#aya cousland

[heroofshield]

hello, hero! for anna ryder and rose cousland, could i know these: 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 21, 23, 25!!

Anna Ryder

4) What color or colors do you most associate with your OC?

Maroon, Amber, Blue, Purple

5) Any animals you most associate with your OC?

Not really. Anna isn't much of a pet person, Alliance life didn't really allow for one and even before that her parents were too busy to take care of a pet plus twins. In Andromeda Scott gets a pyjack and Anna finds it somewhat cute.

6) Any flowers you associate with your OC?

Queen Anne's Lace, Daffodils, Dandelions

7) Does your OC have a favorite and least favorite food?

Anna doesn't care for winter squashes, she doesn't like the texture. Her favorite is anything noodles, easy to carry in a bowl/eat while trying to catch up on reports/etc

11) What actor or voice actor do you see best playing as your OC?

I haven't really given this much thought for Anna only because I mainly use her CC when getting fanart created. That being said, I could see Agam Darshi being a faceclaim for Anna.

21) Any embarrassing secrets your OC demands you take to the grave but you will share anyway?

Her first time snowboarding, she had a hard time finding her balance and went ass over teakettle right in front of a girl she was crushing on. Face full of powder, Anna managed to get up without too much trouble but that ended up having the girl ask if she was alright and Anna managing to flirt (somewhat) successfully with her. They ended up going out on a few dates so it worked out in the end.

Then when the Tempest first landed on Aya she was so excited to explore that she tripped over her own feet and nearly ate grass. But she managed to right herself and endured the jokes from the crew, brushing it off with a crack of her own.

23) Is your OC religious and what religion? If it’s a fictional religion for your story please give a summary of the core teachings of their faith?

Not really. Alec and Ellen weren't super religious, their mom more because of her science background and Alec just because, so they never really encouraged it with Scott and Anna. They did try to teach them to be nice but firm, to stand up for what was wrong but also be kind, and to help those in need though.

25) The name you chose for your OC, why did you chose it?

I wanted something that I could shorten, that Anna would only be called when she was in trouble (which ended up being A Lot). At the time I was reading War Storm by Victoria Aveyard where one of the characters has the nickname 'Nanabel' and that stuck with me so I decided to go in that direction and came up with Annabel, eventually deciding that she had a vague US Southern/Hispanic background.

Rose Cousland

4) What color or colors do you most associate with your OC?

Black, Silver, Dark Blue

5) Any animals you most associate with your OC?

Her mabari Griffins. She's had Griffins since he was a puppy and wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't in her life. She dares anyone to tell her that she can't have a Marbari in the castle.

6) Any flowers you associate with your OC?

Roses obliviously :P but also sunflowers and snow drops.

7) Does your OC have a favorite and least favorite food?

Rose is a fan of bread, especially if it's fresh from the oven. Also once Zevran introduces her to Antivan dishes, she's a big fan of the spices. Doesn't really care for "travel rations" (aka hardtack & cheese) but knows that when they're on the road there's not much choice.

11) What actor or voice actor do you see best playing as your OC?

I've fancasted Gemma Arterton as Rose, specifically from Hansel & Gretel: Witchhunters because she had the vibe I was looking for in the movie (but with redder hair).

21) Any embarrassing secrets your OC demands you take to the grave but you will share anyway?

Rose is somewhat afraid of the dark, she needs a candle burning in her room once the sun starts setting and can't fall asleep if it's completely dark.

23) Is your OC religious and what religion? If it’s a fictional religion for your story please give a summary of the core teachings of their faith?

Rose had to sit through Chantry services while at Highever, it was expected of her as the Teryn's daughter, and only loosely followed the teachings of the church. Then Highever got razed and she turned her back on Andraste and the Chantry, angry and confused at how she could let that happen since her parents had been devout followers of Andraste. She doesn't belittle Leliana for her beliefs, but at the same time she doesn't try to go back to the Chantry and the Maker.

Once she becomes Queen, Rose knows that she has to at least attend one service a week, but at the same time she tries to find an excuse not to go if she can help it.

25) The name you chose for your OC, why did you chose it?

This was before I fully fleshed out my Cousland Warden and wanted to just jump into the game. A friend on here had been talking about Titanic/Doctor Who and Rose so that was at the forefront of my mind so I went with that.

[dragons-and-ages]

Mostly just musing to myself here…

I don’t really have a “canon” worldstate, I have several with only minor variations. Even with different characters, I still gravitate to the same decisions in most of them. If I were to have a personal canon, it would be all mages and likely very elfy. I love dwarves, but I can’t be a mage as a dwarf. And, as much as I was excited for Qunari in DAI, I didn’t like the options in the cc and never really got into a Qunari!Quizzy.

However, the narrative seems to heavily favor humans and particularly Cousland in DAO, so I’m working on a “Lore” playthrough before the release of DATV. I was finding it hard to get into; I’ve had it sketched out for over a year, but as I read through The World of Thedas Vol 2, and knowing that The Stolen Throne is next up, I’m getting more excited about it. So, my top 3 worldstates, but by no means is this all of them:

The Lore State - Inspired by Andraste. All human women with “A” names, trying to cater to the often human-centric story and stay as close to BioWare’s canon as possible while still enjoying myself. (I haven’t actually even started this one yet lmao)

Amalthea Cousland > Ayesleigh Hawke > Augusta Trevelyan > Human!Mage!Rook (Likely named Asha or Artemisia, depending on which faction I go with)

Oops all mages! - Very magey and as elfy as I can get it. Best contender for my canon state.

Atisha Surana > Aya Hawke > Feanneth Lavellan > Elf!Mage!Rook

One of Each - Here we have all the races represented. I do love dwarves so much… if there’s ever a possibility of dwarves being able to be mages, I’m gonna lose my fuckin’ mind. Also, prayer circle for better Qunari options in the DATV cc.

Gemma Brosca > Grace Hawke > Asharen Lavellan > Qunari!Rook

Honorable mention to the Dalish worldstate (with Mahariel and Lavellan and a Hawke/Merrill romance) and the Oops All HUMAN Mages worldstate (that’s just self-insert nonsense).

[bxtgrl]

my dragon age ladies made with this picrew ➤ namera cousland, vera hawke, aya lavellan, sarabeth tabris, talia hawke, & lilya trevelyan.

