#carmen mahariel

[chaotic-good-hawke]

Words Unspoken

Part 3 of my “A Family of Crows” short fic. 

Ciembe Mahariel x Zevran, 1690 words

Warning: Angst, and kinda nsfw? 

Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here! (Link to AO3 in the comments, so tumblr doesn’t eat this post). 

The castle is still around them, quiet actually filling the room, blessed quiet. Carmen was asleep in the adjoining room, content to lay in the royal crib.

They actually had a moment alone together.

Mahariel had been planning this for some time. Since leaving Kirkwall, they had returned to Amaranthine, to Vigil’s Keep. They were greeted with hugs and questions, Sigrun and Velanna cooing over the babe, and Nathanial actually smiled when he held her. Ciembe and Zevran slipped into a form of domesticity, Ciembe still building her strength back up from the pregnancy, both of them dotting on their daughter.

But, after 6 months there, Ciembe was getting restless. Instead of heading off on adventures, Zevran convinced her that they should visit the royals.

Thus, they were in Denerim, guests of the King and Queen of Ferelden, in the best guest rooms. A luxurious bed waiting for them, wine, food, a fire burning bright in the hearth. It was perfect.

Zevran held a glass of red wine in his hand, the firelight painting shadows across his face.

Creators, he is so beautiful.

Ciembe’s eyes traced the lines of his face. The little scars, his proud nose, the way his lips cupped the glass…

Setting her own glass down, Ciembe moved, quick as a flash, until she was straddling her love. He quirked an eyebrow at her, smiling, his hand moving to rest on her back.

“Amor, you look quite determined.”

“I am, Zevran.” She kissed him playfully, the taste of wine on both of their lips. She reached her hand behind his head, angling it up towards her, deepening the kiss, warmth and wine and tongue. Her other hand reached for the wineglass, still in Zevran’s grasp and moved it to the side, out of the way. Both hands free, he moved them to her waist, caressing and teasing, her nightdress ridding up to give him access.

She felt light and content. Kissing Zevran was all warmth and care and passion. Like a summer day you never wanted to end.

Grinding against him just so, he grasped, just enough for her to smirk and bite at his lip, fingers twining into his hair, silky and long.

She had missed this closeness. With the baby, nights were just for sleep, to get what little sleep they could before Carmen woke. Zevran still held her close on those nights, but the passion was held off, anytime things started to heat up, he would push back, murmuring concerns about her health, that she needed her rest, Carmen would wake soon.

Ciembe agreed each time, content just to be close to him. But now, with Carmen sleeping through the night and in the safety of the capitol, Ciembe intended to remind Zevran how good they were together, how much she loved him.

Her fingers pulled at his shirt, loosening it until she could feel his skin, his lean muscles. Breaking the kiss just long enough to remove the article, diving back in for more, nipping at his now swollen lips.

Zevran had been busy, too. Her breastband had mysteriously disappeared, the ties on her dress undone, and Zevran was skillfully making use of this fact, his palms cupping and kneading, sending waves of desire through her.

Ciembe rocked against him, feeling him beneath her. Moving to untie his leggings, deft hands reaching-

“Amor, perhaps we should call it a night.” Zevran said, tensed and pulling back suddenly. Ciembe froze, her eyes questioning, confused.

“Zevran, is something wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing. I just think we should use the bed while we can.”

Ciembe smirked, pulling him up with her, “So concerned with the bed, are you? Hmm.” She kissed his palm. “It has been some time since we had a proper bed.” She flashed a wanton smile to him.

Leading him towards it, she tugged at his waistband, sitting on the edge, starting to pull him on top of her.

But he resisted, pulling back and just placing a kiss on her head. “Amor, we should rest.”

Ciembe raised her eyebrow, conflicted emotions playing across her face. “Zev, what is going on? If you are not in the mood, fine, but it has been 9 months. I thought…” She didn’t know how to put into words what she was feeling. Lonely? Unwanted? So much of their relationship was filled with passion and intimacy, the last several months had left little room for such things. It left her feeling unsure about them. Did having a child really change their relationship so much? 

“I’m just tired. We should both get some rest.” He was evading. She could see it in his eyes. He was hiding something from her.

She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Zevran, what aren’t you telling me?”

“There is nothing to tell-”

“Fen'harel's ass there isn’t! I can tell you are hiding something!” She pushed him away, not violently, just enough to give her space to stand up, to pace. She ran her fingers through her long black hair and retied her top. She paused when she reached the fireplace, wrapping her arms around her. “You haven’t touched me since Carmen was born, not like before.” She hated the uncertainty in her own voice, the inconceivability of the thoughts she was having. “Are you not attracted to me now?” She whispered the question. She had heard of such things, men who lose interest after the child is born. But she never thought that was how it would be with Zev...

Gone was the confident woman who faced down an archdemon. Gone was the woman who quipped and flirted. She felt adrift, her foundation, her love, uncertain.  

She felt his arms encircling her, his breath against her shoulder. “Amor, how could you ask that?” She could hear the sincerity in his voice, but her worries were still there. She didn’t understand.

Ciembe pulled away, turning to face him, his own distress matching her own. “What am I supposed to think?”

“Ciembe, I love you.” He looked stricken, helpless.

“Then why?”

“It’s not that I don’t want you.” He was deflecting.

Creators, I can’t-we can’t go on like this.

Ciembe reached up and grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at her, to look her in the eyes. “WHY?”

“Because I don’t want to lose you!” Zevran exclaimed, hurt and worry thick in his voice, his accent thicker than usual. He stumbled back, as if struck by his own outburst.

Ciembe stood shook still. This was not the answer she was expecting. Stepping closer, her hand reached out to his cheek, gentle, soothing. She could see tears in his eyes now.

“You aren’t going to lose me, Zevran.” She keep her voice even, delicate, as she puzzled through his reaction.

