#I mean yes there is the balcony scene at skyhold

[an-established-butt-dent]

One of my many Solavellan head cannons.

They traveled together for months, years even. Don't tell me these lovesick fools didn't regularly disappear into the woods together, to have a quiet romantic moment away from the prying eyes of the other companions.

Mixed media on paper.

[roguecs17]

Rambling about Dragon Age Part 1

Cole is precious, he’s like the little brother I never had

I just want to put him in my pocket and give him soft pats like a kitten

My first reaction when I met The Iron Bull was “wow he could step on me”

And when he said he likes red heads I saw my ginger Lavellan look down at herself and say “wAiT I’m a red head”

I’ve never romanced him but im thirsty for qunari with rough, growling voices

Though when Bull came in to my Adaar’s room and said message received on her flirtatiousness I could see my girl just start laughing because my Adaar is like no boy I’m gay, but thanks 🙏

And I could see Bull just connecting the dots

My Adaar and Dorian are soooo lesbian/gay solidarity

Like seriously, completely and totally

She heard about his father and planned about sixteen ways of killing Halward

After the discussion between the two, after going to camp and resting before leaving for Skyhold, Adaar totally snuck back and threatened Halward

Like single handedly knocked out his guards, pinned him to the wall if pure strength not needing her magic at all as she looked down at the pathetic weasel her hurt her friend

And she said, “The only reason I haven’t killed you, is because you are not worth the effort of cleaning my blade. I’ll say it now, you’re going to let Dorian go, you aren’t going to approach him, you aren’t going to stalk him, follow him, speak to him again. If you do, I swear on every ancestor you believe in, that I will hunt you down- and you know I will, I’ll cross every sea, fight every demon you raise, and than I will gut you- pig!”

Adaar is very protective of her friends, case in point, and would put herself between them and an archdemon itself to keep them safe

My first reaction at the choice between Hawke and Alastair my brain immediately went, I’ll stay

I still wonder what would happen, I mean the mark can open and close rifts so logic states she’s be able to fight the fear demon, reopen the rift and close it from the other side

My first reaction when I met Josephine was that she was so cute- especially when you meet her as a qunari

‘You’re, a lot taller than I expected.’

She’s just so cute and soft, and the romance with her is sooo sweet

Mind you my Adaar flirted with everyone, Cullen, Bull, Dorian, Josephine, Harding, Varric, Krem, etc, etc- my big girl did not shy away from romance or sex

But that scene where Josephine’s finally free from the assassins after her and they watch the sunset

And again at the Winter’s Ball when they slow dance on the balcony

It’s just so freaking cute!

I also love that in trespasser Cassandra basically tells Adaar she wants to be the maid of honor in her wedding to Josephine because Varric played a joke

And I could just see Adaar all wide eyed like, yes, I can marry her?

Yes I want to marry her!!

But the world is still crazy, all at arms, and she plans to wait- but

Then Adaar nearly dies

She knew she wasn’t going to live a long life- even before the events of Inquisition. She’s a qunari mage, one who never quite knows when to keep her mouth shut, she knew her life would be rather short

But, now she’s got something to fight for- no someone to live for

After the events of Trespasser, things are still crazy, especially with whatever Solas is planning

But Adaar finds herself carving out a piece of her horn- she asks Dorian as he knows where to cut to not hurt her and has steady hands

Plus she’s trying to give Dorian ideas for his own proposal to Bull

Adaar’s known about their relationship, they’re not good at hiding it

Or better Dorian is not good at hiding it and Bull doesn’t care what people think

Honestly she might have better luck talking Bull into proposing, however in doing so she’ll lose the pool, so-

Yeah she and the others- especially Varric- have been shipping them since the night they shared a tent in the Western Approach

Adaar had shared with Varric because he doesn’t take up much room

Though at that point Adaar wasn’t sleeping much

She was always good at compartmentalizing- she had to be in order to survive as a mage- let only a qunari mage

While she has her anger, and her despair, fear demons often flock to her- especially since the Mark

She’s good at fighting them back, though she’s tired

She’s so tired sometimes, though with Josephine…she has a reason to keep going

It takes some time before she can get the horn piece ready, though Dagna is willing to help polish and set it into a gold band with a small trio of diamonds next to it

Once it’s made up, well Adaar has some proposal ideas- and it helps when she’s called away on a mission

In the end she gets all her work done early, and sneaks home, not telling Josephine

Cassandra leads Josephine out to a balcony overlooking Orlais- it’s not the same place as where they were before but it’ll do

And there’s Adaar, who hauled her six foot+ self up the wall to avoid suspicion

She’s a bit out of breath, black hair braided and tied back, and she’s taken off her vitaar

Josephine is surprised, taken aback, lost for words before she takes a step forward only for Adaar to raise her hand

She gives Josephine a small smile, before easing herself onto one knee, and says- well, she says:

“Josephine, I never thought I’d live long- especially after-“ she looks down at her prosthetic arm, a gift from Dagna, phantom pain from the mark lingering in her mind, “Well after everything. And I was ready for it, I was ready for a short life.”

She looks up to meet Josephine’s eyes, “Then I met you, and I realized, that I want to wake up again and again next to you. I want to listen to your day, dance with you to your favorite song, making you your favorite breakfast even though we both know I can’t cook.” There’s a little laughter, but it’s emotional and breaks easily.

“You saw through the facade I never realized I had, you saw me, not as the inquistor, but as me. And I want to spend the next lifetime, however long that might be, showing you how much that meant- how much you mean to me for the rest of my life.”

“So, will you marry me?”

The answer…

Was yes! Of course, and they kissed deeply, richly and Adaar slid her ring onto the woman’s finger

In the background Dorian shoots off a blast of magic, light arraying across the sky letting sparks falling over them

Cassandra wasn’t watching…no she definitely was and the hopeless romantic is in victory

Varric is definitely not writing down ideas for his book

And Bull- well Bull is glancing down at the ring carved from Adaar’s horn and wonders if he should look into that

Since Adaar lost her left hand, she decides to go in the style of her parents, who wore their wedding bands around their horns, and Josephine styled it too match, all warm gold and pinpricks of white diamonds.

They end up having two weddings, one for the nobility and the other for themselves

The noble wedding is huge, bombastic, though there’s whispers in the background. A qunari, two women, a mage! It was all so shocking.

But Adaar did defeat Corypheus

And Cassandra and Lelianna are scary when they’re glaring at you

No one forgets that Adaar is friends with the Grand Divine

And said Divine used to be an assassin

The noble wedding is over the top with gold chiffon, at least a hundred people with a cleric officiating and Adaar somehow wrangled into wearing a dress.

But the home wedding, it’s just the main members of the inquistion, a few soldiers and friends, but mainly all of them

Lelianna can’t come, being the Divine doesn’t give much free time

Adaar doesn’t believe in the Chantry or the maker, so while the cleric married them in the noble wedding, this is just an exchange of vows, toasting and celebration

Adaar wears her dress robes for the occasion (she wants to burn the wedding dress but Josephine won’t let her)

And with her friends by her side, she feels as if all the pieces have come together, even for just this one moment

[kestrellavellan]

Time Past - Chapter 56

Word Count: 3,591

Warnings: talk of past trauma, All The Fluff

Weekly updates going forward until the story is finished.  Find this fic in its entirety on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11423880/chapters/52909252

I am sooooo bad about updating Tumblr.  I’m sorry, guys!  I posted this last week ^^;  Commission done by the wonderful @istehlurvz​ which perfectly fits the wedding scene.

The next morning, Kestrel woke up alone, fingers ghosting over an empty space next to him in the bed.  The sheets were cool to the touch.  Dorian hadn’t been in bed for a while.  With a disappointed groan, Kestrel turned over in bed to face the balcony.  And Cole.

Kestrel jerked back, sitting up.  Not only was Cole present, but another man stood beside him.

Kestrel clutched the sheets close to him, very aware of his nudity in front of the stranger.  “Can I...help you?” he asked, embarrassed.

“He asked to see you.  Given your intimate past with him, I didn’t think you would mind.”

Kestrel looked the visitor over and couldn’t deny the fact that there was something familiar about him.  Between his long, dark hair with short shorn sides and gray eyes, he looked like he could be related to Dorian.  And then he smiled.

Kestrel froze in horror.  “You...it’s you!”  He clutched the sheet to him tighter.

Cole frowned.  “I thought it would be okay, but you’re not happy.”

“Of course I’m not, Cole!  This….creature, he raped me.”

“We were both forced into a task we’d rather not do,” the non-Dorian said.

Swallowing hard, Kestrel forced himself to ignore the demon and continued addressing Cole.  “He may be wearing a different face, but I recognize him as the demon he is.”

“He’s no longer a desire demon.  Once his captor died, he was released from his shackles and returned to the Fade.  There, he was able to regain his true form as a spirit of purpose.”

“Yes, which is why I wanted to see you, Kestrel.  To thank you.  You freed me with Master’s death.  And to apologize.  Being pulled from the Fade by force twists us, corrupts us.  I was as much enslaved by my need to feed on your and Master’s desires as I was by the summoning itself.  I regret the harm I caused you.”

Kestrel studied the spirit and judged him truthful, especially with Cole vouching for him.  They’d both been slaves in that house, and the demon had never intentionally harmed him.  “Alright, spirit.  I...accept your apology.  I’m sorry you were forced to participate in my torture.  But forgiveness is not something I can offer you.”

The spirit smiled sadly.  “I understand.  Then I will take my leave.”

As he started to dissipate, Kestrel reached out and said, “Wait!”

Gray eyes fixed on him again, the spirit’s head tilting to the side.  “Yes?”

“When you said I had no purpose except for Dorian, was that the truth?”

“Some purposes are small and others are large.  They’re always changing, but they’re all important.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Making this man, this Dorian happy, would that be such a terrible purpose?  You know the truth.  Now, you just need to figure out how best to accomplish your purpose.”

“He’s happiest when you’re happy,” Cole said.

The other spirit nodded before popping out of existence.

“But I just want him to be happy, Cole.  It doesn’t matter what I want.  I’m already lucky enough that he’s accepted me back after...everything.  If he wants a big wedding with lots of strangers, who am I to argue?”

“His partner.  You’re his partner.  You should tell him what you want.”

Kestrel sighed.  “You’re right.  Can you do me a favor?”

Cole smiled.  “Yes.”  And then he disappeared.

Kestrel took his time alone to climb out of bed and throw on one of Dorian’s robes and began pacing.  What would Dorian say if he spoke his mind?  When had he ever been worried about speaking his mind to Dorian, though?

“Amatus?” Dorian said with a tone that indicated that wasn’t the first time he’d spoken.  “A little spirit told me you were looking for me.”

“Where were you?” Kestrel asked, unable to keep the accusatory tinge from his words.

Dorian shrugged off the tone and smiled softly.  “I was catching up with Cullen, and then Bull joined us at the table for breakfast.  I kept an eye out for you but never saw you come down.  They’re all eager to see you again, you know.”

But would they be just as eager to be around him after seeing what he’s become?  And why was he upset that Dorian was seeing their old friends instead of staying glued to his side?  It was an unhealthy expectation.

“Do you know who paid me a visit while you were out?”

Dorian frowned and shook his head.

“The demon who...who…”  Kestrel buried his face in his hand.  Why was he even telling Dorian this?  He knew it would upset him.  He knew it would cause him guilt for leaving his side.

He spotted the clenching of Dorian’s fists and the darkening of his expression.  The smoldering fireplace, reduced to mostly ashes, flared to life with Dorian’s rage.

