#alistair hits him with the ‘ofc i know your name’

[luckloveandwaterfalls]

Something about how Alistair Lowe is terrible with names and faces, and how Gavin turns it into a joke but is so deeply humiliated when he thinks Alistair doesn’t know his name, and how Alistair “just likes calling him Grieve” but turns around and saves his life and calls him Gavin because “of course I know your name, you absolute gremlin,” and how Alistair doesn’t learn other people’s names until they’re literally screamed multiple times in the woods but him knowing Gavin’s name, and using it while he heals him, is a given—

[kalina-tabrys-blast-radius]

For kalina ofc

What is their name, and how old are they? Does their name or birthday hold any significance?

How many languages do they speak? Do they have any sort of accent?

Which companions (or advisors) do they like to spend time with when they’re not travelling?

How do they feel about dragons?

What did they think of King Cailan and Duncan? How did they react to their deaths?

Who rules Orzammar, Bhelen or Harrowmont? How did your Warden make their decision?

How did they resolve the conflict in the Brecilian Forest? Did they side with the werewolves, the elves, or did they reach a truce?

What gifts would raise their approval rating if they were a companion?

Kalina Tabrys is 19, I think. He's just hit adulthood, he's ready to solve everyone's problems with friendship (and incredible rageful violence). Kalina is named after kalina berry bushes. I learned a lot of songs and poems about kalinas in Ukrainian, and it's got an association with home and healing, but the berries are really bitter. I like the contrast, I think it fits well with Kalina's desire for social connection and solutions and his thorough destruction of people who hurt him or his folks.

Kalina speaks the Trade Tongue and really desperately wishes he was fluent in Elvish. He knows a few words from his mother's books, all related to religious rituals, but that's it. He doesn't have an accent, per se. But he talks slowly and over-enunciates his words, with the exception of a few rehearsed or familiar phrases and names. He himself imitating other people's accents without meaning to as well.

Kalina likes each of his companions in a unique way, but I think he spends the most time with Zev and Morri. They're so different from him, in their worldview and experience, yet Kalina finds himself in them. Morri with her connection to nature and interest in the world, and Zev with his elven heritage, all important to Kalina. It's comforting, almost validating, to see such familiar things in people who are so different. He could listen to either of them talk for hours. He likes to braid their hair when he's listening to their stories or insights. I think, if they all got more comfortable, he'd love to make woodworking or textile crafts with them. Besides them, Kalina likes to sit and goof off with Alistair a lot. He sees Al like a brother and it really makes him miss his cousins.

Kalina likes animals and creatures, and initially, dragons are no exception. As a kid, he absolutely has fantasized about somehow having a dragon companion he could ride as it flew. The nightmares from the Joining have put a big damper on this enthusiasm though. Thinking about dragons now just makes him shudder.

Duncan and King Callan were symbols of hope to Kalina, who I think really struggles with hopelessness. He has been supported by his community for most of his life, and on his wedding day, his community was not enough to protect his beloved cousins. So he solves the problem with violence, despite his instinct to seek social solutions. He's full of rage and reeling from this experience when Duncan whisks him away to join the Gray Wardens. To Kalina, this is another chance to protect his community effectively and find hope again. Duncan singles Kalina out, makes him feel special and capable, and Kalina clings to that hope. Kalina really likes King Callan. The king seemed a bit brazen and impulsive, which are traits that Kalina doesn't realize he shares. He liked his sense of humor and enthusiasm, and it gave him hope.

Then they both die. Duncan dies and leaves Kalina in an entirely new world, where Kalina does not know the social scripts, how to connect with people, how to protect and be protected. He's alone. On top of that, King Callan is dead now too. King Callan's death made Kalina feel unsteady in his own enthusiasm and leadership. If King Callan can't make it in this world, with his hopeful approach and attitude, how can Kalina? What hope is there? But Kalina can't think about that right now, can't have doubts or let these deaths or the loss of his community affect anything, because he's a fresh, baby-faced leader and if he looks shaky even for a second, the world is at stake.

Bhelen rules Orzammar! Out of game, my partner suggested it lol. In game, Kalina doesn't really like underhanded deceitful politics and unnecessary grandeur and violence. Harrowmount did some underhanded shit and was going to ask Kalina to do some sort of Champion fighting. Kalina does not understand political games like that or the importance of those rituals. He prefers the ruler who will be direct, because that is communication he will be able to understand. He thinks that's Bhelen.

The Brecilian Forest was not a fun time for Kalina. He was so so happy to find elves who still followed the ancient traditions and who could teach him. Honestly he was probably daydreaming about settling down there after the small matter of stopping the Blight. He talked to literally everyone he could, read every scrap of paper and every plaque on a statue, and remembered it all. When Kalina heard about the werewolves, his instinct was to resolve it peacefully. He was angry, maybe, about their attacks, but hitting fist and asking questions later has gotten him nowhere. He was absolutely devastated and lost to find out about the whole complicated situation. The leader of the elves, who in Kalina's imagination was already teaching him the ancient ways of the elves, was not who he said he was. During the last fight, Kalina was angry and spent the entire time chasing the elven leader until he gave up. He didn't even think twice about the werewolves doing what they did. He came away from that arc heavily disillusioned.