He gave a rueful chuckle. “Oh my dear warden, so fearless, so sure. I almost lost you once, I won’t risk it again.”

The pieces fell into place then. Her near death experience when Carmen was born, the exceedingly gentle, but distant affections from her love…

How could I have missed this?

Moving right up to him, she hugged him tight, pushing as much affection as she could into the motion. “Zevran, I’m not made of glass.”

The muffled sound of cries reached them then, their outburst having woken their daughter. They separated, but both moved to the side room. Opening the door, they found Carmen crying for attention, her little fists waving in the air.

Zevran reached her first, pulling her gently up into his arms. “Shh, mi Corazon, no llores.” His gentle murmurs eased her cries, her bright golden eyes captivated by his face. Which of them was more captivated by the other, who could say.

Ciembe leaned against the doorframe, watching her family. Zevran continued to whisper words of comfort to her, but he wasn’t looking at Mahariel, he wouldn’t look at her.

How do I make him see? What do I do? Creators…

It was not long before Carmen had drifted back to sleep, lulled by the soft words of her father. He gently kissed her forehead and set her back in the crib, placing her blanket over her.

He finally looked at Ciembe. His expression was masked, but his body had gone tense. She just took his hand and tugged him from the room, quietly shutting the door behind them.

They stood there, awkwardly, neither saying anything.

“Vhenan,” Ciembe said, stepping close. Zevran’s shoulders were still tense, showing his anxiety clearly. “Ir abelas.” She ran her hands down his arms, intertwining her fingers with his. She leaned forward, a familiar motion that he met, their foreheads touching, tension slowly easing from his body. “Ar lath ma, Vhenan.” She ran her thumb over the back of his hands. “I didn’t realize how you felt.”

“I didn’t realize that you worried. I should have, but I didn’t.” She leaned back, looking up into his eyes. “It was a miracle that we have Carmen. With the taint, I didn’t think having children was possible, not without intervention.” Ever so slowly, she started leading him to the bed. “It is unlikely that it is even possible for me to become pregnant again, Zev.” Closer still, he started to speak, but she stopped him with a look. “But, there is still a chance. So, we will be careful. I will talk to Cousland tomorrow about getting some Witherstalk extract. That will keep me from pregnancy.” Having reached the bed, she pulled him closer to her. “Don’t push me away, Vhenan.”

Zevran held her, the final bits of tension leaving his body as he wrapped his arms around her. “Amor, Ciembe, I didn’t mean to push you away. I did not want to make you feel unwanted. Perdoname.”

“Te perdono, Zevran. I will always forgive you.”

With those weighted words said, they curled up together on the bed, Ciembe holding him against her chest, combing her fingers through his hair.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was better. They had talked. They would heal. They would be stronger together. They would be a stronger family.

Thank the Creators. I love him so. I can't lose him.  

[pikapeppa]

Pikapeppa wears a tinfoil hat: The Arishok in post-Trespasser times

[Warning: this contains spoilers for Trespasser and for Tevinter Nights. Proceed with caution.]

For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m a HUGE FAN of Sten from DA:O. While doing research for my current fic, I was reviewing Tevinter Nights and the Dragon Age Wiki, and I pulled together some threads regarding the qunari and their activities during the time of Tevinter Nights. 

In a nutshell: I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT ARISHOK-STEN’S SAFETY AND WELLBEING.

Read more below the cut!

A quick refresher of qunari rulership

Just as a reminder, the qunari are ruled by three leaders:

The Arishok: the military leader. Leads the antaam, i.e. the army.

The Ariqun: the leader of the priesthood, who are also the scholarly branch of the qunari. 

The Arigena: the leader of the craftsmen and support workers of the qunari people.

Together, these three leaders are called the salasari. The salasari are supposed to make decisions jointly about how the qunari people proceed at advancing their own culture and bringing the uneducated bas into the wisdom of the Qun.

A summary of what we know 

Sten becomes the Arishok around 9:34-9:35 after Hawke kills the current Arishok in Kirkwall. By the time the Inquisition rolls around in 9:41, he is still the Arishok as confirmed by dialogue between Bull and Varric. 

In Trespasser, in the Darvaraad, we find a letter from the qunari to Josephine stating that the Viddasala was acting without the qunari leaders’ official sanction — an indication that their citizens are not as well-controlled and orderly as they would have the rest of the world believe. Of particular note, this letter indicates clearly that “military action has not been approved against the Inquisition. No one in Par Vollen has authorized actions of any kind involving the Exalted Council. Nor will they.” To me, this speaks of an Arishok who is being quite conservative in his actions. Similarly, in world states where Bull becomes a Tal-Vashoth, the qunari did not send military action against the Inquisition even when the Inquisition reneged on their hoped-for alliance.

All but one of the stories in Tevinter Nights take place post-Trespasser, and the qunari feature heavily in these stories. The book opens with Three Trees to Midnight, which tells of the qunari making a bold and unprecedented attack on the Tevinter city of Ventus. Importantly, it is mentioned that the antaam (i.e. the qunari army) are acting without the support of the priesthood or the workers:

Usually the other Qunari were there to support the Antaam—the workers crafting the gear and managing supplies, the Tamassran priests making sure the Antaam were healthy in mind as in body, the Ben-Hassrath spies scouting behind enemy lines and removing any Antaam who might forsake their training and abandon the Qun. This time, the Antaam had attacked the bas of the south without the blessing of the other Qunari, and little things were not working as well as they should. Supplies were late. Ships were not in good repair. 

When I read this, alarm bells immediately went off in my mind. It seems odd to me that the antaam would suddenly attack Tevinter on what feels like an impulsive move, without the support of the two other branches of the Qun. Importantly, the antaam is under the Arishok’s (i.e. Sten’s) rule, and I thought it was VERY out of character that he would do something so anti-qunari as to basically go rogue without the support of the Arigena or the Ariqun. 