Kestrel spoke before Dorian could vent his anger.  “I...I’m sorry, ma vhenan.  I feel like I’m falling apart and you’re the only one who’s holding me together.  Even then, I feel like I don’t deserve you.  Just like I don’t deserve their friendship.  But I’m too selfish to give you up.  Them, on the other hand, I’d rather they keep picturing me as the Inquisitor, as the Herald who wasn’t reduced to a pathetic waste after we parted ways, as the leader who wasn’t enslaved and branded.  If they see me now…”  Kestrel leaned against his desk, avoiding Dorian’s gaze and instead focusing on the stain glass doors closed against the cold.

“Everything in these past several months has been a whirlwind.  I don’t know who I am anymore, only that I want to be with you.  I’m clinging to that like a lifeline and was starting to get my footing, but here, at Skyhold, I’ve lost it again.  I’m torn between who I was and who I am now.  They’re very different people.  Is it terrible that I only want our wedding to be us?  I don’t want to focus on anyone else.  If only you and I stand beneath the Creators during the bonding ceremony, you’ll have no choice but to see the person I am now and to either accept or reject that person.  If there are others, you may fall into your usual facade to appease them; follow what they want for you.”

Dorian embraced him then.  He wrapped his arms around Kestrel so tightly, there was a minor worry about cutting off his air.  “Nothing can change the fact that I am determined to marry you, but I realize that coming here to do that wasn’t the best idea.  If you want something small and intimate, I will make it happen, but that doesn’t mean that you should sequester yourself up here and avoid our friends.  They’ve missed you, and I can assure you that, as your friends, they won’t judge you for what’s happened.  That’s what friends are.  Take me for example.  I stepped into their midst as a Tevinter magister, a rogue mage from the most hated of countries, and while there was some hesitation at first, they accepted me.  People warm to you in a heartbeat still, Kes.  These are your friends, nothing has changed that.”

Kestrel buried his face in Dorian’s neck, breathing in his sandalwood scent to calm himself.  “I...If you think it’s for the best, I suppose I can meet them again,” he murmured.

“Look, if it’s too much, too fast, let me—”

A tentative knock interrupted them.

“Dorian, did you…?”

Dorian pulled away, holding up his hands.  “It’s not me, I swear.”

“You may enter,” Kestrel called out.

“Kestrel…?” asked a smaller voice.

Kestrel immediately recognized it, but there was no way…

Dalish’s head poked up from around the stairs, hesitation quickly shifting to joy as soon as their gazes connected.  “Kestrel!” He cried and sprang forward, tackling Kestrel in the next moment.

Kestrel fell to the ground with a joyous laugh, hugging Dalish close.  “What are you…?”

“The strangest thing happened,” another familiar voice said, and Taeven cleared the stairs.

“Tae…?” Dorian asked.  “I thought you couldn’t take so much time away from running the Minrathous manor and the countryside estate.”

“The plan was to remain behind, but somehow your friend, Solas, heard about our desire to be with you, despite the time constraints, and planned travel arrangements.  I’m not exactly sure how he had us travel since we were blindfolded, but it took only a day of travel to reach this place.”

“You saw him?”

“Only briefly.  He had an elvhen escort us here, but he wanted to wish you a wonderful wedding.  And he said, ‘Despite evidence to the contrary, I want you to be happy, Kestrel.  Use what time is left to enjoy one another.’  ...He’s not the elvhen god bent on the destruction of Thedas, is he?”

Dorian frowned.  “That’s the one.”

“That was Fen’harel?  The Fen’harel?”

Kestrel nodded.

“I thought he felt a bit...wolfy,” Taeven said with a silly grin.

Dorian and Kestrel groaned while Dalish giggled.

“Enough of him, although we’ll happily accept his gift of having you two with us,” Kestrel said, hugging Dalish again.

Dalish returned the hug before climbing to his feet, bouncing on the balls.  “Can you show me around?  I’ve never seen a castle like this before.”

“What a wonderful idea!  Kes, you should introduce Dalish to our friends.  Since Taeven’s here, I’m going to enlist his help to shift a few plans around.  That is, if he doesn’t mind.”

Taeven placed a hand on Dorian’s shoulder and squeezed.  “Of course not.  I’m all yours.”

“Oooo, yes!  I want to meet Bull and Sera and all the people you’ve told me about!  Please?” Dalish clasped his hands in front of him and put on his best pout.

Kestrel rolled his eyes at the obvious manipulation, but still grinned.  “Twist my arm!”  Standing up, he took Dalish’s hand in his.  He knew this is exactly what Dorian wanted, to get him out of the room, but facing the Inquisition group didn’t seem as daunting with Dalish by his side.

***

Before Kestrel knew where the other days went, the day was upon them.

As was the custom, Dorian and Kestrel separated for the evening.  Kestrel spent the night catching up with Dalish, listening to the tales of his first several weeks at the Circle, too anxious himself to think about sleep.  Even when the boy tired and fell asleep with his head in Kestrel’s lap, his mind spun with what was to come.  He ran his hand through Dalish’s hair to soothe himself.

At some point deep into the early hours of the morning, Kestrel must’ve fallen asleep for when he woke, Dalish was gone and morning light angled through the east-facing windows.  He sat up when he thought he heard Dorian’s joyful laugh down the hallway, but it soon faded.

Taeven had been quite insistent that they remain apart for the night and day leading up to the ceremony, so their reunion was as special as it should be.  Still, was he just supposed to wait in the tower room all day?

Growing restless, Kestrel hopped out of bed and started pacing.  He had no idea what he was supposed to wear today.  Each step raised his anxiety level until he was looking at the bedroom door like it was his only escape route.  What if he tried the handle and it was locked like the Pavus Manor?  What if his prison had only changed designs?

With a panicked whimper, he ran down the flight of stairs to the door.  Just as his fingertips brushed the handle, the door swung open to reveal a happy and then suddenly startled Taeven, not expecting him to be right there.  

As soon as his eyes met Kestrel’s, he must’ve seen the panic there for he quickly said, “Aneth ara.  It’s okay.  Calm, Kes.  Breathe.”  Although his hands were full of clothes, he quickly slung them over his shoulder to take Kestrel’s shoulders in hand.  “What troubles you?”

His mind went to one person.  “Is Dorian okay?”

“A bit nervous, as you appear to be, and grumbling about a sleepless night.  Something about sharing a room with a snoring bull?”  Taeven shook his head like he didn’t understand.

“And Dalish?”

“Your boy is fine, Kestrel.  Last I saw, he was following your blonde-haired elf friend around.”

Kestrel winced.  Hopefully, he didn’t get into too much trouble with Sera.  At least, Dalish had hit it off with everyone the other night, and his presence had the added bonus of redirecting most of the attention away from Kestrel.  

“Is there something else that’s worrying you?  Your friends certainly seem happy to see you again,” Taeven said as he led Kestrel back up the stairs.

Yes, that was true.  And no one had pressed him for details on what he’d been up to over the last few years, yet he had a sneaking suspicion by the pitying glances he sometimes caught, Dorian had told them some of what had happened.  Despite that, he’d quickly reform the neglected bonds with Varric, Bull, and the rest of the gang over the last few evenings.  Vivienne and Solas were the only two of the old Inquisition companions that were unable to attend.  Vivienne had a prior engagement, and Solas, well…

Kestrel realized Taeven was staring at him, likely waiting for a response.  He tried to give a voice to the anxiety he was feeling.  “I’ve just waited for this day for so long.  So long, I’d come to believe it would never happen.  Now that it’s here, I’m waiting for something to stop it.”

“Kes, I want you to leave the worrying to me, okay?  You’re in a safe place, surrounded by people who love you and who support you.  Nothing will go wrong, and even if there is a minor hiccup, we have plenty of hands available to help out.  Now, I’m having a bath and food brought up, and you’re to take as long as you’d like to relax.  After that, I will return to help you get dressed.  I think you’ll like the outfit Dorian had made,” Taeven said, gesturing to the clothes he’d laid out on the bed.

“And Dorian…?”

Taeven smiled.  “You’ll see him soon enough.  I promise.”

***

The rest of the day passed slowly and quickly.  At one point Kestrel dozed in the tub and lost and hour, while after he dressed in the outfit Dorian picked for him, he waited for what felt like ages for Taeven to arrive.

He’d already paced on to the balcony, leaving the door open for the sun-warmed air to freshen his room.  There was lots of noise around the Keep, happy noises, but he was too far up to spot any details.  If the amount of people running around down below was any indication, Kestrel was concerned his request for a smaller ceremony had been ignored.

He took the crawling time to examine himself in the mirror.  Dorian had managed to find him a traditional Dalish robe of leather dyed a beautiful ocean blue.  Underneath the robe, an earthy brown set of cloth pants and tunic ensured he wouldn’t overheat, even with woven leather shin guards, a bracer, and a matching belt.  Fortunately, there were no shoes to go along with the outfit, leaving Kestrel’s feet blessedly bare.  

A golden collar and pendant with the same leaf design from his wedding band sat to the side.  The jewelry would have to wait until he had some help, he decided.  As if summoned from his thoughts, a soft knock heralded Taeven’s return.

As he cleared the stairs and caught sight of Kestrel, he froze, hand lifted to his lips to hold back a small gasp.  “It’s beautiful,” he murmured.  “You’re beautiful,” he quickly corrected.  Tears collected in his eyes.  “Dorian is going to be dumbstruck when he sees you, Kes.”

Kestrel flushed furiously under the praise.  “You think so?”

Taeven nodded his head.  He glided to Kestrel’s side, picking up the golden collar to secure it around Kestrel’s neck.

“How did he even know what was traditional Dalish garb for a bonding ceremony?”

Taeven grinned.  “I may have had a part to play in that.  Despite having to pull away from your people for their protection, I know you still honor their customs.”

The collar latched into place, and Kestrel was surprised it didn’t surface unpleasant memories.  Still, he thought the decoration was odd and couldn’t hold back a question.  “What about the collar?  That’s definitely not Dalish.”

“It’s a Tevinter custom.  Both parties wear a collar to signify their unwavering loyalty and servitude to one another in marriage.”  Taeven draped the necklace around Kestrel’s neck as he spoke.

“And the pendant?” Kestrel asked, holding it up to get a better look.  Two snakes entwined around each other, framing a large emerald.

“A wedding present from Dorian.  You know how he loves his snake motifs.”

Kestrel smiled.

Taeven stepped back, tears fresh in his eyes again.  “Well, my boy, are you ready?”

 The setting sun cast a warm glow over the courtyard.  Despite the chill always present in the mountains, a jungle of plants flourished under the tender touch of the resident gardener.  Flowers of all hues tilted towards the fading light, filling the air with a delicate, familiar fragrance.  A breeze rustled the plants and stirred the stillness, releasing a gentle tinkling that Kestrel immediately recognized.

Crystal grace draped the outer stone walls of the gazebo, their pale blue bells enchanted into a harder shell that chimed with each movement.  Dorian had once presented him a bouquet similarly enchanted, and Kestrel had fallen in love with the delicate bloom.  Leave it to Dorian and his steel-trap mind to never forget a detail like that.

Under the gazebo stood a sight that dwarfed all others in beauty.  More wonderful than the friends gathered to witness the ceremony, more magical than the dim sunlight glimmering off the crystal flowers, and more stunning than the fact that Kestrel would be a married man in the next hour.  The sight of Dorian waiting for him with a glorious grin on his face stole Kestrel’s breath away, freezing him under the overhang to the main keep.

The typical black and gold hugged Dorian’s form, but his outfit lacked the dramatism he normally wore in Tevinter.  A dark robe with golden borders was tied close by a wide cloth belt embellished with embroidered peacock feathers.  Golden bracers taped down billowing sleeves around his wrists, and a metal collar that matched Kestrel’s completed the look.  In that moment, Kestrel desired nothing more than to sprint Dorian up to their room and slowly peel off each garment to reveal Dorian’s true beauty beneath.

“Kestrel?”

Summoned from his dirty thoughts by Dalish’s soft prompt, Kestrel flushed, shifting his gaze to the boy before him.

