#alitlantern

[nobodyexpectsthe]

「 LIGHT 」

「 LIGHT 」 : for sender to touch the receiver with a feather light pressure.

the inquisitor prides himself on his composure. the pinnacle of professionalism (these days at least) with nary a hair out place. the court can testify to his tenacity, how threats and flirtation barely net a blink.

there is, of course, nothing professional about what they've spent the last two hours doing. he tells himself it's safer for them both if he maintains his distance, but he maintains his distance with everyone these days.

the routine is getting to be familiar. some nights he lingers, but that's just to finish up whatever work they were doing before the distraction took hold. never does he stay longer than an hour, most of the time he's up and off to his own quarters before the sweat can even cool on their skin, determined not to overstep already blurring boundaries between cohort and lover.

but before he can move to slip out of these too-familiar sheets and dress, the ghosting of anders' fingers against his cheek stops him short. the gentle smile that meets his startled expression undoes him in a thousand little ways.

he cannot think of a stupider place to be. a more scandalous place to rest his weary head.

"you'd best not snore," pirith murmurs, long limbs reaching down to pull the mage flush against him. his eyes already shutting. "i have a meeting with the war table at dawn."

[onlyinthedas]

@alitlantern - starterrrr. the man has plans.

Wyatt was not unaccustomed to change, to new things, to taking things in stride and following it through for the sake of letting it all play out. He was adaptable, or so his mother liked to claim from time to time. The thought did amuse him, but it also made him ponder.  New things were both thrilling and terrifying at once. There was logic in that - it was anticipation of the unexpected, not knowing what was going to happen for good or for ill. 

Fleeing their home and starting over in Kirkwall, of all places, had been unexpected and more than a little nerve-wracking. Even before he and his family realized what sort of place this was, and how heavy the Templar presence was within the city. That being the least of their woes, of course. The twins contracting the Blight while on the expedition never even crossed their minds, but once again, the Hawkes proved to be ever flexible, meeting the newest challenges head on.

It was that subject which brought him to Anders - rather - the clinic's door where he lingered, allowing the healer time enough to finish with his current stream of patients before deigning to disturb his work. Work that was so admirable, respected, selfless- Wyatt sneezed, irritants within Darktown setting him off. He was not used to the setting, even now. The Undercity was only a hair less gloomy in the daytime, but at night it was haunting and unforgiving. It was cold, damp and drafty at best - dangerous to let your guard down within at worst. Another subject that brought him here. He had a plan, but it wouldn't due to execute it without consulting his friend...

"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. I can wait!"

[kirkw4ll]

@alitlantern liked for a starter!

"how do you want to be remembered? valiant yet sexy rebel against the status quo?"

[fvrtvne]

ship song for @alitlantern. hey lover! by wabie. (explanation under cut.)

For I'll be satisfied Long as you are my bride Just give me true love and understanding True love and understanding For the rest of my days

there are few people isabela can be vulnerable with, and fewer who would understand why she's that way. anders is one of the few people isabela's shared journey's with, and one of the fewer people who can possibly understand where she's coming from. dissecting this song, it talks about 'true love and understanding' which is a pretty big part of romance with isabela. to her, no one without shared experience could possibly understand why she's as particular with emotions as she is. anders, similarly, has been through a lot, most of which isabela, true to the story of dragon-age has bore witness to, save for his tenure within the DLC of origins. still, and even regardless, these two could have one of the sweetest sorts of bittersweet romance wherein they help heal one another through their mutual understanding of each others complex trauma.

[relentlessgrief]

@alitlantern decided to ask:

"May I humbly request, not a bone, but a link from that fascinating chain, perhaps? The Seers in Rivain are very interested in the existence of such an enchantment."

"To help others like me, perhaps. Yes?"

The demon hovers over the man, tendrils within its ribcage curling curiously. Stuck in the body of a monster isn't ideal, but it's nice that there are those unafraid to come forward.

"I suppose I can." Connor rumbles, beginning to reach on his person with one set of hands to undo one of the chain links, while another larger hand from the secondary set of arms seeks to gently pull the man closer by the forearm.

"Give me a second. I'll give it to you."