Another relevant story is Brother Genitivi Dies At The End. In this story, Brother Genitivi, Philliam, a Bard!, and another lesser-known but infamous writer named Formerly Sister Laudine form a reluctant team to recover books from an elvhen library that, for some reason, has “fallen” underground in the Silent Plains in Tevinter. The mission is cut short by a qunari named Rasaan, and the three writers manage to snatch a small number of elvhen tomes before narrowly escaping from Rasaan and her soldiers. It very important to note that in this story, Rasaan refers to the army as being “my antaam”, and it is emphasized and pointed out that she called the antaam “hers”. 

I should say now that I haven’t read any of the DA comics. On a whim, I decided to look up Rasaan in the Dragon Age Wiki, and I discovered that Rasaan is a prominent character in the comic Dragon Age: Those Who Speak, and that she belonged not to the military branch of the Qun, but to the priesthood/scholarly branch, and that she was next in line to become the Ariqun. The wiki says the following: “Rasaan was stranded in the Qunari city of Qunandar, unable to perform her duties. Since a new Arishok was chosen in 9:34 Dragon, Rasaan has been at his side almost constantly.” It’s also interesting to note that Rasaan has a particular interest in people’s ‘true names’ and believes that a person’s many names or titles are indicative of their character, their triumphs, and their failings. 

Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego Sten???? 

OKAY. To sum up, then, the qunari situation in the post-Trespasser Tevinter Nights era is as follows:

The antaam, usually governed by the Arishok, has gone rogue, and it would be very out of character for Sten-Arishok to sanction this without the okay of his co-leaders.

Rasaan, a higher-up of the priesthood, is in mainland Thedas chasing down information about Solas and referring to the antaam as hers. 

From this, I can only conclude that Arishok-Sten is not fully in charge of the antaam anymore, and that Rasaan plays a major role in this. Maybe Rasaan has pulled a coup and is trying to take over as the new Arishok, believing that ‘Arishok’ is supposed to be her true name. If this is the case, WHERE IS STEN? Is he a prisoner back in Par Vollen, perhaps? Stuck working in a labour camp? Or… Maker fucking forbid, is he dead?

Personally, I don’t think Arishok-Sten is dead, and this is not just my undying love for him that’s talking. There are indicators in Three Trees to Midnight that, even though the antaam has gone rogue and some of the qunari are acting extremely cruel, there other qunari who are still trying to maintain the integrity of the Qun. One example is the character named Saarbak, a Ben-Hassrath agent who has been tasked with removing threats to the Qun such as the overly cruel qunari. Characters like Saarbak make me think that the qunari are divided within themselves: there are those who have been impatient to move on Thedas, leading to the hasty attack on Ventus, and there are those who are trying to maintain the integrity and order of the Qun, such as Saarbak. And it’s my belief that Arishok-Sten is one of these honourable qunari, and that he is still alive and may play a significant role in DA4. 

Fen’Harel ma ghilana: Solas’s interference

There's one other piece of qunari involvement that should be mentioned. At the end of Trespasser, Solas says that “in stopping the Dragon’s Breath, you have prevented an invasion by qunari forces. With luck, they will return their focus to Tevinter. That should give you a few years of relative peace.” It does not seem coincidental to me that a year or so after Solas says this, this is exactly what happens — particularly in light of the story called Half Up Front. In this story, it is discovered that Fen’Harel’s agents are purposely trying to fan the flames of the war between the qunari and Tevinter. 

Why would Solas be trying to do this, though? Especially after telling the Inquisitor that he wants the people of the Inquisitor’s time to “die in comfort” free from the Qun? My conclusion is that Solas is trying to prevent the former Inquisitor from allying with Tevinter or the qunari. If they’re caught up in a war with each other, neither Tevinter nor the qunari will have the resources (or fucks to give) to invest in military efforts against an alleged elven god. I also think that Solas has no qualms about screwing Tevinter over by throwing them under the metaphorical bus of the qunari, given their longtime treatment of slaves and spirits. (Please note that I say all of this with great love, as I also have undying love for the Dread Egg.)

DA4 hopes: allying with the qunari 

Based on the above, it’s my hope that a big part of DA4 will involve stopping an all-out war between Tevinter and the qunari, and then gaining the cooperation of both groups to help The Group Formerly Known As The Inquisition™ to stop Solas’s plans. It’s my even greater hope that the qunari portion of this will involve finding Arishok-Sten, restoring him his place as the rightful Arishok, and thereby securing his alliance to stop Solas. It’s my even greater GREATER hope that the Hero of Ferelden will play a role in this and have some ACTUAL FACETIME in the game by helping us to broker an alliance with Sten. 

Of course, it’s a Bioware game so there has to be choice, so the choice here might be between helping Sten vs. helping Rasaan, but I’m sure you can all see where I would stand on this. (I just want Sten and his kadan to have a sweet sweet reunion, okay?? My tender heart is soft and weak for him.)

Okay, that’s it! Them’s my thoughts! Sorry if this has already been laid out before by somebody else – I just had to word-vomit my thoughts because of STEN FEELS. 

Feel free to comment or reblog, but please do not use this as a forum to discuss the pros or cons of the Qun. I am wholeheartedly middle-ground on the Qun and can see both sides, so please refrain from that rhetoric here.

Finally, a little self-promotion: I ship Sten with my Warden Yara Mahariel, and have written a relatively short fic about their romance, which takes place during the ship ride from Denerim to Par Vollen after the Fifth Blight is ended. It’s called Fall Into The Tide, and you can feel free to check it out on AO3!

