#another rogue trevelyan fanfiction

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Just some dad!Cullen that demanded to be written

When Cullen arrived home that day, he found his family in a tense state. His eldest had barricaded herself in her bedroom while his wife stood by the window, peering out after their son.

“I think you should talk to him,” Evelyn said simply.

“Another row?”

Cullen pressed a kiss into her temple and looked out the window. This had been a common occurrence as of late.

“Another row,” she confirmed. “I’ve handled your daughter, though I suspect she’ll be angry with me for the rest of the evening. I think you’d better take this one, though.”

“My daughter? That one is all you.” Their eldest might have inherited the golden Rutherford curls, but she was entirely her mother.

“Maker, bless my parents,” Evelyn sighed. Cullen placed an arm about her waist and kissed her once more.

“I’ll go talk to him.”

He found the boy angrily brandishing a stick at the family dog, who, for his part, was doing a phenomenal job at playing the evil beast. He lunged and barked, and eventually pulled the makeshift sword right from the boy’s hand.

“Captain, no! Give it back!”

But it was too late, and the mabari’s jaws too strong. The stick snapped like a twig.

“Bad dog! Bad!” he shrieked, then sat in a huff on the ground.

“At ease, Captain,” Cullen said to the dog, and off he trotted into the house. Then he lowered himself beside the boy, who glared intently at the ground.

“Those beasts can be tricky sometimes. Especially when they eat your sword.”

No response. If anything, the boy only glared harder.

“What’s wrong, pup?”

“I’ll never be a warrior like you,” he pouted, bottom lip quivering. “What kind of warrior gets his butt kicked by his sister?”

“I promise you, I have gotten my butt kicked by my sister many times. One day you’ll get her back.”

“But how? She’s bigger than me, and older, and that wasn’t a sword, it was just a stupid stick!”

He crossed his arms in nearly comical anger, and Cullen barely concealed the smile that threatened to betray his amusement. The boy may have had dark hair and Trevelyan blue eyes, but he was every bit his father’s son.

“Wait here.”

Cullen made his way back to the house and grabbed a set of wooden swords, not unlike the ones he had practiced with as a boy. His son watched him curiously.

“Are you gonna teach me how to use a real sword?” he asked, excitement bubbling.

“A wooden one, for now, but yes. I think you’re old enough to start. What do you think, recruit?”

“Thank you!” He threw himself at Cullen, latching himself around his waist. Cullen chuckled, tossing the wooden practice swords aside before hugging him back.

“Step one - don’t throw yourself at someone who’s holding a sword.”

“Right,” the boy said, grinning as he picked up the sword from the ground.

Awkward though he looked, Cullen couldn’t help but smile at his eagerness. When he glanced up the yard, he caught Evelyn leaning in the doorway, smiling as well.

“Alright, pup. First, place your feet like so…”

[in-arlathan]

Destiny’s Edge

[Read on AO3]

Characters: Female Lavellan & Male Trevelyan | Tags: OC Crossover, Pre-Canon, Angst & Grimdark Vibes, A Dash of Dalish Culture | Rating: Mature | Warnings: Canon-Typical Violence, Discrimination, Slurs, Alcoholism/Alcohol Abuse

Two rogues on their way to the Conclave in Haven. Destiny will decide which one of them will become Inquisitor.

Length:  6,065 words | Status: Complete

This is a love letter to @johaeryslavellan and their wonderful Inquisitor Tristan Tevelyan. Thank you for allowing me to bring your boy to my messed-up Lavellan world state. I love him so much! ♥︎

Tristan’s story, “A World With You”, is such a lovely piece of fanfiction. If you haven’t read it, please check it out. It’s amazing!

_____

She was tired to the bone when they finally reached the inn.

It was a shabby thing with small windows and frozen cobwebs hanging from the beam above the door. A wooden sign dangled in the wind, filling the air with a creaking sound that made her teeth ache. The writing on it was barely legible, but the painting of a boar’s head hadn’t completely vanished yet.

“Look at that, my dear Lavellan,” Sister Heloise said in a cheerful tone. “We‘ve made it!”

She cast a glance at the elderly woman. They had started their trek up the Frostback mountains at first light that day, crawling up the narrow path at a terribly slow pace, and somehow the cleric had still managed to keep her blithe spirit. Maybe there was something to this Maker of hers after all. Maybe her firm belief in him had gifted the old woman with a strength Lavellan had not seen in many humans before. Or maybe she owed it to the trusty mule that had been carrying her and a large part of their meager supplies up the serpentines.

“We made it,” she agreed with a wry smile on her lips, “but I didn’t expect the journey to take so long. We should have passed this village hours ago. If we keep getting delayed like that, we might miss this conclave.” She looked to the small collection of wooden huts that clung to a narrow plateau on the side of the mountain like climbing plants. Their roofs were covered with powdery snow and their windows gleamed with the warm light of hearth fires. Deep shadows crawled across the ridges of the mountain as the sun vanished in the West.

The sun was setting at an incredible speed in these parts. Just blink, and you’d miss it. Lavellan had never seen anything like it before. There was a steady pace to the change of night and day where she came from and the winters in the Free Marches weren’t as harsh as they seemed to be in Ferelden. Not even close. She really enjoyed the snow, though. The cracking sound it made when she walked was a pure delight. She only wished she could get rid of the heavy boots Sister Heloise had given her before they had boarded the ship to Ferelden. “They will help your little elven toes from falling off, my dear,” she had told her. “You’ll see!”

