#cullen rutherford one shot

[tricia-swritingcorner]

Late Nights [Cullen Rutherford x OC Fem!Inquisitor]

Pure fluff piece with the Commander of the Inquisition and the Inquisitor. Takes place roughly halfway through the game at Skyhold. Don't like, don't read.

‘How? How am I still not done?!’ Olympia groaned, turning it into a shout as she held back the urge to push the stack of reports from her desk. Oh sure, offering to help your lover by taking some of their workload sounded like a good idea a few months ago. But after sitting at a desk for two whole days, reading report after report with little sleep or food, the idea had lost its merit.

Taking a deep breath, Inquisitor Trevelyan reached for another report and continued on. Cullen was overworked, she saw it during their nights together when the two could find the time. So, as any good lover in her position would do, she asked Leliana and Josephine to start sending a couple a day to her desk instead of his. Mind you, the Inquisitor was very good at reading reports when she was at Skyhold…yet she seemed to have forgotten that she goes through periods of time where she isn’t at Skyhold. This past absence lasted a month, having travelled to the Frostback Basin.

Upon her return to Skyhold, Josephine ambushed Olympia as she sought the comfort of her own bed after sleeping on the ground for so long. As of now, Olympia Trevellyan has never experienced such a scolding that made her visibly shrink before nor does she ever wish to be the subject of one again. Immediately working on the reports that had been sitting on her desk, it was here that she has not moved, save for bathroom breaks, for the past two days. Thanks to her constant absence of presence, no one has really noticed at Skyhold. She’s not even sure Cullen is aware that she’s returned to the compound. Save for the coming of footsoldiers who dropped off more reports, the Inquisitor has had little interaction with others…save for a certain fade spirit turned corporeal.

Olympia, normally, enjoyed Cole’s presence. For those who were unaware of his situation, he was an odd person that she took pity on. For the others, Cole was a breath of fresh air in the face of everything. Over the past two days, however, he has become a fly on the wall who buzzed around her consistently asking when she will eat or when she will sleep. Thankfully, while he has been a bit of an annoyance, his visits do help to break up the monotony that came with reading report after report…after report.

‘I wonder if he’s already on his way here. I suppose I missed dinner again.’ Signing off on the report in front of her, a soft knock at the door halted her movements. Clockwork this boy embodied.

“Come in.” Hearing the door open and followed by footsteps, Olympia’s first clue as to who came to disturb her was the rather overly enlarged hat atop their head. Grabbing another report to place in front of her, she noticed a tray of food in his hands once his body came into view. Sighing, she rose from her desk and gestured for Cole to sit with her in front of the fireplace. Meeting him there, the pair sat, and the Inquisitor lit the fire to add a calmer mood to what she already knew Cole was going to say.

“You weren’t at dinner. The others are starting to notice but I offered to bring you food and everyone seemed okay with it.” Holding out the tray, Olympia got a much better look at what had been offered tonight. Seeing a stew, a chicken leg, a piece of bread, and a pint of ale she got the sense that Cole grabbed what he thought she would enjoy best. Smiling softly, she took the bread and gestured for him to set the tray down on the table in front of them.

“I’m sure people are already talking about it. Thank you for bringing me something.” Biting into the bread, Olympia could tell Cole was eased by her eating. However, that ease was unstable.

“Inquisitor, Joesphine isn’t going to yell at you if you don’t finish the reports tonight. She said so herself.” Shaking her head, Olympia was already far enough behind as it was. Josephine would just pass off the reports to Cullen, and then he would notice how old they were, and he’ll think the Inquisitor doesn’t believe that he is able to do his job properly when she has full faith in the leader of her armies. No, the reports needed to be done at once.

“Cole, I know you mean well. But I have responsibilities and I cannot shrug them off for luxuries. I will sleep and eat once I am finished.” Reaching for the pint, the normally bitter ale tasted like honey on her tongue. Maker did she miss ale and it hadn’t even been that long since her last drink. Cole seemed to ponder on what she said, or maybe what she felt about what he said before speaking once more.

“Scared, unsure, you don’t want the commander to think you don’t trust him.” At this Olympia gave a look as she continued drinking yet, as usual, Cole did not heed it. “You can do this; you can do this for him. Is that why you’re overworking yourself? So that he can rest?” Setting down her pint, Olympia wished a rift would open right here in Skyhold and swallow her up.

“Cole, stop.” Oh but of course, he didn’t. It wouldn’t be Cole if he did.

“He’s rested Inquisitor. For the last few days, he’s been able to finish before dinner. Rested, wanting, hoping she is okay. Maker I hope she’s safe…Don’t you want him to know that you’ve been helping him? Then he could help you when you’re struggling like you do for him.” Too far, he’s gone too far. She’s happy to know that Cullen is resting, her plan was working. She did not want Cullen to know why he’s been able to rest more. This conversation had to end, NOW.

“Cole.” At her tonal shift, the boy stopped talking and simply looked at her. “I know you mean well, but do not tell Cullen what I’ve done. You might not understand why I’m doing this but please, he cannot know. I have to get back to work now, please see yourself out.” Setting down her pint a bit harshly, Olympia stood up and returned to her desk. Her response might have been harsh, but Cole opened a wound and like any wounded animal, she was going to protect herself.

He must have noticed this, or at least she would have liked to think he did as when she sat down he was no longer in his chair. In fact, he was no longer in the room. Replacing the soft warmth of a kind gestured was a cold emptiness that filled the room, even with the fire still going. As Olympia Travellyan returned to her reports, Cole did not go where she would have wished. Instead of returning to his spot in the Herald’s Rest, the corporeal spirit transported himself to outside the Commander’s door.