Dalish offered a bouquet of unenchanted crystal grace.  “Dorian said they were your favorite,” he said.  “They don’t like the cold, but with the gardener's help, I managed to keep them alive for today.”

The sky-colored flowers were still as perky as if they had just been picked.  The magenta stamens swayed as Kestrel took them in hand and brought them to his nose.  He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, letting the fragrance take him back to a time before all of his trauma.  He gathered his strength from back then, his bearing, his easy laughter, his naivety, and coiled them around him like an invisible shield.  He could do this.

Opening his eyes, he smiled at Dalish and said, “Thank you.  They’re beautiful.”

The smile he received back pumped more fuel into his strength.  On a whim, Kestrel asked, “Mind walking me down the aisle, Dalish?”

“Yes!  I mean, no!  I mean...I would love to!” Dalish struggled to answer, but his even wider grin spoke volumes.  He quickly grabbed Kestrel’s arm, linking them together.  “Are you ready?”

Kestrel looked past their friends, down to the gazebo, to the man patiently waiting for him.  “Yes,” he said simply.

Chest puffed with pride, Dalish began marching them down the stone path of the courtyard, following its meandering trail.

“It’s about time,” said Sera.

Right after, Bull yelled, “Made us wait forever, Boss!”

“Still, makes for an excellent tale,” said Varric.

Several people snickered in response.

Kestrel grinned, but his eyes were firmly rooted on Dorian growing ever closer.

Dorian tracked him along their path, steady gray gaze holding everything Kestrel needed to see.  There was no judgment to be found, only reassurance, acceptance, forgiveness, and love.  They could have ended the ceremony right there, and Kestrel would have had all that he needed, all that he longed for in his life.

As soon as Dalish passed him over to Dorian and their hands touched, the ceremony breezed by.  It wasn’t important, only the way Dorian looked at him was.  Kestrel remembered Divine Victoria leading the ceremony and rambling on his half of their shared vows, but he lost himself in the soothing gray of Dorian’s tearful eyes, in how warm his hands were when they exchanged rings, in the sound of is voice choked with barely restrained emotion.  And then his lips were on him, celebrating with joyous tears christening the kiss.

Kestrel threw his arm around Dorian’s shoulders, bouquet still in hand, and kissed Dorian with every ounce of love he had.  They were married.  Nothing would keep them apart now.  Not life, or death.

[midnightprelude]

Fenris being an overprotective dad and Eris having a laugh out of it! Huge hug even if you won't find the time to do it, friend!

Aryll Lavellan was lounging in Skyhold’s rotunda enjoying a cup of tea and biscuits with Eris, idly watching Solas paint a new fresco down below. He worked with an unearthly pace, to avoid letting the paint dry. Dorian had joined them shortly after they had taken their seats and was peppering Eris with questions about Kirkwall and growing up as an apostate in Ferelden.

Dorian was leaning close to the two women, frowning deeply. “Their Champion clearly had the wherewithal to control her powers without the influence of the Circle. Certainly that meant something?”

Eris sighed, leaning back in her chair. “In the South, people are afraid of mages. I’d imagine if you asked the average non-mage in Tevinter, they’re just as frightened, it’s just that they don’t hold any of the power there. To those without the gift, magic is strange and inexplicable.”

Dorian huffed. “You would have far fewer problems with possession here if people weren’t scared out of their wits. Fear makes mages desperate. Desperation makes mages vulnerable. I see your point, however. There will always be those with power who seek to rule over others. Kirkwall proved that point.”

Eris nodded. “As does Tevinter.”

“You have me there, Hawke.” Dorian smiled, shrugging. “And the magisters are loathe to relinquish any power, even if it could be of benefit to society. They’d rather assassinate anyone advocating for change and stand atop their mountain, plotting and scheming, while the rest of the countryside burns.”

Aryll had been listening, nodding at appropriate intervals. She had no answers for the mages; she was not a mage herself, not truly, despite the magic emanating from her palm. “We must seek to create a world that walks the line between those two extremes. Neither land has done well for its people. We have the benefit of years of history and we can do better, if we tread carefully.”

Dorian turned to her, grinning. “An idealist. Rare, in these times.” He placed a hand on hers, their eyes meeting. “If anyone can manage, it’s you, Inquisitor.”

The sound of a door swinging open and bashing against a wall below caused the three to jump. Aryll nearly dropped her scalding cup of tea on the stones, but Eris saved it with a bit of force magic, depositing it gently on the table. They all moved to see what was transpiring.

 Fenris strode into the rotunda, carrying a staff with one arm and his daughter, Ariadna in the other. Hawke shared a glance with Aryll, frowning.

“Mage!” Fenris’s gaze looked as though it could send the entire castle toppling into the sea. “What is the meaning of this?”

Solas turned around, surprised by the sudden noise, a smudge of green paint on his cheek. He looked as perplexed as the rest of them, then his eyes widened. “Is that my staff?”

Fenris fluidly thrust the staff at the elven mage, frowning deeply. “Was it your intention to allow my child to perform magic without my knowledge?”

Solas shook his head, his gaze shifting between Ariadna and Fenris. The girl’s scowl was the perfect imitation of her father’s. He took the staff, setting it aside.

“Give it back, Papa!” she said, punching him in the shoulder with her tiny fists. Her voice was shrill and carried to the rookery above. Fenris did not seem to notice, his eyes still fixed on the mage. “I want to give the horsies wings.”

The onlookers watched the scene unfold intently until Ariadna spoke. At the sound of her daughter’s voice, Eris burst into laughter, doubling over. Everyone turned upwards to stare at her. Aryll placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder, but she was swaying on her heels, tears running down her face. Eris leaned on the railing, consumed with a fit of giggles.

Aryll felt the crack before she heard it. One moment Eris was leaning her weight against the balcony. The next, she was sailing through the air, taking the wooden framework with her. Aryll tried to grab her by the cloak, but her fingers passed through the air. She nearly fell herself, but Dorian had grabbed her before she could lose balance.

“Fasta vass!” the two Tevene men yelled simultaneously. Fenris moved to catch her, but with Ariadna in his arms, he could not react quickly enough to the sudden development.

Solas was not similarly occupied. He stepped through the Fade as Eris shifted the density of the air, slowing her fall. She still landed heavily in his arms, if the noise he made at catching her was any indication, but she seemed otherwise unharmed. He deposited Eris back on her feet, with an apologetic look at Fenris.

“Oh love, I’m almost certain Ariadna took that staff from Solas when he wasn’t looking.” She looked sternly at her daughter. “Didn’t you, Ari?”

The girl nodded, frowning. “I wanted the horsies to be able to fly away if anything bad happened to them…”

Fenris rushed to her side. “Are you alright, Eris? I’m sorry I could not catch you.” He turned to Solas, nodding. “I am not above admitting when I jumped to conclusions. I also believe sincere thanks are in order.”

Solas smiled slightly. “No thanks are needed. I am glad I was able to help.” He raised an eyebrow at Ariadna. “Has your father not told you that you should not take things that do not belong to you, Ari? I am almost certain he has. Were you not listening?”

Ariadna wiggled in Fenris’s arms until he set her on the floor. “Nope!” She ran to her mother, wrapping her arms around Eris’s legs. “Mama, will you teach me to do that trick?”

The adults looked at her, horrified. “Absolutely not. And don’t even think about trying something like that.”

Aryll called down from above, Dorian behind her. “I’m tripling her guards, Eris, don’t protest! And all of the railings are going to be tested and repaired.”

Fenris sighed, the relief clear in his voice. “I am always pleased to see that someone has sense. You mages forget that we can’t all wave our hands and make our problems disappear.”

Eris kissed his nose and his cheeks colored visibly. “Good thing that you keep so many of us around then, my love.” She laced her fingers in his and together the three of them walked out of the rotunda together.

Dorian rolled his eyes. “Do you really plan to child-proof the entire crumbling castle?”

“If it’s what it takes to ensure that child lives to adulthood, then yes.” Aryll sat back down, sighing. “Though I wish she wouldn’t keep digging up magical items.”

“You should probably have a conversation with your friend down there about leaving dangerous weapons out in the reach of children.”

She glanced at Solas, who had resumed paining, paying no mind to the staff he left leaning against the wall.

“I suppose I should.”

[kaaras-adaar-a]

INQUISITOR AS A COMPANION

Tagged by: @dinah-myles​ (thank you, sweetie!) 

Character Name: Kaaras Taashath Adaar ( I would probably drop Adaar if the Inquisitor was an Adaar and keep Kaaras’ middle name as his surname instead, however, if the Quizzy isn’t an Adaar, I would keep it :) )

Race / Class / Specialisation: Qunari | Vashoth | Mage | Force Mage | Knight Enchanter (only during Inquisition)

Gender Identity: Male

Varric’s Nickname for them?: Farmboy (turns to Blushy when in relationship)

Short bio:

Kaaras is a Vashoth who grew up in east Ferelden with his Tal’Vashoth mother and father. He came into his magic when he was 5, forcing his family to move to try and find someone to train and help him. Settling in Southron Hills as ram farmers, they found a Tal-Vashoth mage who offered to help train Kaaras so he wasn’t tossed into a Circle or killed. 

When Kaaras was 10, the Adaar family adopted an abandoned Dalish girl named Aith. When Kaaras was 12, bandits attacked his home and his father was killed as a result. Kaaras joined his trainer’s mercenary company at the age of 18, and made a living for himself in Ferelden and the Marches. 

When he was 25, he moved to Starkhaven and became captain of the Beres-taar mercenary company where he made a good living for himself and his company, mostly working for nobles in the area. He gained attention from the Prince of Starkhaven and Divine Justinia, inviting him to the peace talks as protection to the Divine.

Initial Card: Kaaras standing face forward in a soldier stance, hands on staff.

Loyalty: Would show Kaaras at a bow, addressing his devout loyalty to the Inquisition and Inquisitor.

Romanced: Would show a shirtless Kaaras with arms wrapped around him, Kaaras pressing one of the hands to his lips in a kiss (the Inquisitor’s--or Josephine’s if unromanced).

Disloyalty: This only happens if you have a very low approval rating with Kaaras and he disapproves of his personal mission choice (which can end his romance and friendship). It will show Kaaras with his back turned and magic sparking from his fingertips. The card would appear shrouded and dark to signify his broken faith in the Inquisitor.

Recruitment mission: N/A. Kaaras is already at Haven at the beginning, having been recruited as a mercenary for the peace talks. He just wasn’t at the Conclave when the explosion happened.

Where they would be in Skyhold / Haven: Haven, by the Chantry. Skyhold, by the mounts.

Personal quests: 

When Kaaras’ approval is high enough, Kaaras’ personal quest starts with “It’s Time.” This is a war table mission which will use Leliana’s resources to hunt down the bandit who survived the attack at his family home when his father died. Once the mission is complete, you wills start a new one called “Tracing Steps”. Kaaras will be available to talk to the Inquisitor, and he will explain what happened to his family. Hint: If you’re supportive and caring (choose the flirting option), you will gain a Great Approval. Now that the mission is in play, there is no option to deny the mission and it must be played (unless ignored--which will mean Kaaras’ romance will not be triggered as this is a crucial part of it).

At this time, if the conversation goes well, you can spur a romantic option for Kaaras and show him that you care for him. He will be reserved and shy, unsure if the Inquisitor has time for him, but he will show his interest when you can take his hand by not pulling back. This gives you the “pursue a relationship option” where Kaaras will admit that he is fond of you.

Note: If you don’t have enough approval with Kaaras before Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, this mission will be null, and his romance will not trigger to a committed relationship. 

Kaaras’ final mission will only trigger after Wicked Hearts AND Adamant are complete. While you can choose a “spent time with him” option, it will not trigger kissing or sex yet. 