“Don’t be so grim, my dear” the cleric said and slipped out of the saddle. “It’s only another day’s travel until we reach the temple. Then our ordeal will be over. Now, come, help me get the saddlebags of our friend here.”

 Lavellan scoffed, lips still pursed in a smile.

“Sure.”

[Continue on AO3]

[lostinfantasies38]

Love Yourself Challenge

Tagged by @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold​​  thanks lovely!! 

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc. ) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

1. Sun Touched

A novelization of DA: Origins with my fearless former Carta babe, Sirra Brosca.

I love this story soooo much!  It has so much heart and soul and highlights the experiences of a dwarven exile letting go of her dark past and opening herself up to new opportunities. Allowing herself to love and be loved, to make lasting friendships, to be who she is meant to be. Sirra is feisty and fierce, yet vulnerable and lost at the same time. She is relatable, and I definitely put a fair bit of myself in her. 

Full of dwarven headcanons and culture, it digs deep into the psychological effects of war and past trauma (i.e. mind the tags). Plenty of dark angst that I try to level out with sweet romance. This is probably my magnum opus and I love this world and my characters like they are my children.

It is not finished (this is a massive undertaking, I’ll have you know!) but it is a labor of love. I have not forgotten this story either and I fully intend to upload a new chapter soon. I’ve merely hit an awkward point in the story that I need to revise a bit, but never fear - Sirra will be back and kicking ass very soon!  

Read her story here on AO3!  

2. Find Me Well Within Your Grace

A Cullistair fic that is also becoming an epic. Set in an alternate universe in which Cullen and Alistair meet as boys at the Bournshire monastery, training to be Templars and fall in love. It will span seventeen years: pre-Blight, through the games during their separation, to their reunion in Skyhold during Inquisition. 

I was inspired to write this story after noticing there have been no attempts to do something along this vein since Swords and Broken Shields by the phenomenal elfroot (tumblr: @elfrooted​). I’m sure other writers did this out of respect, because S&BS is fantastic and I get nervous when I compare the two. Plus, this is another giant undertaking (I’m a masochist, apparently). But I couldn’t resist - the boys were begging me to write them, so here we are!

They are underage for a good portion of the fic so it won’t get explicitly sexy until they have aged up, which allows me to focus on their feelings and experiences as teens. A truly fascinating project, let me tell you! 

Go check it out, if you’re interested in what Commander Cullen was like as a boy or have ever wondered what growing up in a monastery surrounded by thirty recruits would be like. With my background in medieval history, I have taken the liberty to sprinkle that knowledge in the story and make it come alive.

Read their story here! 

3. You Give Me That Lovin’ Feelin’

This is my collection of one-shots and short stories compiled from @scharoux​ 14 Days of DA Lovers prompts for Valentine’s this year. All rare pairs (because that is my schtick!) and fluffy, fluffy, fluffy!  Seriously, it will give you cavities.

Pairings you will find within: Cullistair; Morristair (Morrigan x Alistair); Cullen x Josephine; Bethany Hawke x Nathanial Howe; Female Trevelyan x Varric Tethras; Alistair x Female Trevelyan; and Lace Harding x Female Lavellan

Read the tooth rotting fluff here! 

4. Careworn

Angst prompt from @somniaran​ featuring Varric.

Honestly, to this day, I don’t know where this came from. I read the prompt “Did you ever love me?” and this just… fell out of me in the span of two hours. I even managed to keep it under 800 words, which is a miracle - I’m very long winded.

I’ve tried to resurrect this magnificent prose since and I haven’t been able to nail it down. At least I have it here as proof that once, just once, my words touched heaven and blessed me with this unbelievable creation.

Angst inbound here on AO3!

5. Ruby Red

A Morristair gut punch of angst!  A reunion fic between Alistair and Morrigan at Skyhold that is awkward, but not antagonistic.  Yes, Kieran is there and you really need to go read it now!!

If you crave angst, and wish to sob into your comfort drink of choice, demanding the universe tell you why the author would rip your heart out and stomp it - this one is for you! 

It may hurt like hell, but it’s so fucking good and I’m inordinately proud of it. I may go back at some point and clean it up a bit, since I wrote this early in my re-emergence into fanfiction, but it will do for now. MIND THE TAGS.

Read how to break your heart in 6 chapters here! 

Well, this was a lot of fun! I hope my followers, new and old, find something interesting to pass the time. There are more works on my AO3 - these are just my top 5 faves.  

Tagging @fandomn00blr​ @darlingrutherford​ @ranawaytothedas​ @kita-lavellan​ @ginnyq​ @scharoux​ @kittimau​ @cornfedcryptid @cassandra-pentughasst @dalish-rogue @ginnyq @hanatsuki89 @hottyofhonnleath @jellysharkbat @jacklyn-flynn @kauriart @lucyrne (no pressure, of course!) Apologies for double tags and everyone I haven’t tagged is ALWAYS welcome to join in the fun! Share your faves with us! 💖 Stay safe friends!

[bold-house-trevelyan]

Get To Know Me!

why.. why would you wanna do that? aha -

i was tagged by @another-rogue-trevelyan

rules: you gotta tag nine people... [do i even know nine people?? ah well] 

tagging - i’m really sorry if you’ve been tagged before, but, i don’t really talk to a lot of people here so.. - ;^;

@aveline-the-dragon-slayer @insertcleverpunhere @ghilanilavellan @elgar-somniari @scentedstrangercreation @queergaymer @whatwouldfenrisdo @trashwarden @inquisitor-commander @crystalessences

Top Three Ships; 

only three? yikes, okay - well, obviously, Madeline Trevelyan and Cullen Rutherford. [They’re my icon, so I had to include them.]