[bannsparkleberry]

A little gift for @alitlantern :)

The clearing was isolated. Protected on all sides by dense thickets, and no discernable path through to the world beyond. The flowers within glistened under speckles of dreamlike sun, right up to the edge of the vegetable garden, which in turn butted up directly to the newly constructed extension to the tiny cabin. Room to grow.

Garret sat by the hearth, just as his father had, their youngest balanced on his knee. A tiny girl, blonde, like Anders. The elder two, twins, had unfortunately taken after him. They smashed wooden toys together on the rug before him, while the stew bubbled on the stove for supper. Contentment spread across his face.

“This scene is folly. You know this, Garret.”

The voice that boomed from his husband’s chest was not Anders’. Not that Garret expected it to be. Not here, not anymore. The smile flickered for only a moment as he ushered the children outside. His daughter slid off his knee and chased her brothers out the door, tiny thumb in her mouth and stuffed cat tucked neatly under her other arm.

“I do know,” Garret stood from his chair and crossed the room, unable to stop himself from taking his husband’s hands. The spirit within offered no resistance. “But it is an old favorite.”

“Then you partake in this deception willingly?”

“We’ve always fallen back on it, when we needed it.” Out in the garden, squeals and laughter died down into hints of voices, muffled through heavy wooden doors and drips onto cold damp stones in the dark. The scent of bubbling stew soured into the scent of a dingy warehouse, acrid from refinery smoke and innocent blood. The cabin itself wavered, and while the hearth and chair remained, the stone walls of the gallows once again sprung up around them. “I suppose I’ve been in need, recently.”

The spirit closed Anders’ eyes, shielding the blank blue light for a moment. A dagger was pulled from his hip, one Garret had gifted him, in case the mage needed protection without the use of magic.

“There is no other way out, now that you’ve chosen. The elven woman’s magic shall see you safely returned.”

Garret detected a hint of something he’d rarely heard in the spirit’s voice. Pity. or perhaps melancholy. How does one detect the nuance of an emotion in a being devoted entirely to just one? He wondered if the spirit knew himself. Anders’ hand reached up to rest on Garret’s shoulder, and their heads bowed together intimately. The dagger hovered just at his waist, but did not yet press into skin.

“I know. Please forgive me the indulgence, Justice.” The smile that returned to his face was sadder, now. Tired. Garret saw Anders’ head bob into what he thought was the slightest of nods.

And he was released.

[rcgueprince]

‘ So if Andraste preached freedom and ended slavery, why do you lock up mages and keep them as slaves? ‘

THE QUESTION HAD troubled him for a few days now, both in its truth and in the implications of what was said. While his initial response was more to quiet the apostate than anything else, Sebastian had been truthful then. No one had ever challenged the existence of the Circles – at least, not to him.

It was a splinter under his skin, driving Sebastian mad enough that, by the third day, he was making the unfamiliar trek to Darktown.

The clinic itself was not difficult to find; lantern lights led the way, and, barring that, the growing number of huddled faces assured the laybrother he was on the right path. The stipend he received from the Chantry wasn’t much – a far cry from the resources of his life before – but perhaps, he muses absently, he could make a bid for the use of donations. Not a lot, but maybe just enough to get a hot meal for those down here in need, to show that the Chantry had not forgotten the faithful in need.

Sebastian hesitates at the door, a pit twisting in his gut. Shifting the weight of the small bundle in his arms—a peace offering of supplies that, he realizes now, would be far from impactful—a part of him reconsiders his plan. What would he accomplish here? Would Anders even entertain his assistance?

Maker guide me, that I may reach all your children.

He steps cautiously, shoulders tense, into the clinic.

“Anders? Could I take a moment of your time?” It was foolish, everything about what he was doing here was on the verge of plain stupidity, but he had to make an attempt to understand the apostate.

“Do you need any assistance today?”

➸ @alitlantern

[bolyde]

"I'm told-" Lucanis looks at the man ( @alitlantern ) seated in the corner that Neve had been nice enough to connect Lucanis with through the Shadow Dragons, "That you are something of an expert when it comes to sharing a body."

The blonde in front of him seems... unassuming. Lanky with a staff leaning nearby on the wall, Lucanis can feel his eyeball twitch as he approaches.