I think that Kalina would like random lil trinkets, rocks with cool symbols on them, like Alistair. Books about elven lore or elven artifacts would also send him over the moon.

[obeydontstray]

I Want More (A Maxwell Lord X OFC rp)

0(A Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal - Patty Jenkins universe) rp between myself and my girlfriend @historianwithaheart ) Can be found under the same name on AO3)

Maxwell sat at his desk, getting his first breather of the day. He looked around for his son. Being the first month of summer, Alistair was spending time at the office with him, but the kid was not in his office where he left him. Max hit the button on his desk and spoke. "Hey Britney, did Alistair leave me any messages of where he was going? Did you see him?"

“No sir I thought he was with you.” In Melony’s office she sat typing away. The little black haired boy munched on his carrots and drank the soda she had gotten for him. She didn’t know who this little boy belonged to but he had stolen her heart. “Like the new Mario Alister?” She asked him. He smiled.

“My daddy is so busy most of the time so it’s nice to come hang out.”

It wasn't uncommon for Alistair to take walks around the offices. Max always made sure he had a piece of money so he could buy anything he wanted from the cafeteria, vending machines, or gift shop downstairs. But he wasn't usually gone this long. It had been....an hour? Maxwell began to get nervous.

“Sorry I couldn’t get you McDonald’s this time but I figure that you shouldn’t be eating junk every time we visit.” She felt her heart ache when he smiled at her. “I get bored so it’s nice to come sit with you.” Alistair smiled. “Well I think I’m gonna have my Lunch break soon if you want a player two?” He nodded.

Maxwell walked through the office hurriedly, asking random people if they had seen the small boy with black hair and dark eyes.

“Did you tell your daddy where you were going?” She asked typing on her desk top. Ali stair nodded. “Left a note.” She smiled at him. “Good boy.”

Someone stopped Max. "I saw a kid go that way, down the hall." He thanked the person and began opening doors.

“Hey kid, have some water okay? Only one soda!” She handed him a water bottle. She sighed. One week late for the meeting. Wonderful.

The door flung open and a head appeared. One with dark blonde hair, handsome features, and dark eyes. "Alistair!" He said, stepping in the door and reaching out his arms.

“Hey daddy!” Melony nearly choked on her drink. “Well Mr. Lord you’re only a week and three hours late to our meeting.” She stood.

He hugged Alistair and quickly stood, straightening out his clothes with his hands and suddenly turning on the biggest smile. "I'm sorry, you are?" God she was beautiful! She had shoulder length blonde hair and the biggest, bluest eyes he had ever seen. Her ruby red lips were perfectly shaped.

“You new head of financials Mr. Lord.” Ali stair smiled. “She’s my friend!” Alistair said. “Look she brought me stuff to play with.”

Maxwell scanned the room. A few scattered toys, food wrappers still out, and a a Nintendo. "So this is where you have been disappearing to."

“She’s nice, and she bought me a Nintendo and she was gonna play with me on her lunch break.” Alistair said. “ if your daddy says you can we can still do that.” Melony smiled. “Melony Morningstar, Head of your financial division. We were supposed to have a meeting one week and three hours ago.”

Maxwell sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Shit, yeah you're right. Sorry, things have been so busy."

Alistair went and hugged around Melony’s thigh. She pet his hair. “Well unfortunately for you my schedule is full up until next Wednesday at two. We’re diversifying your portfolio Mr. Lord.”

"My, you are a busy busy woman. Could we meet now?"

“Well I have a very important meeting coming up, with a top partner.” She winked at Alistair and he smiled. “Can I have another soda?” He asked drinking the Mountain Dew.

"How many have you had?" Maxwell asked. "Your mom's gonna kill me for letting you drink too many."

“He’s only had one! I let him have one when he visits.” Melony said. Alistair leaned against her shoulder. “Mommy doesn’t let me have anything, she’s too busy with her new boyfriend.”

Maxwell frowned. "That's okay, you'll always get attention from me." He promised. "If it's okay with Mrs. Morningstar, you can have another."

“Miss.” Melony corrected. “I’m a Miss and I think you’ve had enough. Don't want to send you home to Daddy and have you bouncing off the walls.”

"How considerate." Max smiled warmly. "Miss Morningstar is right. How about some water, or juice?"

“I gave him water a few minutes ago.” She blushed. “Well I guess you better go little buddy. I think the jig is up.” She ruffled his hair. “If you want you can take the NES system home. That’s up to your daddy. I..I can’t make that decision.”

He nodded. "If she doesn't mind your visits, that's fine. You can keep it here and I'll get you one for your room at home too."

“Alright little man you should probably head to lunch with your pops.” She smiled at the boy. “As for you Mr. Lord, seems you're as irresponsible with your child as you are your money. I’d like to know why you just couldn’t make our meeting a week ago.”

"I'm not irresponsible!" He said, a little flash defiance in his voice before he ran a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair. "He usually makes quick trips to the gift shop or cafeteria and back up. I didn't expect him to start touring people's offices. And I apologize, my only free time lately has been in the late afternoon. No business like show business, ya know."

“Mmm. No worries, little man and I keep each other company!” She smiled. “Oh yes far too busy. Then I guess it will have to be a business dinner then. Tonight at 6 your choice though perhaps a nice place to sit outside. The office is stifling.”

