#Kaili tabris

[marquis1305]

OC Name Playlist

Tagged by: @heraldofwho​ Tagging: @nekithamajere​ @may-the-magic-be-ever-in-your-fa​ @lukacola​ @impishelf​ @briarfox13​ @ravenqueen89​ K - Keep yourself alive- Queen

Keep yourself alive, come on Keep yourself alive Ooh, it'll take you all your time and money honey You'll survive, shake

Ow Keep yourself alive, wow Keep yourself alive Oh, it'll take you all your time and money To keep me satisfied

Do you think you're better every day? No, I just think I'm two steps nearer to my grave 

Kaili’s first and foremost goal is survival. At all costs, the only thing more important to her is the survival of the people she cares about. She’s a pragmatist. She’s willing to make the hard choices. To sacrifice anything else necessary, if it means buying them one more day. 

A - All You Wanna Do - SIX the Musical 'Cause all you wanna do All you wanna do baby Is touch me, when will enough be enough? See All you wanna do All you wanna do baby Squeeze me, don't care if you don't please me Bite my lip and pull my hair As you tell me I'm the fairest of the fair

In almost every verse, Kaili is used to being sexualized, to the point where she absolutely turns it into a weapon. If they want her, she can use that to get close enough to slit their throats and make it even for every time they used her. 

I - Ignite - Jeff Williams (RWBY)

Usually, I devastate This time I'd annihilate Any minute now, you're gonna rue our meeting Messin' with my family Means that soon, you're history The moments of your life are fleeting Looking pretty tattered Your blood is really splattered Won't be long until I end this game You're looking toothless I'm feeling ruthless Watch me burn as you go down in flames

And speaking of slitting throats. Kaili doesn’t back down, she doesn’t stop, if she wants you dead she will find a way to make it happen. And if you dare mess with the people she considers family... well... the moments of your life are fleeting...

L - Lovely - Billie Eilish

Thought I found a way Thought I found a way, yeah (found) But you never go away (never go away) So I guess I gotta stay now

Oh, I hope some day I'll make it out of here Even if it takes all night or a hundred years Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near Wanna feel alive, outside I can fight my fear

Isn't it lovely, all alone? Heart made of glass, my mind of stone Tear me to pieces, skin to bone Hello, welcome home

As a child, all Kaili ever wanted was to be able to leave Denerim. To find a way out of the alienage where she was nothing more than trash. With the Wardens she can do that, but it costs her more and more of herself. And there is always a piece of her that is tied to where she came from. The person she was before... The person stolen away by circumstance and choices.

I - I want you to know - Zedd

Honey it's raining tonight But storms always have an eye have an eye Tell me you're covered tonight Or tell me lies tell me lies liesI want you to know that it's our time You and me bleed the same light I want you to know that I'm all yours You and me we're the same force I want you to know that it's our time You and me bleed the same light I want you to know that I'm all yours You and me run the same course

For her canon romance with Zevran, she finds a kindred spirit. Someone who understands where she is coming from and where she wants to go. Through everything they go through, they try to cover each other from the storm. 

[royal-babey]

Random doodles

Idfk man

[hurl-a-can]

😇On the forehead (Kaili to Lennan)

Falling asleep on the bench in front of the house was certainly not his intention - he meant to read. But it’s such a nice, warm, sunny day and he’s so tired and it’s so hard to stay awake amidst the soft buzzing of the bees and the chirping of the birds...Just as he’s drifting off, something blocks the sun and there’s a touch on his brow and a loud smacking sound resonates against and through his brainbox. He jerks awake with a small startled yelp and falls off the bench.He looks up to see Kaili standing above him and laughing her head off.He jumps to his feet, narrows his eyes at her and the corners of his mouth go up in a smirk. ‘I’ll give you a headstart, cousin. Counting to five. One... Two... Thrrreeeeeee....’ He watches as she starts sprinting away at full speed - and then he sits down on the bench and reaches for his book.

[fade-and-loathing-in-thedas]

Okay, so I made a quick collage of the face claims for my Wardens. They're not, like, identical but they are the closest I can find and they radiate their energy.

(starting from top left)

Zoe Kravitz for Iona Aeducan

Kaily Hsu for Strix Brosca

Aiyana Lewis for Briala Aeducan

Daiane Sodre for Arianni Tabris

Marie Avgeropoulos for Aurelia Cousland

Mya Hawke for Loretta Cousland

Cole Sprouse for Theron Mahariel

Caitlin Stasey for Maralen Surana

Clara Delevigne for Akroma Amell

[antivanmonarch]

Kaili Tabris is very actively NOT domestic. She cannot sew, is a hoarder, and the only thing you want her to cook are poisons. While she occasionally tests her hands at domestic things, she has long accepted that it was not her lot in life. She would rather kill for a living than be a housewife anyways.

kaili and i have a lot in common then, friend, i can't sew or do other household tasks worth crap and if i had to become a housewife i would probably launch myself down a cliff

[seboostianillustrations-ina-blog]

OC Fact Swap: Kaili Tabris would legit drop what she was doing to go help the Inquisitor if they asked. She is epic at delegating, and has no problems leaving the quest she was on in good hands. However, she would never let someone go through what she did during the Blight, in being unprepared and taking on so much responsibility alone.

Aaaaa. I already love your Tabris, just by reading this. x’D

Hallalin would risk his life for anyone and he does every quest he’s given, no matter if they’re small or big. He cries over the death of strangers, even if he only knew them for a few hours. Whenever Hallalin gets notes and letters about Blood sacrifices, he won’t think twice before he drops everything and stops it. There’s too many times he has put his life as Inquisitor on the line, barely escaping death, but it’s just a part of his selflessness. 