[the-rxven-king]

4

4. What was your first Warden (gender/class/race/personality)?

if were talking like first warden ever first ever playthrough of da:o dont care if its canon or not then my first warden was a female human noble dual weild rogue named aya cousland. she had absolutely no set personality back then because i was literally just playing the game and i wasnt so into making characters back then. she has now become a character of mine but it took me a good long while to remember she ever existed but shes super kind and a complete angel now so i love her very much

now if were talking first warden as in the first warden i ever actually CONSIDERED a warden of mine and a character of mine then it was maeron mahariel the dalish elf dual wield rogue. hes… oh my god hes a little salty shitface. i absolutely love him but god is he a dick. hes SUCH a dick. like he knows when to tone it down and show compassion and show that he cares but hes very angry and very pissy and very very rude to pretty much everyone.

[royal-babey]

Hey folks drop me some o c a s k s

[marquis1305]

Touch

A little pick me up for @hoehoehoelt regarding Nico Mahariel and Kaili Tabris, featuring Aya Tabris, in the role of big brother, Percy Surana, in the role of confused innocent, and Kellen Cousland, in the role of free cuddles. 

This came to life after we discussed jealousy and misunderstandings.

Enjoy.

There were only so many spots near to the fire for sitting, before people started to feel a little crowded. The campsites they choose were never exactly spacious, with just enough room for the wardens and their witchy companion to not be laying directly on top of each other, while not being completely obvious to anyone passing down a road that they were there. The wolf and Mabari never quite minded where they ended up.

Though, none of the wardens were against fighting for a spot when the time came.  

So Kaili had found another solution, taking up residence in Kellen's lap. The human never much seemed to mind, often wrapping his arms around her whenever she chose to curl closer. From her seat, she would watch Aya's amused smirks, Percy's confusion, and Nico's annoyed glares. It also had the added benefit of allowing her heat from both the fire and the man.

She and Kellen had never defined the thing between them, neither had needed to.  

Tonight, she was curled up in his lap, head resting against Kellen's chest. He had been drawing designs on her back with the tip of his forefinger, occasionally soliciting a shudder from the ticklish sensation.  The two were listening to the others plot out the final leg of their trip to Lothering, doing their best to withhold snarky commentary.  

It wasn't until they mentioned possibly splitting the group that Kaili spoke up.

"So, does this mean we get to choose our travel partners? Because if we do-"

"You choose Kel, we know," Nico nearly snarled the words, making Kaili shift her gaze directly to him.  

"As much as I enjoy his dear company," she lifted a hand to pat Kel's cheek, soliciting a chuckle from the human. "I was going to suggest that we keep to pairs of short and long range. And I was going to ask you, but if you would rather I stick to Kel, I'm more than happy to. Less likely to have a mob come chasing after us that way."

"You two as a team would be the only reason there would be an angry mob,"  Aya teased from his seat across the fire.  

"Your brother might be right Kaili," Percy said, smile as bright as always, despite the inner shudder at the thought of the chaos the two thieves could cause.  

"So then, back to my original idea. Aya and Kel; Percy and Alistair, and Morrigan if she wishes to join in; and then Nico and I."

"You would rather partner with me?" She could feel the suspicion behind his glare. Rolling her eyes, Kaili knocks her head against Kel's chest. Then pushes herself up to stand. Crossing her arms as she meets Nico's stare.  

"I trust your aim more than Aya's, and you are far less likely to let me get myself into trouble. Plus, other than Kel, I'm the only one I trust to barter for the pelts you got us back in Ostagar. No offense Aya."

"None taken, you drive a harder bargain than I do." "I know"

Nico hesitated, his gaze flitting over to the still lounging Kellen. Then focusing back on Kaili, face nearly unreadable. "Very well. We split into groups of two, one ranged, one close. Falon and Barkspawn can stay with Morrigan to guard the camp. I don't believe we should be in Lothering for long."

"Perfect, now..." Kaili stalked back over to Kellen, and crawled back into his lap with a vengeance. Forcefully taking his hand and putting it back on her back. Closing her eyes and doing her best to drown out any further conversation. Allowing herself to drift off to sleep while feeling safe and warm.

When she woke the next morning, it was on top of her own bed roll. Fist clenched around the dagger hidden beneath her pillow. Kel or Aya must have placed it there when they put her to sleep, she didn't remember having hidden it the night before.  

Her first sight was Nico was scowling as he stirred the pot nestled in the fire. Quickly taking in her surroundings, Kaili realized that the others must have left already.  

"Took you long enough to wake. I would have had us up at dawn, but Aya warned against me waking you."

"I still don't know if I am actually awake," she grumbled, rolling off the bedding to slump her way over to him. Sitting on the ground directly beside him. "Is there coffee or tea or something I can chew on to fix said problem?"

"Unfortunately, not, and I had to shoo Alistair away from your portion of the porridge."

"My hero," the words were half lost in a yawn as her head thuds against his shoulder. Not catching onto the sudden tension that rippled through his body.  

"Kaili," his voice grits out through clenched teeth.

"Hmmm?"

"I am not Kell."

"I know you aren't, you are too elfy to be Kel." She let loose a giggle at the words. Then took a deep breath, trying to force her mental facilities to catch up with where this conversation seemed to be going.  

"I doubt he would be pleased that you are so close to me," Kaili couldn't tell, but she thought that Nico sounded sullen. She peeped open an eye to peer at him. Then pulled away slowly.  

"I don't know why it would matter?" She was genuinely confused at this point. Taking in his scowling features, Kaili reached out to touch Nico's shoulder.

"Of course, you don't. There are many things that don't seem to matter to you," this time, there was no mistaking the tone of Nico's voice. The venom that dripped from his words.  

"Nico-"

"No, Kaili. I don't want to hear it. Does he know about the ring? The dress? Or have you tossed those to the side now that you have a new distraction."

A sudden pain bloomed on Nico's face, where Kaili's hand had connected with it. Blood welling in the cut where the metal of her ring had made contact.

"Don't you dare Mahariel," she hissed the words, hand pulled back again for another strike should he continue. "I owe no explanation for my past before the Wardens, to anyone, and I certainly don't see you jumping forward with your own life story. We all have secrets, even Percy. But don't you dare imply that I have forgotten what brought me here."

"And yet no one but you and Kell are quite so eager to bury your past with new pleasures," he pauses, swallowing hard enough that Kaili can catch the movement of his adam's apple. "I would not have been quite so forward in the clearing had I known that you were so free with your affections. I had thought-"

"What? What more could you possibly think of me?" Kaili stands, quickly stalking over to her gear. Throwing it into her pack without care for how it settled. "No Nico, I don't believe you need to think anything else of me. I'm heading into town, stay here, go, do whatever you want. I want nothing more from you."  

Throwing the straps of the pack onto her shoulders, she takes off as quickly as she can. Leaving Nico behind without another glance.  

She took one of the hunter's trails into Lothering, doing her best to avoid the main road. She didn't want to run into the others.

Not if it meant explaining why she had fresh tear tracks running down her face.  