His eyebrow raised and a lopsided smile shown on his face. "Really? Tonight huh? How does Thai sound?"

“Fantastic. It’s my favorite. I’ll see you at six.” She penciled in her planner. “You best be there Mr. Lord, I am your new head of finances you hired me for a reason. And it wasn’t because I’m pretty, because you weren’t even there to look at me.”

"And I regret that deeply." He said, giving her a very obvious look over. "I'll meet you there." He said, laying his hand on Alistair's shoulder. "Come on baby, let's go."

She waved at Alistair. She sat down and smiled to herself. She had just strong armed the most powerful man in this company. Not taking his his excuses. Alistair walks with Max. “You’re not mad at me daddy, she’s really nice and she plays video games with me sometimes. She says that if you were smart you’d start investing in Nintendo.”

He grinned. "Well I'll have to think on that. No buddy, I'm not mad at you. She's a very nice lady."

“Are you gonna date her?” Alistair asked. “She’s pretty, really pretty almost prettier than Momma.”

"No no, this is just a business meeting." He assured him, even if he had different things in mind. "She is really pretty, isn't she?"

“She looks like that Disney princess, Aurora.” Alistair said. “She sings pretty too.” He said. “Can I still hang out with her?”

"Sure thing buddy." He said, ruffling the boy's dark hair. "When did you hear her sing?"

“Well one day when you were super busy, and I got bored I went exploring and I got really lost, and she found me. I was crying a lot because I was scared. She picked me up and she sang a song to me to help me stop crying because I was scared.” Alistair told him.

He lay his hand on his son's shoulder and bent down to his level before pulling him in for a hug. "I'm so sorry you were lost and scared. I'll thank her tonight for caring for you."

“It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean it to happen.” Alistair hugged him. “Just be nice to her okay?” Soon five o'clock came and Melony went home to change into a sweet little blue floral patterned summer dress. Cuban stockings, blue pumps. She did up her hair and spritzed her perfume. She picked up the phone as she put on her pink lipstick.

Maxwell looked himself over in the mirror. He wore a sunset yellow blazer with white slacks and a pastel orange shirt. His white loafers were shined and he pushed up his sleeves to his elbows. His hair was perfectly coiffed and he was cleanly shaven. He picked up his Polo cologne and sprayed it on. "Daddy, if it's not a date then why are you dressing up?" Alistair asked. "Dress for success, buddy. When you're a business man, you have to always look your best. This is a meeting, it's just outside the office so I'm dressing different." The phone rung and caught his attention. He lifted a finger at Alistair. "Hold that thought."

“Good evening Mr. Lord, Raquel said this was your home number. I’m honored.” Melony laughed.

"And who said you could call me at home?" He said in a flirty tone. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

“Well Mr. Lord by proxy of not specifying which Thai restaurant in DC you have hence forth invited me to call you at home.” She spoke. She heard the flirtatious tone in his voice. She felt a zap of desire run down her spine. Oh Melony, don’t you know any better. She thought to herself.

“Precisely. I’ll see you there soon.” She smiled over the receiver. “Oh and come prepared to work Mr. Lord. I’m not one of your office floosies.”

He smiled broadly and chuckled. "Work for what?"

“Honestly you think you’re so charming. Work work. Like portfolios and the future of your company, I’m sure you enjoy being able to spoil your little conquests. In order to keep doing that my darling Mr. Lord you need to be wise about the market.”

He grinned even harder. "I could have you fired for speaking to me like that, you know." He tested.

“Then I guess you wouldn't have a company much longer Mr. Lord. I will see you in a bit. Tell my little buddy that next time he wants to come play he brings me a snack okay?” She smiled.

"Okay I will. See you soon." He hung up and Alistair looked up at him with a worried look. "You would fire her?" "No! No!" He assured his son. How could he explain himself without telling him he was flirting? "I was testing her! It's hard to explain, you'll understand when you're older. But she passed. And she said when you go see her again you can bring the snacks."

Alistair smiled. “Okay!” He happily went to to go get ready for the babysitter. Melony was sitting at a table overlooking the river into a forest. She checked her watch, her legs crossed as she skimmed through a book and sipped a beer.

"Daddy, can I dress up next time I go see her?" Alistair asked. "Sure buddy." Soon Max had dropped off his son and strolled into the restaurant looking for her.

She sat there. Looking much different from before, more soft and feminine. She checked her watch again, when she heard whispers. Ah he's here. She thought to herself.

Women stared at him as he walked past, a handsome grin on his face and he shot random women flirty winks. His bright gold watch and rings flashed in the low light of the restaurant. "Miss Morningstar, nice to see you again." He greeted before took off his jacket and draped it on the back of his chair before he sat down.

“It nice to finally capture your attention for a moment or two.” She smiled at him. It was a flirtatious smile. She couldn’t help it.

"I'm a man in demand." He said with a wink.

She rolled her eyes. “Indeed.” She grabbed her brief case. “Okay so you started in oil but how long before that goes dry, you need to diversify.”

"Alistair said you told him I should invest in Nintendo." He chuckled. "What about that little computer company? Apple is it?"