While he felt reservation against betraying the Inquisitor’s trust, Cole could feel that she had no intention of stopping for the night. Two days without sleep wasn’t good for anyone outside of the fade, he knew from Cole that sleep was just as needed as food. He had already felt the horror it was to starve to death; he would not see the Inquisitor do this to themselves. Lightly knocking on the door, he did feel odd at not simply entering the room, but Varric had taught him that it was “rude” to enter without being told to.

Instead of hearing Cullen call out, the Commander instead opened the door to see who it was at this hour of the night. He had already changed out of his armor so whoever it was better have good reason. “What is it now- Oh, hello Cole. Can I help you?” The Commander felt at peace. Cole almost felt bad at disrupting that peace.

“The Inquisitor wishes to ask you about some reports from Scout Harding.” A look of confusion crossed Cullen’s face as he heard Cole’s words.

“What? Why is she reading Harding’s reports? Those are supposed to come to me-” A moment of confusion turned into understanding. Over the past six months, he had begun to notice that the number of reports reaching his desk was slowly lessening. At first he chalked it up to his subordinates slacking off at their posts but hearing that Olympia Travellyan, the Inquisitor, was reading a report by scout Harding made sense. Taking a deep breath, Cullen thought for a moment before speaking to the naïve fade spirit.

“Thank you Cole for letting me know. If you will excuse me, I believe the Inquisitor needs some help reading scout Harding’s reports. I know I do.” Nodding his head, Cold moved aside to allow the Commander to brush past him. Determined, irritated, but worried at heart, Cole was sure of his choice of actions. Hopefully Olympia could forgive him.

Though right now, he was not at the forefront of her mind. Instead, it was the fact that she was reading another of scout Harding’s reports…the twelfth one. She was unsure just how the dwarf managed to find time to write a report nearly every day. Signing off on it, Olympia looked over to the now cold stew. Maybe that’s what she should have eaten earlier instead of the bread, it certainly would have filled her up more at the very least.

‘Maybe a small fire spell could work. I’m sure that wouldn’t be too hard, just have to-‘Her thoughts were interrupted when a door slammed nearby. Who is slamming doors this late at night? Standing up, before she could investigate the cause her own door seemed to burst open followed by a very familiar voice.

“Inquisitor, I need to speak with you.” Speaking as he stormed up the stairs, the Inquisitor was at a loss for words. Never had she heard Cullen this aggravated before, wait how did he know she was back?! Before she could hide the reports themselves, her lover had come up to stand directly in front of her and her desk. The man was radiating with what she could only describe as energy as he stood in front of her. Eyeing the large stack of papers on her desk, he was stunned by the amount of reports he hadn’t noticed never made it to his desk. “Care to explain this?” Normally, Olympia could come up with some form of an excuse for any situation. However, this time could not come up with a good one.

“Uhh I wanted a better understanding…of the troops’ conditions, across Thedas.” Hearing the words come out her mouth, Olympia groaned in her mind. Really? That’s what she came up with?!

Cullen noticed this, of course he would. Inquisitor Olympia Travellyan was a masterful liar, who could dazzle a room of Orlesian diplomats with her speech. Yet, when confronted by her lover she was stumbling over her words. Looking down at the report she had just signed off, the writer’s name was clear as day. Shaking his head, Cullen took a deep breath before speaking.

“My dear if you really wanted to help me I would have let you. How long has Josephine been sending reports to you?” At this, Olympia blushed from embarrassment. He truly hadn’t noticed, well that was something.

“Since…you and I decided you were no longer taking lyrium. I thought you could have a chance to relax whenever we aren’t staring death in the face.” Looking down at the floor, she couldn’t look him in the eye. The Cullen in her mind was staring at her in either anger or hurt, unable to believe what he was hearing. She didn’t think he was capable while his time using lyrium was coming back to haunt him. Sure enough, in a minute he will be shouting at her or storming out or-

Her mind halted as she felt his hand cusp her cheek. Startled, she looked up to find him standing at her side with a look she never expected, worry. When did he move so quietly? Lightly grabbing her arms, Cullen pulled her away from the desk and sat on the bed with her standing in front of him. Meeting her gaze, Cullen’s eyes shifted and only love shown through.

“While I appreciate the thought, you didn’t have to bury yourself trying to help me. Next time, talk to me. You’re the Inquisitor, you can’t be defeated by paperwork, okay?” At this, she chuckled. He wasn’t angry. He wasn’t hurt. Cullen seemed to understand her intentions. Tears pricked the bottom of her eyes and she tried to blink them away, only for her love to wipe them away. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he stood up and gave her a firm hug before turning his attention to the forgotten tray by the fireplace.

“I see someone brought you food, how long were you in here reading reports?” Once again, Olympia chuckled but this time was certainly one out of awkwardness. Cullen was not going to be happy when he heard the truth.

“Two…days. When we got back from Frostback Basin, Josephine told me how much had piled up in my absence. So I’ve been here, reading. Cole brought the food; he was worried about me.” Here, Cullen was the one to chuckle and the pair just stood as one for a beat.

“That he was, I didn’t even know of your arrival until he said you needed me.” What? “He came to my door and asked if I could help you with reading scout Harding’s report.” Scoffing, of course it was Cole. She told him not to tell Cullen what she had done, and he didn’t. “So did you actually eat anything or just drink and return to work?” Oh, how well he knew her. This time she didn’t respond, instead shifted her gaze to anywhere other than Cullen. He sighed at this and shook his head.

“Then you, my dear, are done for the day I think.” Olympia sort of squeaked at this, because as he said this he shifted his hands down to grasp her thighs and lifted her effortlessly into the air. Quickly wrapping her arms around his neck, she laughed as he turned around and sort of flopped onto the bed with her still in his arms.

