#Kemvee gets angry

[spicywarl0ck]

WIP-Wednesday

I got tagged by the lovely, and wonderful @kunstpause

Since, I haven’t been writing what I should at all, I am going to share a small snippet that I wrote for the next oncoming multiple chapter fan fiction. Of course, it’s going to be Dragon Again, focussing on the polyship Solas/Ashalle/Cullen Rutherford. (Though, it will take a long time for this specific scene to be published, just needed to get some things out of my system)

The Nightmares were back again, as were the irritating headaches that went further than the pain level that he was living through some months before. And, he couldn’t deny that he grew more, and more irritated and restless these days.

Of course, he’d already spoken to Cassandra about that matter, if the worst came to the worst, and he needed to be replaced. Which probably would happen sooner rather than alter now, as he wasn’t completely able to even focus on his reports properly. Though, the papers were not the only thing that rested on his desk, his fingers slowly shifting over the wooden box that contained the lyrium appendages.

Oh, it was so tempting to take it again, and if alone to get rid of the buzzing and throbbing pain in his head. It was already affecting his work, he could feel it. But, he couldn’t allow it to affect him, he was the Commander of the Troops, after all. He needed to be functional for his work.

Of course, he hadn’t told the Inquisitor anything about this, knowing that she probably wouldn’t understand because Templars were unknown to her. She probably would try to soothe him gently, like she always did when she felt that something was wrong. Though, he was afraid that sexual pleasure was not what could help him with the problem. And, then there was the fact that he didn’t want her to worry about him while she needed to focus her attention on other things.

His eyes shifted back onto the wooden box, trembling and gloved fingers opening it to reveal it’s content, while his mouth went dry for a moment. It would be so easy to just take it, to hear the lyrium whisper again inside his head as it assured him that everything would be alright, and that the pain would be gone soon.

All it would take was for him to give in, his shoulders tensing as he fought against it, his jaw clenched before an angry yell left his lips as his hand send the wooden box to the ground. And, therefore landing directly in front of a pair of feet.

‘Maker’s Breath. I’m sorry… I wasn’t aware… I’m sorry.’

Tagging (As always no pressure)

@charlatron  @elveny @scharoux @kemvee @zuendwinkel  @noire-pandora  @queen-kass-the-writer  @schoute @pikapeppa @jacklyn-flynn​ @thefoxinboots​ @wardenari​ @jentrevellan​ @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold​ @dalish-rogue​ @lavellanvibes​ @musetta3 @starsandskies @ashalle-art  @hollyand-writes @dismalzelenka

[elveny]

Fic Back Friday

I was tagged by @kunstpause​ @hobo-apostate​ @noire-pandora​ @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold​ and @starsandskies​ - thank you all ♥

Let me talk about:

Family is what you make of it

18657 words. E-rated. Fenris/Adriene.

Think Modern AU. Think Fenris as tattoo artist. Think Fake Relationship. Think OMG They Were Roommates. You get the idea ;) Excerpt? Here you go.

“Where would you even want to live?” Leandra asked in a decidedly pissed voice. “You cannot possibly want to live in that shelter of yours!”

Now, it was Adriene who raised her chin defiantly, a slow smile coming on her lips as she looked down to where Fenris closed the van’s door. “I’m gonna live with him, actually.”

That was not the answer her mother had expected, that much was obvious by the way Leandra’s composure slipped. Her eyes widened as he looked at Fenris as if she was seeing him for the first time. He leaned relaxed against the van, all calmness and strength, his tattoos plainly visible on his crossed arms. Adriene followed her mother’s eyes and smiled to herself. The way he looked, with the sleeveless black shirt, the jeans and the haircut, several earrings in each ear, was definitely not something her mother would approve of. Quite contrary to what she herself thought if she was honest. When he saw Leandra’s aghast look, he held up a hand in greeting. Leandra’s gaze snapped back to Adriene.

“You can’t be serious. I thought he was the help!”

Adriene just shrugged. “Well, think again.”

Angry red spots appeared on Leandra’s cheeks as she gestured towards Fenris. "So just to spite me you're going to move in with some... some..."

A challenge was in Adriene's eyes. "Some what, mom?!"

For a moment, Leandra searched for words. "Some... stranger?!" Somehow, she managed to make the word sound as if it was something she had just picked out of the trash.

"He's no stranger," Adriene snapped back and looked at Fenris who seemed strangely unbothered by the whole exchange. A sudden thought came to her, and she acted before thinking twice about it. "In fact," she said before her mother could add something else insulting and quickly jumped down the stairs again to wrap her arms around Fenris. "In fact, he's my boyfriend."

"He is what?!" Leandra stared at her daughter, too shocked to notice the utter surprise on Fenris' face.