- Love from your friendly neighbourhood Pikapeppa xoxo

[thebloodychampion]

Timeline for my muses

-444 Ancient: Sethius Amladaris is born in Emerius (Tevinter Imperium)

-438 Ancient: Sethius magic is shown at a dinner party by accident

-436 Ancient: Petyr Gallus is born

-434 Ancient: Sethius finds out he is a dreamer

-429 Ancient: Sethius is sent to Minrathous for training

-428 Ancient: Petyr Gallus developes magic

-420 Ancient: Petyr creates illusions and is sent to Minrathous

-420 Ancient: Sethius is made an acolyte of the High Priest of Dumat

-410 Ancient: Petyr becomes an acolyte

-410 Ancient: Sethius becomes the High Priest of Dumat

-400 Ancient: Petyr becomes the High Priest of Zazikale

Between -410 Ancient and -395 Ancient: Sethius marries a young magister’s daughter and has five children with her.

Alternate Time: Sethius goes either by accident into the future / He meets Narya Lavellan from the future and goes with her.

-395 Ancient: Assault on the Golden City

-395 Ancient: Petyr Gallus gets teleported into the future by accident

8:73 Blessed: Malcolm Hawke is born

8:82 Blessed: Malcolm is sent to the Kirkwall circle

8:85 Blessed: Hjarrandr is born

8:96 Blessed: Petyr changes his name to Etienne and uses the year as his birth year

9:01 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond is born

9:05 Dragon: Malcolm flees the Kirkwall circle and goes to Ferelden with Leandra

9:05 Dragon: Malcolm is forced to renew the seals of Corypheus using his own blood

9:05 Dragon: Lyon and Solona Amell are born.

9:06 Dragon: Archer, Cyrion and Dreag Hawke are born

9:07 Dragon: Than Mahariel is born to the former Keeper of Clan Sabrae and his partner. 

9:07 Dragon: Than’s father is already dead by his birth

9:07 Dragon: Than’s mother dies during childbirth.

9:09 Dragon: Lucius Veridio is born as the illegitimate child of Cassinus Veridio and Irina Valen

9:09 Dragon: Lucius is raised by his parents. (Cassinus and Armalia)

9:10 Dragon: Tomey Surana is born in the Ferelden Circle of Magi

9:10 Dragon: Hjarrandrs former partner is killed during a raid

9:11 Dragon: Hjarrandr takes up the mantel of Augur since he already had magical talents

9:11 Dragon: Nicolas becomes an Antivan Crow

9:12 Dragon: Diran Lavellan is born in the Lavellan Clan

9:12 Dragon: Lia Tabris is born in Denerim to Cyrion Tabris and Adadia Tabris

9:12 Dragon: Carver and Bethany Hawke are born

9:14 Dragon: Solona Amell is sent into the Circle of Ferelden

9:14 Dragon: Lyon Amell goes Starkhaven to become a guard.

9:15 Dragon: Elgan Lavellan is born in the Lavellan Clan

9:15 Dragon: Cyrion Hawke developes magic but is hidden away from prying eyes.

9:16 Dragon: Lucius Veridio developes magic

9:21 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s first daughter Aitana is born

9:21 Dragon: Etienne DeLechanger becomes a professor in Val Royeaux

9:23 Dragon: Lyon is sent to Ferelden to High Ever

9:24 Dragon: Archer is burned alive by accident due to Bethany getting scared.

9:24 Dragon: Dreag destroys part of an entire forest

9:24 Dragon: Adaia Tabris, Lia’s mother is killed by humans

9:24 Dragon: Dreag and Cyrion move away due to Archer’s accident and mistrust for magic

9:24 Dragon: Dreag is sent to Tevinter and meets his tutor Janus Lupus

9:25 Dragon: Lucius is sent to Seheron to fight against the Qunari

9:25 Dragon: Janus and Dreag start dating in secret

9:26 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s second daughter Bonita is born

9:27 Dragon: Janus Lupus and his wife are killed

9:27 - 9:29 Dragon: Dreag Hawke kills all the assassins and guild masters. Getting as high as having killed 60 people.

9:27 Dragon: Malcolm Hawke dies (Alternate time: He survives and goes away)

9:27 Dragon: Etienne opens up a brothel in Val Royeaux

9:29 Dragon: Dreag is captured by Tevinter Magisters and imprisoned in Minrathous.

9:30 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s third daughter Carmen is born

9:30 Dragon: Lyon Amell survives the attack of Rendon Howe

9:30 Dragon: Lia Tabris is forced to kill the son of the Arl of Denerim and gets recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: Than Mahariel gets tainted and gets recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: During an attempt to destroy the phylacteries, Solona and her friend Jowan get captured. She gets recruited into the Grey Wardens.

9:30 Dragon: Tomey Surana is recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: Archer and his family flee to Kirkwall. Carver dies on the way.

9:31 Dragon: The Archdemon is defeated

9:31 Dragon: Lyon Amell gets to Vigil’s Keep to be close to the Wardens

9:31 Dragon: Archer Hawke meets Anders.

9:34 Dragon: Archer Hawke becomes Champion of Kirkwall by defeating the Arishok

9:35 Dragon: Lucius Veridio becomes Magister after coming back from Seheron

9:35 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s last daughter is born. 

9:31 - 9:37 Dragon: Corypheus aka Sethius Amladaris is set free by Archer Hawke by accident

9:36 Dragon: Lucius decided to become a slave hunter

9:37 Dragon: Anders destroys the Kirkwall chantry.

9:37 Dragon: Archer Hawke becomes Viscount later this year

9:38 Dragon: Archer Hawke escapes Kirkwall after the rise of the red templars

9:40 Dragon: Dreag Hawke escapes the prison in Minrathous by destroying it.

9:41 Dragon: Events of Dragon Age Inquisition happen

[overboss]

Muse Music | Tag Meme

RULES: Post a song that reminds you of your muse and then tag people whose songs you want to see.