“What about the reports? They still need to be signed off on.” She attempted to wiggle out of his arms, only for him to tighten his grip. Cullen laughed heartily as he felt his love attempt to escape his grasp. Oh, if only he had not anticipated her doing this. “Those reports just need a glance. The actual reports that need signing off on, come to my desk. So I think it’s time for you to get some rest. I think you’ve earned a moment.” Ah, turning her own words against her. Humming at the thought, one night of sleep wouldn’t hurt. Especially not if her Commander was sharing the bed with her. Feeling him pull the covers over the pair of them, Olympia couldn’t help but snuggle further into Cullen’s chest as her exhaustion hit her like a stone wall. Once again he kissed her forehead and within what felt like seconds, she fell into the blissful waters of slumber. Safe, secure, and loved. Maker knows what tomorrow will bring, but right now she couldn’t care less…even if it meant Josephine scolding her for once again leaving work to be done.

[acciokaidanalenko]

Settling In

Working on a new one shot with Cullen & Freja... and it's plaguing my mind so badly I can't even work on TotU right now 😅

Anyway, here's little bit of what I have so far....

A soft knock on the door sounded, drawing the commander’s attention from the small pane of glass that served as the window in his new office. He had quickly settled into this new space, which was complete with his own sleeping quarters above. There was still much work to be done.

“Enter,” he ordered, his voice just loud enough to be heard on the other side of the door. He heard it open, and then close as he leaned against the cold stone wall. He didn’t turn, keeping his gaze fixated on something in the distance through his window. He could only seem to think of one thing, even with all the work that had to be done.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” a gentle voice said. Cullen stood up straight, pushing himself away from the wall, and uncrossing his arms as he turned to face his guest.

“Oh, Inquisitor, I apologize for not greeting you properly. I-” He stopped as she raised one of her hands to silence him, a soft expression on her face. His eyes wandered to her other hand, realizing what she was holding. She smiled at him as she stepped closer, stopping just in front of the large desk that had been relocated to this room earlier that day.

“Please, I just- I hope I’m not being too forward. But I wanted to celebrate with you,” she said as she placed two small glasses on top of the desk that stood between them. She still clutched an aged bottle in her hands as she looked at him hopefully.

Cullen felt his cheeks flush as his eyes flicked toward the door behind her. A silent moment passed before he found himself looking into Freja’s bright blue eyes. He braced himself against the desk as he returned her smile with one of his own. A crooked thing, which made Freja’s heart leap in her chest.

“You wanted to… celebrate with me? Maker’s breath, what is there to celebrate?” he asked with a quiet chuckle. A soft thud sounded as Freja sat the liquor bottle down gently beside the glasses she’d found in the kitchens. They were scratched and chipped, but she’d made sure they’d at least hold the liquid.

“The Inquisition’s acquisition of Skyhold, of course,” she replied as she stepped back from the desk. She leaned back, resting her weight on her back foot as she crossed her arms against her chest. Cullen looked at her with a confused expression.

“My lady, I don’t underst-” She raised her hand once again, silencing him mid-word. He quickly glanced toward each of the doors, another flush rising in his cheeks.They had never been alone like this before.

Freja pushed herself forward, uncrossing her arms before she moved around the desk to stand in front of Cullen. She looked into his warm, hazel-colored eyes as she reached for his hand, tightly gripping it in hers as she turned and began pulling him behind her.

Though he’d chastised himself for the fact just today, Cullen found himself grateful that very few Inquisition soldiers were yet to be stationed on the battlements as the Inquisitor dragged him through several rooms. She finally stopped once they reached the corner of the fortress. She released his hand and stood near the wall that faced out into the mountain range Skyhold sat in the center of. He watched the rise and fall of her shoulders as she took a big breath of the fresh air and let out a contented sigh.

“Cullen, I think we need to discuss what happened at Haven,” she finally said as she turned to face him again. His face lost all its color as his heart dropped. The events of that day were still fresh in everyone’s mind.

[rowanisawriter]

ceasefire —final chapter + epilogue are up!

15k words later, my dumb ass little story is done… break ups, make ups, drama, sad sex, and an epilogue because i am more dramatic than my characters…

.

“A hazard of sleeping with your reports.” His tone is a little teasing. “If it wasn’t this, it would’ve been something else. We couldn’t have gotten out of this unscathed.”

“I can’t accept that.” She pushes him lightly on the chest and he lets her go. “That’s not fair. I never wanted this, I never chose to be the Inquisitor.” She sounds petulant. She doesn’t care. “It’s so unfair that I want this so badly but it’s just… doomed.”

.

thanks to my besties 👯‍♀️ who have allowed their brainworms and my brainworms to connect over this fic ily

[faierius]

In honour of Dragon Age Day, I share with you my ongoing catalogue of Dragon Age fics!

[gogogodzilla]

The Basics

Hello everyone! I just thought I'd put together a post where you can find everything

Find me on ao3 and wattpad!

Request Rules

♡ ⇢ smut ☾ ⇢ series ☠︎︎ ⇢ one shot/headcanons

kinktober 2023

kinktober 2024

Detroit Become Human

➯ Connor (RK800)

⇢ Criminal Analysis ♡ ☾

⇢ Kiss it Better ☠︎︎

⇢ Kiss Me More ☠︎︎

⇢ Tease ♡ ☠︎︎

⇢ Like Real People Do ☠︎︎

⇢ Missed You ♡ ☠︎︎

⇢ Morning, Sunshine ☠︎︎

⇢ Be My Baby ☠︎︎

➯ Gavin Reed

⇢ Bad Habits ☾

⇢ Baby Come Back ☠︎︎

⇢ No One Else ♡ ☠︎︎

➯ Misc DBH Characters

⇢ Better Together

Dragon Age: Inquisition

➯ Cullen Rutherford

⇢ Lovers' Quarrel ☠︎︎

⇢ Happily Ever After ☠︎︎

Five Nights at Freddy's

➯ Mike Schmidt

⇢ Leave the Light On ♡ ☠︎︎

⇢ Easy Mornings ♡ ☠︎︎

⇢ Date Night ♡ ☠︎︎

⇢ Daybreak ♡

⇢ Birthday Boy ♡

The Hunger Games

➯ Peeta Mellark

⇢ Just a Taste ♡

⇢ Dress ♡

[andrastesacredknickers]

Stone and Moonlight

Summary: Lavellan has struggled to get restful sleep since the events at Haven. Though, her nightmares may be the least of her worries as she tries to navigate her relationship with one Commander Cullen Rutherford.