"I'm what now?" he muttered, blinking at Adriene. She gave him a smile that was a bit too bright, a look in her eyes that was both pleading and panicked.

"You can't be serious!" her mother hissed. "I have supported your boho phase so far, I thought this would blow over, but this?” She gestured at Fenris and the van at the same time, shaking her head in open disbelief. “You must be joking!"

Adriene was still looking up at Fenris, tensely waiting for his reaction. She more felt than heard him sigh, then his arm came around her, pulling her intimately close to him, and relieved, she leaned into him. "Not a joke, ma'am," he said, looking at Leandra and giving her a smile. Adriene felt heat crawl into her cheeks at the way he held her. “But you don't have to worry on your daughter's account. I'm taking care of her.

Tagging forth to: @allycryz @captainderyn​ @curiousthimble​ @wardenari​ @okami-zero​ @jentrevellan​ @hollyand-writes​ @charlatron​ @blarfkey​ @kemvee​ @midnightprelude​ @johaeryslavellan​ @pikapeppa​ @irlaimsaaralath​ @thevikingwoman​ @buttsonthebeach​ and all who want to grab it ♥

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I did... something 😂

This is the first attempt I’ve made at writing fic for a couple other than Cullen and Evelyn. Somehow what was supposed to be a smutty one shot turned into a sexually charged sparring match. I think this will end up being the first half of a one shot. No lemons yet, but there will be!

This is untitled as of yet, and I just felt like sharing since this is the first I’ve ever written for Greedfall. Enjoy a preview of my first ever work for Kurt and Corinne De Sardet! Back to your regularly scheduled Dragon Age content soon 😂❤️

Corinne De Sardet hit the ground with a thud. She coughed as the dust kicked up around her and rolled to her side, rubbing gingerly at her tailbone.

“Your footwork is sloppy today, Greenblood. You’re lucky it’s me and not someone who really wishes you harm.” Kurt stood above her, his tricorn blocking the beating sun as he offered her a hand. Corinne begrudgingly accepted, her pride far more bruised than the darkening patches on her skin.

She retrieved her own fallen tricorn and returned it to her head, covering the worst of the mess of her disheveled braid. She did her best to wipe the dirt from her shirt and trousers. Her overcoat and ascot had been removed long prior in the midday heat.

She and Kurt had been at it for hours. Corinne felt stiff and store as she bent to retrieve her rapier, having been disarmed by her Master at Arms again.

He was right, and that only annoyed her more. She was sloppy today, clumsy even, and though it was just she and Kurt in the Coin Guard’s training yard, she felt embarrassed by her poor performance. Though she probably shouldn’t - Kurt was the first to ever put a sword in her hand. He had certainly witnessed worse performances.

That had been back in Serene, however, and things had changed a great deal since then. While Constantin had struggled even prior to his affliction to adjust to his new role as governor, Corinne had proved herself a capable diplomat. She had created allies in unlikely places, thwarted an attempted coup, and faced fearsome beasts without a second thought.

Why, then, couldn’t she concentrate on a simple sparring match?

The truth, though she hated to admit it, was that her mind muddled around Kurt as of late. What had started as an old childhood infatuation had become something else entirely upon their arrival in New Serene. Corinne was no longer the youth he had trained at the behest of her uncle, but the Legate of the Congregation. They had made painstaking discoveries together about each of their pasts, dismantled corruption within the Coin Guard and uncovered the truth of her roots.

Now, as beads of sweat dripped down her face, she knew how she had gotten so distracted. Kurt was looking at her again with that look - the one that excited and confused her and, ultimately, pissed her off.

That look was not the look of a teacher studying his student. When his eyes wandered over her, they were the eyes of a man drinking in the sight of a woman. Eyes that held a hint of curiosity, admiration, and - dare she think it - wanting.

But Kurt always put a stop to things before they could get any farther than uncomfortable stares, preferring instead to revert back to their old ways and ultimately making her feel utterly infantilized.

“Excellency?”

How long had she been staring? Corinne couldn’t be certain, but she was now very aware that she had been standing with her rapier aimed to the ground, staring awkwardly. She lifted the weapon in front of her, preparing to go again.

“‘Sloppy,’ is normally reserved for Constantin,” she said as they began to circle one another. They tested each other with a few swings, metal scraping together.

“Constantin is always sloppy. For you, on the other hand, this is unusual. Something on your mind, Greenblood?”

His sweaty face glistening in the afternoon heat, for one thing. Just what that glint in his eye indicated was truly going on in his head, for another. The ease with which is muscles moved as he swung his blade-

Wait.

Corinne jumped back too late, rapier once again flying from her grip as the point of Kurt’s blade pointed at her throat.