I was tagged by the lovely @badwolf626, thank you friendo! ((this took me what feels like years to do oops sorry))

<> thes are all a work in progress, so some are more fleshed out than others <> i’ll probably add pictures when im back in scotland :) (im on mobile rip)

ADRIAN FAWKES | overboss of nuka world playlist Free the Animal - Sia Heaven Knows - The Pretty Reckless Psycho - Muse Dead Inside - Muse Panic Station - Muse Carmen - Lana Del Rey Glory and Gore - Lorde Mad Sounds - Arctic Monkeys Polarize - Twenty One Pilots

MYRA SHEPARD | well, shepard. Follow You - Bring Me the Horizon Casual Affair - Panic! at the Disco Hurricane - 30 seconds to mars Up in the Air - 30 seconds to mars Goner - Twenty One Pilots Supermassive Black Hole - muse

AYESLEIGH HAWKE | champion of kirkwall Arsonist’s lullabye - Hozier Im So Sorry - Imagine Dragons Im Not Calling You A Liar - Florence + the Machine

RAINA SURANA MAHARIEL | hero of ferelden I See Fire - Ed Sheeran Far Over The Misty Mountains - Clamavi De Profoundis (this song reminds me of dao tbh) Feel - bombay bicycle club Only if for a night - Florence + the machine Born to Die - Lana del Rey Summertime Sadness - Lana del Rey

Tagging: @louminx @scottryder @mvrianhawke @antivan @nerdherders @failout4 @pinklyrium (as always only do this if you wanna )

[chaotic-good-hawke]

A Family of Crows, part 2

Read part 1 here! 

Zevran paced the small room, holding his daughter close. He was finding it difficult to breath, his eyes constantly shifting back to where the mage worked, where his love lay. He refused to let a single tear fall, to admit that she could be gone. He paced and he felt…weak. Helpless.

In what seemed like an eternity, Anders stepped back, his hand to his head, the glowing fading.

Zevran had to fight to speak. “Is she…?”

“Zevran…” Her voice sent shocks of relief through him. He rushed to her side, bending to set his forehead to hers, his eyes finding hers. She was weak, groggy, but she was alive!

“Amor, I thought I had lost you.” Zevran whispered, tears streaming freely, finally. A rough hand met his face, caressing the side of his jaw, wiping away his tears.

“I’m still here.” She whispered back. She smirked faintly up at him, “It takes more than that to kill me. I helped take down an Archdemon, you know.”

“You are going to be the death of me.” He choked out in a laugh. She continued to stroke the side of his face, her familiar touch soothing him.

“Is the baby…?” She asked, fear in her voice for the first time as she struggled to sit up.

Straightening, he helped to prop Ciembe up and then he settled their daughter in her arms. “She is perfect, my dear warden. Just like her mother.”

Ciembe looked down in amazement at her daughter, their daughter. It was the most perfect sight Zevran had ever seen. The two people he cared, he loved, most in the world here.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his arms encircling his love as they both looked down at their daughter, now calm. Zevran felt his love’s shoulders shake, as she started crying. He barely heard her whisper, “what did I ever do to deserve you?”

He held her closer, the thought echoing in him, what did he ever do to deserve them?  

His eyes flicked up, seeing Anders trying to give them space, wiping his hands off. “Thank you, my friend.” And he was his friend. How could he be anything else when he had saved his love?

Anders nodded, a soft smile on his tired face.

“Thank you, Anders.” Ciembe said. “Da’len, your Uncle Anders brought you into the world, what do you think about that?” Ciembe cooed the words to their daughter. Anders looked surprised, struck by Ciembe’s words.

“Uncle?”

Ciembe arched a brow at him, her familiar smirk spreading across her face. “Unless you don’t want the job, though I will warn you, I will be offended if you refuse.”

It didn’t take long for a smile to cover Anders face, “I…accept.” He shook his head. “I will go get some more water.” Slipping through the rough curtains that separated the meager room from the rest of the clinic, he was gone, leaving them alone.  

His left arm around Ciembe, Zevran’s right hand went to his daughter again, still not believing that she was real. Her little hand grabbed at his, her tiny fist gripping his pinkie. His heart melted, falling more in love by the minute.

“What should we call her, Amor?” Zevran asked softly.

As he asked, their daughter’s eyes fluttered open, amber gold and clear, looking up at the world for the first time. “What about Carmen?” Ciembe suggested.

Looking down at her, he smiled. “Carmen…I cannot think of a more perfect name, Amor.” He kissed her head and together, they marveled at their daughter, adoration on their faces.

Zevran was left with the thought, clear and true, his family was his weakness. Oh, they were his weakness…and he would not have it any other way.  

Read Part 3 here! 

[chaotic-good-hawke]

If Ciembe Mahariel had a kid... (For the OC kid meme)

Thank you for asking, friend! 

Ciembe and Zevran have three children, eventually. One biological daughter and two adopted former-crow recruits. I will answer this for their daughter. 

Name: Carmen Mahariel

Gender: female

General Appearance: Black hair like her mother, golden eyes like her parents, her father’s nose, delicate elven ears. 5″4′. 

Personality: serious, sharp-tongued, sarcastic, determined, and analytical

Special Talents: She started training with blades as soon as she could grip the handle, but unlike her parents, she specializes in throwing blades. She can walk unseen through the forest as easily as the city. She is also an excellent forger. 

Who they like better: Tied, really, but if I had to choose, Zevran. 

Who they take after more: Ciembe

Personal Head canon: Carmen was raised closely with the royal twins, Duncan and Rose. She knows the castle as well as anything and it is as close to a home base as she and her siblings have. When she is 15, she runs away to find a clan of Dalish and returns several months later, with a Mythal vallaslin, to match her mother’s. Ciembe was angry at first, wishing she had waited a year, but also proud that her daughter took such initiative to get what she wanted.  

Face Claim:

[chaotic-good-hawke]

My OCs Masterpost - Grey Warden Edition

Here is a brief introduction to my Grey Wardens. 

