating them in the name of doing it to them before they do it to her, and then, of course, there’s the ultimatum: “Dismiss your entire heritage and culture to make me feel better or we’re breaking up because you think I’m stupid.”

All of this could be interesting depictions of a character, places to go with her development... But they’re presented wholly in isolation, existing no where but the brief conversations with her. The extent of her “growth” in the game is restricted to the time jump between the base game and Trespasser, where it happens not as character development but as “well, we made her a little TOO divisive, let’s smooth those edges out here!” Except if you can’t do more than break even on her approval metric (like in my case), you don’t even get to SEE that. 

And while racism inherently doesn’t make sense, it still makes no sense, in terms of connecting the dots, that her reason for hating the elves is that she was adopted by a noblewoman who told her a baker didn’t serve elves, making her hate herself, and turns it around to hating all elves because that makes them different from humans, only to learn that the noblewoman lied, so... she still hates elves and while she’ll kick some the big knobs around, her approval at Halamshiral is geared to approve of Celene, the biggest big knob in Orlais, over Briala, who is championing the rights of the lowest of the low, purely because Briala is an elf.

I mean, where’s her breaking point with Trevelyan, with the human noble? No talk about how this noble lady is “slumming it” with her, in a year, she’ll laugh about it with her friends at fancy dinner parties and such, right? Or how the Friends of Red Jenny have been called upon in the lands owned by her family, and gee, how exactly DO you view the “little people” you deal with? Like, this stuff is entirely reasonable things to argue about and break up a relationship over. But it never happens. Her anger is reserved for the elf Inquisitor.

You can’t even blame that on the “race variation was added at the extension,” since human Inquisitor would have been the baseline for all this. And it’s just not there.

All this, and I haven’t touched on the “...ew” factor of having a lesbian character basically say about mages what IRL people say about gay people, that she’s “fine” with their “freedom,” so long as they take their “freedom” and be “over there.”

Sera could have been a fascinating character - a city elf, whose perspective has sorely been lacking, an elf determined to look at the world as it is, not as it was, a champion for the poor and downtrodden in a world that steps on them without looking. And instead, she’s basically reduced by her writing to... honestly, the equivalent of an extended fart joke. 

Dorian I hate for the characterization he has, a characterization I find unpleasant to be around, and a story that hammers homophobia into a world that I had been able to view as being free of it, particularly doing so in a fashion that both could be transplanted to or from just about any other source and require barely a rewrite of the scene to make sense, AND in a way that reduces this to the only thing that Inquisition really cares for you to remember about him as a character. Sera’s problem is that she doesn’t even GET characterization. She’s just a caricature within the game’s presentation.

[pikapeppa]

Fenris/f!Hawke and the Inquisition: Little Stones

Chapter 60 of Lovers In A Dangerous Time (i.e. Fenris the Inquisitor) is up on AO3! ~10k words, so only a short excerpt is here. Read the whole chapter on AO3.

In which the crew head back through the looking glass and into some territory that makes Varric NOT HAPPY.

**********************

Cullen paced around the coffee table in Fenris and Hawke’s suite. “One dead qunari was bad enough. Now there’s a whole battalion of them, and they’re attacking us personally?”

Fenris bowed his head in confirmation. Josephine tapped her quill on her tablet. “This makes no sense,” she said. “The qunari may not be friendly to the Inquisition, but they have no reason to attack us.”

“There are reasons they may want to,” Fenris corrected. “We are unenlightened bastra to them. But that has always been the case. I don’t know why they would be attacking now of all times, and neither does Bull.”

Leliana nodded slowly. “They have no reason to be here —  or using eluvians — at all.”

“That is another good point,” Fenris said. “It’s very unusual that the qunari are using the eluvians and not destroying them.”

Cullen roughly rubbed the back of his neck. “First the Blight, then the mages and Templars. Then Corypheus, and now this. Can’t we go ten years without the world falling to pieces?”

Fenris grunted in agreement, but Josephine primly pursed her lips. “We must ensure that the qunari do not disrupt the negotiations,” she said. “The Exalted Council is in a very delicate state.”

Cullen frowned at her. “I’m certain you can soothe the nobles’ ruffled feathers while we solve the real problem.”

“Not when the Inquisitor insults everyone present by walking out in the middle of the talks!” she snapped. 