[lcgacyofages-a]

💏 (Lyr Cousland and Kaili Tabris please)

send me a 💏 and i will randomise a number in order for my muse to kiss yours… | ACCEPTING

29. As a promise

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, pulling back with a smirk and brows lifted a bit.

“Look, I promise we won’t get ourselves killed,” Lir told the warden, “your concern is endearing but we’ve got darkspawn to deal with and splitting up would be the best way to divide and you know it.”

He gave her a wink before heading off with his part of the group. The would meet up again, no worries at all. At least he hoped.

[marquis1305]

tmi tuesday for as many of your kiddos as you like: What is your ultimate goal in life? How would you like to life that you could in the end say it was a good life?

Ooooo I like this one

---------------------------------------Marcus: Look, there are things in my life that I want to atone for. Things that I probably never will be able to. But so long as I know that I’m working towards that goal, and towards being a dad to my son, then I’ll be able to say I came out the other side better. That’s a good enough life for me.Moriphean: My duty is to my clan and family, as their First. But my passion is for the knowledge lost to time. There are so many things the Dalish have lost. It is part of my job as the next Keeper to find and restore as much of that knowledge as possible. If I am able to do this, and to walk the path of Peace through Sylaise, then I can be happy with how my life has passed.

Mesara: My ultimate goal is to be free. Free of duty to my family, free of duty to the Inquisition, free of the chains that have bound me since birth. I do not know where that path shall take me, but so long as I find myself along the way, then the journey is a worthy one.Kaili: Survival is the only thing I lived for for the majority of my life. But honestly, the only goal I have ever had was to keep my family safe. Anything to keep them safe. Whether it is the family I have known since birth, or the family I have found along the way. I don’t care what happens to me, not so long as I can make sure nothing happens to them.”

[marquis1305]

TMI Tuesday

Alright, I’ll hop on the train Ask any question for any of my OCs, there are a lot more of them now!

[royal-babey]

Fire Within

Just a short oneshot I wrote with my oc’s (mainly featuring Nico Mahariel), and @marquis1305 ‘s oc’s Kaili Tabris and Marcus Exerion ^^ enjoy!

-

Tw: Blood, fighting, gore, mentions of death, injuries, violence

-

They were in the Brecillian, going after the heart of Witherfang for the Keeper Zathrian.

Nico wouldn’t admit it, but the Brecillian was a pain to navigate, even for a Dalish like him. With all of the spirits inhabiting it’s plants and creatures, it was a terrain that was not meant to be easy. He got relatively safe passage because he was an elf, as were most of his companions, but they only ever got so far before some form of trouble popped out of nowhere.

So far they had dealt with a demon trap camp, werewolves, Sylvan, darkspawn, whatever forest creature that could be named, definitely appeared.

It was wearing on everyone’s nerves, to be rather frank.

They had been there for a few days now. Kaili had given up complaining about the woods, as had her elder brother Aya. Her brothers lover, Kellen, seemed to keep him relaxed though. Percy had ran out of Lyrium potions trying to keep everyone alive and had mostly resorted to using blood magic, much to the dismay of his human lover Marcus. They had a few companions with them, Alistair and Leliana that was. As for Nico…

Well, Nico needed a nap. Being here was exhausting both mentally and physically. For the last time he was there just a few months prior…

Well, best not to think about it.

The day had been relatively quiet, and none of them trusted it one bit. Usually by that time, they’d have been attacked by something.

When Nico voiced those thoughts aloud, he hadn’t actually wanted them to be attacked.

Just a few seconds later, almost all of the Grey wardens tensed up. Whispering beginning to sneak into their minds in a language they didn’t quite understand…

“BEHIND US!”

Alistair bellowed, and the party turned their attention to the dozens of darkspawn ambushing them from an overpass. In an instant the front line fighters, Kaili, Marcus, Alistair and Kellen were working to thin their number in a frontal assault. Meanwhile, the archers, Nico, Leliana, and Aya worked to keep any others off their backs. Percy was trying to keep everyone boosted, and occasionally a darkspawn would explode as Percy used blood magic to boil their own like an overheated stew.

Things were going fine, for the most part. No one was dead, though Marcus had taken a blow to the leg and was chugging down an elfroot potion, and Aya had ran out of arrows so he had taken to stabbing any that got too close with a dagger.

Kaili was as happy as ever, laughing gleefully as she sunk her blades into Darkspawn after Darkspawn. Kellen joined her, the two quipping and comparing kill scores.

Alistair and Leliana were also working as well as ever.

Nico thought they were nearly done. That they were finally managing to disperse the last of the Darkspawn so they could get moving again.

How wrong he was.

Just as Kaili finished off the last Genlock, they all heard a thundering roar. Nico’s senses were screaming at him that something big and tainted was heading right for them. No doubt it was the same for the other wardens.

A few seconds after, an ogre appeared, barrelling towards them at always freakishly high speeds. Most of them dived out the way in time, Nico included, but when he looked over…

Kaili was caught in its fist, growling in frustration and cussing it out whilst she struggled to get loose. She couldn’t get her hand free to grab a poison or a dagger otherwise she would have been able to get it to loosen its grip enough for her to slip out.

Time seemed to slow for Nico there. His lover is caught in the grasp of a very large and powerful foe, and she may die if he doesn’t do something and quick.

In one second flat, he has his bow in hand again and an arrow drawn.

Nico acted fast. He had it lined up in the direction of the ogres head, but he had to be careful. One wrong move, or sudden gust of wind, and Kaili would be as good as dead either by Nico’s hand or not.