Pairing: Cullen x Lavellan

Word count: 2.4K

Tags: mentions of nightmares, Cullen fumbling as per usual, awkward flirting, Varric being a good friend

While writing this I was listening to: Distance by Christina Perry

Find me on Ao3 here

Eve could feel the fire against her neck as she ran. Her legs felt as if they were going to turn to jelly as she sprinted towards the gates of Haven. As she ran it felt as though her destination was growing farther out of her reach. Eve turned to see a wall of fire coming towards her, stumbling on her feet and beginning to fall.

The elf shot up in her bed, breathing heavily as she tried to orient herself. Her room at Skyhold began to materialize around her as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, sweat dripping down her brow. Eve couldn’t remember the last night she didn’t have a nightmare since making it out of Haven. The feeling of the archdemon’s fire at her back haunted her every night, the screams of those lost at Haven ringing in her ears.

She took a deep breath before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She waved her hand, conjuring a small ball of light to illuminate her room. Eve stood, stretching her sore muscles and walking towards her desk. She reached for a robe slung over the back of her chair, pulling it on and tying it tight. The mage slipped into a pair of boots, messily lacing them and heading towards her bedroom door. The light she conjured followed behind her a she made her way down the stairs.

Eve was beyond grateful for the suite she was provided at Skyhold. The room was massive, much more space than she would ever know what to do with. She had never had this much that was just hers. Among her clan she had a tent and a few belongings. But nothing like this. A large row of doors to her balcony let in the most beautiful morning light, she even had her own storage of wine. Eve did wish, however, that her room wasn’t so far from the kitchen.

The mage sleepily made her way through the halls, savoring how quiet Skyhold was this late at night. No soldiers running about, no visitors to make nice with, no one running up to her yelling “Inquisitor!”. Just stone and moonlight shining through the windows. Eve yawned as she rounded the corner into the kitchen, jumping as she saw a silhouette of a person sitting at the table in the center of the room, facing away from her.

“Maker's breath!” The figure hissed, jumping up from the table and turning to face Eve, fists raised for a fight. Eve froze for a moment, recognizing the voice immediately.

“Cullen?” Eve asked, waving her hand to bring the ball of light forward and illuminate the person before her.

“Inquisitor! I apologize, I didn’t mean to startle to you,” he said quickly, lowering his fists and bracing himself against the table. The commander wore loose trousers and house slippers, his upper body bare, the taut muscles of his stomach illuminated in the light. Eve’s eyes lingered on him, her cheeks going warm as she took in his form. The light she had conjured began to glow brighter for a moment, buzzing loudly. She ripped her gaze from his body, looking up to find him watching her.

"Erm, what was that?" Cullen asked, cocking his head to the side as he looked at her.

“Uh, nothing," she said with a sheepish grin. "It looks like I startled you a bit more than you startled me,” Eve deflected, watching Cullen’s jaw flex. He took a breathe, a smile crossing his lips as he relaxed. “May I ask why you’re sitting in the kitchen in the dark? We’ve got candles, you know,” Eve said, looking up at the chandelier hanging above the table.

“That’s true, however I couldn’t find a-,” Cullen started, but cut himself off as he watched Eve shoot flames from her index finger, lighting the candles one by one. “Match,” he finished with a chuckle, the room now illuminated with a warm light. Eve smiled, waving a hand and dismissing the light she had been using to illuminate her way. 

“That’s something I’m growing used to. You using magic to do stuff like that,” Cullen said, pulling out his chair and sitting back down at the table. His eyes lingered on Eve for a moment, noticing that her robe was beginning to fall open slightly.

“I can’t imagine not doing so, it’s just habit,” Eve admitted pulling her robe closed and walking towards the counter. “Why are you even awake, Cullen? I was joking when I asked if you ever sleep,” she said, facing away from Cullen and searching the cabinets for a tea cup.

“Hah, I- I do struggle to sleep some nights. So I come in here and scrounge for something to eat. It’s a bad habit, I know,” he said, running his fingers through his blonde hair. Eve pulled a tea cup out of the cupboard, looking inside to ensure that it was clean.

“I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other before then, making tea in the middle of the night has become somewhat of a routine of mine,” Eve said, searching through canisters for the right blend of tea leaves.

“Well, I… have seen you. In here. At night. I just figured you’d want some time to yourself so I always just… turn around,” Cullen said, picking at a half eaten loaf of bread that sat on a plate before him.

“Time to myself?” Eve asked, turning to look at Cullen. He shrugged, popping a piece of bread into his mouth.

“You’ve got so many people demanding things of you all day, I suppose I thought you might cherish some alone time,” he said, looking over to her.

“That is true, though I cherish time with you more,” she said, immediately turning away from him to hide how deeply she was blushing. Eve closed her eyes, cursing under her breath as she placed the bag of tea into her cup.

“I- I enjoy spending time with you too, Inquisitor,” Cullen said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. Eve looked over her shoulder, rolling her eyes at the commander.