At the Winter Palace, Kaaras will ask to dance with the Inquisitor at the end of the event, and you will share a moment out on the balcony with him. 

Once Wicked Hearts is finished, you can now trigger the mission via the wartable “Murdered In Cold Blood”. When you accept, it will trigger you to venture forth with Kaaras as a permanent option for a companion. It will then trigger a cut scene when you arrive, and Kaaras’ sister, Aith, will join you (NPC). You will have to venture through killing Ferelden bandits before you reach the goal.

Once killed, the final cut scene will show you to Kaaras and the Inquisitor entering an old shack where the bandit is. He is now elderly and sick, and you will be faced with a choice to help Kaaras through choosing the next option. 

- Telling Kaaras to kill him (he can’t go through with it, but the option still gains an outcome) - Slight Disapproval  

- Telling Kaaras to move on - Great Approval  

- Killing him themselves – Great Disapproval and romance will be ended. 

If you choose for Kaaras to kill the bandit, he will break down, saying he cannot kill an old, dying man. Aith will kill him instead. If you choose to let Kaaras move on, Aith will still kill the bandit either way and he will die (there is no outcome where he survives).

Once you have chosen, Kaaras will ask to be alone and will not return with you to Skyhold until you return there yourself. Once the cut scene starts, this will trigger or end your romance completely depending on what your choices were. 

Romance:

If you have supported and flirted with Kaaras up until his personal mission and have reached the end scene, his romance is determined on your choices prior. If you chose to kill the bandit yourself, Kaaras will end the romance when you arrive back at Skyhold, telling you that he is not in the right headspace for a relationship right now and needs to focus on work and family.

If you told Kaaras to kill the bandit, it will give you disapproval, but it will not end the romance. Kaaras will ask why you told him to kill the bandit, and the Inquisitor can reply with a compassionate flirt or “because you needed closure” option. Either way, it will gain approval and understanding and still trigger his romance. 

If you told Kaaras to move on, he will thank you for being a kind, compassionate person.

Both romance option will trigger a sex scene, Kaaras kissing the Inquisitor in their chambers before it turns into a steamy sex scene. 

After the sex scene is ended, Kaaras and the Inquisitor are in a committed relationship. Kaaras will express his true feelings for you and admit that he’s come to love the Inquisitor. 

After his romance is finished, you are free to check the “Spend time with” option, which will make a cut scene of you kissing behind the barn and getting a little hands on.

When the game finishes, Kaaras will give the Inquisitor a bow once he’s killed Corypheus before hugging them and telling the Inquisitor that he had full faith in them.

After the party at Skyhold, Kaaras will stop you and head to your quarters with you, asking for a moment before the Inquisitor has to do their big thing. He will take the Inquisitor’s hand and tell them that they are just what the world needed, that he is proud of them and he loves them, giving them a loving kiss before the scene ends.

During the epilogue, it will show Kaaras leading his mercenary band, explaining that he still works for the Inquisition and is in a committed relationship with the Inquisitor. 

If Kaaras and Josephine are not romanced during the game, it will show that Kaaras and Josephine are in a romantic relationship with each other, and they work close side by side with their work. 

Approval / Disapproval:

Kaaras will approve of selfless actions, helping villagers and the smaller people, aiding the mages and being an overall positive and nice person. He also approves if being flirted with. 

Kaaras will disapprove if the Wardens are exiled, or the mages are taken as prisoners. He will disapprove if mages and/or templars are treated poorly and the Inquisitor shows selfish acts.

Kaaras is neutral on the Inquisitor’s religious beliefs, but he will disapprove if the Inquisitor talks badly about ANY religion. He will approve if the Inquisitor says the Chantry has lost its way, however (as he agrees). Kaaras also approves if the Inquisitor flirts with companions.

Break down Approval Ratings for Major Missions:

                            If sided with the mages:

-Conscripted mages: Greatly Disapproves 

-Free mages: Greatly Approves

If sided with the Templars: 

-Disband the Templars: Disapproves 

-Ally with the Templars: Greatly Approves 

In Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts:

-Celene lives: Greatly Approves

-Celene dies: Greatly Disapproves.

-Bribes all: Greatly Approves

In Here lies the Abyss

-Grey Wardens join the Inquisition: Greatly Approves

-Grey Wardens banished: Greatly Disapproves

Other (Optional): 

-Cole joins:  Approves

-Cole is not allowed to stay: Disapproves

-Saves the chargers: Greatly Approves

-Saves the dreadnought: Greatly Disapproves

Drink from the Well:

Inquisitor Drinks: Approves if they have history perk unlocked / disapproves if not. 

Romanced Inquisitor Drinks: Greatly Disapproves 

Morrigan Drinks: No change.

Are they romanceable? Yes, to the Inquisitor or Josephine (if unromanced) (I would say Bull but an unromanced Bull and Dorian is canon in game).

Can you have sex with them? Yes, but only after an initial romance has started (no quickies or casual sex option available). This scene will happen only after Halamshiral and his personal mission is complete.

Are they open to polyamory?: If the Inquisitor is poly, then he will allow them to have multiple relationships, but Kaaras will only be seeing the Inquisitor (he accepts Poly partners but is monogamous himself :) ) If Kaaras and Josephine are both unromanced, they will have a budding romantic relationship.

Relationship with the other characters?             

*Cassandra: Very friendly  

*Varric: Very friendly 

*Solas:  Friendly

*Dorian: Very friendly 

*Vivienne: Friendly

*Blackwall: Neutral

*Iron Bull: Very friendly

*Sera: Neutral

*Cole: Friendly

*Leliana: Friendly   

*Josephine: Very friendly/romanced if either are not romanced by the Inquisitor.

*Cullen: Friendly 

*Morrigan: Neutral

Side Missions: 

Kaaras will have side, wartable missions which will be missions for his mercenary company. They will be odd jobs, clean ups after Haven. He can also get the Inquisitor in contact with Sebastian Vael, where the Inquisition can show their support for Starkhaven and their loss for the Divine. This will grant the Inquisitor political ties with Starkhaven.

If Josephine and/or Kaaras are not romanced by the Inquisitor, you will get a wartable quest where Kaaras will compete for Josephine’s love (her romance mission in game). 

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?

Upon seeing the Inquisitor alive, his faith in the Maker is restored and he is determined to fight by their side to kill the Elder One. He feels sympathy towards Alexius, however.

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

Kaaras is in his element at the Winter Palace, despite the racism he’d suffer for being in Orlais. He is proper, does his part, and will offer to dance with the Inquisitor (only if romanced) at the end of the night.

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

Upon entering: “So this is what it’s like? Maker’s breath, I can’t believe it. It’s oddly beautiful.”

Archdemon taunt : “Ah, the little boy with family blood on his hands. Tell me, Kaaras, does the Inquisition know what you truly are? A murderer? You can’t save them, just as you couldn’t save him.”

Inquisitor’s response: “Don’t listen to it. It’s just getting into your head.”

Epitaph on their grave: Failure 

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

There will be certain comments that Kaaras makes in missions if he’s taken with the Inquisitor, but it would depend entirely on their choice and relationship. Kaaras does not abandon the Inquisition if his relationship is poor with the Inquisitor, but he will not be a party member if friction is too much. This scene will have Kaaras and the Inquisitor arguing, and Kaaras saying that he’s disappointed and expected better before he walks off.

Banter:

(If Kaaras is in a romance with the Inquisitor) Cassandra: (disgusted noise) Inquisitor: What? Cassandra: Do not play coy, I can see where your eyes are. Inquisitor: It’s quite the view from back here, isn’t it? Kaaras: (coughs) Please tell me you’re talking about the mountains Inquisitor: Oh, they’re mountains alright / you could say that / I’m talking about that glorious arse, and you know it. Cassandra: (disgusted noise) Kaaras: Maker’s breath...

Iron Bull (if present) - Count yourself lucky, there’s nothing like qunari ass. Sera (if present) - Did you have to point it out? Now I’m lookin’ at arse that’s not even my kinda arse. Ugh.  Cole (if present) - He likes when you pay attention to them. 

Tagging: This was a SUPER long meme, so I’m not going to tag anyone in specific, but if you do have the time to fill it out, tag me so I can see them <3 It was great and thorough and I enjoyed it. :D 

[dalishious]

Varric+1,5; Dorian+3,4; Sera+2,3,4? :o

(Inquisitor + Companions Ask Meme)

Varric #1: “Was your Inquisitor’s relationship with Varric like that of Varric’s relationship with Hawke? Was it better? Worse?”

“Varric,” the Herald said from behind him, who was slightly startled having been lost in the world of his writing, “Are you my friend?”Varric couldn’t help but quirk his mouth a bit at such an odd question. He put down his quill and pondered for a moment whether to give a snarky or serious reply. He opted for serious, having had enough experience with the Herald to know she sometimes didn’t understand his quips. “Well I certainly thought so.”This answer only seemed to confuse her, prompting the elf to purse her lips and scrunch her brow in a way that always reminded him of Merrill’s thinking face. “And you are also friends with Hawke.”“Good friends,” Varric smiled.“Is that the difference, then? The good part?”Varric decided to get to the root of the question. “What’s this about?”“You are different, with Hawke around Skyhold. You smile more with her. You laugh more with her. Your shoulders are not as tight with her. I can only conclude you feel more at ease around her than with me. I want to know why.”“I wouldn’t say that…”“You call her Hawke. You call me Herald and Inquisitor… despite having told everyone my distaste for it multiple times…”“Dalia Hawke is the Champion of Kirkwall,” Varric tried to explain, “But I knew her when she was still living outside the alienage in Lowtown. She’ll always be Hawke to me.” That’s what made the best heroes, after all. Those you could connect with personally. “But you, you’re the Inquisitor. A figure. A symbol. I guess I just have trouble remembering you’re more than that.”“I do not want to be a figure. I do not want a disciple.” Her words were calm, but her voice was stern. “And I do not require your friendship… But I would very much welcome it.”Varric nodded, and in a lighthearted tone, “It’d help if you weren’t so serious all the time.”“I figure with you, Sera and Bull there is enough cheek to go around,” Lavellan answered after a moment, with just a hint of a smile on her face.

Varric #5: “Did your Inquisitor leave Hawke in the fade or save Hawke? How did that affect their relationship with Varric?”

Amaris was not always the best at understanding how others felt with a look. But it did not take a detective to tell Varric was in a state of dread. He was waiting at the gates of Skyhold, arms crossed and tapping his fingers anxiously, scanning those arriving with heavy eyes. His panic grew with every second that past and Hawke did not appear. When he found the Inquisitor, he quickly dropped his arms and shuffled over.“Hawke, is she…?”“She is not here.” For a brief moment, Amaris could have sworn she broke Varric in half with those words. But only for a brief moment. “She is on her way to Weisshaupt.”Varric paused, and looked up. “You mean…”“Hawke is alive, Varric.” It was hard not to match his grin with her own. The relief washed over him.“Hawke is alive,” he repeated. She nodded once more.“Hawke is alive.”“Thank you, Inquisitor.”

Dorian #3: “Did your Inquisitor attempt to have Dorian speak to his father or not? Does your Inquisitor relate to Dorian in terms of struggles with family or sexuality?”