Sera and Dagna, you guys, they’re so cute together.

And.. I seriously love Varric and Hawke’s friendship so much. Like, c’mon... I wish I had a friendship that great. 

Last song;

I’ve been obsessed with ‘All as One’ - by Miracle of Sound lately, I usually just have that on repeat while I’m writing my Dragon Age Fic. [Which very shameless plug - right here.}

Last Movie;

Hm, it’s been a hot minute since I watched a movie. Though, my go to is RDJ’s Sherlock Holmes. I love it. 

Currently Reading/Watching/Consuming;

Reading: This amazing fanfiction on A03 - ‘There is But One Truth.’ It’s fantastic, if you’re a dragon age fan, I really recommend it. 

Watching; RuPaul’s Drag Race - I’m pretty much watching whatever season I can, at this point. I promised my friend we’d watch the most recent season together. And it’s been a little bit since we’ve hung out - thanks social distancing.

Consuming; Pft, the entire Dragon Age game series. I’ve just finished my Olive Lavellan playthrough - I think I’ve sunk.. well, let’s not talk about how much time I’ve spent on that playthrough. I did however, finish at level twenty four, which is massively impressive. Because I usually end the game at like... eighteen? Listen quarantine is doing something to me... I’m just gonna... goo.... 

Food I’m Craving..:

Frigging’ blackjack pizza, it’s seriously one of my favorite pizza places in my town. I dunno what to tell ya’

Anyway, I wanna thank you for tagging me, this was fun! And, please, check out the blogs I’ve tagged. Have a good day! <3

[veridium]

Veridium-Bye Fanfiction Master Post

Hello, lovelies - ‘tis, I, Veri!

I thought it might be high time to create another one of these, since my fanfiction has more than doubled since the last time it was all collected into a master post. Plus, for the first time, I have multiple OCs and ships to account for! Exciting times indeed. So, without further adieu, here is your comprehensive guide to my fanfiction, organized by OC + their ship!

Inquisitor Theia Sofia Trevelyan: Mage, Knight Enchanter

Ice In Her Blood: The Inquisitor Theia Trevelyan Saga - ONGOING

Theia’s story as Inquisitor, ongoing (currently on Chapter 38 out of 50(?). Focuses heavily on her romance with Josephine Montilyet, and her balancing of her radical Mage politics and her responsibilities as Inquisitor. Warning: NSFW for explicit sexual content!

A Kiss Goodbye (Ficlet)

A small, sweet snapshot of Theia’s and Josephine’s dynamic before the Inquisitor sets off on another expedition. Done for a inbox prompt. 100% good, honest fluff. 

Pull Me Under (Ficlet)

A ficlet depicting an intimate moment between Theia and Josephine after the Ambassador treats her love to a relaxing bath time. Warning: NSFW for references to nudity. 

Cold Feet (Ficlet)

A conversation between Seeker Pentaghast and Inquisitor Trevelyan over Mage politics, and how Theia came to understand her powers. A lighthearted, though meaningful conversation between two women which speaks to their budding close friendship.

The Sickly Branch (Bonus Chapter)

A extra episodic tale wherein Theia must return to her childhood home in the Free Marches to honor the death of her Mother, whom she had a tortuous relationship with. Her conflicts with her family members, all the while having Josephine at her side through it all, causes some Jane Austen-esque discord. A long, but entertaining and clever read.

Olivia Sinclair: Survivor of the Mage Rebellion, Temptress, and Apothecary Scholar to the Inquisition

*Olivia is first introduced as a character in Theia’s story in Chapter 16 of Ice in Her Blood, and most all of her independent fics recount her romance with Cassandra. 

A Wedding At Skyhold (Ficlet)

A wedding between two Scouts of the Inquisition gives Skyhold an excuse to celebrate a lighthearted event for a change. All of the Inquisition allies bare witness to some truly remarkable developments: for one, Cassandra Pentaghast of all people, pining for the attention of a happy-go-lucky Mage and best friend to the Inquisitor. 

The Seeker and the Black Dove

Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast has lived a life of discipline, control, and honor. Lady Olivia Sinclair has lived one of intrigue, adventure, and terror. One has built a wall of stoicism, the other of sweetness. Out of all possible outcomes to their friendship, no one could foresee such an unlikely attraction. This is the story of how the woman who would become known as the Black Dove of Orlais captured the heart of one of the most fearsome women in all of Thedas. Warning: NSFW for explicit sexual content!

Spoonful of Midnight (Ficlet)

A sweet moment in the early budding friendship between Olivia and Cassandra as she brings the Seeker a late serving of supper after a long workday. The two swap stories and ambitions in their own respective occupations, and learn a bit more about what makes the other tick. A fluffy, endearing exchange. 

Luminous (Ficlet)

Olivia comes rushing to Cassandra’s quarters as the evening draws to a close, wishing to show her an exciting new development in one of her Apothecary experiments. What follows is a sickly-sweet, sparkling exchange (literally).

An Unforgiving Night 

A six-chapter saga delving into the complicated politics of Olivia’s and Cassandra’s relationship, with one being a Mage survivor of the Rebellion, and the other a lifelong, loyal servant to the Chantry. An mixture of angst and fluff, with a touch of drama. Olivia grows into her own persona whist remaining true to her convictions, and Cassandra learns that it’s alright to evolve in her virtues as long as she does it for the right reasons -- but not before some intense, good ol’ fashioned violence happens.

