#and i would want to do homeschool but i wouldn't get the same opportunities i do at my high school

[kerosene-saint]

I love getting more and more responsibilities being shoved onto me as I become more and more disabled and have the inability to just say "no I can't do those things" or "I quit" because it's school

[razorfst]

He was far from the man she knew, that was someone he had buried with his father. Andrei needed to, for more than one reason. Taking over the family, his actions that day, all of it were the final nails in the coffin to make the man standing before her. Of course if one asked him, he would not shy away from admitting that he was always the monster they say today. He had just learned how to hide it when necessary, much like he does with the public who were unaware of his true profession. But was seeing it for herself now, the life she had left and no doubt had not regretted one moment of the more she spent time here with him. He could tell by how she looked at him, how she spoke to him. The teasing that felt more mocking than anything else at a time like this mixed in with the bite of her tone and the glare in her eyes, not that it wasn't deserved. He had uprooted their life and no matter what he was going to do to try and make the new one more comfortable, it wouldn't be the same. His jaw tenses at her words, his hand she can't see curls into a fist as he tries to remain as neutral looking as possible. "No....you're not." He says with a stern tone and expression despite how it hurt his heart still to say.

Andrei was trying his best to keep calm but it felt like she was making that nearly impossible at this rate. What did she want from him? To turn back time and not meet her? To prevent someone from spying on them when he had no knowledge about the incident? He hadn't said a word to anyone about them, they were ghosts to him and never spoken into reality. It was the only way he could protect them and yet the secret had come out despite it all. The snap at him should have been expected, it was in line with everything else that had happened since he brought her here. And it stung, it dug deep and he knew she was right. That only made it worse. "And I meant to keep it that way." He says through gritted teeth, holding back his own temper and emotions. "But they found you and I intend to make them pay." He adds, trying his damnedest to move along, get them settled in as best he can despite her attitude. It was the least he could do after everything, trying not to change too much more than he already had. What he hadn't seen coming was the fact Luca was homeschooled. His attention drifting once more from her to their son and back. A decision, he was understanding, made sense if she didn't want anyone asking too many questions.

A nod was given, slowly, at her words as it meant they were getting somewhere. "That's fine. Anything you need is covered." He says straightening up and rolling his shoulders back. "You can use a spare room as an office...there are plenty to choose from on the second and third floors." The offer was easy to give, he had plenty of room considering he lived here on his own aside from when the staff were in but even then they didn't spend the night here, not normally. Whatever she wanted within these walls, she and their son would get. But it was at least...nicer seeing her compromise. A nod given at her agreement, he begins to show them around to make sure everything he knew she'd need to know was covered. From top to bottom seeing as they were already on the third floor. Most of it was empty guest rooms, some used for storage, but all in all she had gotten the inside tour along with their son who he wasn't sure was listening. But he was young, he knew Cass was and in the end that was the important thing as she didn't have a tendency to forget when she didn't want to. Even if he couldn't help but act like he was talking to the both of them throughout it all, it was still mostly directed at her. That was until they came towards the end and the expansive backyard was all that was left. It gave him the opportunity to at least maybe make his son more comfortable and give Cass another familiar face despite how long it had been.

Razvan seemed to quickly recognize her from a quick sniff, his tail wagging increasing as he moved to snuggle into her touch. He was more than happy to receive attention from someone he used to receive it from when he was a puppy. "He has." Andrei says probably as softly as he could before giving his own command in Romanian to go to their son, get familiar with him and their own dog. His arms were crossed, watching the scene unfold for a few minutes longer as it fully registered once more that that was his son. A son he hadn't known for year and was now in his home playing with his own dog that his father had gotten him. His head falls, a sigh leaving as green gaze is placed on the floor at his feet for a moment. Slowly it lifts to meet Cass' while arms fall to his sides. "I suppose that's everything, the backyard has gardens with paths and a pool with a hot tub. And with that being all you need to see and know, I have to go to my office...." He pauses a moment, looking once more to Luca. "I'll be there, if you need anything." Head turns to look back at her, a dip of it given before he starts to take his leave. "I do hope you find this to be comfortable while you are here. I'll try not to make it too long of a stay." And with that, he began to walk away towards his home office to then shut the doors behind him and get to work on just how all of this happened.