UGH. THE STINK. JUSTICE STINKS.

Spite usually only complained about the smell of the Blight in others. Was this a Grey Warden? Neve didn't give him much to go on for the contact, not even a name.

"What should I call you, sir? Or is this an anonymous consultation?"

[mournwatchingprofessor]

@alitlantern asked:

"Don't give me that look." - [meme]

"What look?"

The professor chuckled, as he walked closer to the other. He swore he could hear another voice near the other. A spirit? Perhaps. It was hard to make out. He just had to get a little closer...

[muutos]

❝ i’m not who you think i am. ❞ //cullen wullen

THE LOOK UPON HIS FACE IS SOMETHING JUST WIDE-EYED ENOUGH to strike both angered and scared. he's not so much frightened of every mage he encounters, which has subsided greatly over the years . . . but they remain a shameful tie to unfortunate trauma, despite. enough to shape a mind previously so open, and accepting. A PINPRICK STING LINGERING IN THE WAKE OF SIGHT.

HIS LIP GIVES A HEALTHY TWITCH, SHOULDERS SQUARED.. he's trying not to -- well, he's not quite sure of that himself. IT'S NOT A RECOGNITION WHICH DISMAYS HIM SO MUCH AS ONE MIGHT THINK. his disillusionment was spurred by the act of this one man, as was ensuing chaos. HAZE OF SELF CORRECTION WHIPPED BACK AND BENT. in the form of a tiny hole of light streaming down six feet of dirt. YET EVEN STILL, HE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE ATTEMPT OF THE OTHER TO SAVE FACE. his brows wrinkling, slightly. wrist subtly resting against the hilt of his sword.

HIS JOB IS TO PROTECT THE INQUISITION, NOT EXPRESSLY FROM MAGES. no leash left tethering him to duty, despite itching fingers near forbidding themselves to touch the very substance he so relies on. NEARING THE ENTIRETY OF HIS LIFE NOW . . . OR A LEAST THE MAJORITY. yet despite he can't help natural scowls, internally groaning at his own inability to sift through thoughts and assign them. FEELING IT NEAR IMPOSSIBLE. and he could almost beg the same reprieve back. "as long as you are here to assist, my opinion on the matter is hardly relevant." his hand has raised and falls back to where it sat, with an uncomfortable shift. TONE GRUFF AND POINTED, as if asserting his command. "but i'm not the one you'll have to worry about, i imagine. i bear no ill-will towards any of the mages here. including you." at least he could be honest on that part, without question. his internal conflict would cease being their problem.

@alitlantern. blood and darkness.

[nobodyexpectsthe]

I was roasted for my taste in music and here’s my revenge @alitlantern

[onlyinthedas]

@alitlantern | letters from Clara

Dear Brother,

Mama said I should write to you, that it would make you happy. So I have been working on my letters just for this very reason, you would be so proud. She said not to tell Da, that it would just make him angry. That's the last thing I want to do, in fact I don't even want to talk to him! I miss you. I can't say that in front of him though, he just makes this face…

I don't understand why you can't come home. No one will tell me anything, well Mama tries to explain it to me but then Da just tells me to stop talking about it and sends me to my room. I put toads in his boots yesterday I was so mad. Though I probably shouldn't have. Annabel was asking where you went, she hasn't seen you in a while and said you promised to kiss her behind the barn on her nameday. I didn't know what to say so I just ran back home. I hope you get my letter, then you can tell me everything about what the Circle is like and I'll keep telling you everything that happens here.

Maybe, if you're very good, they will let you come visit? Or maybe I can visit you and bring Lady Meowington with me! She misses you too!

Oh no, Mama and Papa are arguing again. I should go. Please tell the iron men that you'll be really good and that you should come and see us on your nameday. They wouldn't say no, right?

Come home soon, Clara

The letter is on long faded parchment that has been folded numerous times. It's stained and weathered, with a few misspellings and somewhat messy writing.

[apostatrixe]

Is your muse aware of their needs in a relationship? //evelyn

e. —

evelyn would be hard-pressed to indulge most of her needs. she is rigid, straight as an arrow. she achieves goals and completes tasks. relationships were never in the realm of possibilities while being in the circle or stopping the sky from tearing apart. now, sure, she had her fair share of flirtations and trysts, but she tried to keep them neat and easily ended. dreams of marriage, undying love, care, and support died the day her magic manifested.