Insult to Injury (Ficlet)

Olivia is wounded during a skirmish in the Exalted Plains, compelling her lover, Cassandra, to nearly make an entire hillside level in order to come to her aid. A sweet, fluffy scene, wherein Olivia gets doted on and Cassandra reckons with just how scary she can be when her woman is threatened. 

Marry Me (Ficlet)

The morning after a reunion has Seeker Pentaghast boldly requesting something Olivia wouldn't expect, and suddenly pillow talk becomes a whole lot more interesting.

Naomi Ambrosia: Survivor of the Mage Rebellion, One of the Chief Healers in the Inquisition

*Naomi is introduced as a character in Ch. 36 of Ice in Her Blood, thus her independent fics mainly center her love story with Lace Harding, and exploring her backstory a bit. 

Beautiful Demons - ONGOING

Scout Lace Harding returns to Skyhold to see an figure of her life back home in the Hinterlands alive and well, and it's not exactly casual tidings. Naomi, a former Circle Mage, turned Rogue of the Mage Rebellion, and now a Inquisition Healer on parole for her sensitivity to demonic influence, finds herself on the precipice of change in her life: does she grab life by the shirt collar and live it while she can, or does she hold herself separate from its tumult to protect herself and those around her?

Veronica Crespin: Survivor of the Mage Rebellion, Murderous Criminal known in Fereldan as “The Crimson Cutter,” turned spy and assassin for the Inquisition

*Veronica is introduced as a character in Chapter 26 of Ice in Her Blood, and thus her independent fics center her love story with Krem, and exploring her backstory. 

Crimson Hands - ONGOING

Veronica Crespin hasn't joined the Inquisition with the cleanest of reputations. A former renegade assassin and famed Denerim murderer who was cursed as the "Crimson Cutter" by most everyone in Fereldan, her friendship with the beloved Inquisitor seems the be her only saving grace. But, when she comes across the one man who doesn't fear her blades both strapped to her hip and on her tongue, surprises abound Skyhold. All bets are off as the bond between a Tevinter mercenary and a Fereldan femme fatale slowly boils over.

I will update this list occasionally or post a new one when I feel it to be necessary! Thank you to everyone who has encouraged my writing, who read my chapters and give commentary, or who just simply exist. Ya’ll are my fuel and I love sharing my writing with you. Love and Light!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged by @kunstpause @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @inquisitoracorn thank you all for the tags!

I’m living for this jealous Cullen situation, if you couldn’t tell 😈

——————————————————————————

“Josephine, Leliana, might I have a word with the Commander alone?” she asked, her eyes never leaving him. Cullen fidgeted beneath her gaze.

“Certainly. Perhaps you can talk some sense into him,” Josephine quipped. “I’ll meet you this evening to prepare you for dinner.”

And with that, she was gone. Leliana followed suit, a slight smile pulling at her lips as she shut the door behind her. Evelyn waited a moment before speaking.

“What was all that ab-“

“Don’t go.”

She held him with nothing but her eyes, those damn Trevelyan blue eyes that could break him at her will, and he was powerless. They appraised his face, his body - his clenched jaw, his tight grip on the edge of the table, his tense shoulders, and the position of his head, slightly bowed.

“Why are you so upset about this?”

Because you’re mine.

“Because…” He sighed, pacing the room as he struggled for words. “What if he tries to take advantage of you?”

“Then I’ll kill him.”

Maker, he loved her.

“But that’s not the real reason, is it?” she continued.

But damn her exasperating intuition!

“No,” he confessed.

“Then what is it?” Cullen turned away, trying to hide his face from those eyes that could see right through him, but the lightest touch of her hand upon his shoulder and suddenly he was staring straight into them, his own hands landing at her hips as hers rested against his chest. “Cullen, please. What’s wrong?”

And with those words, she had done it. He crumbled before her, finding himself unable to hide. His armor was useless against Evelyn Trevelyan.

“You’ll think I’m ridiculous.”

“I hope so. That’s much better than something so serious it can’t be helped.”

He rolled his eyes, but she had somehow pulled a hint of a smile from him, and - even worse - she knew it.

“You’re too perfect.”

“And that’s your problem?”

“Yes.”

“I’m afraid you’ve lost me.”

“You’re witty, and smart, and you’ve got a tongue made of pure silver, and on top of that, you’re stunning. Every man that sets eyes on you wants you, and if he says he doesn’t, he’s a liar. And perhaps I’m selfish and don’t want to share.”

“Cullen, no one is asking you to share.” Her voice was soothing as a thumb stroked his cheek. “You know I’m all yours. And though I appreciate the compliment, I think you’re exaggerating a little, don’t you think?”

There she went again, melting him with nothing more than a few words. Didn’t she see the effect she had? Didn’t she know?

“No, I don’t. Josephine is going to dress you up and send you on a date with expensive food and wine and candlelight, which is everything you deserve, and with running the Inquisition and all the work we have to do we’ve barely had a moment to ourselves, so I haven’t been able to-“

Suddenly she was kissing him - a soft, slow, sensual kiss that stopped his thoughts until there was nothing but her, her lips, and the scent of lavender left. He wasn’t even sure what it was he had been trying to say when she pulled away, just far enough to hold him with that dangerous gaze once again.