“I’ve… just had a lot to think over lately, is all.” She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the intensity with which he stared at her down his blade.

“I know things have been… a lot for you, lately. I understand why you’re distracted. But you can’t be fighting like this. You’ll get yourself killed.” He lowered his rapier and retrieved hers from the ground, holding it by the blade and extending the hilt toward her. “Again.”

Corinne huffed as she grasped the blade, then took up position for what must have been the hundredth time. Though this time she hadn’t been knocked on her ass, it was still just as embarrassing a loss.

“Kurt, clearly I’m useless today. Perhaps we should try again tomorrow. I’m sure I have enough bruises for one day.”

“Anyone who wants you dead won’t care if you’re distracted and bruised. I’m not letting you get yourself killed because you’re having an off day. I can’t always be there to watch your back. You need to be able to save yourself. Now raise your blade and try it again.”

She lunged toward him, but he easily parried the strike, which had been performed more in irritation than any thought that it may be a good idea.

“Still sloppy.” He advanced on her, and Corinne barely managed to swat away his strikes with her blade, stumbling backward on exhausted legs.

“Kurt…”

“Come on Greenblood, defend yourself! I know I taught you better than this! What would your uncle think of this performance?”

She swung hard, meeting Kurt’s blade with unexpected force and pushing him back. She advanced on the offensive, landing blow after blow as he frantically parried aggressive strikes.

“Corinne-“

His unusual use of her name did nothing to dissuade her assault as she hailed down upon him. She was an indomitable storm, striking mercilessly as Kurt did his best to block without harming her.

“Corinne, what are you-“

“Stop… treating me…. like a…. child!” she panted through her onslaught.

“I’m not!” Kurt yelled as their blades clashed. They pushed against one another, eyes meeting across the steel. “I’m treating you like someone I don’t want getting killed!”

“You’re talking to me the same way you did when I was fifteen! What are you going to do, tell on me to my uncle? Go ahead! He’s months away by sea!”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” Kurt shoved hard, both of their blades swinging wildly to the side as they both stumbled backward. “I don’t understand why you’re so angry!”

“Because I am a grown woman, Legate of the Congregation of Merchants, and the only reason Constantin hasn’t destroyed the colony yet, and you’re talking to me like a teenager with her first blade!”

“Because you’re fighting like a teenager with her first blade!”

Blinded with rage, Corinne swung far too hard. Kurt seized the opportunity and used the force to disarm her again, but this time, as the rapier slid through the dirt, Corinne let the force of the motion take her as well. She crashed into Kurt, sending the two of them to the ground.

They tumbled in the dirt, hats flying and struggling for dominance as both refused to yield. Corinne was lighter and quicker and slipped out of his grasp a few times, but in the end Kurt was stronger. He flipped them as they brawled, pinning her wrists with his hands and her body with his own. She writhed beneath him for a few more moments but had no choice but to concede that he had beaten her.

They panted, gasping for breath as the dirt stuck to their sweat soaked forms. Kurt’s bright blue eyes searched her stormy gray ones for answers, confusion still evident on his face. He smelled of sweat and musk, his body readied in case she was preparing to strike at him again.

“What have I done to upset you so much, Greenblood?” he asked, still breathing hard. His hips were pressed into hers. Corinne struggled not to squirm.

“I am no longer a child,” she said simply. Kurt’s eyes flicked from her face to where her shirt had fallen slightly open and back, swallowing hard.

“I… know that, Excellency. I apologize.”

“I may have been your student, and I may be Legate, but I am still a woman.”

“I know.”

“I won’t be treated like a child.”

“I know.”

“After all we’ve been through-”

“I know.”

They remained that way in silence for… seconds? Minutes? Corinne couldn’t be sure, too distracted as she watched Kurt’s gaze wander from her eyes, to her lips, to her chest, still rising and falling deeply from the exertion. Eventually, Kurt seemed to realize the position they were in, and more importantly, where they were in such a position, and clambered to his feet.

“I… can I walk you home?” he asked awkwardly, helping her up and then gathering their hats.

“No. I think I can handle the walk from here up the street on my own, thank you.” She placed the hat on her head, uncaring that it was still covered in dirt, then grabbed the remainder of her belongings and turned to leave the training yard.

“That’s not what I-“

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Kurt.”

“Corinne!”

Though her name on his lips tugged at her heart, she didn’t wait to see if he had anything more to say.

Since this will be my last WIP of the year, I wanted to thank some friends I’ve made! @chaotic-citrus @hawkeish @dreamerlavellan @noire-pandora @kemvee @aspiritofcompassion @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold are just a few of the lovely people I’ve had the joy to find since starting this blog, and I see and appreciate your continued support. Thank you so much, and Happy New Year to all of you!