He inhaled, and held it, grey eyes narrowed and focused intensely on where he wanted his arrow to fly. He had never shown this much concentration before when using his bow, and it led the others to have an inkling about how he hadn’t yet shown them just how good he was with a bow.

If he could line it up to shoot it through the ogres eye, he could save her.

But it wouldn’t be enough.

So, he resorted to something he hadn’t in years. Abilities he had long since forced himself to repress after his Father’s death. Abilities only a select few ever found out about, and two of those people ended up dead.

Quietly, under his breath, Nico whispered one word as he released his arrow.

“Nár…”

With that, the tip of his arrow burst into flames. It flew through the air in a perfect line, almost magically directing itself into the ogres.

It hit its mark with a sickening thud, buried deep in the ogres eye socket. The ogre screamed and dropped Kaili in its rage, who had just enough time after hitting the ground to roll out the way, as the ogre began to pound on it and let out a deafening and enraged screeching.

A few moments later, it’s head completely exploded. Pieces of brain and blood and bone scattering all over the ground, plants and people. It was...Really disgusting. But the ogre was dead, and it’s headless body fell to its knees, before completely collapsing.

Everyone just stared at it, exhaustion taking over as the adrenaline wore off. Eventually, one by one, people seemed to be able to think again, and everyone looked to Percy.

Much to the relief of Nico.

They all thought he had cast the spell, had lit Nico’s arrow and made its head explode from the inside out. Only...Percy hadn’t. He knew that too and tried to open his mouth to say something.

But when he caught Nico shaking his head subtly out of the corner of his eye, he fell silent again.

“Hey, nice shot, Nico!!!”

Nico heard Kaili’s voice, and he gave her a weak smile as she approached, smiling as widely as ever and chugging down a potion. He was happy she was okay, he truly was, but...He couldn’t bring himself to move his feet. Or even reply to her.

“Nico?”

He just felt...Really, really tired. Dizzy. Like he was completely drained…

He tried to force himself to take a step forward, but as soon as he did, his legs completely gave out and he collapsed to the ground.

The last thing he heard before darkness claimed him was Kaili crying out his name again.

Perhaps using such a strong spell hadn’t been the smartest idea...

[marquis1305]

Dancing

I stole @hoehoehoelt‘s Nico once more for a further take on our Dales Royalty Au. Set shortly after Kaili’s engagement to Nelaros. With Nelaros as a Marquis, Kaili as a Duchess, and Nico as Prince of the Dales.

The ring fit her finger perfectly.  

Kaili didn't know if she should be happy or terrified. How long had her father planned this? When had he even had time considering all the troubles they had recently had in their estates. Kaili knew she wasn't supposed to know as much as she did regarding the troubles, but now, it all made sense.  

She was their solution.  

Engaged. It felt like a collar being snapped around her neck. A leash that could lead her away from the duties she had here at court.  

That would force her from her Prince's side.

The gentleman who now wore a matching ring, crafted at her father's behest, was one she had danced with on several occasions. Nelaros was sweet, deserving of so much more than Kaili could be. He was a good man, honest, hardworking. He had earned his title due to service to the king, rather than having it been handed down by an ancestral line. She knew how unusual such nobility had become.

It was also the reason why his family was willing to overlook her reputation. Why her father was willing to make a match with a lesser family.

The 'Duchess of Darkness', that is what the common folk called her, and many nobles as well. Whispers of her being a ruthless killer, or possible a vampire, a witch, a whore. So many different rumors made it nigh impossible for her father to make a proper match.  

Nelaros had dismissed all of that.  Said that it didn't matter. That it was Kaili that he was drawn to, that he had fallen for.  

How rare that she would be placed in a match born of love.  

It was something to be celebrated.  

Which was exactly why she was currently being laced into her best gown. Deep blue silks, to match her eyes, with silver lace overlays. The colors of her house. Her dark curls piled artfully atop her head, with braids places just so to keep it all in place. Zephyr always knew just how to make Kaili appear more than she was.  

Tonight she would show the entire court how proud her family was, how happy the match made her.

Even as she wore black lace at her throat, with a stone set in the center. A stone that matched another man's eyes.  

Eyes that now peaked at her from the vantage of her mirror.  

"Your father requested that I come check on you, apparently Aya has already begun to mingle with the guests. Cyrion is worried that your delay might reflect badly on the evening." Nico almost mumbled the words, his face as stoic as ever. Kaili could only tell by the soft wilt of his ears that the evening had any effect on him at all.

"Of course, Zeph was just helping me finish touch up my hair." She forced the smile in her tone. Kaili knew that tonight was a happy event, she was happy, she had to be.  

"Then we should hurry on our way. Your fiancé is eager to make announcements."

Her heart dropped. Of course Nico knew, he was hosting the event in his court. Why wouldn't he have known.  

"And I am eager for them to be made, my prince," standing, she pressed a quick hug to Zephyr. Pressing a gently kiss to her handmaid's cheek. Knowing that this hurt Zephyr as much as Kaili.

How easily were hearts given and then ripped away when one was a woman still under her father's rule.  

At least Zeph would be offered a place in her new home. Where ever that might be. At least she wasn't losing everyone with this change.  

Kaili took up Nico's offered hand.  

"My Prince," she dipped into a short curtsey.

"Kaili, you know I hate when you use my title. How many more times must I argue that we have been friends since you were still attached to your wet nurse? We don't need to stand on decorum."

"At least once more, my prince." She smirked. It amused her to no end to tease Nico with formality.  

Huffing, Nico rolled his eyes.  