“I don’t need fancy dates. You make me happy, Cullen.”

“I know. But I still want to be able to do that for you.” He rested his chin on top of her head and held her against him, arms wrapping around her slender waist.

“I have to go. It’s important to the Inquisition.”

“I know.” Even Cullen could tell how disappointed he sounded.

“But it isn’t a date. In fact, the dinner table will likely be littered with documents and agreements. Far too much politics for your taste. And when I’m done, I’ll come to your office. We can spend some much needed time together. No work, no Inquisition. Alone.”

Alone.

Just he and Evelyn, entirely on their own, without a report in sight. It was a luxury they hadn’t been afforded in some time. And since he knew she was coming in advance, perhaps he could offer her a bit of romance after all.

“It’ll be late. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go to bed afterwards?”

“You know, I just heard the Inquisitor has rescheduled the morning war council to the afternoon.” Evelyn grinned and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck.

“Has she? Well, in that case…”

He kissed her again, and though he still wasn’t thrilled by the prospect of the private dinner, he couldn’t deny the promise for afterwards had lifted his spirits.

“I’ll see you tonight?” she murmured against his lips.

“You will. Now go, before I decide to keep you here all day.”

“Is that a threat, Commander?”

“It’s a promise if you don’t leave now.”

She trailed her hand down his arm as she pulled herself from his grasp, the brush of her fingertips the last he felt of her before her touch abandoned him.

“I’ll see you later,” she said, peering at him through thick lashes, and then, with a wink, she was gone.

——————————————————————————

Tagging @kemvee @charlatron @jentrevellan @hawkeish @musetta3 @noire-pandora and anyone else interested!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Chapter 22 of “Hearts Like Lions” is up!

“Trust me when I say we need to watch her, Curly. I’ve seen firsthand what this world does to heroes.”

Cullen x F! Trevelyan

Rating: M 

Current Word Count: 122K

Chapter Snippet:

She wanted him. Never had he been so certain, but at this moment it was clear. Cullen could hear his pulse in his ears as he looked at her, wedged tightly between him and his desk. All week he had fantasized of such an opportunity, and now she was dangling herself before him, daring him to act.

Chapter Link and Info:

Alright, so it may have taken me nearly two months to write this, but I believe the content will make up for the wait 😉

CW: 🍋

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25431211/chapters/75465497

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged by @emerald-amidst-gold @musetta3 and @kunstpause, thank you for the tag! I’m still on my mass effect bullshit so here’s an update to the fic I started this week 😂

——————————————————————————-

Earth, 2157

Whatever the source of the interference was, Kaidan damn well knew it wasn’t good. Something was overwhelming the systems, and the summons from Anderson had only confirmed it. Kaidan found the captain in his dress blues, a rare, deep-set line of worry fixed in his forehead.

“Anderson,” Kaidan said. “We haven’t had a clear reading all day. I- Shepard?”

At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him - long hours in fluorescent lighting, maybe the start of another migraine, that sort of thing - but the truth was Kaidan would know her anywhere. Years ago he’d memorized the deep shade of her auburn ponytail and the lean curve of her waist. He knew her posture and telltale swagger and, truthfully, he’d checked out her ass in that uniform more times than he cared to admit. Back in Alliance colors and shaking hands with James Vega - hulk of a soldier steadily making his way up the ranks - Shepard half-turned as her name fell from his lips, a question in her eyes and a brow piqued.

“Kaidan.”

Shit.

Last he’d heard, she’d been court-martialed and grounded for destroying a colony of Batarians. Her presence here with Anderson said otherwise.

Shepard looked good. Too good, almost, as he recalled from their last encounter back on Horizon. The brow now raised in suspicion was no longer scarred, nor was her chin marked by its jagged mate. Souvenirs from Akuze, she had told him once. It was a day when everything went wrong, when he found her trying to drown herself in cheap beer to keep the guilt of command at bay.

Now she looked as though she had been painted by an artist instead of carved by the calloused hands of war. The circles beneath her eyes had lightened, and her posture was less tense than he remembered. She looked lighter. Rested.

Bored.

Shepard never had liked to sit still for long. Even back in her XO days, Kaidan had rarely seen her pause for a break, and when she did she usually preferred grabbing drinks with a crewmate to sitting quietly in her bunk. He could sense it in the mindless tapping of a finger over a crossed arm, feel it as her stance instantly adjusted to the bustle and chaos around them - Shepard was itching to work.

So maybe she really had been grounded. But if she had really done what they said she did, why was she standing here in uniform and not dishonorably discharged?

——————————————————————————-

Tagging @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @hawkeish @kemvee @charlatron @noire-pandora @a-shakespearean-in-paris and anyone else interested!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Kicking things off early today - I’ve been tagged by @kunstpause @emerald-amidst-gold @musetta3 @noire-pandora, thank you for the tag!

Here is a scene from the next chapter of HLL. I’m putting a big WARNING here before you read - it deals in Cullen’s trauma from Kinloch, so-

TW: trauma, claustrophobia/suffocation, sexual harassment

Putting my tags for this week at the top this time just in case anyone would rather not read (I won’t be offended I promise!): tagging @kemvee @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @charlatron @hawkeish @inquisitoracorn @pikapeppa @jentrevellan and anyone who’s interested!

Content under the cut today, just to be safe.