[kunstpause-archive]

I wanna thank all the nice people on my dash that have sent me kind messages and uplifting things. That took time out of their schedule to talk to me lately and that got angry on my behalf when I had no energy to even be mad anymore.

I’ve lost count on what I answered and what I have only seen and took to heart and I am sorry for that but I am a bit overwhelmed atm.

I couldn’t really write the past few days. Or continue with my drawing online course. Because my mind was and is all over the place.

But what I could do was grab the fancy new sheet music I got last month and learn this - and it was incredibly relaxing and soothing. Both the time away from being online and the music itself. It’s one of my favourite new pieces from the Shadowbringers OST. 

Maybe it relaxes the one or other person too.

Tagging a few lovelies that have been a great source of mushy feelings lately

@elveny @zuendwinkel @wardenari @allycryz @jennserr @elfyourmother @edencalder @captainderyn @tishinada @curiousthimble @charlatron @spreadthedaloveanon @sharkapologists @laprincesseecarlate @fandomn00blr @fictionalgalaxy@snippetsrus @lethendralis-paints @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @tightassets @kemvee @kittimau @lynmars79 @jellysharkbat @caffeinatedrogue @eccentriccoffeebird @ashalle-art @pookydraws @queen-kass-the-writer @curiousartemis @heroofshield @queenofattolia @midnightprelude @onionjuggler @wickedwitchofthewilds @visceralcoma

And I hope i didn’t forget anyone - I’ve seen all your replies and I am still trying to get to most of them but you have been amazingly lovely, thank you!

[commanderadorkable]

WIP Wednesday

Here is a snippet of the newest chapter of my fic, Change Your Stars. I just posted (since I missed my normal Sunday posting) Chapter 8. Read it here. Or start at the beginning.

The snippet is under the cut. As always, my tags are free to participate or tell me to get bent. :P @pavusprince @aricazorel @kemvee @wardenari @wardenrainwall

“What can I do for you?” He asked in a clipped tone, his headache growing.

Rylen took his helmet off and shook out his mess of brown waves, “May I speak freely, Commander?”

Cullen only nodded his concession. At the invitation, Rylen strode over to a small crate sitting opposite Cullen’s desk and folded himself to sit on it.

“Arry told me what happened. In yer meeting the other day.” The Starkhavener started.

“Maker’s breath,” Cullen scrubbed his hands over his face, not wanting to talk about this anymore. Not wanting to think about this anymore. He did not have the patience for this today.

“It’s been days, Rylen, can we not discuss this?” “‘Fraid not, mate. How come ye didn’t tell her? Ye’ve been chattin’ and spendin' time with her almost every night since she got here.”

He just shrugged and looked back down at the reports sitting neatly on his make-shift desk. He didn’t have an answer...which hurt him even more. He didn't have anything to come close to justifying what he had done. He hadn’t sought her out again to apologize...he was letting his stubbornness consume him and he knew it.

Maker’s breath. “Oh, come on mate. That’s a cop-out if I’ve ever seen one. Have ye apologized to her at least?” Rylen grunted, putting the hand not holding his helmet on his thigh. “I tried that day. But she was still angry. I haven’t spoken to her since,” Cullen winced as his headache took a painful stab behind his eyes.

[kita-lavellan]

Beyond The Veil OC Question Time September-October

QUESTION TIME for September 25th - October 25th

Within our Dragon Age discord Beyond the Veil, we have a place dedicated to original character development and OC questions – so we figured we’d bring QUESTION TIME to tumblr too, for both our members & whoever may wish to join in with us!

HOW IT WORKS Feel free to answer/use the question-list in this post however you please, though the idea is that you send at least one question to the askbox of each member on the pinglist as and when you can, creating a hub of OC talk and activity. That way, everyone is able to answer questions and share their Dragon Age characters with the fandom community. Feel free to keep the question train going for as long as you like! Answer for one or all of your OCs –  answer as simply or as detailed as you feel! Most of all, enjoy and have fun!

To be added to the pinglist for next month, drop me a message or check out the pinned googledoc in the OC-Question-Time channel in the Beyond The Veil Discord.

PINGLIST for this month:

Tumblr: @kita-lavellan | @noire-pandora | @silvanils | @jarakrisafis | @bratwurstprophecy | @inquisitor-veowyn | @randomfallout4posts | @rivainisomniari | @ma-serannas-vhenan | @this-basic-mage | @inquisitor-julia | @shadowbabe333 | @curiousthimble | @davnwillcome | @menendoz | @followingthewolf | @charlatron | @queen-kass-the-writer | @tragic-lavellan | @sratsome-jack | @mythal-and-the-titans | @kemvee | @fandombird123 | @musetta3 | @5lazarus |

Some users are also willing to be contacted via Discord DM. Please check the pinned spreadsheet in the OC Question Time Channel for these users. ~

ORIGINAL CHARACTER QUESTIONS

Between your character, and their Love Interest, which of them can't seem to keep their hands to themselves?