It wasn't until she reached the edge of the town that she realized that Nico had had all of the pelts and teeth that she had intended to sell.  

"Well, shit."

Kaili stood there for half a minute, staring at the movement in the refugee camp. Then decided to go straight to the tavern. A few drinks, some rifling through locked rooms, and maybe the company of anyone except for a certain Dalish elf sounded like exactly what she needed to shake off her mood.  

After asking directions from a few of the citizens of Lothering, and ducking around the corner when she saw a very concerned looking Percy, it didn't take long to find the only tavern in the town. She ignored the warnings of those loitering outside that the place was full up with soldiers. Those types had never much bothered her, not after spending so much time either avoiding them in the alienage, or flirting with them while waiting for Aya at the Pearl. Kaili figured that she could handle whatever came at her.  

She wasn't expecting an entire unit of Loghain's soldiers with a wanted posted calling for her head. And the heads of any other grey wardens in the area. And that they were checking any and all refugees for those who might fit known warden descriptions.  

"Didn't we spend all morning asking about a woman by this very description? And everyone had said they hadn't seen her?"

"Boys, look. Do I honestly look anything like the type one would expect a Grey Warden to be?" She stood with her hands held out wide, showing that she had no weapons drawn.  

"Don't know, I heard that the wardens took all sorts. Even small little knife ear sluts like you," one of the warriors sneered at her. The others leering as they closed in on what appeared to be easy prey. It didn't take long for Kaili to realize exactly how badly they outnumbered her.  

Having the random cloister sister try to intervene on her behalf wasn't exactly helping either. Even if she did seem to mean well. Kaili took the distraction as a chance to pull her blades, the left one held loosely as she also palmed a small frost bomb.  

"She's more than that, even if she doesn't look much. Now stay out of our way, Sister. You protect this bi-"

The man seemed to struggle finishing his sentence when the arrow lodged in his throat. Kaili risked a glance towards the door.  

It took every ounce of willpower not to sigh with relief when she saw Nico, looking every inch the proud Dalish Hunter. Bow already drawn and looking for it's next target.  

"Nico, right!" Kaili threw her bomb at the men on the left, lunging to push the Cloister sister out of the way.  

Now was not the time to deal with that one.  

She plunged into her blood lust, letting the adrenaline wash over her as she felt her blades cut deep into each of her targets. She focused on the two in front of her, crippled as they were by her bomb, they seemed the lesser threats. Allowing Nico the space he needed to time his shots. She trusted him to keep them off her back, dodging as a new blade entered the fray.

Attached to the same Sister she had just pushed out of the way. "Where in the Maker's name did you learn how to fight?"

"Not every sister grew up in the Chantry, my dear."

"Yeah, well, just.... try not to stab me while you swing that around. Nico! Don't hit the pretty one, she's on our side."

"As you say."

More warriors joined the fray. Kaili clashing with two of them, her blades whirling around her in a deadly dance. Arrows singing as they fly past her, burying into men before they became threats.  

When the last man fell, she spun to face the Dalish elf. And saw her brother and Kellan running up to join him. The latter causing the small smile that had been on Nico's face to fall.

"I see you decided to start the party without us Kaili." Kell raised an eyebrow at the mess of bodies littering the tavern floor.

"What can I say, you know I can never turn down a dance."

Kaili caught the way that particular phrase made Nico sneer.  

"You should have saved one for me then," Kell jogged towards her, but Kaili took a step back. Holding up a single hand, letting her eyes gesture towards Nico. Kell raised an eyebrow, but nodded once. They would talk later, he understood.  

Just as Nico was turning to leave, Kaili called out. "Hey, Mahariel. You still have the furs to trade?"

"I do."

"Good, then we can let Aya and Kell speak with our pretty friend in the chantry clothes. While you and I can take care of business."

"Very well."

She caught Aya's hand on her way out, squeezing it briefly for support, before following Nico outside the tavern. Over towards the cart they hoped was a good place to sell supplies.  

"You came after me," she said it as nonchalantly as she could manage, though curious.

"I did."

"After..."

"We argued Kaili. I obviously said something that hurt you, based on what I hope was a misunderstanding. That does not mean that I would not do my duty, nor that I would let you run off without protection."

"It was," she huffs a small laugh. "A misunderstanding. I think. Kell and I... it's nothing. We play, and flirt, and need physical touch more than the rest of you. So we get it from each other. He recognized it in me. That we do the same thing. We don't go quiet like you. Or smile like Percy. Hell, even Aya talks more about real life stuff. Me and Kell, we hide it behind the laughs and touches. It comforts us. Makes things a little bit easier. I know that before, in the water..."

"You don't need to explain yourself. I offered comfort, I should not have expected anything in return."

"Nico."

"No."

She fell silent. This wasn't the time to try argue this. Not when she wasn't sure about what she wanted the answer to be. All she knew, is that she didn't want him to think what he had been. That she didn't care. Or that she was willing to throw herself into the first willing bed.

She might tease about it, but she was no where near ready for anything more than what Kellan had offered her. Open arms and no questions.

The feeling of a warm hand slipping into hers brought her quickly out of her thoughts. She looked down quickly, to see Nico's fingers entwining with hers.  

A glace up showed that his face had not changed from it's usual brood.  

Kaili couldn't help but smile.

[wombatpumpkin]

WIP Wednesday

Title: Paired

Fandoms: Dragon Age 

Pairing: Solas x Lavellan

Tags: Modern Thedas AU, Dating App AU, Graduate School AU, Academic Rivals to Lovers

 Now, I may look like a sad and lonely hobo, but I can assure you, ladies, that I am not. Beneath this poor excuse for a sense of fashion beats the heart of a wolf on the prowl and ready for love. When I’m not reading, that is.

                  You Paired with Solas on 9:40 Guardian 14  at 9:10AM

                                                 Today at 9:17AM

                                                                                                                                                                                               Me: Hello, Solas.

“That’s it?” Josie leaned over Aya’s shoulder, peering at the message she’d just fired off. Aya could feel Josie deflating. “That is all you’re going to say?”

“What? What’s wrong with that?” Aya asked, looking back at the message and trying to figure what on earth could be wrong with ‘hello’.

“You have to sound alluring! Make it spicy,” Josephine said with an indignant huff.

“Gotta tickle their balls a little bit, eh?” smirked Aya. Josephine tipped her forehead into her palms and groaned.

“Please... do not say it like that,” she pleaded like a woman who’d lived and seen too much. 

“I don’t have to be alluring at all. Half the guys on here are just looking for a hook-up,” Aya said, waggling her eyebrows. “I’m pretty sure I could say I have a fungal growth and still find somebody to bang by evening.”