Cullen gasped for breath as the magic prison enclosed him. Knelt on the floor of Kinloch Hold, he felt as though the air had been sucked from his lungs, the weight of his armor only crushing him further. The more he struggled, the more the magic constricted him, it’s suffocating strength impenetrable.

“You don’t look well. I could help you, you know. I can get you out of there.” The raven haired girl smiled and knelt before him, concern in her soft brown eyes. “Perhaps you and I could go elsewhere and talk? We could get to know each other better.”

“No,” Cullen grunted. He stared rigidly at the floor.

“No?” the demon prodded. “Why not? I’ve seen the way you look at me.” She reached out to stroke his cheek, but Cullen smacked her hand away.

“I want nothing to do with you!”

The weight of the prison slammed him downward, and this time the air truly did leave his lungs as he was flattened to the floor and his vision went momentarily dark. Cullen gasped, struggling to orient himself as a heeled shoe stepped in front of his face.

“What about now? Don’t tell me you haven’t considered what it would be like…” The teasing voice was no longer that of the Ferelden mage, but a familiar Ostwick lilt. A toe beneath his chin guided him back to his knees, and Cullen was horrified to see chestnut hair, ice blue eyes, and cherry lips. She was scantily clad in black lace and gartered stockings, a silver dagger strapped at one thigh.

“You will not use her against me!” He lashed out, but she stepped away with ease. He may as well have been shackled.

“I don’t need to. You’ve done it yourself.” She grabbed his face and leaned in close, her lips mere inches from his own. “I know how bad you want me, Commander.”

Cullen shivered.

“No… Leave me!”

“Cullen…”

“LEAVE ME!”

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I have been tagged in various WIP related things by @kunstpause @emerald-amidst-gold @noire-pandora and @musetta3, thank you all for the tags!

I don’t have a ton of unposted material right now as I just updated HLL yesterday, but I do have this scene from Cullen’s Kirkwall days hot off the presses!

TW: addiction

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Kirkwall, 9:40 Dragon

Not for the first time as of late, Cullen had no idea what to do.

He sat heavily at Meredith’s, or rather, his desk - he still struggled to call it his even though it had been for years. As Meredith’s former second in command, he had been granted the title of Knight Commander by default. Cullen had spent the last three years attempting to put Kirkwall back together, but the task was proving far more difficult than anyone could imagine. The city still had no viscount, the infrastructure had collapsed, the Chantry had been turned to rubble, and the Circle was dismantled from the inside out.

And that was without the matter of the red lyrium.

It was horrid stuff. Cullen could hear it’s siren song every time he entered the Gallows. It coaxed him near, tempted him, offered him a fix far stronger than any he had been given by the Chantry. It hummed like flowing water to a man dying of thirst, singing in his ears, begging him to drink.

Rylen had reported similar effects. The Gallows were a danger to everyone in the city, but especially the Templars - and if the Templars couldn’t help the people, then what was the point of them?

It was a question Cullen had been grappling with for months. When he had joined the Order as a boy, he had wanted only to protect the people. They seemed like heroes to him then, standing proud in their armor and keeping people safe.

Now Cullen knew better.

He pulled his lucky coin from his pocket and examined it. All these years it had been his one quiet rebellion, and now, as he rolled it between his fingers, he considered the Seeker’s offer.

Cassandra Pentaghast, Right Hand of the Divine, had visited him in Meredith’s - his - office just the day before with an interesting proposition.

“I want you to command the forces of the Second Inquisition.” There was no preamble, no small talk - straight to the point.

“You want me to... what?”

“The Divine has tasked the Right and Left Hands with reforming the Inquisition until this matter between Templars and mages is settled. I think you would be a suitable choice.”

“Why me?”

The Seeker stared at him from where she stood - she had never sat down, despite his offer, preferring instead to stand rigidly in front of the desk - and scrutinized every detail. Cullen got the distinct impression she could see straight through him.

“You have held Kirkwall together these last three years despite its determination to fall into chaos. Your men look up to you. Respect you. And you have proven yourself a man of honor. It is not easy to disobey your orders to do the right thing.”

Cullen was silent. A man of honor, he thought, was a compliment he didn’t deserve. None of her words were, and yet...

The Seeker was not one for nonsense - that much he could tell. She had better things to do with her time than spout bullshit to flatter him. And as much as he was certain he didn’t deserve it, it was just the out he was looking for.

But was that just a coward’s move? A convenient escape from his current responsibilities?

“May I have a bit of time to think on it?” he asked.

The Seeker nodded. “I have other business in Kirkwall. I leave in two days, with or without you.”

With no further pleasantries, she had left him to his own devices. A day later, Cullen was still pondering the choice, uncertain of what to do.

Could he really abandon Kirkwall? Return south? After Kinloch, he was certain he’d never see Ferelden again. He flipped the coin over in his hand, examining the silver likeness of Andraste.

Commander of the Divine’s Inquisition... Was this his real chance to help people? To restore order and bring some peace to Thedas? Or was it simply a convenient offer at a trying time?

Feeling uncharacteristically indecisive, Cullen decided to flip for it. Andraste up, and he would accept the Seeker’s offer. Tails, and he would continue his efforts in Kirkwall. Cullen tossed the coin in the air and realized he knew what he would do even before it landed in his palm.

The Maker’s Bride smiled up at him.

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Tagging @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @hawkeish @kemvee @charlatron @pikapeppa @inquisitoracorn @wardenari and anyone else interested!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Thank you to everyone who has tagged me in the last month or so! I know I’ve been MIA, but your tags are appreciated and I’ve been holding on to them until I have something to share. The end of the school year is a busy time for me, but expect a lot more updates and tags once summer starts!