Amaris found Dorian on the ramparts, leaning over the edge and watching a flock of birds circle in the air. She had first checked in his usual spot in the library, then the tavern. When he was in neither places, it was Cole who told her he was, and that ‘his feelings are spiky.’She wasn’t sure what to say. Amaris and Dorian were not what you’d call close. She respected him as a talented mage, and someone who wanted to do good, but there was just too much bad blood between their peoples. Deep down, she felt she would always hold some fear of Dorian. But there was nothing fearful of him right then. There was really only one thing to say. “I am sorry, Dorian.” He didn’t answer, and so she continued. “I should never have made you talk to your father.”“You didn’t make me do anything,” he said quickly. “I wanted to. And I didn’t want to. It was good. And it wasn’t.” Dorian shook his head. “He says he loves me, in his own way. I believe that much. But we’re too much alike, he and I.”“No.”“I beg pardon?”“You are nothing like that man,” She assured him. “I know what it is like, Dorian. To work hard, but never be enough. To love your parents, and want to rip your hair out thinking about them at the same time.” Hesitantly, she added, “To feel like a failure for not providing grandchildren.” This got his attention. Dorian pushed himself off the stone edge and turned around to face her. “But you are not like him. You are better than he will ever be.”Dorian tilted his head and gave a halfhearted smile. “Easy to say that, isn’t it.”“Believing is another thing entirely,” she finished his thought. With that, the two watched the birds in silence.

Dorian #4: “Was Dorian a good companion for your Inquisitor? Was there any personality clash between them?”

“You don’t like me very much, do you Inquisitor.”“No.”“Have I done anything to offend?”“Yes.”Dorian looked at her incredulously. “And what, pray tell, would that be? Beyond me just being a mage from Tevinter.”“I heard you, you know. Speaking about slavery. How you do not see it as wrong.”“I never said that,” he tried to interrupt, but she would not let him.“’That’s just the way it is,’ you said. ‘No different than your alienages here,’ you said. ‘Some are treated poorly but not all,’ you said.” With this, she stopped walking, forcing the rest of their party to do so as well. While Blackwall and Varric were no doubt listening, the two remained silent amid the conversation between Tevinter and Dalish. “Your ignorance and tolerance of the abuse my people face is almost as bad as those doing it. The only reason you even remain is because you have proven useful.”“You’d really kick me out over a difference of opinion?”“When that opinion is that there is nothing wrong with the enslavement of my people, yes!”“I…” Dorian really wasn’t sure what to say. Amaris looked like she was on the verge of smacking him. “I’m sorry to offend.”“Then I eagerly await for you to demonstrate you mean it.”

Sera #2: “Did your Inquisitor see Sera as troublesome or simply fun-loving? Did they join in for her pranks?”

“Hey you,” Sera jumped down from the roof onto the Inquisitor’s balcony. Amaris dropped her book in surprise, and silently cursed over loosing her place. “So,” she began, sliding herself up onto the stony railings, “I asked around, and it’s funny how no one seems to know how my dart board became passy-throughy, like those magic fake rocks in the Emprise. ‘Course I first thought Creepy was messing with me, but it wasn’t him, was it.” Amaris smiled, and this sent Sera into a roar of laughter. “You got some fun in you after all, yeah? Even if it is magic.”“You said you did not want to discuss elven things between us,” Amaris explained, “So I thought I would attempt to reach you on your terms.”“Yeah, well, that was a pretty good one for a beginner,” Sera snickered, “But you’ll have to do better that to keep up with me.”“I am willing to try, for a fellow elf.”“Hm. Whatever.” Sera jumped of the railing, and danced her way into the Inquisitor’s room and out her door. Amaris picked up her book, and grinned to herself. Progress.

Sera #3: “How did your Inquisitor respond to the truth of Sera’s childhood (the cookie scene), if they received it? Did they empathize?”

“Alright, quit it,” Sera said, pointing her finger at Amaris from across the campfire. They were on their way into the Western Approach, and the rest of their party already sleeping soundly in their tents.“Quit what?”“Looking at me like that. Feeling so sorry because I’m not a proper elf like you.” Sera slumped over, and added under her breath, “Knew I shouldn’t’ve told you all that shite about Lady Emmald.”“Sera, I am sorry for what you went through. I am not sorry you are ‘not a proper elf.’ As I have said before, you are just as much an elf as I am,” Amaris assured her, but Sera still seemed hesitant to believe her.“Why be sorry at all?” She insisted. “I had it real good compared to thems in the alienage, or working twelve hours a day on some farm.”“Can I not have sympathy for all my people?”“How?” Sera her hands up. “How can you keep saying that? I’m not elfy. I’m not your people. I-I can’t be.” Her eyes grew wet, and Sera furiously scrunched them together, until they grew dry again. Amaris got up from her seat across the fire and joined Sera at her side. She hesitantly placed a comforting arm on the younger elf’s shoulder, and when Sera didn’t pull away, she gently tucked her into a half hug.“Vir Adahlen: Together we are stronger than the one.”“…Ppbth.”

Sera #4: “Did the Inquisitor attempt to stick up for the little people, like Sera, or did they have other goals? If so, what were their other goals?”

Sera slammed her tankard down, giggling. Blackwall was next to her, eager to hear what the girl was laughing about now. “That Lady Poulin, in the Emprise. Did you see her face when the Inquisitor took all her money to rebuild Sahrn-whatever?”“Must’ve missed it, but do tell,” Blackwall said through sips of his own drink.“Acting all prim and righteous, like she would’ve done it anyway. But I saw her face when they took her away. Could’ve picked her jaw right up off the floor, she was moping so hard. Her type always does when they loose their precious coin.”“I take it you approve, then?”“Hmm,” Sera thought for a second. “I would’ve made her pay more than just with money, but you know, that’s the one thing I like most about our Herald: She knows what really matters. The little people she hurt.” Sera wiped at her mouth with her sleeve, “Gotta like that about her.”“But you’re not gonna tell her that, are you?”“Nope.”

[sky-scribbles]

First Sight

2400-odd words of unrepentant Blackwall x blind!Inquisitor fluff, because I’m too deeply invested in this couple.

~

Blackwall has become unused to being touched.

For the past eight years, his physical contact with others has been almost non-existent. Embraces, clasped hands, friendly slaps to the back or arms around the shoulder from friends - these are things that died in the rain with the children he killed.  Since then, he's known only a few grateful handshakes from farmers whose family he has protected from darkspawn, steadying touches to the shoulder of some young lad he’s teaching to defend himself and who has never held a sword before, the chaotic tangle of grappling against some bandit who managed to make it past his shield.  Even those moments have usually been smothered by gloves – and they have all been so fleeting. Tiny moments of connection with the world outside his armour, snatched away almost as soon as they come.

This… this is something that has become foreign to him. Feeling another’s skin against his, and having it linger.

Elera Lavellan’s fingers are cool against his face, their touch gentle and slow. Wordlessly, she traces every line, hovering over his closed eyes and his lips, studying the shape of his face with a kind of fascinated concentration. She does this every time, every night, every moment she has a chance – because this is the only way she can see him. Through touch, through the feeling of skin. Because if Blackwall opened his eyes now, the gaze he would meet would stare back sightless, unseeing.

Her movements stop, and everything is still and silent for a heartbeat. Then she sighs, and Blackwall knows why; she’s mourning the eyesight she lost, wishing she could see him. He brings up a hand and closes his fingers over hers, and she responds by leaning down to kiss him. It’s a quiet brush of her lips against his, soft and somehow thoughtful.

And he’s not complaining about that. He’s had his fill of fiercer kisses tonight, the hungry kind that set his skin aflame and remind him just how deeply he has missed being touched - more than that, how starved of touch he has been. They have shared them aplenty, and now their breathing has settled back into a slow, satisfied rhythm, now her room is quiet again but for the murmuring of wind against the window, Blackwall finds himself treasuring this tender aftermath. There’s something infinitely precious about these moments, when life seems to be lying still for a while, steadying its pace to let him and Elera savour their closeness.

Which is a relief. Because this won’t last forever, not so long as he keeps hiding behind a Grey Warden’s shield. Sooner or later, what he and Elera have will end. While it lasts, he will cling to every last moment, every breath, every touch of her hands and murmur of her voice.

So when she speaks, he hangs on every word, even though her sentence quickly trails away. ‘I wonder if I’d be able to…’

Blackwall opens his eyes to see her frowning, pursing her lips slightly as she always does when thinking hard. ‘Able to what?’

Elera sighs and lowers her head down to the pillows, and Blackwall slips an arm around her shoulders. A smile flickers around her mouth, and she moves a little closer to him.

‘Solas has been giving me lessons,’ she says. ‘Helping me develop my abilities – as a Dreamer, I mean. He’s been teaching me how to control and shape the Beyond – the Fade, to you - to make it reflect my memories, and… and how to draw others into them. He says that if I focus hard enough, I should be able to pull another sleeping mind into my memories, the way he can.’

A little of this goes clear over Blackwall’s head – he really, really doesn’t understand this Fade business. He knows the basics, of course, about how spirits and demons and dreams work, but when Solas and Elera and Cole start up their chattering about it, he's lucky to understand one word in ten. But Elera has spent many patient conversations describing her own abilities to him, so he has grasped enough: she is something called a Dreamer, which means she has a gift that appears among only a handful of mages in each Age. She can shape the Fade around her to her desires. She’s told him that Solas, who shares the ability, has walked with her through the Fade many a time, showing her the places their party has travelled to, so that she can see them as she can’t in her waking world –

The full meaning of what she’s saying hits him suddenly. Elera can see in the Fade. Her body – her physical body – is blind, but it’s her mind that travels to the Fade. And she was not always blind; she has memories of sight. So in the Fade, she sees – and if she can draw another into her memories…

‘You mean, you could…’ Blackwall begins, and then hesitates. Would it work? Solas probably has an easy time of bringing Elera into his memories – she’s a fellow mage, a fellow Dreamer – but he himself is no mage. He has walked in the Fade (and those are memories he wouldn’t be sorry to forget), and he knows that it is no place for him.

‘See you there?’ Elera finishes for him. ‘In theory, yes. I would have to draw your mind there, and make sure you were... conscious. Lucid. Even most mages aren't, when they simply dream. But If I did that, then, yes, I would be able to see you. I… simply don’t know if I could do it.’

She fumbles for the hand she isn't already holding, her fingertips brushing air a few times before finding their mark, and closing tightly, almost violently, around his own.

‘But I want to try.’ The words are a whisper, but there’s fierceness behind them. ‘I want to – Elgar’nan, I just want to see you. With my eyes, not with my hands. I want to know what you look like, vhenan, I - I just have to see you.’

And Blackwall understands, because how could he not? He has felt the same, even with his eyesight intact. Didn’t he say almost those words to Elera, that night when he crept up to her room and waited for her on her balcony, screaming at himself to turn and leave but unable to stop his feet from moving, unable to walk away once he was there? Because even though he told himself it was so he could thank her for going with him to the Storm Coast, the truth slipped from his mouth almost the moment she stood in front of him – I just had to see you.

So he leans in and presses his lips to her forehad, just above her vallaslin - another shining moment of touch. ‘I’m willing to give it a try.’

Elera smiles. ‘Thank you.’

The words are already forming in his mouth to ask her exactly how this is supposed to be done, but she beats him to it. ‘You don’t need to do anything. Just… sleep. I’ll do the rest. And if it doesn’t work, I'll try another time until I manage it. I will see you.’

Blackwall doesn’t doubt it. This is a woman who walked out of the Fade, mended time itself, and brought a mountain down on a would-be god. All without eyesight. When Elera Lavellan says she plans to accomplish something, it’s only a matter of time before it’s done.

He closes his eyes again, and lets the warmth of her body and the sound of their breathing lull him into sleep.

~

He wakes, except he knows he hasn’t.

It’s the wrong place to be waking in, for starters. This is very resoundingly not Elera’s room in Skyhold; it’s a place he’s never seen before, but he would hazard a guess at it being a forest somewhere in the Free Marches. Beneath his feet, the ground is thick with ferns; above him, the sunlight is warm, but blocked in a thousand places by leaves that split it into dusty shafts.  In every other direction, trees stretch away into a green and brown blur that goes on farther than he can see. He’s standing in a small clearing, where the trees have parted around the bracken-shadowed gully cut by a stream.