“I think that’s a solid bet, personal gaming systems, personal computers, making it individual is going to be big.” She continued. “Your oil company is a great start, it really is, and your other investments are doing well but we need to be able to have more than one leg to stand on, what are the big draws? Entertainment, technology and of course oil and trade.” She handed him a large book. See.”

He flipped through the books pages quickly. "Hmmmm, I see." His lips were pressed together in a goofy shape, making him look as if he was only half considering the things he was looking at.

She looked at him, she knew that look. He's only half considering it. She bit her lip and let her anger simmer. “Sir, I’m trying to be diplomatic but do you think I’m a joke? I’ve spent hours doing the job you’ve hired me to do, and then you can’t be bothered to see me at our planned meeting and then you come here and half ass your considerations.”

"What? I'm thinking!" He said, his warm brown eyes flicking upwards and locking with hers.

“If you say so.” She sipped her beer. “I apologize, this is important to me.”

He nodded and looked her in the eyes again. "And it shows, I apologize if I'm not demonstrating my interest. I'm just a little distracted, but here, let me take another look."

She sighed. “It is kind of late and if I’m being honest Mr. Lord. I’m tired.” She spoke. “At least I have you thinking.”

He nodded. "Yes it is late. I'm sorry we got off to a rocky start, but I really enjoyed your company tonight." He said with an earnest face.

“Well I guess at the very least you can continue to enjoy my company. I wouldn’t protest.” She said to him sipping a beer. I mean our first meeting was supposed to be just a get to know your employee type deal, but your company took a big chance on me and I..I just don’t want to fail.”

"I'm really glad whoever made the decision did. I uh-I'm not as involved in the hiring process as I should be. But I would like to get to know you more. And if it's okay, can I borrow this book? I'll review it in the morning with fresh eyes and a clear mind."

“Don’t you eat breakfast with your son?” She asked him. “And what we’re you distracted by.” She handed him the book.

"I do. I'll look it over again after I get to work." He looked up at her again. "Who wouldn't be distracted by someone like you."

She scoffed. “Honestly, Mr. Lord, I hate to sound pretentious but, again, I’m not one of your office floosies.” She looked at him. God, his eyes were so sincere. “But I have a feeling you know that.” She handed him his beer.

He nodded and took his beer before taking a sip. "I know you're not like them. I don't pay attention to them. But you..."

“But what about me Mr. Lord?” She smiled at him. She moved a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're authoritative and commanding and just...beautiful. You fill up the whole room with your presence."

She felt her face betray her emotions flushing pink. Clearly not the rouge one her cheeks. “Mr. Lord, I..”

"And my son told me what you did for him when he was lost and alone. And that, I'll forever be grateful to you for."

She was really blushing now. “Oh it’s nothing, anyone would have done that. I honestly thought maybe he was like a receptionists son, or something I didn’t know he was yours, but I...I can’t stand to hear a child cry. Especially...a sweet little boy like that.”

Maxwell's eyes moved to his empty plate. "I never thought of him getting lost like that and getting scared. I trusted him to just go to one of two places and back. I never thought of him getting lost. It broke my heart when he told me what that was like. But, he told me he thinks you are like Princess Aurora."

“Mr. Lord, if I could be so bold.” She said to him and took his hand. “He never blamed you, and he loves you dearly.” She said to him. “I just heard him cry and I just wanted to help. But you’re a good father.”

He nodded. "I try. I only get him on weekends right now and I try to set aside time to be with him, just one on one, but it's so hard to make time in the business."

“He sees you try. I’m sure.” She realized that she was holding his hand and blushed. “I..I’m sorry.” She pulled her hand away and chugged her beer.

“This is inappropriate and I’m sorry. I should go.” She went to stand.

He reached out and lay his hand on hers. "No, no please. Don't leave. We're just getting to know each other."

She felt her heart leap up into her throat. The story playing out in her bright blue eyes. The felt it, the attention, but her mind raced. What would he do with her when he was done. He could see it, she was sure. She sat back down. “I guess then maybe I should tell you more.” She didn’t take her hand away.

"Yes, tell me everything." He said, curling his fingers so that his hand wrapped around hers.

She felt her breath hitch. Her mind racing. “I...I..” she stammered. This seemed like a hazy dream. This man, the man who ran the most successful company right now, and her. Little old her. She wasn’t worth his time. “My name is Melony, I’m twenty eight, I have masters degree in finances and law. I...I like nature, and art and archaeology. I..I’m single. Have been for a while. Because being woman, having feelings gets you no where in this big business world. I’m witty and intelligent. Some men call me frigid or a bitch but I call it getting by.”

"You don't not seem those bad things to me. And I'm Maxwell Lord as you know. I'm divorced. You know Alistair. I'm 35. We have similar tastes."

“And I’m being incredibly stupid right now. Letting you know these things about me. Letting my guard down.” She confessed. “I should have Just kept it business.” She felt the room grow hotter. “This is how a woman gets a reputation.”

"How? Just by talking to me?" He asked, confusion sparking on his face.

“By letting my guard down around you.” She said to him. “Maxwell Lord, the infamous business man, being seen with his head of finances, a young woman.” She searched his face. “I guess one of my poor traits is I’m obsessed with my image.”

He raised his eyebrows and shrugged. "We can keep our meetings strictly business and in office, Miss Morningstar."