It was a long walk to the ballroom from Kaili's chambers. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest, the warmth of Nico's hand against her own. The way that he held it as he escorted her was more than formal, nothing less than one would expect of a prince; but she felt the occasional press of his thumb against the skin of her wrist, making her breath catch in her throat every time. She refused to look at him, keeping her chin high. Acknowledging each noble as she passed them, seeing the rumors already formulating as others caught sight of Kaili's hand in Nico's.  

She could almost hear the whispers that this would cause. The Duchess of Darkness being escorted to her own engagement ball by the Prince, a man who was most definitely not her intended.  

She refused to let them under her skin. As she has refused to acknowledge the rumors that had circulated just months prior, regarding her relationship with the man rumored to be her brother's lover.  

Kaili never managed to brush off such rumors the way that Nico did. She could never tell if he was willfully oblivious, or just staunch in his belief that she could never be anything more than his childhood friend. An innocent.  

Kaili allowed herself once glance, just one, as they stepped up to be announced to the room. Letting her eyes drag over the man who had quite become the center of her world. He stood just a few inches shorter than her, but held himself in a way that no one would notice it. He stood tall, proud. His long hair tumbling over his back, the braids done into it just barely holding back untamed tresses. His face stoic as ever. It had taken her so long to learn how to read it for his moods. To catch the slightest of smiles, the glint in his eye when he was frustrated.

Her moment was over, the page's voice booming their names for all the court to hear.  

She met every gaze with pride, daring them to speak a word. None did.  

Then she caught one specific set of eyes. Bright and young, the smile on his face so bright she was surprised no one else seemed to see it.  

Nelaros, her betrothed.  

He came rushing forth, eagerly dropping into a deep bow before his prince. Then gently taking her hand from Nico's hold.  

Kaili didn't think she imagined the taunt hesitancy in Nico. But she forced herself to focus on Nelaros. Smiling softly as he pressed a kiss to her wrist. A bold statement of adoration, considering where they stood. Stepping forward, she allowed Nelaros to lead her towards the center of the ballroom. Listened quietly as he announced how proud he was to announce their engagement.  

Smiling the way she was expected to.  

This man honestly loved her, Kaili knew that he would do anything to make her happy. He deserved nothing less in exchange.  

She did her best, for the rest of the evening. Showing him small signs of affection. Allowing herself to open her heart once more. She listened to his eager plans to try and help the people of his small holdings. About all the ways he wanted to improve the lives of everyone around him. He listened as she spoke of her childhood adventures, the way she was always caught up in some new scheme that ended with her brother scolding her and her cousin eagerly begging for a chance to come along.  

Maybe life with Nelaros wouldn't be so bad. Maybe she could love him, the way he seemed to love her.  

He wasn't the best dancer, too eager, all feet. But he tried to keep pace with Kaili. And Kaili felt herself laugh with no hesitation for the first time since her father had declared what was expected. She felt the dread begin to lift.

And then came a voice.

"May I have this dance?" Nico's eyes first flicked over to Nelaros, who smiled easily and waved his betrothed forth. Happily allowing the Prince time with Kaili, knowing well that their friendship extended into their earliest years.  

Kaili couldn't refuse, not without making a scene. And so she accepted, taking up Nico's hand once more.  

Cursing that the man had chosen a waltz. Because of course he did.  

Cursing that she couldn't stop her pulse from jumping at the way he pulled her close.  

The moved with an ease that could only come from years of practice. Born of the hundreds of times Kaili had forced her friend to practice with her, and the thousands more that she had claimed him as a dancing partner in the balls held at estates through the years. Ever since she had been old enough to attend.  

Nico knew how to reign in Kaili during a dance, pressing her with palm and hip to have her follow his steps. She could read when he meant to lead her in a turn, or to release her, only for them to be joined once more as they stepped back into place.  

It all felt wrong. Nico was too stiff, Kaili seemed too slow. This wasn't their dance. This was a dance that the court would approve of. Kaili knew that they could both feel it.

As it had happened so often, the world seemed to fade away when they danced. Focused only on each other, reading movements and faces.  

There was no need for words.  

When the song ended, they paused for only a moment, eyes searching. Then Kaili dropped into a low curtsey, allowing herself to be the first to break. Nico bowed his head. Tension flowing between the two like a live current, even as Nico escorted Kaili back to her betrothed.  

Kaili accepted the flute of champagne handed to her without pause. After a second, she felt herself ease back into something akin to comfort, and let Nelaros take the lead. Ignoring the fact that Nico had excused himself for the evening.  

Ignoring the way she wished she could run after him.  

The rest of the evening went as well as expected. Well wishes showered upon the two. Nelaros took the attention in stride, but then turned to whisper to Kaili that he would be just as happy when they could finally escape the gilded cage of court life. Talking about how much more comfortable it was at his estate by the sea.  

Kaili couldn't recall her exact response, only that her head began to swim, and then she was suddenly in her chamber, short of breath. Refusing to allow Zephyr entry as she clawed at the clasps on her gown. She felt the scream rising in her throat. Forcing herself to choke it down, less she call more attention to her panic.  

And then there was nothing. Her knuckles white as she gripped the necklace that had been choking her. Ripping it off, breaking the short chain. She trembled as she stared down at the purple amethyst.  

Pressing her lips to the stone, she tossed it to her bed. Moving with a sudden purpose as she pressed open the handle of her wardrobe. She made her way quickly through the gowns, looking for the secret lock near the back. Taking out a small silver key, she opened the hidden door, which had been lined up to meet with a secret entrance to the escape tunnels that lined the castle interior. She knew these tunnels, had played within them since she had been old enough to walk.  

The path led her to the one place she knew she should not be.  

Rapping one sharp knock.  

Kaili didn't wait for a response before pushing aside the banner that hid the entrance.  

