#ages of muses;;

[septemberkisses]

the fact that i'm no longer the same age as the protagonists of novels and films i once connected to is so heartbreaking. there was a time when I looked forward to turning their age. i did. and i also outgrew them. i continue to age, but they don't; never will. the immortality of fiction is beautiful, but cruel.

[bishicat]

miss harding...... 💍<33333

[timethehobo]

Would yall believe me if I said I meant to do a simple sketch?… 💀

[lychi-kinesis]

Posting old art in anticipation of TOTK!!!

[invinciblerodent]

This is going to be very ranty and disjointed, probably borderline incomprehensible post, but with the "return" of Dragon Age Discourse (and really, did it ever go anywhere?) and me repeatedly seeing the complaints and dismissals of DA:I as a "chosen one"-type of a narrative, I just.... I keep finding myself thinking about the relationship of truth and lies within the game.

Throughout the course of DA:I, the idea of a malleable, flexible personal identity, and a painful confrontation with an uncomfortable truth replacing a soothing falsehood, follows pretty much every character throughout their respective arcs.

There are some more obvious ones, Solas, Blackwall, The Iron Bull, their identities and deceptions (of both those around them and themselves) are clearly front and center in the stories told about them, but this theme of deception (both of the self- and the outside world) is clearly present in the stories of the others as well.

Like, for example, ones that come immediately to mind are stories like that of Cullen, who presents an image of a composed and disciplined military man, a commander- all to hide the desperate and traumatized addict that he sees himself as.

Dorian grappled with the expectations of presenting the image of the perfect heir to his father's legacy, the prideful scion of his house, his entire life (he even introduces himself as the result of "careful breeding", like one might speak about a prized horse)- all while knowing that his family would rather see him lobotomized and obedient, than anything even just resembling his vibrant and passionate self.

Cassandra calls herself a Seeker of Truth, and takes pride in that identity- only to learn that in reality, she has been made a liar, a keeper of secrets, without her knowledge or consent, and it is up to her to either uproot the entire organization and painfully cut out the abscess it is to build it back from the ground up into something respectable, or let the information she had revealed sit, and continue to fester.

And this theme continues and reframes itself in, among others, things like Sera's own inner conflict between her elven heritage and her human upbringing, or in Cole being caught in this unconscionable space in-between human and spirit, between person and concept, etc.

The Inquisitor isn't exempt from this either.

I feel like this is where the core of the many misunderstandings of this plot come from, why so many people continue to believe that Inquisition is a "chosen one" or "divinely appointed" type of story, because I think many might just... not realize, that the protagonist's identity is also malleable, and what they are told in the setup/first act of the game is not necessarily the truth.

The tale of the Inquisitor is the exact opposite of that of a "chosen one" story: it's an examination and reflection of the trope, in that it is the story of an assumption that all wrongly believe to be the truth, and thrust upon you, even if you protest. The very point is that no matter who you choose to say that you are, you will be known as the Herald of a prophet you don't even necessarily believe in, and then that belief will be proven wrong, leaving you to cope with either a devastating disappointment if you believed it, or a bitter kind of vindication if you didn't.

There's a moment just after Here Lies the Abyss (when you learn of the lie you've been fed your entire journey in the game) that I don't often see mentioned, but I think it's one of the most emotionally impactful character moments, if you are playing an Andrastian Inquisitor who had actually believed themselves chosen (which I realize is a rather unpopular pick, lol): it's when Ser Ruth, a Grey Warden, realizes what she had done and is horrified by her own deeds, and turns herself in asking to be tried for the murder of another of her order. As far as she is concerned, she had spilled blood for power, and regardless of whether she was acting of her own volition at the time, whether she had agency in the moment, is irrelevant to her: she seeks no absolution, but willingly submits to any punishment you see fit.

And only if you play as an Inquisitor who, through prior dialogue choices, had established themselves as a devout Andrastian, can you offer her forgiveness, for a deed that was objectively not her fault- not really.

You can, in Andraste's name, forgive her- even though you, at that point, know that you have no real right to do so. That you're not Andraste's Herald, that Andraste may or may not even exist, and that you can't grant anyone "divine forgiveness", because you, yourself, don't have a drop of divinity within you. You know that you were no more than an unlucky idiot who stumbled their way into meddling with forces beyond their ken.

You know you're a fraud. You know. The game forces you to realize, as it slowly drip-drip-drips the memories knocked loose by the blast back into your head, that what all have been telling you that you are up to this point, is false. And yet, you can still choose to keep up the lie, and tell this woman who stands in front of you with blood on her hands and tears in her eyes, that you, with authority you don't have, grant her forgiveness for a crime that wasn't hers to commit.

Because it's the right thing to do. Because to lie to Ser Ruth is far kinder than anything else you could possibly do to her, short of refusing to make a decision altogether.

There are any number of criticisms of this game that I can accept (I may or may not agree depending on what it is, but I'm from the school of thought that any interpretation can be equally valid as long as there's text that supports it, and no text that contradicts it), but I will always continue to uphold that the Inquisitor is absolutely not- and never was a "chosen one".