He doesn’t know this place, and unless he’s been kidnapped, dressed in his day clothes, carried halfway across Thedas and dumped unceremoniously in the middle of the Free Marches, there’s no way for him to be here. Which means that this is one of Elera’s memories, and her plan to draw him into the Fade has worked.

Looking closer, he can pick out a few telltale signs that this isn’t the solid waking world he’s used to. Not that he’s anything of an expert on the Fade – walking through it during the whole Adamant affair didn't make him understand it – but even a child would be able to notice that the whole scene is a little… off. Nothing here is detailed – not the patterns of bark on the trees, not the moss on their trunks, not the dappled patterns of light and shadow. The stream’s line is unnaturally straight. And here and there, Blackwall can see patches where the world around him becomes suddenly indistinct – just vague colour that suggests a tree or a rock, without actually being one.

It only baffles him for a moment before he understands. This is a memory of Elera’s from before she went blind – but she lost her sight at eleven. He’s standing in something she remembers from her childhood, perhaps a place her clan once camped, but there’s no chance of a memory from a child with failing eyesight staying completely intact for sixteen years. The lack of detail, the bizarre regularity of the stream, the patches of fuzzy nothing – they come from the things she’s forgotten, the things she can’t quite recall with clarity.

And for all that… it’s beautiful.

Blackwall breathes in deeply, and is rewarded with the taste of cool morning air in his mouth. Here he stands, then, in the Fade, in Elera’s memory. Here, she will be able to see him.

He’s struck by an abrupt and unexpected feeling that, after a moment of thinking, he recognises as terror. It takes him another moment to work out why. Now he’s suddenly confronted with the fact that she will see him for the first time, he’s – what? Awkward? Self-conscious? Embarassed? Ashamed?

What is this, pride? he snarls silently at himself. What do you have to be proud of?

It’s stupid. Infantile. He knows it is, and yet… and yet his thoughts are suddenly circling around the lines on his face, the grey beginning to thread its way through his beard. He hasn’t given a thought to these things in years, it’s just one more thing his life alone has made him unaccustomed to. Because Thom Rainer cared about the way he looked, Thom Rainer was arrogant and proud. Everything that Thom Rainer valued, everything that Thom Rainer thought was important, Blackwall has tried so hard to despise.

She knows I’m not young. She knows – and she’s blind. Maker’s balls, you don’t really think a blind woman cares about the way people look –

‘Vhenan?’

Her voice sounds from behind him - soft, but clear. And at the sound of it, Blackwall suddenly knows that no matter how suddenly, undeservedly self-conscious he feels, he wants her to see him.

And so he turns around.

Elera stands beside the stream, clad in a forest-green tunic of the kind she must have worn back when she lived with her people, the broken sun-glow casting patches of shadow over her hair. Her pose is more relaxed, more natural, than he’s ever seen it in the waking world. And for the first time, her eyes are looking directly into his.

What did she expect him to look like, he wonders? Is she surprised, disappointed? She doesn’t even yet have any way to know for certain that this is him, he realises – so he swallows down the dryness in his throat and says, ‘My lady.’

Her eyes widen ever so slightly.

He stands there, unable to move, as she takes a step towards him. Then another. She’s halfway to him when his body seems to unfreeze, and he coughs, rubs the back of his neck, gestures towards his face.

‘Probably… more lines here than you were hoping for,’ he says. ‘And there’s far too much silver growing into this beard for my liking. But I… well, I hope you…’

The sentence falters and dies.

She stops in front of him, looking right at him, meeting his eyes. Her face is unreadable, set into that still mask she so often wears whenever she’s forced onto her throne to hold a judgement. Blackwall feels a pang of pity for the prisoners he’s seen dragged before her – he knows now how it feels to be completely bared before her, awaiting her verdict, hoping –

And then she smiles at him, smiles with that little twitch of her mouth that always warns that one of her rare jokes is imminent.

‘Well,’ she says. ‘Perhaps I do believe in love at first sight after all.’

Blackwall lets out his breath, chuckles, and reaches out to put his arms around her. Even here in the Fade, she’s so wonderfully real to touch. It still seems incredible, that he can place his hand on her and find that she isn’t going to fade away from him, that she’s flesh and blood like him. It makes him feel… anchored. Grounded. Whole.

Elera places a hand against his chest, spreading her fingers against the front of his jacket. She’s still smiling, and there’s a trace of fond amusement behind it. ‘You were worried, weren’t you?’

‘Not really. Well. Maybe a bit.’

‘You needn’t have been. I just wanted to see you, that was all.’ A quick laugh escapes her. ‘I’m blind. I'm blind everywhere but here. You don’t really think appearances matter to me? And besides…’

Her hands stray to his face as they have done so many times before, tracing the shapes her fingers must know so well by now.

‘Besides,’ she says again. ‘You have a beautiful face, vhenan.’

Years of living in the wilderness, living inside a lie, have made Blackwall unused to feeling certain things. Two of those things he feels now, standing here with Elera in this quiet corner of the Fade. The first is the precious sensation of another’s skin on his, lingering.

And the second is joy.

[patheticnugbaby]

I Have Not Forgotten

I rewrote the balcony scene my own way because for me it left a lot to be desired. I feel like the culmination of finally getting to stop chasing Solas around should’ve been... More. That being said, I didn’t do the balcony because I like the secret library better, so there. Elven translations are in the tags, which I tryharded the hell out of, I hope it sounds decent for a half baked language with no concrete rules.

Adahla bundled her cloak closer around her shoulders as she slunk through the darkened halls of Skyhold. If she was lucky she could make it out the door before anyone saw her. Her ear flicked as she heard a door open behind her and she cursed under her breath, slipping through the nearest door, shutting it quickly, quietly behind her.

It didn’t register to her immediately that the room behind her was still well lit, only when she turned, squinting a little in the sudden light before her eyes adjusted.

She was in the rotunda. She could smell plaster, the softer scent of pigments as they dried on the wall. There was the small sound of charcoal on paper. She slowly edged around the doorframe to see where it was coming from.

Solas. He was rarely awake this late in the night. He was sitting in the chair at his desk, ordinarily, he’d be facing her as she came in but tonight he was folded precariously, balancing a few leaves of paper clipped to a wooden board on his knees. He was facing just enough away from her not to see her as she came in.

She moved slowly. Carefully, delicately placing one bare foot in front of the other. Adahla almost hugged the walls, not quite touching, not sure what was safe for her to touch. Just a few more steps to the door-

“Good evening, Inquisitor,”

She stopped, her left foot barely touching the ground, frozen like a frightened halla.

Solas set his things on the desk, unfolding himself with a little stretch, “You forgot about your perfume, this time.”

Adahla frowned, bringing her wrist to her nose for an experimental sniff, then she growled a little, “I’ll remember for next time.”

“You intend on trying to sneak through here again?” There was a smile in his voice as he turned to face her.

She wrinkled her nose at him, “I intend on doing it successfully next time.”

“It doesn’t count if I’m asleep, Inquisitor.”

“You catch me even when I think you’re sleeping anyways, Solas,” She groused, folding her arms to scowl playfully at him, he smiled, interlocking his fingers in his lap, “What’re you doing up this late anyway?”

“My dreams have been troubling, so I pass the time for a few hours,” He tilted his head a little as though to indicate the discarded papers.

“May I see?” She dropped her arms to fold her hands together at her waist, a little smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

He gestured towards his desk with an open hand and she scuttled over, brushing her cloak behind her shoulders. The one on top that he’d been working on when she came in was hardly started, just a figure, left hand outstretched to the skies. She fought the urge to fiddle with the glove on her own left hand, it was thick and uncomfortable but it hid the ever-present glow.

“May I-?” Her right hand reached as though to pick on the board when he nodded she lifted it, careful not to smudge the drawing.

“A question, if I may, Inquisitor,”

“You can ask me anything, Solas,” She assured him, not looking up from the page, unconsciously sitting on the arm of his chair.

“What were you like? Before the Anchor.”

She paused, glancing down at her left hand, wrapped in a bulky glove.

“Has it... Changed you in any way?” He paused like he was struggling with words, “Your mind, your morals, your... Spirit?”

She set the papers down in her lap, turning a little to look at him while she thought, “I don’t think so. Then again, if it has I don’t know that I would notice.”

“No, you wouldn’t,” He smiled a little then, she returned it, partially to hide the sudden, nagging worry that gnawed on the back of her mind.

“Why?” She asked, turning back to look at the drawing, a woman’s figure, left arm outstretched.

“You have-” He stopped, then sighed like he was collecting himself, “There is a wisdom to you, Inquisitor. You are not what I expect-”

They both stopped at the sudden sound of a door slamming shut above them. Heavy footsteps, no metal jingling so it was leather boots. No clacking sound so the boots didn’t have a heel. She chanced a look at him, he was frozen, much like she had been before, eyes on the next floor.

“If you would prefer we could talk elsewhere,” She almost whispered, standing and holding out her right hand, “Come, walk with me.”

He hesitated, for a moment she was afraid he would refuse her. The longer she stood there the more butterflies she felt starting to roll in her stomach. Finally, he stood, taking her hand. He was warmer than she expected.

She gave him a wide grin, gently tugging him with her, “Where do you want to go?” she murmured, her smile widened a little when his ears just barely flicked.

He smiled at her, stepping around her and softly pulled her with him. He waved his open hand, dousing all the firelight in the rotunda, save one veilfire brazier. His eyes gleamed in the sudden dark, she couldn’t quite make out the expression on his face but she was sure there was a little smirk.

“Come with me,” His voice had a soft, throaty quality to it now, one that made her heart pound.

Solas led her through a door and down darkened steps. He walked quickly, not running but there was something that felt urgent in the way that he led her through the narrow halls of Skyhold. He opened one more door and she was bombarded with the scent of ink and old paper. The aged leather of book covers, the soft mustiness of months of dust accumulated on shelves. There was a single candle, lit with veilfire. It was unusually bright, even for veilfire, bathing the small library in an eerie blue-green light.

“What is this place?” She stepped ahead of him, letting go of his hand to run her fingertips along the spines of the books.

“A small and forgotten corner of the castle. It is only fitting that you know all its secrets,” He smiled, placing a hand on one of the thicker books, “perhaps some of the older volumes are still serviceable.”

“I hope so,” She breathed, running her fingers on the back of the chair before she turned to face him, leaning back on it, “You were saying something before we were interrupted.”

“I was,” He stayed at the entrance to the library for awhile before taking a small step closer to her, still looking at the ancient, worn spines of the books.

“Something about me not being what you expected?” She trailed off, hoping to prompt him into continuing.

“Yes,” He turned to look at her now, a crease in his brow that almost made him look angry, an expression she’s come to recognize as curiosity, “You are not at all what I have expected.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” She smiled, giving him a little helpless shrug of her shoulders.

“It’s not disappointing, Adahla, it’s-” He stopped like he needed to slow himself down and sighed, “Most people are predictable. You are not. You’ve shown a subtlety in your actions, a kind of wisdom I did not expect from you,” He paused, looking down at the floor before he met her eyes again, “If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours... Have I misjudged them?”

She tilted her head, searching his face for a moment, curiosity, perhaps something akin to nervousness, “Honestly? I’m not sure, Solas. I cannot speak for all of the Dalish, I cannot even really speak for all of Clan Lavellan,” She straightened herself a little, brushing some of the dust from her pants, “That being said, I would like to believe that I am who I am in addition to being Dalish, not because of it.”

“Well said,” He smiled, she wasn’t sure if he really noticed that he’d taken another step towards her, “you are unique, Adahla, and I am,” he stopped again, like he wasn’t sure about his next word, “You have impressed me.”

“Thank you,” She felt herself blushing across her cheeks and her ears, she bit her lip, “So, what does that mean, Solas?”