Nico sat on the edge of his bed, palms pressed to his head, fingers curling into his hair.  

"Why did you come?"

"I don't know," was the only response Kaili could think of. Eyes already beginning to mist.

"Kaili you shouldn't be here."

"I know."

"Then why?"

"I had to see you."

Kaili moved closer to her prince. Slowly kneeling before him, gazing up until she could catch sight of a purple gaze.  

Nico reached out with a speed that Kaili didn't know he had. Arms wrapping tightly about her shoulders, pressing her forehead to his chest. His face buried into her hair. Kaili let her fingers bury into the material of his vest.  

"Kaili... Dance with me?" The words were whispered and rushed. As though Nico had forced himself to say it before he had the chance to rethink.

"Nico?"

"Please. Not the way we did earlier, but the way we meant to."

"We shouldn't... we can't." Kaili began to pull away.  

"There is not court here. It's just you and me, who says we can't." Nico let his fingers bury into Kaili's hair. Pressing back until her face was tilted far enough back that she couldn't escape looking at him. To see the way his eyes begged her to accept.  

"Just you and me. Then can it be? No Prince, no Duchess. Just Kaili, and just Nico?"

"Yes, of course."

Kaili nodded, and let Nico pull her up to stand. His fingers slowly untangling themselves from her curls. Hers releasing their grip.  

She stopped. Stepping away from Nico, ignoring the confusion written on his face. Shushing his protests. She held up her hand, staring into Nico's eyes. "Just us."

Slowly, purposefully, she let him watch as she slid the ring from her finger. She gently placed it on the mantle of his fireplace, then turned to face him once more.  

Letting Nico slide his arm around her waist, the other held up at shoulder height. Her own hand rising up to meet his, with the left one gently gripping his shoulder. He began to sway. Murmuring a song under his breath.  

Kaili couldn't catch the words, but lost herself in their meaning.  

They began to spin, slow steps moving them through the waltz than should have been. Their hearts keeping time.  

Kaili felt everything begin to slip away around them. Lifting her gaze until she could catch Nico staring at her. Nico didn't stop his singing. Their bodies didn't stop moving.  

But for that one moment, Kaili felt like she had been lost to eternity.  

And then she felt his lips on hers.  

Warm. Soft. The way he caught her surprised gasp, and used the moment to deepen the kiss. Kaili felt her eyes slip shut.  

And still they didn't stop dancing.  

She felt the edge of the bed against her knees.  

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she let Nico lead her. Laying down amongst the silks and down. Tangled within each other.  

Hurried hands pressing silks and velvets aside.  

Gasps as they joined. Swallowed within more kisses. Every moment sharp and clear in her mind. Memorizing each second of stolen happiness.  

Suddenly it was his skin burning into hers. All traps of cloth finally lost. Hands tracing long lines of tattoos and scars, earned side by side. His mouth trying to capture her every taste.  

Chasing ecstasy.  

Followed by soft sighs, words still left unspoken. Arms wrapping her even closer to him. Kaili allowed him this small thing. These few more stolen moments.  

She was gone before the dawn.  

Having been woken by the startled scream of a servant she didn't recognize. Doing her best to keep Nico from waking, she chased after the frightened girl. Kaili knew the dangers of a wagging tongue, she would not let Nico be tainted by their mistake. Her heart broke for what she must do. The way that she had to leave him.

It wasn't long before the voice was silenced.  

Kaili had earned her title once more. She could not return to Nico's side, not stained with blood. Not with the ring now snugly fit on her finger once more.

Little did she know that he had woken to see her escape.

And had felt his own heart break in turn.

[marquis1305]

OC as a Child

Kaili Tabris

Who named them/Significance of their name: Kaili was named by her mother, who is half Dalish. Her full name is Kailianara, but Kaili has refused to answer to that name for as long as she can remember. She isn’t Dalish, she doesn’t want a Dalish name. 

Home they grew up in: Kaili has stayed in her childhood home her entire life, it is a house in the alienage, it was her grandfather’s before it was her father’s. And if she wasn’t planning on getting out, it would have been hers too.

Relationship with parents: Kaili was very close to both of her parents. Her mother trained her in how to be a rogue, something that has helped Kaili survive (and given her magpie tendencies); her father taught her diplomacy, and the fact that not every confrontation has to end in a fight. She loves them both very dearly, and it hurt her incredibly when she lost her mother. 

Three Words to describe them as a child: Playful, Sly, Curious

Childhood friend(s): Her cousins Shianni and Soris. Family is the most important thing to Kaili, and they have always been her closest friends. 

Favorite Toy: Kaili won’t lie, her favorite toy has always been the dagger her mother gave her. She cherished it deeply since she got it, and hid it from her father well. 

Childhood Trauma?: Losing her mother. She was nine when she lost her mother in an accident regarding an Elven boy with magic. She may have moved on from the loss, but since then she grew fiercely protective of her family, and fiercely untrusting of all things magic. 

Hobbies: Picking locks (i know... i know), stashing treasures, creating treasure maps, building toy houses out of fallen rocks and shingles, playing “hero” with her cousins, singing, visiting the chantry sisters, climbing things, parkour

Childhood fear(s): Being sick, she knows that people who get sick where she lives rarely make it. So she was deathly afraid of any illness as a child. 

Quirks: Kaili’s magpie tendencies started young. If you find a random stash of treasure in the Alienage, it was probably one of hers. She also puts her hair up, all the time, like, she hates having it down, it gets in the way. She loves jumping and running on rooftops, and can often be found in the highest places... except trees... branches break... 