Describe their ideal bedroom.

Describe your characters perfect home, if they were to build and design it themselves.

Do your character and their Love Interest have pet names/nicknames for each other?

Does your character care what strangers think of them or do they not place any value on strangers opinions? Does this change when it comes to the opinions of their friends?

Does your character enjoy hugs?

Does your character have an tattoo's? (Other than Vallaslin)

Does your character have any distinguishing physical features?

Does your character have any scars? How did they get them?

Does your character know how to dance? Are they a good dancer?

Does your character prefer sunrises or sunsets?

Has your character ever had their heart broken?

How does your character deal with emotional pain?

How does your character feel about marriage? Is it something they want for themselves?

How does your character react to thunderstorms?

How well does your character accept help and assistance from others?

How would your character describe their Love Interest?

How would your character react to their Love Interest resting their hand on your characters thigh/gently stroking their inner thigh, under the table at a formal dinner? Would they be able to keep their cool, or would they be blushing and stumbling over their words?

If your character could be remembered for something, what do they want the history books to remember them for?

Is there something in their past that they would change no matter what? Even if the consequences on the timeline were unknowable/unpredictable?

Is your character more likely to hide an injury, or let people know they need healing? Why? If they are hiding an injury, do they have any tells that their friends might be able to pick up on?

It's early morning. The sun is just beginning to slide rays of light through the windows of your characters bedroom. What are they doing/what is their reaction?

Tell me about your characters favourite childhood memory.

Tell me something that is guaranteed to make your character angry?

What about your character makes them most memorable to other people?

What are some of your characters favourite things? Tell me as many as you can think of, and why!

What are your characters emotional or moral weak points?

What does your character do as a sign of affection amongst their friends? Their family? Their Love Interest?

What is your character's drink of choice?

What is your character's least favourite weather?

Dealer's Choice; Pick your favourite question that no one has asked you yet, and answer it for me!

[elveny]

WIP Wednesday

I’ve been tagged by @coffeebirby @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @ashalle-art @kunstpause @midnightprelude - thank you all!!

Today, it has to be something from Into The Abyss :D

Isabela scoffed. “Once you’re Viscountess, you no longer have to do anything you don’t want.” She leaned closer, her eyes gleaming as she said, “Even better, you get to do whatever you actually want. Like having sex on that huge desk in the Viscount’s office.”

Adriene laughed, already feeling better. She had been so hesitant to talk to her partners about her plan to oppose Meredith as Viscount, but all her fears had dissipated into thin air once she had actually spoken to them. Now, knowing she had their full support, even the prospect of occupying that seat for a time didn’t seem so bleak anymore. “You mean, doing what you actually want?”

“Isn’t that one and the same?” Isabela grinned, leaning closer to kiss her. “I still maintain that you’ll have to give me a special permit to keep Kirkwall’s harbor safe.”

“Aveline would have my head if I make you Kirkwall’s official pirate,” Adriene chuckled.

“She’d get over it,” Bela said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Especially after you let her and the Guard have part of the glory of killing that dragon.”

“I doubt it would endear her to the nobility of the city,” Fenris said dryly.

“Only if you don’t play it right,” Isabela shook her head, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. “I’ve spoken to Varric, and-”

“Stop,” Adriene interrupted her with a little laugh that held less humor than she would’ve liked. “All I’ve managed so far is rally a few people, make others angry and scare even more. And for now, I need to keep the Grand Cleric occupied for a while.”

It was enough to chase the laughter from Isabela’s eyes. “Seagull, are you sure about this?” she asked, suddenly serious. “Anders still hasn’t told us what he plans to do.”

“I’m not sure he knows all of it,” Adriene confessed softly, looking back towards the Chantry. “This was Justice’s idea, after all.” She took a deep breath and gave Fenris and Isabela a small smile. “I won’t be long.”

Tagging forth to @curiousthimble @pikapeppa @allycryz @johaeryslavellan @hollyand-writes @charlatron @kemvee @hobo-apostate and all who want to grab it - my mind is fried today lol

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged by @noire-pandora, thank you so much for tagging!

I’ve decided to give two little peeks today - the first is some fun travel banter from the next chapter of Hearts Like Lions, and the next is from the opening chapter of Sides of the Coin, my upcoming Greedfall fic. The second preview will be under the cut!

—————————————————————————

“Making tea?” Dorian asked. “Good. Evelyn is a damned monster in the morning without it.”

“I highly doubt that.” Evelyn was known to be an early riser at Skyhold, when she had had a decent night’s sleep. Cullen remembered her confession about the little rest she got in the field. It was more likely she was simply tired.