Name: Ciembe Mahariel

Worldstate: Worldstate 1 (and Multi-warden AU)

Age: 19 at start of DAO (born 9:11 Dragon)

Species/Race: dalish elf

Class/Specialization: Rogue/Assassin/Duelist/Shadow

Height: 5’3

Gender/sexuality: woman/bi

Romance: Zevran Arainai

Characteristics/personality: sarcastic, dark humor, strong-willed, flirtatious, bold in words, cautious in actions, protective, questioning, says what she means, anger rises quickly

Hair: straight, long black hair that is kept back from her face, often in a braid

Eyes: golden eyes

Distinguishing features: Ghilan’nain vallaslin, various small scars

Hobbies: talking to people, exploring, hunting, keeping her friends out of trouble, playing card games, leatherworking

Brief Background: Raised in clan Sabrae alongside Tamlen and later Merrill. Ashalle was like a mother to her. Before the mirror incident, she never imagined leaving the clan. After joining the wardens, she can’t imagine going back.

Family: Ashalle; her clan; the wardens; her kids are Carmen, Wren, and Mateo.  

Random Notes: Mabari is named Bear; primary love language is physical touch; planned to be bonded to Tamlen; cheats openly at cards when she is among friends, is never seen cheating when among strangers

Name: Catheryne “Eryne” Haelia Cousland

Worldstate: Worldstate 2 (and Multi-warden AU)

Age: 21 at the start of DAO (born in 9:09 Dragon)

Species/Race: human noble

Class/Specialization: Rogue/Assassin/Bard/Shadow

Height: 5’8

Gender/sexuality: woman/straight

Romance: Alistair Theirin

Characteristics/personality: reserved, diplomatic, loyal, guilt-ridden, cold fury, ruthless, educated, charming, curious about other cultures, slow to trust, but deeply loving

Hair: Long curly black hair that she keeps in a functional bun

Eyes: brown

Distinguishing features: burn scar on her left forearm from the attack on Highever

Hobbies: spending time with family, sailing, archery, traveling, metalworking

Brief Background: A bit wild as a child, her mother and father guided her to use her energy for practical things: like sailing, archery, people politics. She was extremely close to her family, wanting to visit Antiva with her sister-in-law. Duncan had to pull her away from her parents, her deep sense of duty tearing her between obeying and protecting her family. It took her years to regain the same vibrancy she had before she lost her family, at that was due mostly to Alistair, their children, and her friends.

Family: Parents Bryce and Eleanor Cousland, Brother Fergus, sister-in-law Oriana and nephew Oren. Children twins Duncan Bryce and Rose Eleanor Theirin.

Random Notes: loves the sea and sailing; mabari named Galahad; a Ferelden lady – lead from the frontlines and work with your hands; when she is nervous or stressed, she pets her mabari, one of her few tells

Name: Damita Mavis Surana

Worldstate: Worldstate 3 (and Multi-warden AU)

Age: 18 at the start of DAO (born in 9:12 Dragon)

Species/Race: elf

Class/Specialization: mage/spirit healer/shifter/blood mage

Height: 5’2

Gender/sexuality: woman/bi/demi

Romance: Leliana

Characteristics/personality: reserved, inquisitive, clever, organized, shy, caring, often passive; forgiving to a point, her awkwardness is endearing; precise, a kind sweet soul, accepting of her friends

Hair: Long dark brown hair that she braids intricately and bangs (she lets them grow out over the course of the Blight)

Eyes: Purple

Distinguishing features: Freckles across her face and body, no scars whatsoever

Hobbies: research, magic, playing the lute, gathering potion ingredients, sketching

Brief Background: Taken from her family to the Circle when she was 4, she has the barest memories of them. Anders, Karl, and a few others took her under their wings. She was a quiet, obedient child, but she was always watching and learning.

Family: Parents, Myles and Britta Surana, siblings, Sybil, Telia, and Josiya. Cathal Tabris is her cousin on her mother’s side. She considers her companions and friends her family. Her daughters are Delphine and Beata, which she and Leliana adopt after Leliana is declared Divine Victoria.

Random Notes: Her mabari is named Sir Barkington; by the time Inquisition comes around, she wears reading glasses; primary love language is words of affirmation; gets so engrossed in research hours can pass; a bit clumsy

Name: Cathal Elga’nar Tabris

Worldstate: Worldstate 4 (and Multi-warden AU)

Age: 20 at the start of DAO (born 9:10 Dragon)

Species/Race: city elf

Class/Specialization: warrior/twin blades/champion/spirit warrior

Height: 5’6

Gender/sexuality: man/bi

Romance: Morrigan

Characteristics/personality: headstrong, sincere, protective, angry at the world, outspoken, distrusting, unsure of world outside Denerim, blunt, focused, indignant

Hair: white blond hair that reaches his shoulders

Eyes: green

Distinguishing features: left handed, various scars

Hobbies: pick-pocketing, training, map-making, crafting poisons, later traveling, sewing/quilting

Brief Background: Raised in Denerim’s alienage, Cathal has never been outside the city before. His mother taught him the basics of how to use a sword, and after her death, he continued to train in secret, observing templar’s and knights training when he could. Took every opportunity to steal or trouble nobles/guards without getting caught.

Family: Father Cyrion and his mother, Adaia (though his mother was killed many years ago by humans). He is close with his cousins, Shianni and Soris. He has some memory of his aunt’s family and he remembers that he had a lot of cousins (which he later learns was Damita’s family). Kieran is his son.

Random Notes: Has both a dislike of extremely enclosed spaces and wide-open areas; mabari is named Traitor. Loves warm bread and crisp apples. Gets a tattoo of a bear print over his heart (for Morrigan), later adds a small white print over it for Kieran.