“Cullen, I’ve told you, you don’t need to call me Inquisitor. I much prefer my name, I’m just Eve,” she said, pouring some water into her cup over a teabag. She brought her tea over to the table, sitting down across from the commander and resting her elbows on the table.

“You’re more than ‘just Eve’,” he said, watching puzzled as she stuck her index finger into the water. The tip of her finger glowed red, heating up the water inside her cup. “You do things like that,” he laughed as she shook the water off of her finger.

“You know what I mean. I just... everyone else sees me as this big important person here to save the world. I need at least one person who still sees me for me,” she said, fiddling with the string on her bag of tea.

“I can understand that,” Cullen said with a nod, his eyes falling to the table. “I’ll do my best to refrain, Eve,” he said.

“Thanks, Cullen,” She replied with a smile, bringing the mug up to her lips.

“What has you making tea in the middle of the night? Is something troubling you?” Cullen asked, watching her intently. Eve took a sip, sighing as she set the cup down.

“I’ve just… had a difficult time sleeping since Haven,” Eve admitted, her hands wrapped around her mug of tea.

“I know what you mean,” Cullen said, shooting her a sympathetic glance. The two sat in silence for a moment, Eve drinking her tea and Cullen picking at the bread on his plate.

"You have them too, then? Nightmares?" Eve asked, watching Cullen as he pushed around bread crumbs on his plate. 

"I do. Not just from Haven, but those are the most prevalent right now," Cullen sighed. Eve nodded, toying with the string of her tea bag.

"Every time I close my eyes it's like I can feel the fire at the back of my neck. Nightmares always worry me. There are enough demons around when my eyes are open, I don't need them trying to plague me when I'm asleep too," Eve said quietly, letting out a huff of air. Cullen watched her closely, trying to hide the concern from coloring his expression.

"Yes, I understand your concern. I'm always here for you, if you need anything Inq-, Eve," he corrected, leaning back in his chair.

“Don't make promises you can't keep. Be careful Cullen, I might start to think you like me,” Eve chuckled, her fingers wrapped around the now long cold cup of tea.

“I, uh, I do. Like you, I mean. Uh, you’re a great friend, Inquisitor,” Cullen said, stumbling over his words. He buried his head in his hands, letting out a sigh as he felt his ears and face flush red. Eve nodded, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.

“Right, thanks,” Eve said, pushing her cup away from her. “I suppose I should go back to bed. Get some sleep commander, you look like you need it,” Eve said, standing up from the table and swiftly turning towards the door.

“Eve I-“ he began, however when he looked up the elf was already gone. “Andraste guide me,” Cullen huffed, resting his forehead against the table.

______________________________________________________________

“Let me get this right, he said, ‘you’re a great friend’?” Dorian asked, his eyes wide as his hand covered his mouth. Eve groaned, her forehead resting on the table in the Herald's Rest. The tavern was mostly empty, probably because it was mid morning and most people had jobs to attend to. 

“Oh, that’s rough Boss,” Iron Bull said, tossing back a mug of ale. He slammed it down on the table, eliciting a huff from the mage sat beside him.

“Ugh, thanks Bull,” Eve sighed, softly hitting her forehead against the table.

“My dear, I think your commander might be a bit daft,” Dorian chuckled, watching as Eve sat up and rolled her eyes at him. She leaned her elbow against the table, resting her chin in her hand.

“The more likely scenario is that I’ve made this whole thing up in my head,” she huffed, reaching for a bottle of wine on the table and taking a long swig. 

“By the Maker, Eve. Don’t you Dalish use glasses,” Dorian huffed, pulling the bottle away from her. “Besides, everyone in Thedas can tell the commander has a thing for you. He turns red just at the mention of your name,” he said, pouring some more wine into his glass. Eve rolled her eyes at the other mage, threading her fingers through her white hair.

“This feels more like a ‘drown my sorrows straight from the bottle’ kind of moment, don't you think?” Eve huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“I’ll drink to that!” Bull laughed, grabbing the bottle from Dorian and downing most of it in one swig.

“Eugh,” Dorian huffed with disgust, swirling the wine in his glass before taking a sip. "Go back to the part where you said he was shirtless," Dorian said, leaning back in his chair.

“What are we drinking to?”

Eve looked towards the door to see Varric entering the tavern, Bianca slung over his back. She swiped the bottle of wine from Bull, swirling it around to see if there was any left.

“My sorrows,” Eve huffed, downing the remainder of the wine and slamming the bottle on the table.

“Count me in,” Varric chuckled, taking a seat next to Eve. "What's troubling our hero this morning? Orlesian politics, all of the holes in the sky, the kitchen is out of pie?"

“The commander called Eve a ‘great friend’,” Dorian said, leaning back in his chair.

“Oof, that’s..,” Varric said, patting the elf on the back.

“It would be a lot better if we all just stopped talking about it,” Eve hissed, resting her head in her hands.

“Let me just say my piece and we can let it go,” Varric said, cocking his head at Dorian and Bull, signaling for them to leave him with the Inquisitor. Bull nodded at the dwarf, laying a hand on Dorian.

“Come on Dorian, let’s go get some more wine,” Bull said, getting up from the table. Dorian narrowed his gaze at Varric, who widened his eyes at the mage.

“Ah, yes, let’s. It’s certainly a two man job,” Dorian said, getting up from the table and flashing Eve a smile.

“Where are you two-“ Eve said, watching as the other two men swiftly made their way towards the bar.

“Here’s the thing about Curly. He's great with the soldiers. With order, discipline. He’s not so great with the touchy feely stuff. He’s been through a lot,” Varric said, his hands folded in front of him on the table.

“So what do I do, Varric? Every time I feel like there’s something there, he just, deflects,” Eve said, looking over to the dwarf.