“Have you seen that woman with a knife?” Dorian asked. Cullen paused in his stoking for just a moment before continuing

“Point taken.”

“So, what’s next on the agenda now that we’ve saved the Empress?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve been working with Leliana to hunt down Samson, but it’s turned up little so far. It doesn’t matter - he can’t hide forever, and when he slips up, we’ll find him.”

“Nasty business, that. All those Templars turning to red lyrium.”

“Corypheus exploited a weakness that the Chantry left them open to. I can’t say I don’t understand why they did it.” Cullen sighed. “It doesn’t make this any easier.”

“And you? How are you doing?”

Cullen looked at the mage in surprise. He certainly hadn’t told Dorian of his struggles, having only mentioned it to a select few people. So how…?

“Evelyn didn’t tell me, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Dorian explained. “I’m assuming she knows, of course. I haven’t discussed it with anyone. Any mage of skill would notice it - there’s been a distinct decline of magical energy around you. The kind of energy only put out by lyrium.”

“Some days are better than others. For the moment, I’m fine.”

“I know I mercilessly tease you, but I do consider you a friend. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Short of sharing your tent, again, that is.”

Cullen smiled. “I appreciate it. Though I think I preferred the teasing.”

“Thank the Maker, so do I. Does your hair always look like this in the morning? Is that why Varric calls you Curly? I’d always wondered-”

A scream - Evelyn’s scream - pierced the quiet morning. Cullen raced for the tent with his sword drawn and his heart in his throat. He hadn’t seen anyone approaching. Had he missed something?

He threw back the flaps and rushed in, finding Evelyn backed into the corner, cowering behind a fur blanket and pointing at the assailant that held her hostage - a small black spider.

“Cullen, get rid of it!” she shrieked.

“You’re… afraid of spiders?”

“Now!”

Cullen sheathed his sword, sighing in relief that Evelyn was in no immediate danger. She pressed backward even further as the tiny beast crawled along the ground.

Cullen scooped her attacker into his hands and set it free in the woods, fighting back laughter all the while. Evelyn watched him with eagle eyes to make sure it was far enough away.

“You are safe, my lady. Your knight has gotten rid of the beast for you,” Cullen teased, returning to where Evelyn stood at the entrance to the tent and placing a light kiss upon her forehead. She clutched a blanket tightly around herself, only her bare feet and the hems of her linen breeches showing.

“A knight would have slain it,” she grumbled, still staring into the woods.

“See? Cranky,” Dorian muttered to Cullen, handing Evelyn a mug. She slipped a hand through the opening of the furs to accept it.

“If it returns, I promise I will slay it,” Cullen grinned.

“If it returns, I’m setting this whole camp on fire.”

——————————————————————————

As suspected, the afternoon sun had risen high in the sky by the time Kurt was finished with her. Corinne sheathed the blade at her hip while Otto returned to his duties.

“It appears we’ve brushed up on the basics,” he said, apparently satisfied.

“It does, and I’d like to be on my way. I’ve quite the list of things to do before we depart.”

“Fair enough. You can always train in our barracks on the island if you’re feeling rusty.”

“Is this your way of telling me I’ll never be free of your drills and tutelage?”

“What, you thought that just because you’re Legate now you get to be lazy?” Kurt grinned.

“Words and diplomacy are a weapon of their own, Kurt!” Corinne goaded. “But surely a cold, hardened mercenary such as yourself has no need for such skills.”

Kurt snorted. “I think I’ll leave the dainty-schmoozing to you.”

“Are your bags packed for the great departure?”

“Yes. You know I get by with very little. Unlike you dainties.” Corinne playfully shoved his arm. “You’re not angry that I’m coming with you, I hope?”

“On the contrary! I am thrilled that both you and Sir De Courcillon are joining our party. A few friends at your side in unknown territory is a boon.”

Kurt tucked his sword into its sheath. “Don’t tell me the old school teacher is competing against me.”

“There is something about him,” Corinne teased. “Some find that sort of quiet intelligence incredibly attractive, you know.”

“Oh, please. Don’t even start with me. He’s much too old for you. You’ll give your uncle a heart attack if he hears you talking like that.”

“And what if I prefer an older man?”

“Then you’re a fool. There are plenty of young dandies around here for you to fawn over.”

“What, the ones picking fights with Constantin? I’d rather take my chances with Courcillon.”

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I’m all about the banter today 😂

Tagging @hawkeish @kemvee @a-shakespearean-in-paris @kunstpause @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold and anyone else who would like to participate!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged by @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold, @kunstpause , and @a-shakespearean-in-paris, thank you so much for the tag!