Fenris recoiled slightly. He had never seen Josephine get snappish before. 

She continued to scold Cullen. “Our only advantage is that Orlais and Ferelden are divided in goal and grievance. If they unite against us, Cassandra will have no choice but to support their claims. We could lose everything!”

Losing the Inquisition might not be the worst outcome, Fenris thought. But he quashed the thought before he could voice it. If Orlais and Ferelden used the current problem to dismantle them, the results would be uncontrolled chaos for those who still belonged to the Inquisition, or a partitioning of the Inquisition’s power to those who would misuse it. And neither of those options sat well with Fenris. He might not want to be the Inquisitor anymore, but that didn’t mean he wanted to leave behind a dangerous lacune of power or an equally dangerous mess. 

Josephine blew out a sharp breath, then waved her quill dismissively. “It will be fine. I will attend the Exalted Council.”

“And while Josie does that, we will investigate,” Leliana said with a glance at Fenris. 

He nodded. “There were more eluvians in the Crossroads that we have yet to enter. We will head back in – collect more information on the qunari’s motives. And on this unknown mage who stymied their efforts.”

Leliana tilted her head thoughtfully. “You truly think it could be Solas?”

Fenris shrugged. It was possible, but he didn’t want to overstate his suspicions, especially when the mage’s motives were unknown. “I can’t say with any certainty,” he told her. “We need more information. We will find it.”

Cullen nodded sharply. “Good. I’ll have a quiet word with our honour guard and ensure that they remain alert for anything out of the ordinary.” He, Josephine and Leliana made their way to the door, but when they opened it, it was to find Sera leaning casually against the doorjamb.

She gave Fenris a lazy salute as the advisors filed out. “Got a minute, Fenquisitor?” 

He nodded and ushered her in. “What is it?”

“I was sitting ‘round the tavern, right, and–” She broke off suddenly, and Fenris followed her gaze: she was looking at Hawke, who was fast asleep on one of the couches.

Sera looked at Fenris with wide eyes. “What’s wrong with her? Why’s she napping?”

“She’s pregnant,” he said blankly. “She’s, er, tired.”

Sera raised her eyebrows, but shrugged. “If you say so. Look, I’ve been watching around since no one’s watching me, and everyone is acting weird. I mean, besides because qunari assassins and everything.” She picked an apple out of the bowl on the coffee table. “There’s something going on with the elf servants,” she said, and she took a big bite of apple.

Fenris stared at her in sudden alarm. “Something going on? Like what?” Venhedis, he hoped they weren’t being brutally assassinated like the last time they were in this cursed palace. 

“Like nothing. That’s what’s weird,” Sera said with her mouth full. “The servants have no complaints. No asking for a Jenny. They serve this lot, but don’t want them done for anything?” She raised her eyebrows knowingly. “Mark that I said it: we’re fighting qunari, but something else is on the up.” 

“I have no doubt that you’re right,” Fenris said slowly. He folded his arms. “I will be taking some of our companions back through the eluvians. You stay here; keep watching and listening. Tell me what you find. I will have Cole stay behind and listen in as well.”

Sera wrinkled her nose. “Does creepy have to stay?”

Fenris gave her a chiding look, and she sighed. “Fine, fine. No problem, Ser Lordypants.” She finished her last bite of apple, and her eyes drifted to the glowing mark on his hand.

Fenris tucked his hand in his pocket. Sera raised an eyebrow. “You’re all right, yeah?”

Despite her flippant tone, her eyes were wide and undeniably worried. Fenris nodded. “Yes,” he fibbed. “I will be fine. Hawke will fix it.”

Sera nodded, then tossed her apple core at him. He caught it swiftly, and Sera grinned. “Later, Fenny,” she said, and she left his quarters. 

Fenris discarded the apple core and wandered back into the sitting room with a sigh. Then Hawke spoke in a sleepy voice. “I am going to fix it, you know.”

He looked at her. Her eyes were still closed, but there was a tiny smile on her lips. “Either I’ll fix it, or I’ll get Solas to fix it when we find him,” she murmured.

Fenris studied her with a bittersweet sort of tenderness. Now that she was fixated on the idea of Solas repairing the mark, Fenris was sorry he’d fostered the idea of Solas being their quarry in the first place. 