“Have you directly told him how you feel?” Varric asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

“What? No! Of course not,” Eve huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“He’s not going to be the first one to do it, Lucky. If you truly care for the man it’ll have to come from you first,” he said, resting his hand on her shoulder.

“Ugh, I hate it when you’re right,” Eve hissed, letting her head fall back.

“And I’m always right, you must be miserable,” Varric laughed. Eve rolled her eyes, pushing his shoulder playfully. “So, you going to do it?” Varric asked after a moment.

“Do what? Now?? Certainly not,” Eve huffed, shaking her head. “I need some… time. To think,” she said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Time to think about what?” Dorian asked as he and Bull returned to the table, two bottles of wine in hand. Bull placed three wine glasses on the table.

“Dorian insisted we use these,” Bull said, rolling his eyes at Eve.

“Yes, it’s so terrible that I ask you to use a glass and not drink from the bottle like a couple of heathens,” Dorian huffed, sitting back down at the table.

“Time to think is later, time to drink is now,” Eve said, pulling a glass towards her.

“You got it, Boss,” Bull laughed, pulling the cork off of a bottle and pouring Eve a hefty glass.

“Cheers,” she mumbled, downing the whole glass in a one swig.

“Slow down there, Lucky. You're going to have a headache tomorrow,” Varric laughed.

“Maybe that’ll serve as a distraction,” she huffed, belching loudly.

"Nice one!" Bull cheered, pouring himself a glass. Eve laughed, shaking her head at him and leaning her shoulder against Varric.

"You'll be alright, Eve," Varric laughed. "Who's up for a game of Wicked Grace?"

[warpedlegacywrites]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love ❤️

Thank you for this ask @blarrghe!

Swept Away: Josephine Montilyet/Isabela. M. 75,162 words. This project was a real labor of love from start to finish. It was also the first work I ever made a concentrated effort to finishing before I published it. And the result, I think, is all the stronger for it. I adore this pairing as well, and I'm not usually given to rare pairs, but these two just sing to me. They fit so perfectly together, and I had so much fun imagining how that might happen. Major thanks to @rakshadow for being my ever-patient and ever-wise beta. And to @theluckywizard for the lovely artwork she contributed. You both helped this story take shape!

Lead Her Through the Darkness: Genfic. T. 3,121 words. One-shot. This was my first gift fic for an OC swap exchange, and I swear from start to finish I was possessed with this character. Ixchel is such an amazing protagonist and the symbolism around her, especially her name, felt such a vital piece of that, I wanted to explore that a bit. I am humbled and honored that @dreadfutures has taken this idea and run with it in her own canon. <3

Seeker, It's Cold Outside: Varric Tethras/Cassandra Pentaghast. T. 5,242 words. One-shot. Writing vitriolic banter is like 95% of the reason why I adore this pairing so much. Their dynamic is so messy, doomed from the start, but no less worthy of a story to be told just because the ending I foresee for them isn't an unambiguously happy one. It's moments like this one where I see them able to unpack themselves a little bit around each other, and that's so important for them both.

Fiercely Perish: Dorian Pavus/The Iron Bull. M. 23,033 words. Die Hard, but in Thedas. This was an April Fool's Day fic some years ago, and it remains a fic I look on fondly for how much unbridled fun it was to write. I especially love people recognizing the source material as they read and leave comments. It brings me such joy. This is also probably one of the sillier fics I've written, and I don't give myself the opportunity to lean into humor as often as angst. This is just. Fun. It's fun. I love it. ^_^

While Time Remains: Series. Cullen Rutherford/OC!mage!Trevelyan. M. 189,699 words, 2/4 planned arcs published. WIP. I'm cheating a little bit on this one since it's a series rather than one isolated fic. But the series is one continuous story, so I think I can count that. This was the series I turned to when I stalled on my main DAI-timeline longfic. Writing this gave me a chance to finally sink my teeth into the Cullen/Theresa pairing that I was longing for so badly with my main fic's slow burn. It also helped me really start to shape my voice as a writer, learning how to pace a story so that one arc felt complete while still being part of a greater whole. And it helped me discover my strengths as a writer, and grow in my confidence. But more than that, I was able to develop Theresa and Cullen's relationship beyond my wildest dreams. They've grown just as much as I have throughout the course of writing and planning this story for them, that was only originally conceived as a sweet and lighthearted domestic fluff series of vignettes. An epic, vast-sweeping story has grown out of those humble origins, and I can't wait until it's all finished and published so people can enjoy it in its entirety! ^_^

[weaveandwood]

Hi! Welcome to my corner of the BG3 and Dragon Age fandoms! Putting this here since I want to keep my stuff easily accessible.

Here you can find my BG3 and Dragon Age fanfic and fanart. I also have screencaps and video recordings of my playthroughs tagged.

Stay a while and watch me be unhinged about Gale and my Tav Auroria! EDIT: I'm also unhinged about Wyll and my second Tav, Rosalind! EDIT EDIT: I'm also ALSO unhinged about Cullen Rutherford and my Inquisitor, Brinni Lavellan

COMMISSIONS: CLOSED (INFO HERE!)

My Art: My Art Tag My Writing: My Writing Tag

My Fic:

Weave and Woods | Read on AO3 Gale/Auroria | Slow Burn | NSFW 18+ | Ongoing

Midwinter in Waterdeep | Read on AO3 Gale/Auroria | Post Game | Angst & More Angst, Bittersweet 3 Parts | 4K words | Complete

The Bard and the Blade | Read on AO3 Wyll/Rosalind | Slow Burn | Eventual NSFW | Ongoing

One Shots - BG3 Ask Prompts status: CLOSED One shots are Gale x Auroria unless noted

Making a Cake NSFW Lavender and Vanilla NSFW Sandcastles The Hunt NSFW Going to the Market NSFW Campfire Cookout NSFW First Day of My Life Stay (Gale x Tav) NSFW Distraction (Gale x Tav) NSFW Midnight at the Elfsong (Gale x Tav) NSFW

One Shots - Dragon Age

In Hushed Whispers (Cullen POV) | Read on AO3 The First Time (Alistair x Ellaria) | Read on AO3

Gifted Art & Commissions (go follow these artists!)