    MONSTERS SHE KNEW,     as hell she was related to two of them. but she'd thought she'd truly escaped them. but now she wasn't sure if one more had walked into her life. as right now, andrei was a closed book. the pages too badly shrouded in darkness, for her to decipher the type of man he was. gone was the light that drew her to him, and in it's place was just nothing. she knew it was far more than protecting yourself from your ex. hiding yourself from one who hurt you. as she was doing it. but this went further.   ( and she wasn't sure she wanted to go digging!   )    there was also an element that had payne's skin crawling with unease. and that was how they didn't seem to know each other anymore. he'd forgotten things about her. yet she was struck with every memory and every remembrance. and it was just further proof.   he'd moved on from her.    and sure he had a business to run and she got that. but it was something else. but they both had their roles to play. as was the new reality.

     ❛   right, i forgot. i'm not your girl anymore, so best keep my mouth shut and follow orders like a good girl .....   ❜ despite the high count of sarcasm, she has to fight the stab of pain that rattles through her. as she finally voices the truth to the air. reminding them both of what the situation truly was. he was protecting his ex. and despite how many years, she'd craved to give in and call him, to make him come to her. she couldn't. and he never did. he honoured her request to leave her alone. and as such [ ... ] this distance between them was of her own doing. and she had to remember that. even if his presence had her feeling, all sorts of emotions she was finding hard, to truly comprehend. (   as well as fighting the memories playing on a loop inside her mind!   )    she turns away from him, taking off the jumper she'd put on, throwing it idly to the side as she fights to comprehend the rage that was slowly building within her. the more rational part of her mind, understood where he was coming from. but right now her rage was stronger. her whole world had changed, and her patterns were destroyed. AND IT WAS PLAYING HAVOC UPON HER. and well the only true target she had. was andrei. which was sort of unfortunate. ❛   and who's fault is it that we're no longer safe. no one knew about us. till now ........ !   ❜   venom curls around the words the moment they leave her mouth. and she has to turn away from him. not wanting to see the hurt hit. as truly it wasn't her intention to hurt. even if it seemed like it was. she just truly, felt lost and alone.

      ❛  he's homeschooled, but i pay for a tutor. well, I should say technically you pay for a tutor. as I never trusted the school system not to go digging into his birth certificate ....   ❜ she sighs. attempting to compromise with him. but also hinting at the fact luca's current birth certificate was not his legal one. after all, she'd put luca into Andrei's name upon his birth. as whilst she'd taken the son away from the father, she would never deny who he was. or remove andrei from his life completely. (   she just had to protect the connection from being found out!   )    turning to look at luca, to see his large green eyes peering at her from under the covers. she has to fight to play nice. as she knew her son was reading into this situation, was reading it far deeper than she'd like. HE WAS LIKE HER AFTER ALL. he could look at someone and see more than they wanted him too. and it was what was making payne cranky the most. not seeing andrei. but knowing luca was about to have a ton of questions.       ❛  I'll need to order some supplies, but luckily I work remote ....   ❜ her words a soft sigh, already knowing the money she was about to spend on the supplies she needed. as being a graphic designer paid well, especially who she worked for. but the supplies, they weren't cheap.