I still don’t have much to show, but here’s a little blurb that formed in my head while driving home today. As you can see, I’m deep in Mass Effect feels 😂 (New fic??? Maybe!)

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Commander Shepard was a private person. She offered almost nothing willingly, and so most of what Kaidan knew about her he had learned through observation in the last few months. He knew, for example, that she drank black coffee and cheap beer. She listened to jazz while she cleaned her guns. He couldn’t say what she did on her days off, as he was pretty damn sure he had never seen her take a day off, but he did know that, when passing by her through the tight quarters of the Normandy, she often smelled of ivory soap.

There was one thing, however, that everyone aboard the Normandy knew about Commander Shepard, and that one thing currently had him gripping the mako for dear life - she couldn’t drive for shit.

“Dammit, Commander, slow down!” Kaidan cursed as she launched them into the air. The mako hit the ground hard, slamming them forcefully downward by the shoulder straps. Shepard was white knuckled at the wheel, pedal to the floor as they raced over rocky terrain.

“Do you talk to all of your superiors that way, Lieutenant, or am I just special?”

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Couldn’t waste an opportunity to shit on Shepard’s horrible driving 😂

Tagging back all those who have tagged me in recent weeks and a few more ☺️: @kemvee @charlatron @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @noire-pandora @musetta3 @emerald-amidst-gold @kunstpause @a-shakespearean-in-paris @hawkeish @wardenari @modernagesomniari @nug-juggler

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

What’s this? I actually wrote something??? A break in the writer’s block??? It may be short but I am proud

Thank you for all those who tagged me during my mental block! Vacation starts tomorrow so hopefully I’ll get some writing done! @musetta3 @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @kunstpause @hawkeish @noire-pandora consider yourselves all tagged back for the next WIP Wednesday or six sentence Sunday or whatever WIP thing you would like to do!

CW - Lyrium addiction

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He couldn’t bear her seeing him this way - weak, helpless, and shivering violently in a cold sweat - but neither could he bear to send her away. And so he lay there, his head cradled in her lap, and allowed her to tend to him.

She dabbed at his forehead with a cool, damp cloth, or massaged soothing oils into his temples, or simply stroked his hair, humming quietly all the while. The simple melody was both foreign and familiar, as though heard once in a long forgotten dream.

“That tune,” Cullen said, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper. “You... sang it last time. I remember.”

Last time, when he had been so consumed by the withdrawal that he hadn’t even known she was there, but somehow the tune remained in a clouded memory. Evelyn paused her ministrations in momentary surprise before continuing.

“I did. I didn’t think you even heard.”

“What is it?”

“Just an old Free Marches song. My mother used to sing it when we were ill. I’m not sure why, but it always helped.” She helped him sit up just a bit to swallow a few mouthfuls of water, then settled him into her lap once again. “I suppose it was just to show she cared. Sometimes that’s all you can do.”

I love you he thought.

“I don’t deserve you,” he said.

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Been sitting on a tag from @kunstpause for a little bit, but thank you so much for tagging!

Here is a mildly spicy WIP clip from chapter 22 of Hearts Like Lions!

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It wasn’t fair.

One woman shouldn’t be this captivating, Cullen reasoned, but as he watched her from across the room he could think of little else. Evelyn was leaned over the war table, a fingertip between her teeth and her brows knit together as she considered the map before her, unoccupied fingers tapping against the wood. The steady rhythm accompanied her every motion, each of which Cullen found more alluring than the last. He watched with rapt attention - a toss of her hair, a slight shift of her weight, the curve of her back. Sometimes she would bite her bottom lip when she concentrated, pearl white teeth digging into cherry red lipstick, and Cullen found himself wishing that it was he nipping at her instead. If only he could hug her body the way her leathers did, or free her from the laces of her blouse. He longed to set eyes on what the loose garment concealed, but his only clue was the soft leather that cinched her waist. It took all his strength to resist the urge to reach out and touch her as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Maker, he’d take her on this table if he could.

Such thoughts had plagued him for the better part of the last week. Every time he set eyes on her, regardless of time, place, or company, he had been unable to stop the fantasies of pulling her into an alcove or onto the nearest piece of furniture, each thought only fueled by his memories of that night in Halamshiral.

“...from Starkhaven to Kirkwall, but is requesting further aid. What do you think, Cullen? You know the city best.”

Josephine’s voice pulled him from his sinful reverie, but he hadn’t any idea what she had just asked him. He rubbed at his neck awkwardly as heat stained his cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Josephine. What was it you asked?” Josephine sighed in annoyance.

“I was saying, Prince Sebastian Vael of Starkhaven is sending aid to Kirkwall to assist in the clean up efforts. He has requested assistance from the Inquisition. Seeing as you led such efforts during your time there, I thought you might know how best to handle it.”

“Red lyrium may present an obstacle to rebuilding the city. Our soldiers can try to assist in its removal.”

“Good.” Josephine scrawled down some notes, then turned her attention on Evelyn, her expression no less disapproving than it had been for Cullen. “Now, seeing as I had to tell the Marquis that the Inquisitor was indisposed and could not meet him yesterday, it has taken all of my effort to appease him. Perhaps the next time you choose to get drunk, you will do it on a night when you are not to negotiate the support of an important noble house the next day.”

“I’m sorry, Josephine,” Evelyn said. “I will see to it that the Marquis de Chevin is not left with a poor impression of the Inquisition.”