Gale x Ora by darkurgetrash Gale and Auroria by goromimii Gale's Poem for Auroria by sorceresssundries Auroria by elspethdekarios Auroria by githling The Bard and the Blade by orangekittyenergy Gale x Auroria by Steamclouds Woodweave by alsoika

My Videos (just kisses) My Screenshots

[header and dividers by saradika]

[swordbisexual]

A Chest Of Pine And Iron: Chapter 3

[A note tucked in between the early pages of the first diary, bearing the remnants of a seal and two pinholes where the page was fastened to a piece of clothing.]

Herald,

I noticed during our conversation in Haven that you were without an adequate coat to guard against the cold. Furs and blankets are all well and good, but if you need to defend yourself, you’ll need both hands free and your full range of movement, if you’re to stay as deadly with that claymore as I know you can be. Please accept this coat, along with the rest of the supplies I’ve sent to the camp ahead of your arrival, and best of luck.

Regards,

Commander Cullen Rutherford

[Fenella’s diary]

25 August 9:41

The air is thicker down here. Strange, how I grew so used to Haven’s austerity in the span of days. Weeks, I suppose, though I spent two of those utterly insensate. But I take a breath now and wish the water in the air were ice instead, sharp and cold and clean. Instead, it’s thick with the morning dew and something… acrid. There’s smoke in the distance, and I wonder if I’ll be able to smell blood in the air when we finally make our way closer to Redcliffe.

Even in Ostwick, the mists felt clearer, blown in on a salt sea breeze that went in and out with the tide. I miss that too, even if I don’t miss the city’s double walls or being stuck behind them. I ought to work on writing to Father and Mother while I’m out here, or Josephine will have my head when I return, or at least have me sit down across from her at her desk and not leave until the task is done. There are worse tasks I could be about, but there’s better, too. I could be recording the drakestone samples I’ve been tasked to collect, for instance, or perhaps trying my best to convince Commander Rutherford to let me join in with training the recruits.

Insufferable man. He’ll commend my skill with a sword in one breath and then act as if I’m in need of his protection before he can even draw the next. The coat he sent with our other supplies is sitting at the foot of my bedroll right now, still folded up, and far too bulky for the last heat of summer. It is well made, I’ll give him that, eminently practical and with only a little fur around the collar and cuffs, just enough to keep the biting winds - that I will, again, not be experiencing in these Hinterlands - from slipping through. All for the sake of movement that he likely won’t even let me test out in the yard.

Insufferable.

Cassandra awaits me. She has taken it upon herself to act as my guard, instructed by the Commander, no doubt. Even on a hike to collect stone for requisition, I’m apparently in need of a guard at all times. I prefer to think of it as company, even though Cassandra has been too terse to be considered such by the usual standards of etiquette. Fortunately for me, and for her as well, I prefer silence to standards, when there’s nothing to be said.

—

I spoke with Varric after dinner tonight, sitting by the fire with my field journal and he with a journal of his own. Penning the next of his adventure stories, I assume, though when I asked if that’s what he was working on, he just gave me the same wry smirk he did when I complimented him on his crossbow. “Do you like being asked about what you’re always writing in that diary of yours?”

I held up my journal, where I’d started shading in one of the many spikes that jut out from a typical crystal of drakestone. “I’m doing work for the Inquisition.”

“Not that one.” He tapped his fingers on the open page in his lap as he waited for the ink to dry. “The other one. The one where you’ll write about this little chat of ours later on.”

I remembered the wary look Cassandra shot him when we found him with Solas on our way to the Breach, and her pointed remarks about his tendency to lie. I also remembered the wide berth he gave us both when we departed camp this afternoon, and the look he gave us when we returned. I winced and put my pencil down. “Not an official record, I can tell you that.”

Varric snorted. “You’re the Herald of Andraste. They’ll find a way to make it record, mark my words.”

What a horrible thought. If anyone is reading this after I’m long gone, I will warn you now: this is not an official history, and is in fact personal, and will be frighteningly personal and dull throughout. The Chantry should have better things to worry about than what the Herald of Andraste ate for breakfast.

(Boiled eggs and brown bread, if there’s to be a record. Reliably filling, though sorely lacking in even simple seasoning out here in camp, as if packing a salt cellar was just too much to ask. I must acquire one of my own when we return for resupply.)

To Varric, I simply shrugged. “It’s only what’s true.”

“According to you.” He delivered this reply without rancor and closed the journal in his lap. “But I’m still happy to sit and spin a yarn.”

It was my turn to snort. “I always hated spinning.”

This earned me a chuckle, and I felt my heart lighten at the sound. There’s something of both Matthias and Geordie in Varric, both in his relaxed manner and in the way he makes me feel as if I’m in on a secret whenever we speak. The feeling of family the familiar has been hard to come by, and while he’s not my brother by birth, I suppose I’ve already begun to think of Varric as a brother by circumstance.

He laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back in his seat. “What are you collecting drakestone for?”

I lifted my shoulder in a shrug again. “A geological survey, I’ve been told. Every scrap of knowledge the Inquisition can get seems like it will be valuable.”

“Knowledge, eh?” Varric lifted his chin to point towards the jagged lump of stone balanced on my knee. “Did you know it can be explosive?”

I must have looked at the stone in real horror, because he just chuckled and shook his head. “Not in that form,” he added. “But ground down and mixed with sela petrae?” He spread both his hands out in the air on either side of his head. “Boom.”