“It means I haven’t forgotten the kiss,” He wore almost a sly smile but there was something almost hopeful to his eyes.

The butterflies that had almost calmed in her stomach rose to her chest, along with that warm swell of power that made her step forward, “Good.”

She sidled up to him slowly, at first, he took a small step to the side, like he was trying to put some distance between them. Adahla came so close to him that she could just lean up a little and she could kiss him again. She didn’t, standing just a few short inches away, hands held behind her, shoulders pushed back a little. She tilted her head, swaying softly. He leaned close like he couldn’t help himself before giving a tiny shake of his head. As he turned to leave she caught his elbow lightly, he could pull away easily, but he didn’t.

“Don’t go.” She was pleased with how strong her voice sounded despite the heavy pounding of her heart, the almost nauseous feeling of hundreds of butterfly wings beating in her chest.

He bowed his head a little, not turning to look at her, “It would be kinder in the long run but-” he paused again, almost like he didn’t want to admit it, then he turned back to her, quickly enough to snap his arm from her grasp, “Losing you would-”

His hands caught her hips, leaning down to kiss her and pull her close. She brought her arms up to splay her fingers over his back, one of his hands came up to the back of her neck to tug her closer. He broke away, just a moment to turn and press her back to the bookshelf before kissing her again with a hungry growl. He pressed close to her, his thigh pushed between her legs made her mewl softly against his mouth. He pulled away from her all too quickly, even if she was panting, he was too.

“Ar lath ma, vhenan,” He froze immediately after saying it, almost like he was going to flee.

She felt her cheeks heat, like little campfires and her ears flicked, “Ma vhenan,” she raised a hand to touch his cheek, then down to run a thumb across his bottom lip, “Ar las mir lath, ma na’en mir vhenan vhenas.”

“Ar ma mirthandra,” He sighed, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead, “Ma emma mir vhenan sulan’nehn.”

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck, leaning in to gently touch the tip of his nose with hers. To her delight, he laughed, quietly at first, then louder as he tightened his arms around her waist to lift her from the ground, spinning to set her on her feet away from the shelves. He grinned at her, reaching to brush a few stray locks of hair from her face.

“Should we return?” He asked her quietly like he never wanted to leave this little corner of the library.

“Ordinarily I’d say yes, that’s it’s late and I will need as much sleep as I can get but I don’t know if I could possibly sleep tonight,” She beamed at him, grasping one of his hands and placing it over her heart so he could feel how it hammered under her ribs.

He smiled and took her hand, pressing her palm to his chest. As first, she didn’t feel much, then, there it was, his heart beating as strong and fast as her own. She giggled again raising her eyes to look up at him. The veilfire lit his face well, sharpening the line of his cheekbone, the firmness of his jaw. He was smiling at her, she didn’t remember ever seeing him smile this much and it was so lovely just to see him smiling at her with all the warmth in the world.

“Ar lath, ma vhenan,” Solas breathed the words quietly, like a secret before he took his hand from her chest, interlacing their fingers. “We should get you back to your rooms. It’s nearly time for the spymaster to awaken. She always checks on you.”

“Leliana? Really?” Her eyes went a little wide before she narrowed them to little slits, wrinkling her nose, “She just wanders in while I’m sleeping?”

He laughed, giving her hand a soothing squeeze as he started to lead her from the library, “She must for you not be aware of it.”

Adahla groaned, then leaned on him as they walked, “Why does everyone seem to think that it’s acceptable to just wander on in whenever they like?”

“You don’t seem to have any qualms about doing it yourself, vhenan,” He nudged her gently and she huffed.

“I was trying not to be seen by various busybodies.”

He laughed, gently pulling her to walk ahead of him until they reached the door that would lead them right outside Josephine’s office. She set her hand on the doorknob, turning only when he let her hand go.

“I believe this is where we say goodnight, vhenan,” He gave her a little smile, hands laced behind his back.

She stepped back to him, lightly pushing her palm against his heart, still thundering, “Neither of us are going to be able to sleep yet, Solas. Would you like to come up with me?” Noting the sudden nervousness in his expression she added: “I’m not asking you to share my bed with me, Solas. I would just like to talk with you a little longer if you’re amenable to it.”

He hesitated a moment, then put his hand over hers, “Ma nuvenin.”

She grinned, pulling his fingers to her lips to kiss them before she led him up to her quarters. He sat on the couch, lifting a book from the small pile at the foot of it while she opened all her windows.

“You’ve been studying,” He remarked, setting the book down on the pile.

“There are large gaps in my learning, I’m sure partially due to the biased education I had with my clan,” She stopped, setting her hands on her hips with a chuckle, “Creators, my Keeper would have my hide if she heard that.”

He chuckled, “We shall have to keep it a secret, then.”

She grinned, skipping over to the couch where he lounged, sitting between his legs and resting her head on his chest, “Is this alright-?”

“No,” He kissed the top of her head, “this is perfect,” Solas wrapped his arms around her, one hand came up to touch her hair, “May I let your hair down?”

“It doesn’t really go down but yes, you may,” She smiled, nuzzling a little further into his chest.

He gently tugged the cord binding her hair until it unwound, setting it aside and running his long fingers through her hair. It was soothing, peaceful just to lay here with his arms wrapped securely around her.

After what could’ve been hours, or maybe it was just a few short moments she heard the soft creak of her door opening. She raised her head, ears flicking forward a little.

“Who’s there?” She called, ignoring Solas’s soft chuckle as he leaned down to nuzzle softly by her ear.

There was no response, only the sound of her door shutting quickly and boots retreating down the walkway, “She cares for you, that is why she checks.”

Adahla grumbled, settling back to get a little more comfortable, “You care for me too and as far as I know you haven’t been sneaking into my bedchamber uninvited to check on me.”

“No,” He admitted, leaning back a little and pulling her with him, “but after Redcliffe you asked me if I would keep an eye on your dreams.”

“I wasn’t going to ask Vivienne or Dorian,” She answered a little defensively, nestling her head in the hollow of his throat.

“An excellent point, but you never asked me to desist,” He replied, gently rubbing circles on her shoulders.

“You’re right,” She smiled, then tilted her head to nip at his throat, eliciting a soft rumble, “however, if you find that tiresome you are free to stop.”

“You could never be tiresome, ma lath.”

She giggled, wrapping her arms snugly around his waist, “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”

He didn’t reply except to kiss the top of her head again and run his fingers through her hair. She yawned and licked her lips a little, snuggling closer to him, he chuckled softly.

“Vhenan, you should sleep,” There was something soft, tender in his voice that made her sure that he wouldn’t make her.

“Stay just a little longer, ma lath,” She buried her face in his chest, “Ma vhenan.”

Solas smiled, brushing the hair from her face and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. When he was sure she had fallen asleep he gently shifted her into his arms and tucked her into her bed. She didn’t wake, only moved to grasp a pillow tightly in her arms while she slept. He allowed himself a small smile and brushed the hair from her face. He knew it was selfish of him to continue this, whatever this really was but he found that he couldn’t help himself. There was something about her that was absolutely disarming. He wanted nothing more than to lay in her arms for an eternity.

Solas shook his head to dispell the thought and rounded her room, closing the windows she’d opened. After a moment’s hesitation, he went back to her desk and wrote her a little note.

Ma lath, ma emma mir vhenan sulahn’nehn sulevin. Ma melava mirthadra mala lath. Sominar an atish’an.

My love, you have filled my heart with joy and purpose. You have honored me with your love. Dream in a peaceful place.

[galadrieljones]

Just a note on the Commander

Last night while playing chess with Cullen in the garden at Skyhold, Sene flirted with him because, you know, cute boy, and she was like “We should spend more time together.” Then something happened that had never happened before, and maybe that’s because I usually get to the chess scene BEFORE I soft-lock on Solas after the balcony kiss. In any case, here’s what was said:

Sene: [flirts] We should spend more time together.

Cullen: Wouldn’t you rather spend time with Solas?

Sene: [awkward pause] Yes, uh. I mean, as friends.

Cullen: Right. Friends.

This really caught me by surprise. It was such an organic moment, and for it to happen between them, I was like, just really in love with the writing here. It made me love the Commander more than I already did. He’s this courteous, self-sufficient, calm but assertive man who directly addresses her flirtation as being detached from any true romantic intention. He knows she’s with Solas, and he has no intention of a.) stepping in where he does not belong, or b.) continuing idle flirtation that has no viable, romantic outcome attached. He does not turn into an asshole or act offended. He does not become angry or sulky when she says “I meant just as friends.” He is, perhaps, disappointed, but he had already braced himself for as much by asking her to clarify her intentions in the first place. Cullen values Sene, but he communicates here that he doesn’t have much interest in being led on by Sene. This catches her off guard a little bit. His dialogue here is actually super assertive.

This is a mature, confident man, and I’ve always thought so, but this did a lot to paint that picture as one that goes deeper than simple, surface-level behaviors that seem to communicate confidence and social assertiveness, like charm or that thing some people refer to as “game.” Cullen may not be a “smooth operator” (though that is arguable and highly subjective), but he is a man of code, honor, and confidence in his place and stature. He does not need a woman to validate him as a romantic interest in order to spend time with her, even if he does find her attractive, and this, in and of itself, makes him more attractive. I just found this to be very interesting.

Tagging @kaoruyogi @ladydracarysao3 @5ftgarden and any of my other Cullenite mutuals and followers, per your potential interest.

[alittlestarling]

Rosalind as a Companion

Because I have too many feelings about her these days, I’ve completed the whole Inquisitor-as-a-Companion meme for Roz. I may or may not be working on an outline for a whole story sort of around this >>;

1. If not for the Conclave, what would drive your character to join the Inquisition? Rosalind wouldn’t necessarily join the Inquisition of her free will. The game never states as much, but I’ve had this headcanon that the rebellion at Ostwick wasn’t quite so peaceful. Rosalind, along with a handful of others, escaped just before the Circle fell when things were rocky and precarious on what the future had for mages. She was on the run for a time with others but they were separated before the Conclave. Rosalind would be found not far from the mage hideaway in the Witchwood and given the option to be recruited (which I’ll go into with the next question).

2. How would they meet the Inquisitor? In the Witchwood just after the Inquisitor cleared out the violent rebels. Rosalind wasn’t with them; rather, she was trying to reach the camp so talk them out of fighting with everyone coming through the area. The Inquisitor is given the choice to recruit her since she has information about the rebel mages (or has an idea of how to connect easily with them) in Redcliffe.

3. What would some of their cutscenes look like? Most notably there would be a couple cutscenes where Roz is helping with the refugees, both in Haven and when they’re settling in at Skyhold. The Skyhold scene involves Rosalind probably being followed around by some of the children they’ve picked up (like a little row of ducklings) which is so flipping adorable and one of my favorite headcanons.

4. What would their romance route look like? Would they be romancable? For sure! Roz would be romancable by male or female Inquisitors of any race. Approval is earned through helping others (high approval when they’re mages), agreeing that the Circle needs to be changed and by engaging her in conversation about the world around her. When her approval is high enough, her personal quest is unlocked. A cutscene triggers and she comes to see the Inquisitor with a letter in her hands and asks for a favor. Rumors of someone she mentored have reached her and she needs someone to look into it. Scouts are sent through the War Table and a mission opens up (which Roz requests to be part of). Reunited with her mentee opens up the option to romance her. Despite her rather shy approach to the subject, she’s straight-forward in her desire to explore a romance if brought up. There would definitely be lots of smooching in the garden for kiss scenes. She would also be the first to admit that she could have never expected something like this since romance and love was strictly forbidden in the circle.