Name: Signa Brosca

Worldstate: Worldstate 5 (and Multi-warden AU)  

Age: 23 at start of DAO (born in 9:07 Dragon)

Species/Race: casteless dwarf

Class/Specialization: rogue/archer

Height: 4’4

Gender/sexuality: woman/pansexual

Romance: poly Alistair/Zevran (in multi-warden AU – Freya Aeducan)

Characteristics/personality: sarcastic, thoughtful, grin and bear it mentality, will steal anything on a dare, daring, so very curious, a survivor, laughs easy, not shy at all

Hair: short white hair

Eyes: sky blue eyes

Distinguishing features: casteless tattoo

Hobbies: pick-pocketing, cooking (she can make anything taste good), trick-shots; parkour

Brief Background: Born in Dusttown, Signa has faced an uphill battle her whole life, struggling to fight for a living. She early on learned the value of stealing, which attracted the Carta’s attention.

Family: Rica Brosca is the only family she cares about. Well and later her nephew.

Random Notes: Mabari is named Barkspawn (she takes Alistair’s suggestion); has an incredible sense of direction; Alistair teaches her to read; When Zev confronted her about her feelings for either him or Alistair, she pulled Zev over to Alistair and forced the three of them to work it out.

Name: Freya Aeducan

Worldstate: multi-warden AU

Age: 25 at start of DAO (born 9:05 Dragon)

Species/Race: dwarven noble

Class/Specialization: rogue/double axes

Height: 4’5

Gender/sexuality: trans woman/bi

Romance: Signa Brosca

Characteristics/personality: cultured, tenacious, calculating, proud, ruthless

Hair: long black hair kept up in a braid bun

Eyes: grey eyes

Hobbies: training with her axes, studying history and strategy,

Brief Background: Freya was only 7 when she told her father that even though she was born the identical twin to her brother, Liam, she was actually a girl. Her father accepted this immediately, sending out notices that Freya would take her grandmother’s name. She tackled politics with wicked pleasure, loving the secrets and machinations. In the AU, Freya and Liam meet up with Signa in the deep roads and travel together to survive, until they meet the Wardens and then win back the throne. Freya and Signa marry and are queens of Orzammar.

Name: Liam Aeducan

Worldstate: multi-warden AU

Age: 25 at start of DAO (born 9:05 Dragon)

Species/Race: dwarven noble

Class/Specialization: warrior/two-handed

Height: 4’5

Gender/sexuality: ace/aro man

Romance: N/A (marries Rica Brosca in a marriage of convenience)

Characteristics/personality: sweet, tired, wants to be left alone with his books, wants to be a shaper

Hair: long black hair and beard

Eyes: grey

Brief Background: Liam appreciated that he would never have to rule. He is a gentle soul, having no desire for Dwarven politics.

*Art by @star--nymph and @destinyapostasy. Picrews from here and here*

Link to my OC Masterpost: Hawke Edition! 

[thebloodychampion]

Dragon Age Timeline

For my own muses

Some time ago: Jerker is born as Hakkon Wintersbreath

Some time later: Jerker is trapped in the Fade.

-445 Ancient: Appius Trius is born In Emerius (Tevinter Imperium)

-444 Ancient: Sethius Amladaris is born in Emerius (Tevinter Imperium)

-438 Ancient: Sethius magic is shown at a dinner party by accident

-437 Ancient: Appius shows magic by setting his father’s beard on fire

-436 Ancient: Petyr Gallus is born

-435 Ancient: Appius finds out he is a dreamer

-434 Ancient: Sethius finds out he is a dreamer

-429 Ancient: Sethius is sent to Minrathous for training

-429 Ancient: Appius gets sent to Minrathous for training under Magister Alvilus

-428 Ancient: Petyr Gallus developes magic

-420 Ancient: Petyr creates illusions and is sent to Minrathous

-420 Ancient: Sethius is made an acolyte of the High Priest of Dumat

-420 Ancient: Appius is made an acolyte of The High Priest of Urthemiel

-410 Ancient: Petyr becomes an acolyte of Zazikale

-410 Ancient: Sethius becomes the High Priest of Dumat

-408 Ancient: Appius becomes a High Priest of Urthemiel

-400 Ancient: Petyr becomes the High Priest of Zazikale

Between -410 Ancient and -395 Ancient: Sethius marries a young magister’s daughter and has five children with her.

Alternate Time: Sethius goes either by accident into the future / He meets Narya Lavellan from the future and goes with her. Alternate Timeline : Appius resigns from being a High Priest after Sethius goes missing and leaves Minrathous to Emerius where he marries Petyr 

-395 Ancient: Assault on the Golden City

-395 Ancient: Petyr Gallus gets teleported into the future by accident

8:73 Blessed: Malcolm Hawke is born

8:82 Blessed: Malcolm is sent to the Kirkwall circle

8:85 Blessed: Hjarrandr is born

8:92 Blessed: Lorenzo Calcagnini

8:96 Blessed: Petyr changes his name to Etienne and uses the year as his birth year

9:00 Dragon: Anders is born (presumably)

9:01 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond is born

9:01 Dragon: Ishal Cyprias is born (He is born female)

9:04 Dragon: Eric Vanhallen is born

9:04 Dragon: Talar Adaar is born

9:04 Dragon: Armadiel Mahariel is born

9:05 Dragon: Malcolm flees the Kirkwall circle and goes to Ferelden with Leandra 

9:05 Dragon: Malcolm is forced to renew the seals of Corypheus using his own blood

9:05 Dragon: Lyon and Solona Amell are born.

9:06 Dragon: Archer, Cyrion and Dreag Hawke are born

9:07 Dragon: Than Mahariel is born to the former Keeper of Clan Sabrae and his partner. 

9:07 Dragon: Than’s father is already dead by his birth

9:07 Dragon: Than’s mother dies during childbirth.

9:09 Dragon: Jarida Adaar is born.