“She has a point, Josie,” Leliana said from across the cafe table, nodding as she finished her coffee. Josie apparently disagreed, folding her arms tightly over her chest as she glared at Leliana. “Let her talk about her fungal growths. It’s the profile picture that will do all the talking. You did pick her a good one, yes?”

“Of course!” Josie scoffed. “And do not encourage her! Really, Aya, you have to be more tantalizing. You’ll never get a date with just a ‘hello’.”

“You signed me up, remember? All these ‘Likes’ are for people you picked,” Aya shot back. “Maybe I don’t want them to reply. And I still don’t think dating apps are the best way to meet somebody.”

“It’s a ‘Swipe’, not a ‘Like’,” Josephine corrected with a sigh. ”And I simply found you a few men who I think may be to your taste. What about him?” Josie poked Aya’s phone screen and opened up the chat.

“You mean ‘Thom’? Isn’t that a lot of beard?” 

“Here, give me!” Josie said reaching over the poor woman and plucking the phone away before she could protest. “This is how you send an alluring message.”

Leliana laughed and shook her head. “You are incorrigible, Josie. I’m getting a second coffee,” she said, getting up.

“Me too.” Aya  got up as well, frowning after Josephine who was Cyrano de Bergerac-ing away. “She’s not going to stop until I have a date, is she?”

“Nope. It’s better just to leave her to it?” Leliana said quietly, tugging Aya along to place an order. I wrinkled my nose.

“I wish she wouldn’t. I don’t want these guys thinking I talk that well,” Aya said, scratching her nose and frowning over her shoulder at Josie. Leliana chuckled.

“You speak and write plenty well,” she said as they shuffled along. “When you put your mind to it at least. I’ve read your papers.”

“Well, that’s different. You have to write well in graduate school or they don’t let you graduate.”

“Fair point, I suppose. Still, those skills are transferable.”

“Nope. If it’s not school related, my brain powers down.” Aya shifted her stance, tilting the tote bag on her hip so Leliana caught a glimpse of it. It read All I Do is Fucking Read on the side. Leliana grinned. “Those men will be lucky to get a full sentence.”

“To each’s own, ” she said. “Do you think you’ll ever read or write for pleasure once you’ve graduated?”

“After a few years, maybe?” Aya said uncertainly. “My mistake for pursuing a degree in the social sciences. My poor dyslexic brain feels a lot like scrambled eggs.”

“What do you have planned tonight, then?” Leliana asked. They were a person away from ordering. “It is Valentines Day, after all. Any plans?” 

“Well, after I get a little more work done on my thesis, I have my internship until five. Then... I guess it’s just an evening to myself.” 

“A rare night, indeed. Savor it for me.”

“What do you have planned?” They started ordering.

“One coffee please, small and black,” Leliana said, reaching for her purse. Aya pulled out hers, trying to nudge Leliana out of the way as she ordered but fumbled on the card draw.

“Caramel latte for me, decaf.” Leliana swooped in and dipped her chip into the reader. Aya narrowed her eyes. She would get her next time.

Leliana continued as if nothing had happened. “I have a date, of course! Cousland got us a fancy reservation at a restaurant across town. It’s apparently very hard to get in. I have my shoes all picked out.” 

Aya and Leliana moved down the counter and waited for our drinks to be ready. The air smelled like freshly ground coffee beans, oozing chocolate, and butter from their fresh pastries. I immediately regretted not ordering a croissant.

“And the rest of your outfit?” Aya said, raising her eyebrows. “Or is it a shoes only kind of place?” Leliana giggled.

“If only we could go somewhere as bold as that,” she replied, eyes dancing. “But I’ve chosen my red dress, the one with the silver beading in the waist. She loves that dress, as do I.”

The barista passed them the steaming drinks; Aya’s had a little foam heart in it that made her smile. The pair took their drinks back to the table, and Josie was still furiously texting. Aya chewed her lip in concern.

“How’s the damage?” Aya asked Josie as she sat down and disturbed the foam art piece as she took a sip. They used real caramel here, not some chemical crap from a pump. Aya’s lips felt sticky with sugar, and she hummed happily.

“I have a date set up for you tonight,” Josephine replied, not looking up. “I’m just setting the time and place. You’re done with your internship at five, correct?”

“Wait, seriously? With who? And yes, five.”

“Thom, of course. And I shall tell him to meet you at The Herald’s Square at seven o’clock.”

“Oh,” Aya said and smiled brightly. “Wow, I actually have a date.”

Leliana laughed and Josephine tossed the phone back at Aya from across the table. Aya caught it between her palms and flicked open the app, reading through the conversation. She groaned.

“He’s going to expect a frilly poet,” Aya complained. Josie batted away my comment but glowed a little at the compliment.

“He is...rather dashing,” she sighed a little wistfully. Aya raised an eyebrow and shut down the app. 

“You sure you’d rather not go instead?” 

“No, no, no! He is expecting you. You go and have a lovely time, truly.” Josephine beamed at Aya and exchanged conspiratorial looks with Leliana. Aya sighed heavily and took another sip of her caramel drink. And so a frilly poet she would be.

Authors Note: This is a short excerpt from a WIP I’ve been working on sporadically as I write some of my other fics. It’ll eventually go up on my A03, but I want to get a bit farther along before I start posting chapters. Any way, here is the sneak peak :)

[apprenticebard]

Does Bard have an OTP?

This is a hard question, because I have so many ships! I don’t know if I can say that any one ship is my singular OTP. I do keep a mental top five list, though. The last time I made the list, it was 1) Spike/Buffy, 2) Razer/Aya, 3) Fakir/Duck, 4) Tabris Warden/Nathaniel Howe (possibly this is cheating, because Aria Tabris is sort of an OC, but I do like other people’s tabrises with Nate, too?) 5) Soul/Maka.

I’m not really sure that Soul/Maka deserves to be on the list. I kind of want to put Wishfay on the list instead, but until I’ve actually written something proving the theory, I feel kind of dishonest putting them on the Top Ships List. I also kind of want to replace it with Hawke/Fenris, because I have read a ton of excellent Hawke/Fenris fic, but I also haven’t actually played Dragon Age 2? So it’s conceivable that I might not like canon!Fenhawke, in which case I would feel really weird about putting it on the list.

It’s honestly pretty boring? The ships I get most invested in tend to be the ones that people have written lots of fanfic about, so unsurprisingly they tend to be the juggernauts of their respective fandoms. Tabris/Nathaniel is the exception; last time I checked there was one (ONE) Tabris/Nathaniel fic on Ao3, with maybe a dozen other Warden/Nathaniel fics that were all mostly about them coming to terms with the fact that the warden killed Nathaniel’s dad and Nathaniel’s family killed the Cousland warden’s family. Which is fine, and it makes sense that people would hone in on that as the most dramatic Warden/Nathaniel scenario, but it is unfortunately Not What I Would Like To Read About. Even though I did in fact read most of them.