[fvrtvne]

♡ _  ♡ 

send me    ‘  ♡ _  ♡ ‘    and my muse will admit one to three ( 1-3 )  features of your muse  ( physical or personality )   that they find incredibly attractive. 

( JOY ─── ) there's a faint laugh that anders has when he's truly amused. be it talking history, medical lingo, or about how soft his cat was, there's this unspeakable adoration that flashes isabela's gaze when he speaks. his voice, quiet, burdened by joy ... it's a pleasure she'd kill to see within him once more.

the iconic spark of joy, the flash of his winning smile. the way his nose crinkles when he laughs, and the melodic little chuckle he does so he doesn't burst into fits of laugher. those quiet bursts of joy ... though living among her favorite memories, she can't help but trace the rim of whatever cup she's holding and bask in the warmth of his glow.

( DEDICATION ─── ) ander's, in opposition to isabela, has a work ethic. while she wouldn't call it thriving, he persists in stress and anguish, finding small or explosive actions to take when faced head on with a problem. the way his gaze steels and his resolve hardens with or without justice is inspiring ; touching.

to see a man at work is to truly be blessed.

( HAIR ─── ) beyond his face ; there's a deep respect for whatever ritual anders oversees with his hair situation. his crisp and coiffed locks border on deep insatiability when she finds her fingers running through them. bits of adoration stick in her gaze when she's lucky as she is to lay beside and admire him.

[elliscousland]

♫ uwu

Send me ♫ and I will make a 5-10 SONG PLAYLIST for our muses!

okay so i was trying to capture a few potential vibes in this. maybe a shared understanding of the things it takes to survive? not all of them are pleasant & they probably aren't going to agree on every turn. i definitely do think there would be some level of understanding wrapped up in it regardless. but i have been thinking a bit about your comment on the web weaving i made / you commented on. they both use the end to justify the means, but there is no end.

i feel like the means ellis used to deal w the blight aren't exactly a secret. ( save for kieran which is one of ellis' most protected secrets ) he's proof that the terrors can help you survive, even if you come out different. ( i am reworking his decisions in game in light of a new development but a lot of them were Not Fantastic ) on the surface, ellis also tries to make it look like those terrors were in the name of the many ( they weren't he just didn't want to Die ) which could be something fun to work with if anders were to see through that facade at all.

i think there is like a parallel in reinvention for both of them here as well. anders is at a new beginning outside of the circle & learning how to navigate what he's going to do with that freedom. obviously he's got a few ideas but there is a lot to figure out in the meantime. ellis is at a beginning of his own, on the other end of the blight & an entirely new person. ellis has a responsibility to the grey wardens, his family, his new friends & doesn't super know where to draw any lines yet & i think it could be very fun to peel them navigating the beginning of those paths together. navigating how to justify the things they're doing, sometimes together & sometimes on their own.

i also think there's something to be done w growing up, if ellis didn't want to see something bad happening in the world he didn't have to. meanwhile anders is a mage / in one of the groups of people ellis is not super unfamiliar with because of this. ellis has always had a pretty strong fear of magic until the blight & though he's more used to it, i wouldn't say he loves it. he knows it's a powerful tool, he knows mages don't choose to wield it only learn how to control it. but there is a lot he still doesn't know on the subject & that sort of bias isn't unlearned quickly so it could be a fun point of tension between them folded into whatever else they have going on.

[howetragic]

@alitlantern liked for a starter, and I heard u wanted an argument??

     “I wonder at the wisdom of the Warden-Commander’s decision,” Nathaniel says as he stands in the main hall of Vigil’s Keep - a Keep that was meant to be his one day. 

His arms are crossed as he eyes the mage - the apostate - who has helped himself to a mug of ale from the casks there along the wall. Oghren seems to be making himself at home as well, but that is a conversation for another time. 

     “You are a fugitive from the Circle. One they seem to want back quite sorely. Is it truly wise for you to be here amongst us? The Grey Wardens were not exiled from Ferelden so long ago. I wonder if the complication of your presence will reflect well on the Commander.”