9:09 Dragon: Lucius Veridio is born as the illegitimate child of Cassinus Veridio and Irina Valen

9:09 Dragon: Lucius is raised by his parents. (Cassinus and Armalia)

9:10 Dragon: Tomey Surana is born in the Ferelden Circle of Magi

9:10 Dragon: Hjarrandrs former partner is killed during a raid

9:11 Dragon: Hjarrandr takes up the mantle of Augur since he already had magical talents

9:11 Dragon: Nicolas becomes an Antivan Crow

9:11 Dragon: Lorenzo joins the Felicisima Armada.

9:12 Dragon: Diran Lavellan is born in the Lavellan Clan

9:12 Dragon: Lia Tabris is born in Denerim to Cyrion Tabris and Adadia Tabris

9:12 Dragon: Carver and Bethany Hawke are born

9:12 Dragon: Anders is sent to Circle of Ferelden 9:12-9:30 Dragon: Anders escapes the Circle 7 times

9:14 Dragon: Solona Amell is sent into the Circle of Ferelden

9:14 Dragon: Lyon Amell goes to Starkhaven to become a guard.

9:15 Dragon: Elgan Lavellan is born in the Lavellan Clan

9:15 Dragon: Cyrion Hawke develops magic but is hidden away from prying eyes.

9:15 Dragon: Ishal slowly realises that he actually wants to be a guy.

9:16 Dragon: Lucius Veridio developes magic

9:21 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s first daughter Aitana is born

9:21 Dragon: Etienne DeLechanger becomes a professor in Val Royeaux

9:23 Dragon: Lyon is sent to Ferelden to Highever

9:24 Dragon: Archer is burned alive by accident due to Bethany getting scared.

9:24 Dragon: Dreag destroys part of an entire forest

9:24 Dragon: Adaia Tabris, Lia’s mother is killed by humans

9:24 Dragon: Dreag and Cyrion move away due to Archer’s accident and mistrust for magic

9:24 Dragon: Dreag is sent to Tevinter and meets his tutor Janus Lupus

9:24 Dragon: Eric’s parents are killed by the Darkspawn

9:25 Dragon: Lucius is sent to Seheron to fight against the Qunari

9:25 Dragon: Janus and Dreag start dating in secret

9:26 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s second daughter Bonita is born

9:27 Dragon: Eric returns to the Anderfels after travelling around for three years

9:27 Dragon: Janus Lupus and his wife Nelvia are killed

9:27 Dragon: Lorenzo becomes a Pirate Lord.

9:27 - 9:29 Dragon: Dreag Hawke kills all the assassins and guild masters. Getting as high as having killed 60 people.

9:27 Dragon: Malcolm Hawke dies (Alternate time: He survives and goes away)

9:27 Dragon: Etienne opens up a brothel in Val Royeaux

9:27 Dragon: Anders spends a year in solitary confinement

9:29 Dragon: Dreag is captured by Tevinter Magisters and imprisoned in Minrathous.

9:30 Dragon: Eric finally returns to the Anderfels

9:30 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s third daughter Carmen is born

9:30 Dragon: Lyon Amell survives the attack of Rendon Howe

9:30 Dragon: Lia Tabris is forced to kill the son of the Arl of Denerim and gets recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: Than Mahariel gets tainted and gets recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: During an attempt to destroy the phylacteries, Solona and her friend Jowan get captured. She gets recruited into the Grey Wardens.

9:30 Dragon: Armadiel gets infected with the taint and joins the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: Anders escapes the Circle  of Ferelden

9:30 Dragon: Tomey Surana is recruited into the Grey Wardens

9:30 Dragon: Archer, Adam and their family flee to Kirkwall. Carver dies on the way.

9:31 Dragon: Eric joins the Grey Wardens in the Anderfels.

9:31 Dragon: Ishal marries his best friend. But he is actually gay.

9:31 Dragon: Ishal becomes a Magister in the Magisterium

9:31 Dragon: The Archdemon is defeated

9:31 Dragon: Anders joins the Grey Wardens and gets Ser Pounce-A -Lot

9:31 Dragon: Lyon Amell gets to Vigil’s Keep to be close to the Wardens

9:31 Dragon: Anders leaves the wardens and merges with Justice and goes to Kirkwall

9:31 Dragon: Archer Hawke meets Anders.

9:31 Dragon: Anders kills Karl as an act of mercy

9:32 Dragon: Kieran is born.

9:32 Dragon: Ishal fully transitions into a guy (although it is still more magic enhancement)

9:33 Dragon: Anders join the Mage Underground and starts to write his manifesto

9:33 Dragon: Armadiel becomes the Archivist for the Grey Wardens

9:34 Dragon: Archer Hawke becomes Champion of Kirkwall by defeating the Arishok

9:35 Dragon: Lucius Veridio becomes a Magister after coming back from Seheron

9:35 Dragon: Nicolas Belmond’s last daughter is born. 

9:31 - 9:37 Dragon: Corypheus aka Sethius Amladaris is set free by Archer Hawke by accident

9:36 Dragon: Corypheus contacts the Nightmare Demon aka Jerker

9:36 Dragon: Lucius decided to become a slave hunter

9:37 Dragon: Anders destroys the Kirkwall chantry.

9:37 Dragon: Archer Hawke becomes Viscount later this year

9:37 Dragon: Anders is kept as prisoner by Archer Hawke

9:38 Dragon: Archer Hawke escapes Kirkwall after the rise of the red templars 9:38 Dragon: Anders escapes Kirkwall and disappears

9:40 Dragon: Dreag Hawke escapes the prison in Minrathous by destroying it.

9:41 Dragon: Future Kieran arrives in Skyhold.

9:41 Dragon: Events of Dragon Age Inquisition happen

9:41 Dragon: Jerker is set free and uses the body of an ancient magister named Magnus

9:43 Corypheus is defeated

9:45 Events of Trespasser