“I suppose, but you’re still holding my hand Mr. Lord.” She breathed out.

He drew back his hand slowly. "Well, I guess I should let you go. I'll see you at work Monday afternoon to give you a decision." He said as he stood and grabbed the book.

“Mr. Lord.” She reached out for him. “Don’t.” She looked at him. “I, am just scared. I haven’t, I haven’t let myself be vulnerable in a while. You astound me. Have since I first saw you on tv, have since I applied to work for you. Your company gave me the opportunity to do more than fall into the darkness that was waiting to take me. You’ve set the annals of my heart alive with flames once again. Forgive me if I am a guarded woman.”

He looked down at her with the softest expression before he sat down again. "Really? You'd use such beautiful words for me?"

“Perhaps you need a little beauty and honesty in your life.” She replied.

He reached out and took her hand once again and his thumb smoothed across her knuckles. "Maybe you could be the sunlight in my life, then."

“Mr. Lord, I...I don’t know about all of that, but I think perhaps maybe for a little while we could make each other realize that the sun still shines.” She paused. Not knowing what to do next.

"Call me Max, please." He looked at his watch. "It's getting late, I shouldn't keep you. The babysitter will be ready to go home soon, it's after Alistair's bedtime."

“What if...I want to be kept. Max.” She looked up at him and stood. “Maybe it’s the beer or maybe it’s just your touch, and maybe it’s just my personality but I feel brave.”

"I'd love to stay but I have to be home by midnight. Unless..."

She stood and moved closer to him she took his hand and placed her lips on his in a slow sensual kiss. But her shaking body betrayed her confidence.

He moved to hold her cheeks gently in both hands and kissed her again. "Then come home with me."

“You don’t have to ask twice.” She replied. Thank god they were at a secluded table.

"Come with me, let's take a taxi."

[impossible-rat-babies]

#30dayDAchallenge

Day 18: Courtship.

Buckle up because Luke has a load of feelings about their characters.

Darva Lavellan: 

I made a playlist of their OTP songs: X

Romanced Dorian of course. I knew I was gonna romance him even before I played the game. It was probably one of my big motivations for playing the game in the first place. (This might also be vaguely messy due to my own weird feelings of romance and such.)

I could have an entire thirty day meme dedicated to the two of them and their relationship and it wouldn’t be enough.

I think Darva had no clue the mess he was getting himself into when they first walked into the Redcliffe Chantry. I think he was confused by the sender of the message rather than the contents of it. Of course he knew he was in danger just from the whole vibe of Alexius and the whole messy time rifts going around. But I think he thought of Dorian as a bit of a tit at first; like he’s a bit pompous, but not like an ass like Solas. But, he did have valuable information to give them a hand. They wouldn’t have been able to get the mages or be saved from that nasty future without Dorian’s help. Darva has a lot of respect for him, especially after getting to know him better and why he’s in the south and with the Inquisition.

He has the courage to leave everything behind and try to make his homeland better because it needs to change. He loves it so much that he can’t let it fall apart or fall to the Venatori or Corypheus. Darva thinks that’s some serious ass shit and god he has some respect for that.

But also he’s like really attracted to him at the same time. Like just listening to him talk in Haven and on their journeys, it’s like: “I’m really, really attracted to him holy shit.”

But like he doesn’t want to be presumptuous since he doesn’t know and doesn’t want to be that person. But, I think he still casually flirts. Like a compliment here, a little something here. He can’t let himself get all doe-eyed though. He’s got a lot of insecurities and gross feelings about himself that he knows Dorian won’t want. Plus, all the duty stuff.

Which is only compounded by him being named Inquisitor and he’s suddenly in charge of everything in name. He’s got this reputation to live up to despite that he hates it. Still, he finds himself slipping up and not being entirely rejected.

Like, oh spending long hours in the library talking and joking back and forth isn’t a bad thing. The quiet talks, pressed back to back while taking watch at camp late at night. Familiar touches like: I’m touching your back to let you know i’m walking behind you (maybe my hand lingers too long), or a reassuring squeeze of the shoulder (and I’m slow to pull my hand away).

He’s never outright rejected and he even swears it’s gently reciprocated. It’s stumbling and he swears there isn’t something there, but he knows there is something there. Still, he can’t be too presumptuous and assuming.

Then Last Resort of Good Men happens and that’s a whole lotta reassurance and he’s not assuming and like there could be something between them.

Then panic sets in and Darva withdraws into a pile of insecurity and bad self esteem. It could be perfect and like holy shit good stuff, but he’s this big important figure for everyone; like a holy figure. But that all pales in comparison to his own shitty opinion of himself and his body. Like he won’t be what he wants like the people Darva loved before.

Then it’s Here Lies the Abyss and all the bad thoughts that he’d forgotten come racing back with the Nightmare and it crushes his already piss poor self esteem even more. But Dorian is there, asking him if he’s alright and of course he isn’t, but the thought counts. He can’t make the bad thoughts go away, but he can be there for him to try and make him feel better.

(Their relationship gets more physical after a trip to some mysterious elvhen ruins where the two of them get stuck in some cave after magic trips over the magic in the ruins and it goes haywire. Aka Luke is a sucker for the troupe of getting stuck in a small closet like space together.)