They're just as small, and sad, and lost, as all the other protagonists- the only difference is that they didn't need to fight for their mantle, because instead of a symbol of honor, it acted as a straitjacket.

[lionofchaeronea]

Young Woman at a Window, Jan Victors, 1640

[melonalemonade]

I’ve been having fun with the wizard over on my horknee account on twitter

[tkwritesdumbassassins]

With Davrin being a monster hunter, Taash a dragon hunter, and Lucanis the biggest wyvern nerd on this side of the Fade, man, I could only imagine the academic debates those three would have when it came to beasties.

Although, would be kind of sweet if companions gave/made gifts for the others. Or just...what kind of dynamics would they have?

Like... Walking into Lucanis' room one day, and seeing a Wyvern sculpture that Davrin had whittled out of wood on his nightstand.

Or Rook walking into Davrin's, and you find him sitting in a chair reading an old bestiary Taash let him borrow while Assan is gnawing on a bone (given by Lucanis because I'm on a roll here.)

Bellara asking Neve about her BEST cases, and nerding out while also discussing proper bow techniques with Harding. (Trust me. It's a thing. I've a bruise to prove it suvavphav0uua. Pop your elbow out! You'll thank me.)

Someone (coughLucaniscough) starts a Book Club and sometimes someone brings Varric's (worst to Varric's mind) books. He occasionally eavesdrops.

Neve introduces chocolate-covered espresso beans

Of course, Harding offers Orlesian dance lessons just like she did with the Inqusition. Farrrr too many have left feet it seems.

Emmerich has a spooky hour time, and tells the best ghost stories. Varric may or not be inspired.

Assan needing to be stopped from nibbling on Manfred's legs on more than one occasion. And occasionally soaked because he keeps falling into the aquarium

[calisources]

𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒, 𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒.

All sentences were taken from difference media about age gap and age difference relationships, all acceptable relationships within consenting adults with age differences. Please do not use for teenagers or taboo relationships. These have some foul language or suggestive undertones so please beware. You can change names, pronouns, locations as you see fit.

I bet it doesn’t feel like this with that boy of yours, does it?

You’ll never know when I’m going to drag you into the darkness, pumping my cock into one of your tight holes. And you’ll take every inch like a good little girl.

What a tiny life we’d live if we fashioned ourselves to the comforts of others.

I think I'm a little old for that, love.

No, not old. But you're, you know, a man.

Tell me that you've never had anyone else. I want you to pretend.

You show me things I've forgotten.

Sometimes I think you must have seen it all before. That I can't show you anything new.

I like you as you are, he said. Even if you're going to wear me out.

I’m rough with your body sometimes, but I’ll always be gentle with your soul. She bruises far more easily.

This prince is a few years younger than you, and does not have much experience.

I must have forgotten how young you would be, Princess. Has there ever been a sovereign of such tender age?

Who is to say what love is or what it wants to be, the shape it takes, or how quickly it comes on? Love has always made a fool of time.

I don’t feel old. As a matter of fact, sitting here with you makes me feel older, not younger. Nothing is rubbing off.

Mr. Rochester was about forty, and this governess not twenty; and you see, when gentlemen of his age fall in love with girls, they are often like as if they were bewitched.

He's old enough to be your father.

Tonks deserves somebody young and whole.

But she wants you. And after all, Remus, young and whole men do not necessarily remain so.

Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind.

Age considers; youth ventures.

Age, like distance lends a double charm. 

I'm a strong believer that a good relationship can work, whatever the situation. 

Love knows no boundaries, not even the ones defined by age.

Don’t let society’s judgment define your love. Follow your heart, despite the age difference.

Most people would be upset they get an old man as their husband.  

Do not worry about your age, Ser. The lady pays attention not to age but prowess.

I will not let time choose my lovers for me. I trust my own judgement. 

You should look to more prosperous gardens, Your Grace.

I was sixteen years old when you were born.

No doubt you were much my superior in judgement at that period of our lives; but does not the lapse of one-and-twenty years bring our understandings a good deal nearer?

Come, my dear Emma, let us be friends, and say no more about it. 

I have seldom seen a face or figure more pleasing to me than hers. But I am a partial old friend.

If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.

We spend more time discussing this matter than being together as a couple. And I believe you are doing it on purpose.

You think my attention is as fickle that I would look elsewhere.

Perhaps it would be you who looks elsewhere. A handsome older man must have youthful maidens at his disposal.

If we were closer in age, it would've been fine.

I have loved you since the moment I helped you with your zipper. 

Would it make you feel better if I call you Daddy while you fuck me?

You’ll be a silver fox before 40 at this rate.

Well, it’s definitely your fault. You stress me out. You’re making my hair turn white.

It’s easy to cast opinions when your heart isn’t the one invested.

I hope you love me, because I love you like crazy, and I'm going to want you the rest of my life.

You already know the truth. And I will be by your side, but I am not good for you.

I am tired of others getting to choose who is good for me. You do that quite often, frequently. 