     ❛   okay .....   ❜ it's the only answer she gives, to both the words about the cook. and him showing them around. but at his comment of needing to fix things, she has to bite down violently on her cheeks. stopping the questions [ ... ] and instead following what he asked of her. as well as trying to honour the boundaries he very clearly put in place. the boundaries that kept them as strangers. kept them as two people who just shared a past. (   a very intimate and detailed past!   )    signalling to luca to follow, she walks behind the father son duo. luca was far more comfortable walking beside andrei than payne was. mostly because if she stood close, she wasn't sure if she could stop her urges. to reach out and touch. to feel if he was even still there. to feel if he was still willing to accept her touch. so instead she walks behind, apollo at her feet, as hazel hues scan every inch of the house. SAVING IT ALL TO HER MEMORY. also her eyes kept trailing behind her, to her new shadow. and she can't help the way her nails dig into the palm of her hand. as she comes to realise her whole new reality. the reality that she was in danger. but she manages to hide it upon her face, as she watches the pitbull run forward to luca. a quick click of her fingers stopping apollo from moving to defend his little human, as she smiles softly. her first true smile as she too kneels down. a hand running across the pitbulls head after letting it sniff her hand. ❛   guess we're not the only thing that has changed ........ !   ❜   she quips softly. apollo barks and payne calls him over with a soft german command, watching as both dogs sit in front of luca, having the boy laughing. which was enough, for now. to stop her unease.

[rosietrace]

Hiya pookie wookie! Sorry for the random nickname but I wanted to ask what Victoria and her cousins think of Gwen! I’m very curious hehe >:)

OHOHO >:)

Ocs: Victoria Shard, Mercury Von Monarch, Camilla Marigold, Aurelie Marigold

{ Apologies for any out of character moments }

Victoria Shard, beautiful manipulator

She's heard of Gwen from Zen since they were in the same dorm, and at first she didn't think much of it.

Until she suddenly felt more intrigued by Gwen the more Zen talked about how nice she is.

Maybe they'd meet after Victoria's hung out with Zen and Le Fay in Diasomnia and she just happened to run into Gwen?

No matter the circumstances on their first interaction, Victoria felt neutral during her first conversation with Gwen. Though she's already noticed that Gwen's definitely someone Zen could get along with.

Their relationship for the most part, is neutral. Victoria's intrigued by Gwen, but not to the point that she'd try using her manipulative tactics to befriend her. She's having a hard time with the manipulative side to her personality tbh

Gwen would go to Victoria for help on her alchemy projects in case she isn't familiar with anything. Mostly due to Zen's influence, and her own curiosities on the woman.

If she gets curious over her rivalry with Malleus, Victoria wouldn't bother to answer the question if she asked. She'd just call Malleus a prick or some other posh insult

Victoria doesn't think much of Gwen, but she does find her to be endearing and much more tolerable than Malleus.

♜♛__________________________________♛♜

Camilla Marigold, the gossip

Since Camilla attends a different magical academy, she'd only really hear of Gwen through Victoria's words.

Maybe during a joint event with NRC, Camilla would have an encounter with Gwen, who would likely be enjoying the festivities.

She'd be equally as intrigued as Victoria. And due to her habits of being a gossipmonger, she'd try and prod out any information on Gwen from others and Gwen herself, in case she'd be good to gossip about.

She would use mind games on Gwen, unlike her cousin. Trying to subtly pry out any information she could use. And if Gwen understood what she was trying to do? There's probably a chance that she'd find Camilla's sweet looking smile.... Unsettling.

Of course, Camilla would probably give up if it took too long. She likes gossip, but she wants it quickly.

Maybe if they talked a bit more, Camilla could learn to be endeared by Gwen a little more.

Just like Victoria, Camilla doesn't think much of Gwen, other than being really intrigued by her.

♜♛__________________________________♛♜

Aurelie Marigold, the unlucky

Because she's homeschooled, she has zero opportunities to meet Gwen.

Under the circumstances that they do meet, she'd probably act judgementally. Very judgementally.

Because of how she was raised, Aurelie would treat Gwen negatively because that's what her mother taught her when there's "A woman more beautiful than you".

They wouldn't get along, but if Gwen knew what Aurelie was going through at home, she'd only feel an ounce of sympathy. Because a bad domestic life doesn't excuse a poor attitude.

In general, Aurelie thinks negatively of Gwen because that's her response to "women more attractive than her".

♜♛__________________________________♛♜

Mercury Von Monarch, the combatant

He's.... Perplexed. And he believes that Gwen would fit better in scepter hall institute as a student of forêt geleé.

In Camilla's case, her school has a joint event with NRC. But since scepter hall barely even does joint events, Mercury would have the least interactions with Gwen.