It’s not a really committed thing until Darva gets Dorian his amulet back. He didn’t have to get it for him, but he didn’t have to help him so much when things get all stressful. They don’t have to do these things for each other, but they do because that’s what caring for someone is like and Darva thinks maybe that’s what love is.

I think he falls in love slowly with a lot of stumbling along the way. (It’s a lot of stumbling and failing on both their parts). It’s a lot of maybe this is what love is, or maybe that’s what this feeling is. Like wanting to keep him safe at any cost is what love is like. He knew he loved him long before he actually said it.

I don’t think he really has a moment where he just realizes all of a sudden that he’s in love with Dorian. It’s just a collection of moments.

He says it not long after the ball in Halamshiral in his quarters one morning. He didn’t really mean to, it just happened.

(And ofc it’s reciprocated and Darva just cries because he’s been given something so utterly wonderful and it’s one of the things that has actually gone right in his life and he loves it so much.)

Their relationship has it bumps and it’s difficult points, but they stay together. Even with the two years between the death of Corypheus and the Exalted Council when they don’t have much contact beyond letters. God, even after the Council when everything is utterly awful; they still hold tightly to each other. If no one else is going to have their backs, they’ll take care of each other.

Eth Tabris:  

(I told myself I wouldn’t freaking fall for  freaking Alistair, but holy shit I fell hard.)

I made an OTP playlist for them too: X

I think it’s a bit of accidental catching feelings that won’t go away and fucking shit i love this fucking dork holy hell for Eth. I think it starts more as a friendship and a kinship that neither feel with anyone else. Like they’re the youngest in the group, the only two Grey Wardens and the rest of them look to the two of them for direction.

They also have a similar sense of humor and she’s willing to go along with his sense of redirecting via humor until he actually wants to talk about what’s bothering him a lot.

With the whole Goldanna mess, she’s like:

“I don’t get family being shitty to family and that was a big ole loss for her. But I know a few things about finding a family and you got one with us. We’re all messy n stuff, but we’re here for you. I’m here for you n shit. You need a shoulder to cry on or you need someone’s ass kicked? I got you.”

I think it takes her a while to recognize that some of the things she says and the feelings she has are romantic. Like Morrigan is all like: “You’ve been smiling for hours since you talked to him and it’s sickeningly romantic.” “Wait, it’s romantic?” “Disgustingly romantic.” And then her brain just short circuits because HOLY Fuck. (On account of her being demiromantic and demisexual.) It hits her all of a sudden and it’s like when you forget something obviously staring you in the face.

I think that’s kinda when she knows she’s in love and HOLY SHIT. It’s all good until the Landsmeet stuff and the throne is questionable. She doesn’t want to lose him to the throne; she can’t protect him herself if he’s not with her. Plus, she figures Anora has been ruling the country for this long and the last thing Ferelden needs right now is a drastic change of leadership. So it’s partially selfishness and politics.

It’s all good until Riordan drops the ball on them that one of them will have to die to kill the Archdemon. And without much thinking she’s volunteering herself. She can make that sacrifice to keep everyone safe, including keeping her love safe. It’s not like she feels that her affections are worthless in the face of duty. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to ensure their safety.

She says no to Morrigan’s deal. It feels like cheating to her; she can sacrifice herself to solve the issue without dragging an unborn life into the mess. She sees a clear solution to the problem and she isn’t hearing anything from Morrigan to divert from that path.

I think he knows what she’s going to do when she leaves him at the gates. He knows what she’s going to do and he can only watch her leave without him. She knows if she brought him, he would take that blow for her and she can’t have that. She can lose him, but she can’t lose him. (No one said her logic was particularly strong when things were going to shit.)

She knows their love would’ve lasted if she hadn’t given herself up. They would’ve spent what time they had together and it would’ve been good. She leaves her wedding ring with Arl Eamon the night before the battle to give to Alistair when it’s all over. It’s something of a symbol of the promise they would’ve given to each other.

With Awakening AU, she’s a disaster. She won’t talk about what happened that day. She doesn’t tell any stories, she refuses to talk about. She won’t talk about Alistair at all. It’s too painful for her to even think about.

Even in Inquisition, she won’t talk about it much at all. Ten years and she only briefly talks about what happened and her relationship. It’s a very sore subject. She’s with the Inquisition rather than looking for a cure for the Blight is because what would’ve made it worthwhile died with the Fifth Blight. She sees no reason to find one and if that’s selfish, she doesn’t care. She’s had enough.

[pestopascal]

edging towards hope

“‘Quid pro quo’?” she asks, aside, as squabbling begins. Words heavy and foreign. Definitely not Elvish, trade or even what little qunlat Bull and Amon had shared with her. “It’s Tevene,” Amon answers, as they watch Alistair rise at some taunt from Morrigan. “A way of saying ‘a favour for a favour’.”

Kahari watches as their arguments go, and go, and go, running circles around how they wanted to help, but didn't want to admit why.

cross posted: ao3

Kahari Lavellan is the Herald, Amon Adaar is the Inquisitor. I kinda always preferred the titles separately and, well,

i do like how in game, depending on romance ofc, but esp w zevran, no one just assumed to find zevran and they would find the warden? 'oh they're missing!' actually theyre vacationing in antiva, drinking mimosas in their villa and sighing about how much money they have, but w/e

Leliana had summoned the both of them to the war room, post-haste. Kahari barely had a moment to loop buttons through holes, when Amon had knocked precisely once at her door, throwing it open immediately after. He had looked at her, with that frown he always wore, edged his head in the general direction of where they needed to go, and took off. It didn’t help one of his strides was at least three of hers, but she caught up eventually, and now stood before their advisors.