You'll keep your name. You'll keep your will. You'll have your own servants to attend you— you will have everything you ask for.

Don't ask me to let you do. Do you understand? Do not ask me.

It might be best for us, for myself, if I found myself useful elsewhere.

I wish you could just slow down so I could catch up to you.

Stamina is not an issue. But rather what others will whisper.

When are you going to get over this? All I did was touch your leg.

Why would it matter if someone saw you saying hello to me?

But it’s nice to be around you. Like I haven’t lost a decade of my life.

I been in love with you since I was six, fool. 

I will always belong to you, but I’m afraid there will be others after me. I’m not a young man/woman.

A kiss ... a muse. It is a question, an unlocked door. It is ... elation ... and anguish.

You have treated me better than any young man my age. Why should I go for either of them? 

Young men are eager lovers. I prefer my lovers to take their time. I’m sure with men is the same.

You make me feel really safe. i’m not used to that.

You gave an old man purpose again. And that is more than I can ask of you.

I was a child then, with a crush and a dream. As I grew, dreams changed but you remain the one in my dreams.

I have thought about kissing you a lot. What would that make me?

I have more in common with you than men my age.

Do not pretend to think what I think.

More recently, there are rumors she prefers her lovers to be younger. Truth to be told, I don’t blame her.

I will teach you in time, but for now restrain me and have your way with me. I don’t want to think, I just want to feel.

We have never done anything to be ashamed of. You’ve never done anything to be ashamed of.

Personally, I think the difference keeps us interesting in another another. 

You can teach me all you wish, and I can learn. I know I can.

There is always a wild side to an innocent face.

You are being too forward right now, my lady. Be careful.

There would be other loves. Even great loves. But she was right, only one remained perfect.

Maybe there are some people you marry and people you love.

Just so you know, you're a natural lover. Your body expresses beautifully what's in your heart.

I have never felt so alive... as when I am in your arms.

A 5 to 7 relationship is a relationship outside of marriage.

You're older than I am, you're wiser I'm sure and you've seen much more of the world.

[timethehobo]

Quick animated thingy cos I was just imagining a romance route greeting.

[mccoyquialisms]

Pib is the perfect character. Sometimes he’s with the kids club, and sometimes he’s saying “Do you swallow the gum??” in perfect synchronized horror with the other quasi adult Gerard. Older cousin energy

[navybrat817]

On my knees, sir. 😍🥵🫠

[exhausted-archivist]

This is something I've been mulling around for a few days now, and the more I rotate it around in my brain the more I really like the idea.

Anyway, Varric would be a better sobriety coach/sponsor for Cullen than Cassandra. It would have been a great way to not only explore Cullen's relationship with his addiction and the Chantry in a more neutral not duty oriented space like he does with Cassandra, but there is also the added layer of Varric knows what he did in Kirkwall. He was there.

I don't always think that the devs should cater to meta knowledge of the player, because let's be honest, the Inquisitor has no reason to hold any sort of negative perception of Cullen outside generalized dislike for Templars. There is no reason for Cullen to divest his guilt, trauma, or even work on his deradicalization with the Inquisitor who he has only known for less than a year or at most a year by base game canon. Varric though, he was there, he was there while Cullen was going through initial withdrawal, through the cleanup effort, he saw Cullen at his worst and saw him working to be better.

Cullen's story in dai doesn't need to be about his deradicalization. It should and is primarily about his sobriety as well as learning that he is more than his time and role as a templar. Something I think Varric would be really, really good at.

Debating on how much I want to delve into explaining this thought.

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

One thing I absolutely love in games, especially RPG's, is there being one guy who Definitely Should Be The Main Character but because the player character is there, he's playing sidekick.

Like, the best example is Alistair in Dragon Age Origins, what with him being the true king, half human and half elf, has dragon blood and Darkspawn blood knocking around in his veins. Dude oozes Main Character energy but NOPE, the player character is here and Alistair is playing second fiddle.

There's also Parvati in The Outer Worlds. She's got all the makings of a main character, plucky kid from a backwater colony forced into the role of galactic hero, but she's the sidekick because she's not the palyer character.

Like, its so funny. Its like those old (Y/N) fanfics where the main character is supplanted by this foreign parasite. Its just so endlessly funny to me.

Leave ones YOU know in the tags!

[pinayelf]

I've been re-drawing this specific Immy piece since 2019 to track my progress

it's fun to see how her design has changed and also it's nice to how I've improved. I'm proud of myself for continuing on and I know the next redraw will be even better ❤️

(Also the og piece has her facing left but I flipped it because I decided I wanted her facing right on the newer versions and I wanted it to match lol)

[ansburg]

     I swear he was crying when we finally tackled him, but damned if I’ll hold that against him. It took three of us to drag him back to cover. I had to slap him back to his senses, to make him see that killing five or ten more ‘Spawn wouldn’t matter. The Wall was on us, and dying there wasn’t going to help anyone. I said if he wanted to do his family good, he’d get them safe.

— world of thedas, volume ii