I also have a lot of similar shippy feelings about various OCs in the original stories I’m writing, but I have no idea whether anyone even wants to hear about those, and also I think maybe I should save them for if I ever actually finish those stories. :P

(I will absolutely tell anyone who asks about Aria Tabris and Nathaniel Howe, though.)

[royal-babey]

:0

Wardens:

Nico Mahariel - 19

Percy Surana - 18

Veronica Cousland - 17

Kellen Cousland - 22

Aéd Cousland - 20

Alleys Surana - 19

Ascelyn Amell - 18

Aya Tabris - 23

Eilidh Brosca - 20

Myashan Aeducan - 20

Warden Commander (???):

Dalion Andras - 24

I know I have a lot of wardens it’s fine

Hawkes:

Logan Hawke - 22

Marian Hawke - 22

Anya Hawke - 25

Inquisitors:

Adair Lavellan - 22

Kithaneur’iel Vallamin - 19

Solavellis Tabris - 24

Felassan Lavellan - 32

How Old was Your Hero?

At the start of their stories, my kids were…

Wardens:

Blue Surana - 18

Isseya Mahariel - 19

Alyss Amell - 21

Kieran Tabris - 20

Nora Brosca- 22

Ronan Aeducan - 28

Cassian Cousland - 24

Hawkes: 

Akono, Henley, Claira - all started age 25

Inquisitiors:

Helios Adaar- 28

Xiaofan Cadash - 48

Revahel Lavellan - 27

Reblog with yours!

..or like, make your own post and tag me :) 

[polymolly]

MEA “Party Week” meme

I got tagget a long time ago by @thatonecurlygurl to do it, but I hadn’t had the mood. Since then @couslands-littlespitfire and @sihasleia tagged me as well, so I thought maybe it’s finally the time. Thank you all for the tags

Rules: Answer the questions and tag 10 people. [Optional: post any MEA screenshot you’d like to share!] 

What is your favorite scene in MEA?

Umm, I… There are few of them tbh, but my absolute favorite is Movie Night. This one scene gives me this familiar feeling - it’s more than we’ve ever got in the Trilogy, but it has the same vibe about the crew, the FAMILY we’re creating there. The bonding time is always my favorite time.

OH, OH, AND RYDER BEING DRUNK ON KADARA XD

What is your favorite quest?

Jaal’s and Liam’s loyalty missions,searching for the turian ark.

What is your favorite weapon?

M-8 and Sniper Rifles, but I’m kinda new to the second one so I’m not really sure about the specifics

What is your favorite armor?

Scavenger and Heleus Icon

What is your favorite power ability?

Charge and Nova

What is your favorite planet?

Aya and Havarl

What is your favorite addition to MEA that wasn’t in the original trilogy?

Jump jet U_U And mixing classes

Who is your favorite non-romanced (one you didn’t romance but could be) character? (can be NPC or squadmate)

Avitus Rix. I’m just so fond of the guy, he’s precious and I love him, I need him to be happy Q___Q

Favorite squad/party combo?

Jaal plus anyone else tbh? I don’t really have favorite combo

Favorite non-bipedal animal on Andromeda?

I do not have one yet

What surprised you most when you first played MEA?

How much the crew feels like family after such a short time. Seriously, their dynamics are impressive. Really well written. Plus, combat fluency and Vault’s design - all the lights and plants… I just like when places are looking pretty ^^

What is your favorite quote?

There are few, but…

“Except I’m gonna fuck your shit up. How is that for great?” and “SAM, is there an off switch to this horror palace?”

I tag… @readbythestarlight @raptorflora @mccreeapologist @loonyloopy @hashtag-no-lyfe @badwolf626 @spacerbrat @juleshawke @bioticranger @botany-enthused-vampire

I have no idea if any of you already done it, and if so, then well, I guess I could’ve finish it earlier :P 

AND NOW SCREENSHOTS. HERE'S MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, NOVA (I have many of them tbh, but I chose few of the most recent) (mixed from first and second game, that’s why she has different hair color) (she’s pink now)

[magicrobins]

Dragon Age Dual AU Worldstate

Long post, all under the cut.

Edits may be made as details are added or changed.

(I typed this the best I could remember us discussing the details a while ago.)

Shared with: @bxtgrl (Nat), @jellyfishlovesloki

Dragon Age Origins

Heroes of Ferelden: Namera Cousland (sword/shield warrior, Alistair romance), and Piras Surana (mage, Zevran romance).

Companion OCs: Sylvas Mahariel (dual-wielding/archery rogue, Tamlen Rendlin romance), Sarabeth Tabris (archery rogue, Leliana romance), Christian Amell (mage, Morrigan romance), Rendlin Amell (sword/shield warrior, Sylvas romance), Paige Brosca (dual-wielding rogue, no romance), Atlen Mahariel (dual-wielding rogue, Jowan romance), and Noah Talbot (two-handed warrior, Anora romance).

All companions except for Loghain are recruited.

Companion decisions: Returned Sten’s sword, defeated Flemeth for her grimoire, sent Marjolaine away, and helped Alistair find Goldanna.

Namera has a mabari, Konroy, and Piras got a mabari after Ostagar, Sammy.

Broken Circle: Sided with the mages, gained some Templar supporters, and managed to save First Enchanter Irving.

The Arl of Redcliffe: Helped Redcliffe prepare and fight, Piras used lyrium and the help of Circle mages to fight the demon in the Fade, Connor alive, not possessed, and Piras and some companions helped Jowan escape at night (Sylvas directed him to Atlen for protection).

The Urn of Sacred Ashes: Urn wasn’t poisoned, and word about its discovery eventually got out.

Nature of the Beast: Sylvas helped Namera and Piras broker peace.

Paragon of Her Kind: Rendlin had a son with Mardy, restored Mardy’s son’s birthright, Dagna left to study, defeated Branka and destroyed the Anvil of the Void, Namera supported Harrowmont, Piras supported Bhelen, and the choice was ultimately left up to Rendlin who surprised everyone by choosing Bhelen.

Stone Prisoner DLC: Matthias and Amalia both alive, and neither are possessed.

Warden’s Keep DLC: Piras gained the Power of Blood, Sophia killed, and Avernus allowed to continue research under more ethical restraints.

Denerim: Helped Sarabeth figure out and stop the city elves from disappearing, rescued Anora, and Namera killed Howe in combat, avenging her family.

Landsmeet: Loghain killed by Alistair, Alistair became King of Ferelden, and later married Namera, making her Queen of Ferelden.