Two of three who looked like they had accidentally eaten something sour, and Josephine looking just as confused as the rest of them. Morrigan too, lingered around the table, and the warden, Alistair, making himself comfortable in a chair off to the left. Quite a group they had managed, and Kahari sent Amon a look from the corner of her eye. What was going on?

Finally, Cassandra joined them, and whatever stillness filled the room fled. Kahari peered around Cassandra to also see Varric trailing after her. She almost expected the rest of their inner circle to join them, but the door was shut, and Leliana finally spoke.

“We asked you to join us because… we weren’t sure how to do this ourselves.” Such uncertainty in Leliana finally has Amon react, even it was just a slow blink. Kahari watches his chest slowing rise and fall, and wondered what went on in his head for his face to remain so impassive, but how his fingers clenched behind his back so tightly.

“What seems to be the problem?” she probes, as she presumes that was the right thing to do. Humans were strange in that they needed needling and reminding to continue conversation. Whilst Kahari found it oddly adorable, Shiral had merely bristled at such an idea. There was harping on about how conversation was not a matter of asking your partner to continue, but well, Shiral said a lot of things Kahari stopped listening to, especially when it came to humans.

Cullen moves, but he’s stiff, just as unsure. Like he wasn’t sure if he should lean against the table, sit at the edge, maybe just lie down on the ground. Kahari was halfway to asking if he would be more comfortable that way, when he finally speaks: “the Hero of Ferelden made contact with us. They… wish to offer their assistance.”

“Oh?” Amon surely made the question, but his mouth hardly moved for it. Fascinated, Kahari continued to stare, waiting for Amon to continue, move the conversation along. But he had said his piece, and Cullen stepped in.

“However, she wants us to help her first.” From the way Cullen fidgets, resting elbow upon hilt before moving once again, this was hitting some chord that he wasn’t sure how to deal with. Kahari left watching Amon’s face, to looking around the room. (Absently, she noticed Varric showing something other than despair — a blank look of fear, and that just begged addressing).

Morrigan interjects, and this was starting off like one of those overtly dramatic books Kahari had recently. “Of course she does. Basilia has always been fond of ‘quid pro quo’, as it was.”

“‘Quid pro quo’?” she asks, aside, as squabbling begins. Words heavy and foreign. Definitely not Elvish, trade or even what little qunlat Bull and Amon had shared with her.

“It’s Tevene,” Amon answers, as they watch Alistair rise at some taunt from Morrigan. “A way of saying ‘a favour for a favour’.”

���Oh… what a strange language.”

Amon’s mouth curls into a smile. “Very old fashioned.”

Rolling the words in her head, adding it away to the Tevene that she knew of, Kahari had to ask: “so, should we be worried?” The ‘of her’ went unspoken, but Amon knew immediately.

“I’ve heard stories from the Arishok. He spoke highly of this Hero. Even more so than his predecessor of Hawke. ‘Basalit-an’ is what Hawke is, but the Hero…” His voice sunk to some depth Kahari hadn’t heard before — low, reverent. As if his life had been marked by meeting the Hero, too.

But Kahari frowned as Amon trailed off. Of course she had heard of the Blight, heard of the mage. A Dalish elf had also accompanied her, or several, stories get muddled, but whatever happened to them was lost to the wind. “What did the Arishok call the Hero of Ferelden?”

“‘Kadan’. ‘Ashkaari’. ‘Basalit-an’ even before he was Arishok.”

“Huh.” Truly, that was all she could manage, as Amon’s face fell smoothly back into place, conversation over. Revealed too much, or enough? Kahari had a grasp of Qunlat that she understood the meaning of words, that the new Arishok had heaped on the Hero of Ferelden, and watching how the humans were still disputing over some request or other, just made her wonder what everyone else in the room referred to her as.

“What would you have us do, then?” She asks, just as Leliana, or Josephine, or even Cassandra, went to fire up again.

“Don’t—”

“—We have to—”

“—Morale—”

“Enough!”

Blinking, Kahari turns to look over her shoulder. Varric had finally spoken up. Strange, to see him equal parts fearful and angered, as he strode into the centre of the room, not letting his emotions prevent him from capturing all eyes. Kahari caught the look Amon gave her, quickly, and nodded. Let Varric say his piece.

“Yes, having the Hero of Ferelden on our side will be helpful. She’s powerful, connected, and having her in our back pocket will bring in a lot of income, too.” Varric’s eyes sweep as he talks, picking out each person as he raises a point. Making it apparent to them. Kahari always enjoyed watching him speak, as Amon was commanding, authoritative, and she believed herself to be adequate enough. But Varric addressed a room in ways neither of them could.

“I think we’re forgetting the fact that we condemned her cousin to the Fade, the wardens are now separated from the North, what happened at Redcliffe, and the fact that it’s an archdemon. Any one of those reasons is enough for her to leave, or burn us all.”