I’m not sure exactly where I’m going to tuck this in yet, but expect it to turn up at some point in Hearts Like Lions ☺️

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Ostwick, 9:31 Dragon

Evelyn stood barefoot in her bedroom, the hem of her nightgown just grazing the wooden floor. She brushed a strand of hair that had fallen from her loose braid back behind her ear. Dim candlelight lit the room, but the darkness did not deter her from picking up the blade again.

She stared down the target she had set up across the room. Evelyn had... borrowed it earlier, intending to return it before it would be missed. She tested the weight of the dagger in her hand. It had been given to her years ago, when she had been much smaller, but still felt nearly as awkward as it had then. Her parents had humored her wish to train with her brothers then, but now that Aspen was twenty-one and could practice on his own and Rowan had left to train with the Templars, her own training had been set aside.

And so, she had taken it upon herself to practice what few skills she had picked up in childhood. She bent her knees slightly, rocking until she felt balanced, then took aim.

Thunk.

The dagger missed and lodged itself into the far wall.

“Dammit!” Evelyn cursed. She started forward to retrieve it, noting that it was better than the time it bounced back and nearly killed her, when the sound of her bedroom door opening sent her whipping around.

“I thought you might still be awake,” her father said as Evelyn jumped to stand in front of her handiwork.

“I was...”

“No need, dove. You aren’t in trouble.” The Bann’s bright blue eyes twinkled. “Until your mother finds out you put another knife in the wall, that is.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened. She supposed it was one of her poorer coverups. “It was an accident!”

“I know. That’s why I came to talk to you, actually.”

Evelyn sheepishly stepped aside while her father pulled the dagger from the wall. He set it on her dresser, pausing only a moment to examine the pair of books that sat there - The Way of the Blade and Ferelden and Her Queens: The Women of the Rebellion.

If she wasn’t in trouble before, she was certain she would be now.

“Taken an interest in Ferelden history?” Her father asked. He didn’t seem angry, so Evelyn answered truthfully.

“It’s fascinating,” she confessed. “For the people to rise up against the Orlesian Empire and win... and not only that, but with two women leading the army!”

“You admire these women?”

“I do. The women of Ferelden are strong and capable. They aren’t expected to be delicate or perfect. I know mother wouldn’t approve, though. She’d say it wasn’t ladylike. Nor my interest, for that matter.”

The Bann sat on the edge of her four poster, gesturing for Evelyn to join him. Then he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“In your study of Ferelden, did you read anything about the Couslands?” he asked at last. Evelyn knit her brows in confusion.

“Aren’t they an important noble family occupying Highever?”

“Indeed. Or at least, they were.”

His gaze was distant, off in a far away place filled with worry and uncertainty.

“Father?” Evelyn asked softly.

“I’ve just received news that Castle Cousland was attacked. The Teryn and his wife were murdered in their own home, along with everyone else in the castle. Supposedly, his youngest daughter was the only one to escape. She is not much older than you.”

“That’s terrible!”

Her father was silent for a moment, lost in thought. He stroked at his beard, and when he turned to face her, his expression was resolute.

“Sometimes, the nobility forget that we are not untouchable. This atrocity is a terrible reminder of that. And should the worst ever come, I’d be a fool to leave my daughter defenseless.”

“You don’t mean...” Evelyn tried to contain the excitement bubbling within her, but it was proving difficult. Her father sensed it, a smile, though sadder than the one he had worn before, returning to his face.”

“I do. You start your training tomorrow. In earnest, this time.”

“Thank you!” Evelyn squealed. Her father couldn’t help but laugh as she threw her arms around him.

“Just try not to antagonize your mother over it too much. She was not easy to convince.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Get some sleep. You’ve got a busy day tomorrow.” He started to leave, but paused in the doorway, turning to her with a mischievous grin that most of the family swore Evelyn wore just as well. “And Evelyn, dove? Return that target before anyone notices it’s gone.”

Evelyn could hardly contain her excitement as he shut the door behind him. She picked up the dagger and threw it again, ready to begin practicing right away.

Crash!

“Evelyn!”

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Tagging @potatowitch @inquisitoracorn @hawkeish @noire-pandora @musetta3 @kemvee and anyone else who wishes to do it! (And if you don’t want to, no pressure! I know many of us are low on spoons at the moment)

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged by @kunstpause for six sentence sunday! I hope you don’t mind, but I hijacked this into a WIP Whenever!

I made some changes and additions to the last scene I shared, hope you enjoy!

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“I’ve got one. Firstly, my aunt is known across the Free Marches for her love of Antivan opera, so of course when a performance of The Murder of Queen Madrigal opened, she made us all attend. Secondly, a family row over a former paramour of mine had sent me into my rebellious phase, and I was determined to make it everybody’s problem...”