He sidled onto the couch beside her. She snuggled up on his chest, and he gently massaged the nape of her neck. “I will ask Dorian to come with us through the eluvians,” he said softly. “I don’t want you to be the only mage in the group.” 

She opened her eyes and frowned at him. “Fenris, I don’t need babysitting–”

He cut her off. “I need this,” he said. “You have to let me do this.”

She blinked. “Do what?”

“I need to be able to… to fuss over you,” he said. “I can’t… I am trying to hide too much right now, Hawke. I can’t hide this from you as well. It is too much to bear.” The worsening of the mark, the fact that he wanted to quit the Inquisition, the overarching worry about the qunari, Hawke’s pregnant state which was still a foreign concept to him despite the reading he had done during the trip to Halamshiral… it was too much worry, too much anxiety to completely hide. Fenris needed to be genuine with Hawke about something. 

She frowned, and Fenris tucked a tuft of hair behind her ear. “Let me look after you. Just a little bit.”

She clicked her tongue, then sighed. “All right, fine. Bring Dorian along if it makes you feel better. Actually, he’ll make me feel better too. I hope the next eluvian takes us somewhere nice and messy. His colourful complaints always cheer me up.”

Fenris huffed. “Of course they do.”

She chuckled, then sighed and started to push herself upright, and Fenris reluctantly rose with her. He would have preferred to let her rest for a while longer; in truth, he would rather have left her out of this dangerous situation altogether. But Hawke would wholeheartedly refuse to stay behind, and the qunari problem was too time-sensitive to indulge in any further rest. 

Thirty minutes later, Fenris was back in the Crossroads with Hawke, Varric, Dorian, Rainier and Bull, and they were nearing another eluvian – one that they had spotted some qunari disappearing through just a few minutes earlier. 

Varric exhaled tiredly. “Once we get through this thing, we’ll be able to walk normally again, right?”

“I certainly hope so,” Dorian said breathlessly. “It’s like trying to walk slog through mud here.”

Hawke elbowed Fenris playfully. “I feel more cheerful already.”

Dorian gave them a quizzical look, but Fenris merely shook his head. “You’ll feel better once we pass through the eluvian,” he assured Varric and Dorian. He took Hawke’s hand, then stepped through the eluvian’s quixotic surface.

Within three seconds of stepping into their new destination, Fenris realized where they were, and his jaw dropped in surprise – and displeasure. 

“Kaffas,” he said. “I eat my words. Varric is not going to feel better about this.”

“He definitely is not,” Hawke said dryly, but her eyes were also wide with confusion. 

A moment later, Varric and Dorian stepped through, followed by Rainier and Bull. As predicted, Varric immediately scowled. “Andraste’s ass. Why are we in the deep roads?” he demanded. 

Hawke looped her arm around his shoulders. “Because you, my friend, are gifted with terrible luck just like Fenris and me.” 

Varric wrinkled his nose. “I feel myself getting dwarfier by the minute. I hate the deep roads.”

“You also hate slopes,” Bull said. “And uneven ground, the dark, pretty much all kinds of weather…” 

Dorian chimed in. “Orlesian cafés, taverns that are too tidy, slopes of greater than ten degrees…”

“Also quiet,” Blackwall added. “Most kinds of smells, rain, and water in general.”

Hawke burst out laughing and elbowed Varric in the head. “Listen to these assholes! They have you pegged!” 

Varric gave them all a matter-of-fact look. “Look, I have to complain, or you’ll forget I’m here and trip over me. I’m providing a service.” 

“A very fine one, too,” Fenris said dryly. “But perhaps we should move on and determine why we are in the cursed deep roads yet again.”

“That is the million-royal question,” Hawke said. “What the fuck is an eluvian doing opening into the deep roads? Did the ancient elves and dwarves even cross paths?”

“It appears so,” Fenris said. “Look.” He pointed to the right, where the stone pathway they were on dropped open into an enormous cavern nearly as large as the cavern where the Titan’s heart had been. This cavern, however, did not contain a Titan’s heart. 

It contained a gargantuan stone statue of Mythal.

Dorian’s eyes widened. “Well, that’s something you don’t see every day.”

Bull huffed in agreement. “That is a big fucking statue.”

“Big? It’s enormous,” Rainier marvelled. “I can’t imagine how long that would have taken to carve.”