“Varric—” Cassandra speaks up, taking a step forward. An attempt to intervene.

“What’s your point then, Varric? Are you saying we help her, or don’t?” Cullen is tense, just wanting a definitive yes or no. His face shifts too much, as if he himself knows what he wants, and is trying to deny it for argument’s sake. But arguing with who? A mental note, for later. Discuss with Amon.

“She’ll know about what happened with Hawke by now. Hawke said she left Fenris in Amell’s care.” There’s tension in him now. The wound was still raw, and when Kahari had sat with Varric by the fire, as he had written out letters to friends spread all over Thedas, she had listened to tales of Hawke that seemed wild and unrealistic. Clenched fists. Hunched shoulders. Wound open and bleeding on the floor.

Kahari wanted to help, but she didn’t know these people. Names, going over her head. Amon seemed to have moved, no longer stony faced and impassive, but looking, trying to find answers in body language. Whatever he found, Kahari hoped he would share. At least three separate people in the room were for the Hero, and Kahari could hear their hearts beat a little faster at just the mention of a surname.

“We just need to know what we need to do, and what to do,” Kahari reminds them, interjecting. No need to rehash the events of Adamant, of Redcliffe, of Haven. “We’ll find her, just, please—”

“Basilia plans on heading to Tevinter,” Alistair speaks, and his tone is grave. “She wouldn’t be here for long, even if you found her.”

Morrigan practically squawks, and Kahari had never thought for her to make such an unrefined noise. She was not the only one to notice. “And how would you know something like that?”

Alistair actually manages to procure the most withering stare, and his response was filled with enough weight behind it, that Kahari had to wonder if something deeper was going on. “I do actually try to keep in contact with friends, Morrigan. You should learn about this amazing thing called a letter. Quite handy.”

Finally, finally, Josephine spoke up. “But if you have been keeping in contact, how has no one been able to find Lady Amell?” Kahari had to crack a smile at how she pointedly looked at Cassandra and Leliana.

“She’s been in Antiva,” Alistair answered, to no one in particular. As if it was just a mere fact. And it was.

Cassandra scoffed. “Antiva?! Don’t be ridiculous!” Had they actually travelled to Antiva? Amon had said something about how much effort had gone into scouring for Hawke, when Hawke walked through the front gates of Skyhold without anyone stopping her. Which just begged the question: did anyone know what their Heroes and Champions even looked like? As no one seemed to believe that neither herself nor Amon could be Herald or Inquisitor.

And as far as Kahari was aware, both Amell and Hawke were humans. Ferelden women, too.

“With Zevran. Crows? Antivan Crows? Remember that assassination attempt? Love at first stab thing? Her and Zevran are always together. The last time I saw them at Amaranthine they were hardly separated for a minute.”

From the way Alistair spelled it out, realisation seemed to dawn on Cassandra like she hadn’t considered that a possibility. When Kahari’s clan had been going between lands and borders, they had heard of the Crows — but of course, almost everyone did. Rumours of Dalish elves joining the Crows was something elders tried to crush, but some younger ones romanticised it, while others lived in fear of being taken in the night.

Kahari admittedly had found one of the stories some of the older girls told to be bittersweet, and well. Well. “Wait, the Hero — the Warden — nearly got assassinated, and instead married her assassin?” Creators, this was definitely better than her books.

“It wasn’t a very good attempt, to be fair.” Alistair shrugged. Kahari was going to write a letter home, and tell them that at least a combination of six different stories had actually come true.

“But it happened!”

Opening his mouth to speak, Alistair was cut off. Not by Morrigan, Leliana, Cassandra, Cullen or even Josephine! But, in fact—

“I have heard enough.” Snatching the papers off the table, a map, a note, a series of questions, Amon turns heel and only stops to pause at the door for one last rumble. “We will leave at sundown. Finish your squabbling and see me before then if need be.”

The door closes. No one spoke. Kahari assumed that meant Amon had gathered what he had needed to understand, and let out a small sigh. Her cue to leave as well. Amon would tell Bull, who would tell her. Convenient Bull was so willing to work between the two of them, as if the translation and secrecy reminded him of a life he once had, perhaps.

A thought for another time. Kahari just smiles, bows, and follows where Amon would have gone, not waiting for the door to shut behind her. She can hear the voices rise down the hallway and thinks, oh, humans.

[luckloveandwaterfalls]

#this is before so many iconic scenes #but i just started having feelings about the gremlin line #gavin thinks it’s about being a grieve but this boy’s memory is just atrocious #but understandably it makes gavin feel so insignificant #and then! and then! #alistair hits him with the ‘ofc i know your name’ #‘ofc i do. you idiot. you buffoon.’ #and it’s literal common decency but when has gavin gotten that? #and from the lowe champion… 👀 #all i’m saying is that this scene feels like a big turning point

Something about how Alistair Lowe is terrible with names and faces, and how Gavin turns it into a joke but is so deeply humiliated when he thinks Alistair doesn’t know his name, and how Alistair “just likes calling him Grieve” but turns around and saves his life and calls him Gavin because “of course I know your name, you absolute gremlin,” and how Alistair doesn’t learn other people’s names until they’re literally screamed multiple times in the woods but him knowing Gavin’s name, and using it while he heals him, is a given—