5. If they romanced someone as Inquisitor, would they still fall for that person as a companion? How would that play out? How would they react to that person being romanced by the “new” Inquisitor? I mean, if it were up to me, YES. In a universe where Iron Bull wasn’t set as a romance for Dorian on the side, I could see the pair of them pairing off if they’re in the same party often. There would be some ambient dialogue at the beginning, especially in regards to mage rights where they butt heads but eventually it would spiral into conversations with blatant discussion of wants and needs. Their romance would only trigger after Demands of the Qun and only if the Inquisitor saved the Chargers.

If the new Inquisitor romanced Iron Bull, there wouldn’t be any bad blood or anything. More it would keep things a little distant between Bull and Roz, more professional and maybe friendly without being too close.

6. Write some of their party banter (in reaction to major events, scenery dialogue, or just shitting around. Askers can specify for which character/event, or leave it up to the writer).

Bringing Roz to the Storm Coast by the water would trigger this dialogue:

Roz: Maker, can we...can we not go climbing along the rocks? Inquisitor: Is something wrong? Roz: No, I mean - (sigh) I just don’t want to fall in. Inquisitor: Afraid of getting wet? Roz: No. I just...well, I can’t swm, actually.

(If Cole is in the Party)

Cole: Splashing, gasping, weighed down, you fear a dark death beneath the waves. But on solid ground you know better than to worry. Roz: I know you’re meant to be helpful, Cole, but that most certainly was not comforting.

7. What would be on their tombstone in the fade (what is their greatest fear)? Made Tranquil

8. What kind of Inquisitor would drive them to leave the Inquisition/confront them about their actions (what gets their approval low? what does that scene look like)? Low approval would definitely come from actions like making Erimond Tranquil, suppressing mages and generally making choices that cause more bloodshed rather than compromise. Roz wouldn’t make a big deal out of leaving, simply pack her things and go. She might write a letter in the end as a gesture of thanks either way for saving her life but now she’s searching for a greater purpose, which she obviously knew she wouldn’t find there.

9. Where in Skyhold would they be found? (e.g. Cole is in the tavern rafters, Leliana in the top of the tower, Varric in the throne room, etc.) Initially she could be found in Skyhold’s gardens where she tries to help things grow (she may be less than great at healing but herbalism is a strength of hers). If the Inquisitor builds a Mage tower, she moves up there and works with the NPCs in that building, making her desk up on that second floor.

10. If Inquisition operated like DA:O, what would their gift items be? Rose scented perfume, a locket that looks pretty close to one she had back in the circle and probably a few different books.

11. How would they grow as a person? How would they compare at the end of the Inquisition as a companion to who they were as the Inquisitor? Without the pressures of command, I think Roz would be more open on her opinions, regardless of who it made angry. She’d have a much stronger stance on reforming the Circles and finding a way to keep the power-hungry from looking over their charges. She grows a little more powerful and stronger in her voice either way, but as a companion she just uses it more to help causes near to her heart without worrying that she’s going to offend some third party or that the organization will fall apart under the weight of her choices. Her biases remain intact, to be honest, and she doesn’t have to harden herself as much to make the hard choices.

12. Do they believe the Herald of Andraste is really the Herald of Andraste? Roz would be skeptical about the whole deal, honestly. The idea of being around a holy figure is a little overwhelming, even though she has roots in her faith that she holds tight to. Instead she views them as more of just an important figure rather than a religious symbol.

13. If the Herald didn’t have them tag along to prep the trebuchets, what would they do during the battle for Haven? (bonus: would they join in on the impromptu Dawn Will Come choir practice in the camp?) Evacuating the houses and encampment of the people who have joined up. Then ultimately holding off enemies as they went up the path. She would sing - a soft soprano that is barely noticeable but there all the same.

14. What nickname does Varric give them? Rosebud.

15. Without the influence of their decisions for the Inquisition, which of the companions do they get along with? Which ones do they bicker with? I LOVE thinking about this. Roz would definitely get along best with Dorian and Vivienne - despite Viv’s desire to reinstate the Circle, there’s a healthy respect between the pair of them, though Roz very specifically does not talk about her use of Blood Magic around her for good reason. It’s one of the few secrets she keeps close to her chest. Bull and the Chargers are also high on the list of people she gets on with. Pretty sure she flirts easily with Blackwall before the revelation of who he is but she tries to still be a friend since she understands the weight of a secret like his.

She’s pretty neutral comes it comes to Sera, Cole and Cassandra. She gets along with them fine but they’re not people she actively seeks out (though eventually she and Cassandra enjoy romance novels together for fun when they have downtime). Josephine is also someone Roz would be cordial to but doesn’t seek her out often.

Solas, Cullen and Leliana are people she pretty much avoids for varying reasons. She and Solas don’t see eye-to-eye; Leliana kind of terrifies her; and Cullen she avoids for the obvious reasons that he was a Templar she doesn’t trust them at all.

16. What would the Fear Demon say to them in the Fade to try and discourage them? “Do you think they’d readily accept you when they knew what you’ve done? Maleficarum in the Inquisition, a stain on their organization. They’ll hold you down and turn you Tranquil the first chance they get.” It’s unnerving and probably the first time anyone in their group has heard her called a Blood Mage (the closest secret she holds) but Roz snaps back (shakily) that it’ll have to try harder than that old line.

17. Where do they hang out in the Winter Palace? What’s their thoughts on the nobles/The Game? On one of the balconies or in the gardens; somewhere she has room to move and isn’t up to her eyeballs in nobles pestering her or whispering theatrically about another Mage in the Inquisition. Since she came from a noble family, people expect her to have a firm grasp of the Game and how to react to things; surprise surprise though, Roz left for the Circle at the tender age of six and so this is like throwing a minnow to the sharks. She’s visibly uncomfortable and is happier to go off investigating rather than standing around and being stared at.

18. What’s their reaction to a dragon showing up? Profuse swearing, honestly. “Are you sure you want to fight that thing? Let me make sure we have healing potions on hand.”

19. Once Corypheus is beaten, what do they do during the party? Do they stay with the Inquisition, or go somewhere else? What could the Inquisitor do to convince them to stay? Roz is probably at one of the tables (near Bull since she probably comments on that if they were romanced). She’s excited and talks about going out to enjoy the night sky without that mess of green there. “Nightmare fuel’s gone and now we can just enjoy the quiet that comes with a victory, yeah?” If romanced by the Inquisitor, she expresses hope to continue working in the garden. “If you want me to stay, that is.” There’s relief in her voice when the Inquisitor agrees. If romanced into being with Bull, she talks about seeing more of the world around them. “The Chargers seem to get around and I figure they could use a mage.” There’s a few winks shared over the obvious white lie of it.

Unromanced, Roz can be convinced to stay and tend to the garden if she wants or encouraged to go exploring in the world. “You have a choice now, freedom to do what you want. Don’t you want to venture forth and see what’s out there?” A chuckle from her. “Perhaps I could, Inquisitor. It’s because of you I can do that. Thank you.”

20. How do they react to learning abominations can retain their consciousness and identity, and even live peacefully with their spirits/demons, as seen in Stone-Bear Hold? Roz would be endlessly intrigued at how things are run at the hold versus what she knows of magic in the Circle. Wary, perhaps, and a little sad for those who she knew that had to be made Tranquil rather than let them live.

21. What do they think of the discoveries made in the Deep Roads? Do they make any comments on anything? Amazement, honestly, especially when they reach the central chamber where the Titan is located. Beyond that, though, she probably has a few things to say about being underground and hoping they’re not down there for too long (“I need fresh air sooner or later.”).

22. If you have another Inquisitor, how would those two get along, specifically? She and Ellana would probably get on well! Roz would probably try to take Ellana under her wing and there would be a lot of discussion about the differing forms of magic that they practice.

23. In trespasser, what “gift” would they give the Inquisitor, if any? A few balms to help with the pain of the anchor. Even if she’s been off in the world, being around the Inquisitor again would make it very clear that they’re in pain. These would be new concoctions that she created with them in mind. Also lots of tea.

24. What are their plans for after the Exalted Council? Will the Inquisition staying in tact or being disbanded make a difference? Roz tells the Inquisitor of her plans to settle somewhere, perhaps make brews and potions for those who need it. A quiet life, she tells them, one she’s certain she deserves. If she’s with Bull, it’s a place big enough for them and the Chargers; a romanced Inquisitor would be invited along. “I know it wouldn’t be as big as a castle, but perhaps you deserve a little peace and quiet instead.” She’d stay with the Inquisitor, either way.

25. In the alternate reality, if they were corrupted with lyrium, how do they act? What’s their attitude about the end of the world/their inevitable death? After seeing the Inquisitor and Dorian vanish, Roz would have done any and everything to change the reality they wind up in, including making deals with demons and spirits. She doesn’t matter, she tells her companions, but the Herald needed to come back to them to save the world. There’s a high chance that she was an abomination living in a shell; Rosalind Trevelyan wasn’t there any longer, simply a host. But the deal they struck would have kept it in check somehow so there was no reason to stay alive with the world falling apart. Long before the demon took control, Roz was willing to die and that’s exactly what she would have done in the face of it all.

[dalishious]

so since you said you love talkin about ur chars I would love to hear about Amaris and Solas at the Dislike stage, and how they hashed it out until he earned the rank of Acceptable Being. Solas getting called out on his sour sniping about Dalish culture and starting to reassess his viewpoint is such an important step in ANY meaningful positive relationship (romantic or platonic) between him and a happily Dalish Lavellan, I love hearing about it for individual inquisitors...

(*Excited squeaking*)

So obviously, this is my own content written in the margins of the canon pages…

The fact that Solas was so rude about the Dalish was indeed the biggest reason the two did not get along at first. His “They insult themselves” response to her “You insult my people” basically resulted in her telling him to fuck off. But before that bridge was crossed, they had to get over the fact that they’re both kind of know-it-alls. Amaris really didn’t like it when he’d try to explain things she knew full well about, regarding history and magic. Solas really didn’t like it when she would cut him off every time he tried to say anything. This of course eventually came to a snapping point, (about the time of In Hushed Whispers) in which she accused him of treating her like a child when she was a fully grown woman, and a talented mage herself. This reduces the mansplaining, and therefore reduces her cutting him off. They start to speak more, and Amaris soon starts asking questions about what he says he’s seen in dreams. She is a lover of history and knowledge, after all, and is happy to hear what he has to say when not always so condescending.

These conversations slip into the Dalish once and a while. She tries to explain to him that it’s awfully unfair of him to be angry at the Dalish for doing their best to collect and preserve what they can from the fragmented stolen history and culture. And that if there is anyone to be angry at about the loss of the ancient times, it’s Tevinter. Which he usually responds with “hmm.” She takes this as reluctant agreement.

Their time becomes a bit of a relief for Amaris, because she gets really, really anxious after too much time around too many people. And there aren’t very many places in Skyhold she can hide from it all. 

And then, after their first Fade Adventure™ there’s the balcony scene. He has the line, “If the Dalish could raise someone with a spirit like yours... Have I misjudged them?” To which she says yes.

After this, the only time it’s brought up again is after she puts Briala in control, with his “Oh, you mean elves” thing. (Which I just want to say, didn’t make a whole lot of sense and is kind of contradictory to some of his other dialogue; party banter with Sera and comments and such. But whatever. Elves suck, we get it.)

I just like the idea of Solas’ balcony comment being more than just him seeing the Inquisitor as a person being good and that changes his mind, but an Inquisitor talking to him about it and him seeing their points. Also, how many times do we get to hear Solas say he’s misjudged something? I’m just saying. I think he is at least questioning himself here. As he does by gaining the friendship of any Inquisitor. “But what if... These people matter...” 

I mean, it’s obviously not enough to change his desire to end the world. (Yet? lol) But it’s a piece of character development, and what makes him a better villain. Villains should have character development and personalities and such just as much as the heroes. It’s why characters like Loghain made for such better antagonists than Corypheus, who is pretty flat in character IMO.