Tagged by: @seboostianillustrations

Tagging: anyone

[marquis1305]

Quick Kaili Doodle

For an AU where Kaili Tabris was Kaili Mahariel instead. Quickie doodle to pass the time at work. (AU thanks to @hoehoehoelt)

Outfit Design Sale

[marquis1305]

Touch

A little pick me up for @hoehoehoelt regarding Nico Mahariel and Kaili Tabris, featuring Aya Tabris, in the role of big brother, Percy Surana, in the role of confused innocent, and Kellen Cousland, in the role of free cuddles. 

This came to life after we discussed jealousy and misunderstandings.

Enjoy.

There were only so many spots near to the fire for sitting, before people started to feel a little crowded. The campsites they choose were never exactly spacious, with just enough room for the wardens and their witchy companion to not be laying directly on top of each other, while not being completely obvious to anyone passing down a road that they were there. The wolf and Mabari never quite minded where they ended up.

Though, none of the wardens were against fighting for a spot when the time came.  

So Kaili had found another solution, taking up residence in Kellen's lap. The human never much seemed to mind, often wrapping his arms around her whenever she chose to curl closer. From her seat, she would watch Aya's amused smirks, Percy's confusion, and Nico's annoyed glares. It also had the added benefit of allowing her heat from both the fire and the man.

She and Kellen had never defined the thing between them, neither had needed to.  

Tonight, she was curled up in his lap, head resting against Kellen's chest. He had been drawing designs on her back with the tip of his forefinger, occasionally soliciting a shudder from the ticklish sensation.  The two were listening to the others plot out the final leg of their trip to Lothering, doing their best to withhold snarky commentary.  

It wasn't until they mentioned possibly splitting the group that Kaili spoke up.

"So, does this mean we get to choose our travel partners? Because if we do-"

"You choose Kel, we know," Nico nearly snarled the words, making Kaili shift her gaze directly to him.  

"As much as I enjoy his dear company," she lifted a hand to pat Kel's cheek, soliciting a chuckle from the human. "I was going to suggest that we keep to pairs of short and long range. And I was going to ask you, but if you would rather I stick to Kel, I'm more than happy to. Less likely to have a mob come chasing after us that way."

"You two as a team would be the only reason there would be an angry mob,"  Aya teased from his seat across the fire.  

"Your brother might be right Kaili," Percy said, smile as bright as always, despite the inner shudder at the thought of the chaos the two thieves could cause.  

"So then, back to my original idea. Aya and Kel; Percy and Alistair, and Morrigan if she wishes to join in; and then Nico and I."

"You would rather partner with me?" She could feel the suspicion behind his glare. Rolling her eyes, Kaili knocks her head against Kel's chest. Then pushes herself up to stand. Crossing her arms as she meets Nico's stare.  

"I trust your aim more than Aya's, and you are far less likely to let me get myself into trouble. Plus, other than Kel, I'm the only one I trust to barter for the pelts you got us back in Ostagar. No offense Aya."

"None taken, you drive a harder bargain than I do." "I know"

Nico hesitated, his gaze flitting over to the still lounging Kellen. Then focusing back on Kaili, face nearly unreadable. "Very well. We split into groups of two, one ranged, one close. Falon and Barkspawn can stay with Morrigan to guard the camp. I don't believe we should be in Lothering for long."

"Perfect, now..." Kaili stalked back over to Kellen, and crawled back into his lap with a vengeance. Forcefully taking his hand and putting it back on her back. Closing her eyes and doing her best to drown out any further conversation. Allowing herself to drift off to sleep while feeling safe and warm.

When she woke the next morning, it was on top of her own bed roll. Fist clenched around the dagger hidden beneath her pillow. Kel or Aya must have placed it there when they put her to sleep, she didn't remember having hidden it the night before.  

Her first sight was Nico was scowling as he stirred the pot nestled in the fire. Quickly taking in her surroundings, Kaili realized that the others must have left already.  

"Took you long enough to wake. I would have had us up at dawn, but Aya warned against me waking you."

"I still don't know if I am actually awake," she grumbled, rolling off the bedding to slump her way over to him. Sitting on the ground directly beside him. "Is there coffee or tea or something I can chew on to fix said problem?"

"Unfortunately, not, and I had to shoo Alistair away from your portion of the porridge."

"My hero," the words were half lost in a yawn as her head thuds against his shoulder. Not catching onto the sudden tension that rippled through his body.  

"Kaili," his voice grits out through clenched teeth.

"Hmmm?"

"I am not Kell."

"I know you aren't, you are too elfy to be Kel." She let loose a giggle at the words. Then took a deep breath, trying to force her mental facilities to catch up with where this conversation seemed to be going.  

"I doubt he would be pleased that you are so close to me," Kaili couldn't tell, but she thought that Nico sounded sullen. She peeped open an eye to peer at him. Then pulled away slowly.  

"I don't know why it would matter?" She was genuinely confused at this point. Taking in his scowling features, Kaili reached out to touch Nico's shoulder.

"Of course, you don't. There are many things that don't seem to matter to you," this time, there was no mistaking the tone of Nico's voice. The venom that dripped from his words.  

"Nico-"

"No, Kaili. I don't want to hear it. Does he know about the ring? The dress? Or have you tossed those to the side now that you have a new distraction."

A sudden pain bloomed on Nico's face, where Kaili's hand had connected with it. Blood welling in the cut where the metal of her ring had made contact.

"Don't you dare Mahariel," she hissed the words, hand pulled back again for another strike should he continue. "I owe no explanation for my past before the Wardens, to anyone, and I certainly don't see you jumping forward with your own life story. We all have secrets, even Percy. But don't you dare imply that I have forgotten what brought me here."