The Battle of Denerim: Alistair took part in the Dark Ritual with Morrigan, only Grey Warden to die was Riordan, and Namera and Piras killed the Archdemon together.

New Grey Wardens: Sylvas, Christian, Rendlin, Paige, Atlen, Noah, and Jowan joined the Grey Wardens after the Battle of Denerim. Sarabeth joined the Grey Wardens in the beginning of Awakening.

Namera and Sarabeth belong to @bxtgrl.

Piras, Sylvas, Christian, Rendlin, Paige, Atlen, and Noah belong to @magicrobins.

The Golems of Amgarrak DLC: Namera and Piras helped Jerrik, however they both vocally objected to the idea of bringing back the creation of golems.

Witch Hunt DLC: Christian follows Morrigan through the Eluvian.

Dragon Age Awakening DLC

New companion OCs: Halin Andras (mage, one-sided Nathaniel romance), Hannah Caron (two-handed warrior, Jaden romance), and Jaden Kader (archery rogue, Hannah romance). Companion OCs from Origins returned with Namera and Piras, as well as Jowan, a canon character.

Piras is named Arl of Amaranthine.

All companions recruited and joined the Grey Wardens.

Oghren and Felsi reunited.

Both the Keep and Amaranthine were successfully protected after hard battles.

The only casualty of the battles: Justice was “killed” when Kristoff’s head is chopped off while defending Vigil’s Keep.

Piras and Namera side with the Architect against the Broodmother and allow him to live.

Zevran eventually returns to Amaranthine, and he and Piras marry at Vigil’s Keep.

Majority of companions stay with the Grey Wardens, though Velanna eventually leaves after believing she saw her sister.

Halin Andras, Hannah Caron, and Jaden Kader belong to @magicrobins

Dragon Age II*

*The timeline of DA2 is being edited to better fit in with the timeline of Origins. We have it to where the Hawke family were younger when they fled Lothering, and the Hawke siblings were indentured for more than just a year in Kirkwall.

Champions of Kirkwall: Derek Hawke (mage, eldest sibling, Fenris romance), and Vera Hawke (mage, Anders romance).

Companion OCs: Kenrick Lolani (two-handed warrior, Merrill romance), Stella Montgomery (dual-wielding/archery rogue, Isabela romance), Talia Fredericks (dual-wielding rogue, Sebastian romance), and Jaxton Montgomery (dual-wielding/archery rogue, Tallis romance).

All companions recruited, and all relationships are friendship.

Companion decisions: Carver became a Grey Warden, Bethany became a Circle mage, Bartrand lived, convinced Varric not to keep the lyrium idol, Isabela returned with the Tome, didn’t turn Isabela over to the Qunari, didn’t convince Merrill to destroy the Eluvian, didn’t kill Merrill’s clan, and Aveline married Donnic.

Mages fully supported.

Prologue: Both Bethany and Carver live, Bethany is gravely injured from the ogre attack, Vera and Derek join the smugglers, and Stella and Jaxton join the mercenaries.

Act 1: Derek and Vera sometimes disagreed when it came to letting mages go or returning them to the Circle, Saemus saved and returned to the Viscount, Kelder killed, the slaver Danzig killed, Derek and Vera both own the Bone Pit, Feynriel sent to the Dalish, defended Ketojan, left Bethany in Kirkwall, and took Carver to the Deep Roads.

Act 2: Gascard killed, didn’t side with Varnell, didn’t side with Petrice, Javaris was alive and well, helped with the raiders on the cliffs, freed Feynriel and allowed him to leave for Tevinter, and Derek and Vera killed the Arishok together.

Legacy DLC: Sided with Larius, defeated Corypheus, and found Malcolm’s Will.

Mark of the Assassin DLC: didn’t make Tallis angry, and Jaxton kissed Tallis.

Act 3: Met and let Zevran go, later aided by Zevran in the battle against Meredith, rescued Nathaniel, reunited Charade and Gamlen, handed conspirators over to Orsino, Derek disapproved and Vera approved of Anders destroying the Chantry, Anders was spared, Sebastian and Talia left for Starkhaven, vowing revenge on Anders and the Hawkes, the Hawkes and companions had to flee Kirkwall and go into hiding; to protect Vera, Derek solely took on the Champion of Kirkwall title; and Derek and companions spread false information that there had only ever been one Champion.

Derek Hawke, Stella Montgomery, and Jaxton Montgomery belong to @magicrobins. Vera Hawke and Talia Fredericks belong to @bxtgrl. Kenrick Lolani belongs to @jellyfishlovesloki.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Inquisitors: Aya Lavellan (dual-wielding rogue, Cullen romance), and Galen Lavellan (mage, Dorian romance).

Companion OCs: Elaith Lavellan (mage, Solas romance), Nova Adaar (two-handed warrior, Iron Bull romance), Lilya Avery (mage, Blackwall romance), Jacob Lombardi (archery rogue, Josephine romance), Ju-long “Striker” Trevelyan (archery rogue, Cassandra romance), Mordecai Bayley (dual-wielding rogue, Lace romance), Ricka Cadash (dual-wielding rogue, one-sided Varric romance), Ozera Herah (dual-wielding rogue, Sera romance), Rasha Andras (two-handed warrior, Arven romance), Arven Karaas (mage, Rasha romance), Ai Trevelyan (mage, Krem romance), Zhen Trevelyan (mage, Bailey romance), and Bailey Carrian (archery rogue, Zhen romance).

All companions are recruited.

Companion decisions: Dorian reconciled with his father, Blackwall left prison with his true identity revealed and eventually joined the Grey Wardens, Iron Bull saved the Chargers and became Tal-Vashoth, Cassandra discovered the Book of Secrets, Harmond was kept alive but forced to work for the Inquisition, Cole became more human, Solas freed his friend, Varric pursued the red lyrium source lead, Vivienne gained the snowy wyvern heart, Cullen was encouraged not to use lyrium, Aya and Galen did favors for the Du Paraquette family, and Leliana was inspired.

Exploring Thedas: Reached the inner sanctum of the Temple of Pride, helped the refugees, gained the allegiance of the cultists, closed the rift in the lake, claimed Griffon Wing Keep, investigated the dwarven ruins, rescued troops from the Avvar, kept Fairbanks’ nobility a secret and helped him defeat the Freemen, killed Imshael, and captured Suledin Keep.

Operations: Failed to save Clan Lavellan, Sutherland’s company was successful, Jecin and Celeste married for love, and both Johi and Charade were recruited.

The Wrath of Heaven: Aya and Galen claimed to not know whether they were chosen by Andraste or not.