Ostwick, 9:35 Dragon

Not for the first time, Evelyn found herself in a carriage on her way to the opera. She had tried to follow her siblings into her aunt’s carriage, as usual, but a stern look and a single word from her mother had landed her alone with her parents.

“Come.”

Evelyn glared as she climbed in. Apparently she was now to be spoken to like a dog. Her father avoided her eyes.

For most of the ride, Evelyn tried to drown out her mother’s scolding by staring out the window and attempting to think of anything else. She wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders as though it would shield her from the unwanted commentary, but each snide remark dug deeper through the flimsy armor.

“...and must you wear that ridiculous lipstick? You look like-“

“Like what?” Evelyn snapped. “A whore?”

“Evelyn!”

Her father faced her for the first time in days, his nostrils flared and his face red with rage.

“What? You were all thinking it! I’m aware I’m the family disgrace. I may as well look like it. At least one of us is honest.”

“Maker’s mercy, not this again!”

“Yes, this again! What did you do? I know he didn’t leave willingly. Did you bribe him? Threaten him?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter! You’re constantly throwing suitors at me because you want me wed so badly, but when I’m actually willing-“

“He is not a suitor, he’s a scandal!”

“He’s a man! And a far better one than any of these snobs you pick for me!”

“I’m doing what’s best for you! Don’t you see? He could never take care of you.”

“Oh, he took care of me all right. But Maker forbid a Trevelyan girl deflowered by a lowly stable hand. What will everyone say?”

“Enough!”

If he had been angry before, Bann Trevelyan was now furious. Evelyn lunged for the door just as the carriage came to a halt, but her father blocked her before she could make her escape.

“You will not say a word about this to anyone. You will accompany Ser Gibson to his box this evening. You will laugh at his jokes and smile and pray that he’s still interested and hasn’t heard about this scandal. At the end of the night, you will bid him good evening and he will leave you in Aspen’s care until you return to the carriage, where I shall meet the both of you. Am I understood?”

Evelyn’s silent glare was the only response he received. Her blood boiled hot beneath her perfumed skin, and the Bann seemed to realize this was a better response than the alternative.

Evelyn ignored his hand as she stepped from the carriage and smoothed the skirt of her dress, soon joined by her aunt, uncle, and siblings. Rowan wedged himself between her and her eldest brother before he could offer an arm.

“I’ve got her, father,” he said.

“Traitor,” Evelyn muttered. Her father ignored her.

“You’ll pass her off to Ser Gibson? I was planning to have Aspen take her.”

“I keep Ostwick’s Circle safe from blood magic every day,” Rowan boasted. “I’m sure I can handle escorting my little sister inside.”

Evelyn kicked him.

“Very well. I’ll meet you in our box.”

Rowan nodded, wearing an irritating grin that Evelyn had half a mind to smack off his face. She waited until her family was well out of ear shot before she pulled away from him.

“I don’t need an escort!”

“Woah, there! Is this how you treat people who are trying to help you? No wonder he’s left you with a babysitter.”

“I’m twenty-one years old, I hardly need a babysitter.”

“That may be, but I might need a healer if you kick me like that again.”

Evelyn tried to kick him again, but Rowan threw her over his shoulder before she could do any more damage and slipped behind the nearby shrubbery. Evelyn pounded gloved fists into his back.

“Rowan Trevelyan, you put me down right now!”

“I’d watch it if I were you. Keep being mean to me and I won’t give you your present.” He set her down and demonstrated what had to be the most annoying fake pout she had ever seen.

“What, Rowan? What could you possibly want to give me right now? Unless you have a plan to get me out of this damn opera, I’m not interested.”

Silence. The annoying grin was back, and wider than ever.

“Wait... Do you have a plan?”

“I always have a plan.”

He pulled a small parcel from inside his jacket. Inside, Evelyn found one of her more casual outfits consisting of a blouse and breeches.

“Your boots are in Lucille’s carriage. You can change in there. Just be careful, she’s been gifted a crate of rabbits and it’s taking up quite a bit of space. Apparently rabbit fur is the fashion in Orlais, and you know Lucille - has to pick the specimens her furs come from herself. I feel bad for the little buggers. Anyway, the boys will be thrilled to see you. They’re at the usual tavern. I’ll meet you as soon as I can escape.”

Evelyn threw her arms around her brother, who laughed at the sudden show of affection.

“As nice as this is, was there anything you wanted to say to me?”

“Sorry I kicked you,” she said sheepishly.

“There. Was that so hard?”

“Don’t make me change my mind.”

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Tagging the usual suspects for any WIP related thing you wish! @noire-pandora @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @hawkeish @kemvee @charlatron @jentrevellan @musetta3 @inquisitoracorn