"And yet no one but you and Kell are quite so eager to bury your past with new pleasures," he pauses, swallowing hard enough that Kaili can catch the movement of his adam's apple. "I would not have been quite so forward in the clearing had I known that you were so free with your affections. I had thought-"

"What? What more could you possibly think of me?" Kaili stands, quickly stalking over to her gear. Throwing it into her pack without care for how it settled. "No Nico, I don't believe you need to think anything else of me. I'm heading into town, stay here, go, do whatever you want. I want nothing more from you."  

Throwing the straps of the pack onto her shoulders, she takes off as quickly as she can. Leaving Nico behind without another glance.  

She took one of the hunter's trails into Lothering, doing her best to avoid the main road. She didn't want to run into the others.

Not if it meant explaining why she had fresh tear tracks running down her face.  

It wasn't until she reached the edge of the town that she realized that Nico had had all of the pelts and teeth that she had intended to sell.  

"Well, shit."

Kaili stood there for half a minute, staring at the movement in the refugee camp. Then decided to go straight to the tavern. A few drinks, some rifling through locked rooms, and maybe the company of anyone except for a certain Dalish elf sounded like exactly what she needed to shake off her mood.  

After asking directions from a few of the citizens of Lothering, and ducking around the corner when she saw a very concerned looking Percy, it didn't take long to find the only tavern in the town. She ignored the warnings of those loitering outside that the place was full up with soldiers. Those types had never much bothered her, not after spending so much time either avoiding them in the alienage, or flirting with them while waiting for Aya at the Pearl. Kaili figured that she could handle whatever came at her.  

She wasn't expecting an entire unit of Loghain's soldiers with a wanted posted calling for her head. And the heads of any other grey wardens in the area. And that they were checking any and all refugees for those who might fit known warden descriptions.  

"Didn't we spend all morning asking about a woman by this very description? And everyone had said they hadn't seen her?"

"Boys, look. Do I honestly look anything like the type one would expect a Grey Warden to be?" She stood with her hands held out wide, showing that she had no weapons drawn.  

"Don't know, I heard that the wardens took all sorts. Even small little knife ear sluts like you," one of the warriors sneered at her. The others leering as they closed in on what appeared to be easy prey. It didn't take long for Kaili to realize exactly how badly they outnumbered her.  

Having the random cloister sister try to intervene on her behalf wasn't exactly helping either. Even if she did seem to mean well. Kaili took the distraction as a chance to pull her blades, the left one held loosely as she also palmed a small frost bomb.  

"She's more than that, even if she doesn't look much. Now stay out of our way, Sister. You protect this bi-"

The man seemed to struggle finishing his sentence when the arrow lodged in his throat. Kaili risked a glance towards the door.  

It took every ounce of willpower not to sigh with relief when she saw Nico, looking every inch the proud Dalish Hunter. Bow already drawn and looking for it's next target.  

"Nico, right!" Kaili threw her bomb at the men on the left, lunging to push the Cloister sister out of the way.  

Now was not the time to deal with that one.  

She plunged into her blood lust, letting the adrenaline wash over her as she felt her blades cut deep into each of her targets. She focused on the two in front of her, crippled as they were by her bomb, they seemed the lesser threats. Allowing Nico the space he needed to time his shots. She trusted him to keep them off her back, dodging as a new blade entered the fray.

Attached to the same Sister she had just pushed out of the way. "Where in the Maker's name did you learn how to fight?"

"Not every sister grew up in the Chantry, my dear."

"Yeah, well, just.... try not to stab me while you swing that around. Nico! Don't hit the pretty one, she's on our side."

"As you say."

More warriors joined the fray. Kaili clashing with two of them, her blades whirling around her in a deadly dance. Arrows singing as they fly past her, burying into men before they became threats.  

When the last man fell, she spun to face the Dalish elf. And saw her brother and Kellan running up to join him. The latter causing the small smile that had been on Nico's face to fall.

"I see you decided to start the party without us Kaili." Kell raised an eyebrow at the mess of bodies littering the tavern floor.

"What can I say, you know I can never turn down a dance."

Kaili caught the way that particular phrase made Nico sneer.  

"You should have saved one for me then," Kell jogged towards her, but Kaili took a step back. Holding up a single hand, letting her eyes gesture towards Nico. Kell raised an eyebrow, but nodded once. They would talk later, he understood.  

Just as Nico was turning to leave, Kaili called out. "Hey, Mahariel. You still have the furs to trade?"

"I do."

"Good, then we can let Aya and Kell speak with our pretty friend in the chantry clothes. While you and I can take care of business."

"Very well."

She caught Aya's hand on her way out, squeezing it briefly for support, before following Nico outside the tavern. Over towards the cart they hoped was a good place to sell supplies.  

"You came after me," she said it as nonchalantly as she could manage, though curious.

"I did."

"After..."

"We argued Kaili. I obviously said something that hurt you, based on what I hope was a misunderstanding. That does not mean that I would not do my duty, nor that I would let you run off without protection."

"It was," she huffs a small laugh. "A misunderstanding. I think. Kell and I... it's nothing. We play, and flirt, and need physical touch more than the rest of you. So we get it from each other. He recognized it in me. That we do the same thing. We don't go quiet like you. Or smile like Percy. Hell, even Aya talks more about real life stuff. Me and Kell, we hide it behind the laughs and touches. It comforts us. Makes things a little bit easier. I know that before, in the water..."

"You don't need to explain yourself. I offered comfort, I should not have expected anything in return."

"Nico."

"No."

She fell silent. This wasn't the time to try argue this. Not when she wasn't sure about what she wanted the answer to be. All she knew, is that she didn't want him to think what he had been. That she didn't care. Or that she was willing to throw herself into the first willing bed.