Champions of the Just: Elaith sent to Therinfal Redoubt with a few companions under the disguise of an Inquisitor, offered the Templars a free alliance, and Ser Barris is alive and promoted to Knight-Commander.

In Hushed Whispers: Aya and Galen went to Redcliffe with a few companions, and offered the mages a free alliance.

Tension was high in Haven among the Templars and mages, many uneasy with the Inquisition allying with both groups.

In Your Heart Shall Burn: Cole arrived at Haven, and Aya and Galen both stayed behind to fight and distract Corypheus.

Here Lies the Abyss: Derek Hawke, Stella Montgomery, Kenrick Lolani, Jaxton Montgomery, and canon companions except for Sebastian and Anders arrived at Skyhold upon Varric’s request to aid in the trouble with the Grey Wardens; Derek, Stella, and Kenrick fell into the Fade with the Inquisitors, a few companions, and Stroud; Stroud chose to stay back in the Fade, telling Derek to find his cousin (Christian Amell) to lead the Grey Wardens because it’s common knowledge the Heroes of Ferelden and several of their companion Wardens have gone missing; Derek, Stella, and Kenrick had to pull Aya and Galen out of the Fade to get them to leave Stroud behind; the Grey Wardens are offered a free alliance to rebuild their strength and ranks; and Derek urges the Inquisitors and Leliana to find Christian Amell, who at that point was a high ranking Grey Warden.

Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts: Christian Amell was found attending the ball with Morrigan and joined her and Kieran at Skyhold, Empress Celene lived and Grand Duchess Florianne both lived, Celene continued to rule and reconciled with Briala.

What Pride had Wrought: Galen chose to respect the temple’s traditions, Aya chose to follow the quicker route through the temple’s underground, Galen managed to get the alliance and help of the guardians, Samson and Calpernia were the Inquisition’s nemesis, Aya destroyed Samson’s armor, Galen talked to Calpernia and convinced her that her loyalty was misdirected, and Aya and Galen decided to share the price and drank from the Well of Sorrows together.

Doom Upon the World: Aya and Galen made no formal support for either Cassandra, Leliana, or Vivienne for Divine, not wanting to choose between their friends; Aya and Galen defeated Corypheus together while their companions and Inquisition forces fought off the demon horde; and Leliana was chosen as Divine Victoria.

The Descent DLC: The earthquakes were stopped, and the secret origin of lyrium was discovered.

Jaws of Hakkon DLC: Discovered and met Ameridan, shared the truth about Ameridan, killed the dragon, and Aya and Galen both gained a legend-mark from the Avvar.

Trespasser DLC: Iron Bull remained loyal, the Inquisition was disbanded at Aya’s order, and Aya and Galen vowed to redeem Solas.

Aya Lavellan, Jacob Lombardi, and Lilya Avery belong to @bxtgrl. Nova Adaar, Mordecai Bayley, and Ricka Cadash belong to @jellyfishlovesloki. Galen Lavellan, Elaith Lavellan, Ju-long “Striker” Trevelyan, Ozera Herah, Rasha Andras, Arven Karaas, Ai Trevelyan, Zhen Treveylan, and Bailey Carrian belong to @magicrobins.

Anything post-Trespasser can be discovered through asks or fanfics! <3

[ayantiel]

Guess who’s back on their bullshit? This nerd

In an effort to share more of my writing, I’m going to share some of the prompt-fills I’ve written for the Bananas for Thedas Discord server on AO3. First up is a snippet I wrote last night. 

Summary: After the battle of Denerim is over, Fergus tries to find the one who ended it all. The Warden who killed the Arch Demon. The Hero of Ferelden; his little brother.alternative title; "How Zevran met your brother"

[deltajay]

Tell me all ur ocs

I have too many

fandom - Saavda Adaar / Kylan Cousland / William Zise / Aster Corcra / Rhus Rosu / Dahlia Lirrosh / Moldavite / Harita / Theo O'Keefe / Dahlia Pilkvist / Beryl Sauveterre / Luna 

OG - Bodil / Casmir / Hevatius / Aya May / Wren Hackett / Darian Graulton / Alvin Verdirosi / Caden Linde / Nashira Helm / Trill / Kelebek / Cahaya / Zora / Hi'ile / Timothea / Yura / Juliett / Elbis / Ander Tealeaf / Adalet Astorio / Peren Holimion / Witch of the Woods

and I want more

[the-rxven-king]

7, 20 for the OC thing

7. Is a sweet angel

well.... my boy angelo is LITERALLY an angel so imma say angelo here. but also zinnia, who is... also an angel.... literally... but theyre definitely sweet angels especially zinnia shes literally a mom friend/actual mom who is super nice and lovely and just... shes great

my dragon age inquisition gal sah’rel fellenaste is also a sweet angel. shes never done anything wrong ever in her life. only mistake she ever made was trusting that fuckin eggman with her love and affection. nerien fravun is also a sweet angel. hes my deaf mage whomst i love so much.... super good... and my girl!!! aya cousland!!! also an angel! theron cousland!!! an angel!!!!

and im gonna say that my boy eurus alain is also an angel cause... he is.... and also zephiran. zephiran is an angel

20. To solve other peoples problems, they say to murder the problem

straight up graves. this is all graves that whole sentence has graves written all over it. his boyfriend, castien, would only suggest it as a last resort, but if graves brings it up he wont deny it as an option that would get the job done

skathas would probably say to murder your problems, but its easy to overlook his suggestion because hes literally a dragon and his solution to everything is to turn into a giant dragon and stomp on his problems (or burn it to a crisp, or eat it, but thats another story)

atm i cant think of any others that might suggest it and actually mean it???

[royal-babey]

OC Songs

I got tagged for this aaaaaages ago but I never did it cuz I’m lazy and couldn’t think of any

But I’m in the mood to look for songs now so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

-

Nico: (Nicotine - P!atd)

https://youtu.be/hrXgJ2J8dag

Percy: (Cry Baby - Melanie Martinez)

https://youtu.be/xjAoFmBUN_8

Alleyn: (Love Suicide - Okrickchard)

https://youtu.be/cAkC0eOVles

Kellen: (Don’t Forget - Okrickchard)

https://youtu.be/oAa52Bq4P4A

Ascelyn: (Secret - Pierces)

https://youtu.be/f_AyjjBAV8c

Aya: (Mind Brand - Lollia)

https://youtu.be/DsdFhsLgy_Q

Dalion: (Monochrome No Kiss - leeandlie)

https://youtu.be/drMhxPE25Og

Mari and Logan: (Beautiful Mask - Misao)

https://youtu.be/6n9DaWI196g

Anya: (Death of a Bachelor - P!atd)

https://youtu.be/IT4seGdXn_Y

Adair: (No Place Like Home - Todrick Hall)

https://youtu.be/mkJLCe7l-Qc

Felassan: (Imagination Forest - Jubyphonic)

https://youtu.be/MN9DNB8IwV0

Kit: (Hitorinbo Envy - Jubyphonic)

https://youtu.be/HJ6-K3uxUEg

Vis: (Unravel - Jubyphonic)

https://youtu.be/PS-G7s0UcVQ

-

Tagging whoever wants to do this rly <3 but uhhhhh idk @welcometojoelsvoid @aly-the-writer @kadans @heraldofwho @space-vashoth @ellatrash @seboostianillustrations @keeperscompanionsdai @mightofthedalish @chillyrose @red-wardens @tessa1972 @marquis1305 @mocha-writes