And even if their interactions are short, he'd be the one to be closest with her compared to his cousins.

When they eventually meet, Mercury would respond the same way as Camilla and Victoria. Intrigue.

But Mercury wouldn't think of trying to manipulate Gwen, or actively manipulate her for gossip. He'd just... Be a little awkward around her. Especially since he doesn't interact with other people that much in his own school.

Mercury would emit the most friendliness to Gwen despite his generally antisocial nature. Especially when you compare him to his cousins.

And to simplify, he's basically the only member in his family that Gwen's befriended. Since Camilla and Victoria are neutral, and Aurelie... Wouldn't like her. And she's probably the only person who Mercury wouldn't make sarcastic comments in front of.

He still wants her to be in SHI though

[fade-and-loathing-in-thedas]

OC Interview: Aeryn Hawke

(art by @cute-ellyna)

💕💕💕 Thank you @inquisitorsiha for the tag! I've done it once already but couldn't resist an opportunity to do it again lol

The interview takes place in skyhold :)

INTRODUCTION

1. Can you introduce yourself? — yeah... um... sure. I'm Aeryn Hawke.

2. What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status? — (winks) wouldn't you like to know.

3. Where and when were you born? — 9:10 Dragon, in the Western Hills. Though I spent most of my life in the outskirts of Loathering.

4. What is your weapon of choice and fighting style? — I am very sneaky (winks) and I love me some daggers. Varric likes to argue that Bianca is the more elegant weapon but nothing beats a good blade.

5. Lastly, are you happy? — (scoffs) happy? Who needs happy when you have tragedy, despair and destruction.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

1. What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?— um... well it's just me now. Unless... do my friends count? Look, I don't know (sighs). Can we move on to the next question?

2. Have you ever ran away from home? — Nope. Well, I did flee my home in Loathering, the blight and all that jazz. Then there was the whole Chantry explosion and subsequent fleeing. Does that count?

3. Would you consider marriage or having children? — (blushes) if I meet the right person.

4. Do you secretly hate one of your friends? — (looks visibly confused) people do that?

5. Which friend knows everything about you? — (laughs) Varric. That sneaky bastard knows all my secrets, I'm sure he has notebooks full of them.

ASKED BY FANS

1. Are you literate? Have you been to school? — I know all the basics. I can read and write, I know my history, do basic math and manage the family accounts. Mother had received a fairly good education and she passed it down when she homeschooled us.

2. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true? — yeah, I'm not so good with predictions. Life has always had a way of just walking up and punching me in the face.

3. What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize? — (snorts) that Varric was taking notes whenever we went some where or did something. Boy, was my face red when the book was published.

4. Do you have mental health or physical issues? — just the normal amount.

5. What is your current main goal? — to help Varric. He asked for my help, so here I am. If that means joining this Inquisition and fighting Corypheus, for a second time, I'm all in.

CHOICES

1. Drink or food? — (hand over heart) how dare you ask me such a tough question. I could never pick between my two loves.

2. Cats or dogs? — Anders will be cursing me somewhere, but dogs.

3. Early bird or night owl? — night owl. I'm horrible in the mornings. Aveline has suggested that it may have to do with all my late nights, but I still stand by the opinion that people aren't supposed to be up before noon.

4. Optimist or pessimist? — why not both? I'm an optimistic pessimist. I always hope for the best but at the same time, on the inside at least, I know that something will come from left field and smack me in the face. Will it be a small inconvenience or soul crushing tragedy? Only the Maker knows. Yet everyday, and everytime, I always think it will work out fine.

HAVE YOU EVER

1. Been caught sneaking out? — (snorts) caught? no.

2. Broken a bone? — (blushes) Let's just say the steps to Hightown aren't my friend. I also have a grudge against the so called flat ground outside the Hanged Man.

3. Received flowers? — no, (shrugs) I guess I'm just not the flower getting kinda girl.

4. Ghosted someone? — Yeah, no. That's a dick move.

5. Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get? — I get all the jokes. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Tagging: anyone who wants to give this a go, or even a second or third go :)