“Indeed, you will. I have scheduled dinner for the two of you this evening. A private dinner with the Inquisitor is more than he could have hoped for. It should make up for your absence yesterday afternoon.”

“Of course-“

“What? No!”

All eyes turned to Cullen. He scowled at the Ambassador, unable to tame the rush of jealousy before it spilled from his lips.

“Is there a problem, Commander?”

“Yes, there’s a problem! She’s the Inquisitor, not some courtesan!”

“For Andraste’s sake, Cullen, I am hardly asking her to sleep with him! We need his support-“

“So, what? You think dressing her up and sending her to wine and dine some Orlesian pretty boy is any better?”

“It’s only dinner!”

“Not to him, it’s not!”

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Tagging @hawkeish @kemvee @musetta3 @noire-pandora @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @charlatron @pikapeppa and anyone else who’s interested!

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I was tagged a while ago for “Quote Share Friday” by @kunstpause, thank you so much for the tag! I know it isn’t Friday, but I haven’t had a lot of time or energy for writing lately with my upcoming move, so instead of a WIP update I thought this might be fun for today ☺️

This is a bit more than a quote, but one thing I’m really proud of in my writing is the letters to and from the characters. Even in the early chapters where I sometimes cringe a little (at least I’ve made progress!) I still feel happy with the letters. This particular set are presented back to back on the war table, and I included two versions of Evelyn’s signature as an early sign of Evelyn and Cullen’s budding relationship.

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Leliana,

I was able to locate Warden Blackwall near Lake Luthias. He has been recruiting on his own, and seems to have no further knowledge of the disappearance of the other Wardens. However, he is a skilled warrior and I have recruited him to the Inquisition. Josephine may be able to use the Warden treaties, and perhaps something he knows may help you in your search. I expect he’ll be arriving to Haven shortly after you receive this letter.

On an unrelated note, we also found a talking ram that turned out to be a rage demon. Things are certainly never dull.

Signed,

E. Trevelyan

Cullen,

We’ve managed to recruit more agents, but I’m afraid that’s the only good news I have to share. The fighting has gotten worse along the King’s Road. We were able to clear out both mage and Templar holds in the area, but it still hasn’t been enough to put an end to it. The dead scatter the ground no matter where we go. Our soldiers have been successful in holding the Crossroads, but I’m not sure how long they can hold out.

We continue to seal any rifts we find. It’s impossible to say how many there are, but I think we’ve made decent progress on closing them. We’re currently on our way to Redcliffe. We’ll send word immediately once we’ve met with the Grand Enchanter.

Evelyn

Cullen,

Redcliffe’s been taken. Details sensitive. Returning immediately.

Evelyn

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Tagging @kemvee @hawkeish @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold @inquisitoracorn @musetta3 @charlatron @kunstpause @modernagesomniari @wardenari @noire-pandora @emerald-amidst-gold @a-shakespearean-in-paris to share something about your writing that you’re proud of (or use this as a WIP tag, if you’d prefer!)

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

Chapter 19 of “Hearts Like Lions” is up!

“Trust me when I say we need to watch her, Curly. I’ve seen firsthand what this world does to heroes.”

Cullen x F! Trevelyan

Rating: M (possibly future E)

Current Word Count: 100K

Chapter Snippet:

“Are the balls in Ostwick so different?”

“There’s still the dancing and the posturing, of course, but there are no masks and the schemes aren’t so grand as they are here. And it’s not a Trevelyan family event until a brawl breaks out.”

“Modest in temper,” Cullen said, recalling the words now tied to his arm. Evelyn laughed.

“Indeed. It’s fun to place bets, though.”

“Are there as many men vying for your attention?” Cullen set down his glass and wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. Evelyn set her own glass next to his, a wicked grin spreading across her face as he nuzzled into her ear.

“More, usually. Why? Jealous?”

“Yes. I am.”

He pressed a line of kisses along her jaw, satisfied when her breath hitched and she swallowed hard. Liquid courage had made him brave, and her response to his actions only encouraged him.

“I’m jealous of every man who stared after you tonight, or held onto you for too long, or let his hand fall too low, or voiced his indecent wishes.”

His lips travelled downward to her neck, and Cullen could’ve sworn he felt her quickening pulse beneath the soft skin.

“Careful, Commander,” she purred, hands wandering over his chest and lacing into his hair. “I’m a pious woman, you know.”

Cullen was sure she knew exactly what she was doing to him, and he groaned as she pressed her thigh between his legs. Evelyn was a stronger temptation than anything he had experienced before, and he a weak, weak man.

He pulled Andraste’s circlet from her head and tossed it onto a nearby chair.

“Please,” he growled. “You may be dressed like a saint, but I know better.”

Chapter Link and Info:

Mature content ;)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25431211/chapters/70631199

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I DID IT. IT’S ACTUALLY SIX SENTENCES. (And I finally got to use my header 😂)

Thank you for the tag @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold!

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“I’d like you to know that you can rely on House Chevin for both military and monetary support. I shall personally spread your praises across Orlais. As a friend of both the Inquisition and the Empire, I am looking forward to our partnership.”

“I am pleased to hear it, though I’m sure this support is not without cost. What are you requesting in return?”

“Are you betrothed, Inquisitor?”

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Tagging @hawkeish @musetta3 @inquisitoracorn @kunstpause @kemvee @charlatron @noire-pandora and anyone else interested!