You don’t have to do this if you already have aidbaidbandkdb I just can’t remember who has and who hasn’t. You don’t have to if you don’t wanna either aaa

[royal-babey]

Fire Within

Just a short oneshot I wrote with my oc’s (mainly featuring Nico Mahariel), and @marquis1305 ‘s oc’s Kaili Tabris and Marcus Exerion ^^ enjoy!

-

Tw: Blood, fighting, gore, mentions of death, injuries, violence

-

They were in the Brecillian, going after the heart of Witherfang for the Keeper Zathrian.

Nico wouldn’t admit it, but the Brecillian was a pain to navigate, even for a Dalish like him. With all of the spirits inhabiting it’s plants and creatures, it was a terrain that was not meant to be easy. He got relatively safe passage because he was an elf, as were most of his companions, but they only ever got so far before some form of trouble popped out of nowhere.

So far they had dealt with a demon trap camp, werewolves, Sylvan, darkspawn, whatever forest creature that could be named, definitely appeared.

It was wearing on everyone’s nerves, to be rather frank.

They had been there for a few days now. Kaili had given up complaining about the woods, as had her elder brother Aya. Her brothers lover, Kellen, seemed to keep him relaxed though. Percy had ran out of Lyrium potions trying to keep everyone alive and had mostly resorted to using blood magic, much to the dismay of his human lover Marcus. They had a few companions with them, Alistair and Leliana that was. As for Nico…

Well, Nico needed a nap. Being here was exhausting both mentally and physically. For the last time he was there just a few months prior…

Well, best not to think about it.

The day had been relatively quiet, and none of them trusted it one bit. Usually by that time, they’d have been attacked by something.

When Nico voiced those thoughts aloud, he hadn’t actually wanted them to be attacked.

Just a few seconds later, almost all of the Grey wardens tensed up. Whispering beginning to sneak into their minds in a language they didn’t quite understand…

“BEHIND US!”

Alistair bellowed, and the party turned their attention to the dozens of darkspawn ambushing them from an overpass. In an instant the front line fighters, Kaili, Marcus, Alistair and Kellen were working to thin their number in a frontal assault. Meanwhile, the archers, Nico, Leliana, and Aya worked to keep any others off their backs. Percy was trying to keep everyone boosted, and occasionally a darkspawn would explode as Percy used blood magic to boil their own like an overheated stew.

Things were going fine, for the most part. No one was dead, though Marcus had taken a blow to the leg and was chugging down an elfroot potion, and Aya had ran out of arrows so he had taken to stabbing any that got too close with a dagger.

Kaili was as happy as ever, laughing gleefully as she sunk her blades into Darkspawn after Darkspawn. Kellen joined her, the two quipping and comparing kill scores.

Alistair and Leliana were also working as well as ever.

Nico thought they were nearly done. That they were finally managing to disperse the last of the Darkspawn so they could get moving again.

How wrong he was.

Just as Kaili finished off the last Genlock, they all heard a thundering roar. Nico’s senses were screaming at him that something big and tainted was heading right for them. No doubt it was the same for the other wardens.

A few seconds after, an ogre appeared, barrelling towards them at always freakishly high speeds. Most of them dived out the way in time, Nico included, but when he looked over…

Kaili was caught in its fist, growling in frustration and cussing it out whilst she struggled to get loose. She couldn’t get her hand free to grab a poison or a dagger otherwise she would have been able to get it to loosen its grip enough for her to slip out.

Time seemed to slow for Nico there. His lover is caught in the grasp of a very large and powerful foe, and she may die if he doesn’t do something and quick.

In one second flat, he has his bow in hand again and an arrow drawn.

Nico acted fast. He had it lined up in the direction of the ogres head, but he had to be careful. One wrong move, or sudden gust of wind, and Kaili would be as good as dead either by Nico’s hand or not.

He inhaled, and held it, grey eyes narrowed and focused intensely on where he wanted his arrow to fly. He had never shown this much concentration before when using his bow, and it led the others to have an inkling about how he hadn’t yet shown them just how good he was with a bow.

If he could line it up to shoot it through the ogres eye, he could save her.

But it wouldn’t be enough.

So, he resorted to something he hadn’t in years. Abilities he had long since forced himself to repress after his Father’s death. Abilities only a select few ever found out about, and two of those people ended up dead.

Quietly, under his breath, Nico whispered one word as he released his arrow.

“Nár…”

With that, the tip of his arrow burst into flames. It flew through the air in a perfect line, almost magically directing itself into the ogres.

It hit its mark with a sickening thud, buried deep in the ogres eye socket. The ogre screamed and dropped Kaili in its rage, who had just enough time after hitting the ground to roll out the way, as the ogre began to pound on it and let out a deafening and enraged screeching.

A few moments later, it’s head completely exploded. Pieces of brain and blood and bone scattering all over the ground, plants and people. It was...Really disgusting. But the ogre was dead, and it’s headless body fell to its knees, before completely collapsing.

Everyone just stared at it, exhaustion taking over as the adrenaline wore off. Eventually, one by one, people seemed to be able to think again, and everyone looked to Percy.

Much to the relief of Nico.

They all thought he had cast the spell, had lit Nico’s arrow and made its head explode from the inside out. Only...Percy hadn’t. He knew that too and tried to open his mouth to say something.

But when he caught Nico shaking his head subtly out of the corner of his eye, he fell silent again.

“Hey, nice shot, Nico!!!”

Nico heard Kaili’s voice, and he gave her a weak smile as she approached, smiling as widely as ever and chugging down a potion. He was happy she was okay, he truly was, but...He couldn’t bring himself to move his feet. Or even reply to her.

“Nico?”

He just felt...Really, really tired. Dizzy. Like he was completely drained…

He tried to force himself to take a step forward, but as soon as he did, his legs completely gave out and he collapsed to the ground.

The last thing he heard before darkness claimed him was Kaili crying out his name again.

Perhaps using such a strong spell hadn’t been the smartest idea...