She might tease about it, but she was no where near ready for anything more than what Kellan had offered her. Open arms and no questions.

The feeling of a warm hand slipping into hers brought her quickly out of her thoughts. She looked down quickly, to see Nico's fingers entwining with hers.  

A glace up showed that his face had not changed from it's usual brood.  

Kaili couldn't help but smile.

[royal-babey]

What if?

This is an au for what if the dales never fell ^^ featuring my Nico Mahariel, Aya Tabris, Zephyr Velaille, Solavellis Meloriel, @marquis1305 ’s Kaili Tabris, Marcus Exieron, and Bioware’s Tamlen Sabrae

They’re kids!

To clarify ages;

Marcus; 17

Tamlen; 13

Aya; 13

Nico; 11

Zephyr; 10

Kaili; 10

Vis; 6

~

It was a sunny evening in the dales. Prince Nico had snuck out to the fields after supper to bask in the warmth. He had been stuck inside his palace for a week straight already, another sickness having wracked his frail body. He was feeling much better already though, and despite the nurses protests, he wanted fresh air for once. No one would notice anyway! His mother barely paid attention to him as it was since his father died. The only person likely to notice would be his care taker Ashalle. And...

‘’Nico!’’

His ears twitched at the sound of his voice being called suddenly, and he sat up. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of his closest childhood friend Kaili approaching. Along with her elder brother, baby brother, and friend Zephyr. Who if he recalled correctly, was the child of a maid who worked in Kaili’s father’s mansion.

‘’Hi.’’

Though he may not have shown it much, he was truly happy to see her. He rarely got to these days, and her always grinning face brought a small shy smile to his own. He hadn’t saw her for a while...As soon as their eyes met, she dived at him, knocking him flat on his back again with a loud ‘’Oof!’’. Kaili seemed apparently un-phased though, and absolutely refused to let go even as Nico tried to shove her off. Eventually, he gave in with a defeated groan, and let his arms flop back down to his sides.

‘’Careful there sis. Don’t want to break the poor thing.’’

Aya‘s voice game from out of view, though he sounded amused. Kaili squeezed Nico tightly one last time, before eventually getting up and climbing off of him with a small huff. Nico sat back up, before getting up and stretching. He barely got a break though, as moments later he had a six year old Solavellis firmly attached to his left leg, and Zephyr hanging off of his neck. He glared lightly at them both, but didn’t make any move to get them off. His friends were just...Very cuddly...

He opened his mouth to speak, intending to ask how they found him, when he heard a familiar voice yell his name. A voice that made him freeze up and immediately dart to hide behind Aya.

‘’Nico! There you are!’’

Nico peaked his head out from behind to taller elf, to see a certain human prince approaching. Marcus Exieron. He was kind to Nico, and to a lot of the other children that hung around the palace. He and his family were visiting from their kingdom for a month or so, and he had kept Nico company a lot for the week. Reading him stories, bringing him pencils and paper, teaching him to carve, bringing him water when the coughing fits would start, wiping his brow when the fever left him bed ridden, Nico almost felt like he had a big brother.

Almost.

He also felt like he had a big blonde nuisance following after him clucking like a mother hen.

‘’What are you doing out here?! It’s getting cold you could get worse again!’’

Marcus shrugged off his cloak, and attempted to walk around Aya, likely to try and cover Nico with it. Nico’s purple eyes widened, and he managed to get out of the way with a short cry of ‘’No!!!’’

Kaili immediately jumped to his defence, standing in front of him and pulling out her toy wooden dagger, waving it wildly at the human who was looked equal parts bewildered and defeated. Aya had picked up Vis again, and was balancing the child on his hip to stop him from attempting to climb up Marcus’s leg.

Nico meanwhile though was hiding behind Kaili, gripping onto one of her arms. It was one of those times he was glad she was a few inches taller than him, despite him being older. She giggled and jabbed out the dagger ever time Marcus tried to approach, declaring loudly how she would ‘’Protect the prince!’’

Suddenly, Zephyr yelled ‘’Attack!!!’’ Out of nowhere, and managed to jump right onto the humans back. The force of her small body knocking into his own caused Marcus to lose his balance, and suddenly he was falling forward.

Right on top of the Elven children, save for Aya and Vis, who were safely out of the way and laughing as their friends got squished beneath the large human teen.

Nico yelled out a loud curse in Elvhen from the impact, s omething that would have Ashalle scalping him around the ears for. Kaili also groaned, and punched the humans shoulder lightly. Zephyr had rolled off of Marcus, joining the other two in laughing profusely until she was on the ground in tears. Marcus pushed himself up, rubbing his torso from where Kaili’s toy dagger had dug in. He then began quickly apologising, his cheeks turning red as he moved out of the way.

Kaili was the next to get up, and she pulled a slightly dazed Nico up with her, brushing off his clothing and fixing his hair, tucking a stray piece behind his ear. He slapped her hands away, his cheeks heating up slightly as she giggles and sticks her tongue out at him playfully.

He turned to give Marcus his wrath next, as little as it would be in his tiny body, but he never got the chance. Because Tamlen came sprinting up the hill.

Right into Nico.

Who screamed ‘’WHY IS EVERYONE OBSESSED WITH KNOCKING ME OVER TODAY?!’’ Until Tamlen began rambling about how worried he was and how Ashalle was having a fit over finding Nico’s bed empty that is. Afterwards, he just sighed in exasperation, and resigned himself to his fate.

[marquis1305]

My vocal recording for my Loghain Vs Tabris project. Inspired by @faerunner and their post (x)

Still working on the animation, but it is requiring more art practice before I am comfortable finishing it :)