Hawke slowly shook her head. Her face was slack with surprise. “That’s… this makes no sense. What is a statue of Mythal doing down here?” She looked at Varric. “Does this mean anything to you?”

He frowned at her. “Why in Andraste’s knickers do you think this would mean anything to me?”

“Because you wrote about the history of Orzammar in Darktown’s Deal,” she said. She gave him a knowing look. “You know more about dwarfy things than you like to say.”

Varric raised an eyebrow. “Should I be flattered that you read Darktown’s Deal, or annoyed that you’re outing me about it?”

“Flattered, of course,” she said. “You know I’m your biggest fan after Cassandra.” She batted her eyelashes.”

Varric rolled his eyes, and Hawke bumped his shoulder with her hip. “Come on, then. Did you ever come across anything about this in your research?”

Varric sighed. “I didn’t research that far back. I mostly focused on the more recent history of Orzammar and its dealings with the Carta.” He gestured at the statue of Mythal. “I really can’t say anything about that.”

Hawke shrugged. “All right. Fair enough.”

Before they could say anything more, a deep voice yelled out from a passageway to the left. “Vashedan! You who serve Fen’Harel! The Qun demands your death!”

“Not today, it doesn’t,” Bull growled. He pulled his war-axe from his back and charged toward the little group of qunari with a roar, and Fenris and the others swiftly followed him 

A few minutes later, the squad of qunari were defeated, and Fenris was more perplexed than ever. “Why did this qunari think that we serve Fen’Harel?” he demanded. “Is this why they’re targeting us? Because of some harebrained notion that we follow Fen’Harel?”

“Also,” Hawke said, “if they think we follow Fen’harel, does this mean that Fen’Harel is, you know. Alive now, in this time? Like Flemythal, perhaps? A bit of soul living inside a host?”

Her eyes were wide and surprised. Before Fenris could respond, however, the entire cavern began to tremble underfoot. 

Fenris tensed to wait it out, but the trembling only grew stronger and harder. Alarmed, he looked around wildly and pointed to the nearest doorway, which was reinforced with dwarven-carved stone. “There,” he snapped. “Come on, quickly.”

They bolted toward the doorway and crowded beneath the reinforced structure – somewhat unsuccessfully, given the number of them and the broad musculature of most of their party. When the earthquake came to an end, Hawke chuckled from within their squashed little group. “Well, this is a dream come true,” she said. “Being sandwiched in a group of beautiful men? I think my underpants just melted off.”

Varric, Bull and Rainier snorted. Fenris scoffed, and Dorian chuckled. “I would nearly agree, if you didn’t all smell so ripe. Especially you, amatus,” he said to Bull, and he squeezed Bull’s thick waist as he wiggled past him. 

“Ah, you like it,” Bull said complacently. 

Dorian shrugged and delicately brushed off his sleeves. “You might not be wrong about that. Anyway, let’s get on with it, shall we? We all remember how wonderfully things went the last time we were in the deep roads.” 

Fenris grunted. He remembered the misadventure with Valta all too well. 

As they began making their way through the poorly-lit caves, Fenris took Hawke’s arm. “Don’t overextend yourself,” he murmured. “Stay back from the main sources of danger. Let Dorian do more of the offensive work.”

She scowled and opened her mouth, and Fenris gave her a pleading look. She pressed her lips together, then smiled at him. “I always let Dorian do more of the offensive work. His insults are extremely and wonderfully offensive.” 

Fenris huffed in amusement. “Don’t underestimate your own tongue. It may be more blunt than sharp, but it’s equally offensive.”

She batted her eyelashes. “You think I’m offensive? You smooth talker.”

He pinched her waist, and she snickered and smacked his hand. Then another earthquake vibrated through his feet.

They tensed again as some smaller rocks began to chip away from the ceiling, but the earthquake was smaller this time, and it sounded more distant somehow. Bull straightened partway, then grumbled as his horns scraped the ceiling. “That sounded like an explosion, not an earthquake,” he said.

Varric raised an eyebrow. “They’re setting off explosions? In the deep roads? Are they insane? Actually, we must be insane to be here while they’re blowing shit up in the deep roads.” 

Fenris grunted. “All the more reason to hurry,” he said. “The sooner we determine what is happening down here, the sooner we can leave.”

Read the rest on AO3!