I picked up the drakestone and gingerly tucked it into the pocket of my bag where it lay open at my feet. Explosives would be something Varric knows well, if he were present at Kirkwall. The explosion of the Chantry there rattled all of the Free Marches, even Ostwick behind its double walls. I’ve only been able to piece together his involvement, if he was directly involved at all: I know he was questioned by Cassandra for certain, and that whatever she got out of him must have been less than satisfactory. I could have asked about Cassandra, or about the mysterious Champion, but neither of those Cs were what came out of my mouth when I finally opened it again. “Did you know the Commander, then?”

Varric leaned back again, returning his hands to their laced place behind his head. “Cullen? A little.” He crossed one ankle over the other, ticking his foot back and forth in a steady rhythm, though to what tune, only he knew. “He did… what he believed was right. Always has, from what I can tell.”

I should have let the matter drop, as there’s no reason for me to need to know every little detail of Commander Rutherford’s past beyond the most basic and vital. But I thought of the coat, folded up back in my tent, and of the way he’d stumbled over his words when I asked about the severity of his vows, and I had to know. “He seems a good man.”

“He tries to be, in whatever circumstance.” Varric picked his journal back up. “Though whether the circumstance is a good one? Well. That’s a little more complicated.”

I returned to my own journal, intent on capturing the strange flame-like luminosity of the drakestone as best I could with only dull gray lead at my disposal. “So it seems.”

--

[Another folded note, tucked inside of the note from Commander Rutherford that accompanied the supply cache containing the coat. The paper is feathered at the edges, and the creases along its middle are soft, as if from being folded and unfolded several times over, handled often.]

Commander Rutherford,

It was solicitous of you to notice my lack of a heavy winter coat while wandering around Haven. Unfortunately, the weather off the mountain is far warmer, and I’ve little need for a coat. In fact, even my mail feels too heavy and hot out here, and I start to long for the Frostback winds and snows.

If I didn’t know better, I would say you’re being a bit patronizing. Oh, I know you aren’t, and I know you mean well, and I know I ought to be gracious. But I felt it worth mentioning all the same, lest you think I’m letting you off scot-free.

However, I will simply accept this contribution to the Inquistion’s efforts, and to my general warmth and well-being, with as much grace as I can muster. At the very least, I know it will come in useful once I have returned, and I look forward to wearing the coat the next time we meet in the training yard.

Yours,

Herald Fenella Trevelyan

[At the bottom of the page, written in Commander Rutherford’s hand, are three words. The ink is slightly darker, likely newer, as if added to the note before returning it to the Inquisitor for her safekeeping.]

I knew then.

[randomnonsensedragonage]

A Rival?

Selana Lavellan x Solas (pre-relationship); Background Rora Surana x Cullen Rutherford - 1283 words

Summary: Selana is starting to become interested in Solas, but is worried she has competition in the form of Solas' new assistant.

A/N: This fic features a little cameo from Rora, who is the warden in my main DA canon. I always had this AU idea of her showing up and helping the Inquisition if she doesn't get recruited by Duncan. I thought it would be fun to include her in this universe, and this is the result!

Read on Ao3

When Selana entered the cabin where Solas had set up his research station, he was hunched over one of the long tables with his new assistant, Rora, beside him. They appeared deep in discussion, his bald head and her brunette head nearly touching. Selana’s stomach twisted.

Rora Surana had arrived just a few weeks ago, one of the many new souls making their way to Haven as news of the Inquisition spread. She was an elven apostate as well—though unlike Solas, she was originally from a Circle—and was quickly put to work assisting Solas with his research. From what Selana was told, Rora was a talented mage and researcher with a strong interest in the Fade. It was a perfect fit.

Selana cleared her throat, and they both looked up. Solas straightened, coming over to greet her.

“You have returned,” he said.

Rora, hanging back at the table, nodded at her. “Hello, Herald,” she said in a soft voice.

Selana nodded back. Rora seemed perfectly nice, very polite and diligent. She was sure Rora’s relationship with Solas was purely professional. And even if it wasn’t, that didn’t matter. Solas was a good friend, and that was all.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Selana said, turning to Solas. “I wanted to show you something.”

Solas’ eyes gleamed with interest. Selana pulled out the small object, wrapped in a plain, white handkerchief lent to her by Varric.

“I found this near a rift,” she said. “Vivienne thought it might have been touched by the Fade in some way.”

Solas took it and unwrapped it, revealing a piece of obsidian shot through with green light the same color as Selana’s mark.

Solas held the rock up to the light, eyes narrowed.

“I’m not sure how significant it is,” she said, “but I thought you might want to take a look at it.”

And it made me think of you, she thought.

Solas smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “It is quite fascinating. Rora?”

His assistant stood up, hurrying over with a clipboard.

“Will you add this to the sample table?” he said.

She nodded, and Selana’s heart sank as she watched Rora take the rock and add it to a table laden with other, similar objects.

Things had been odd between Selana and Solas ever since that day several weeks ago. They’d been chatting at their usual spot, and Selana asked him about himself, particularly his interest in the Fade. He explained how he became a traveler in order to see more of it.

“To find interesting areas, one must be interesting,” he said.

“Well, it’s not the worst reason I’ve heard to go out and enjoy life,” Selana said.

“I am glad to hear it,” he said. “In truth, I have enjoyed experiencing more of life to find more of the Fade.”

“How so?”

“You train to flick a dagger or an arrow to its target. The grace with which you move is a pleasing side benefit.”

Selana’s mind ground to a halt, not quite understanding what he was saying. Unsure what else to do, she laughed.

“So, you’re suggesting I’m graceful?” she said.

Her tone was joking, but his expression was completely serious when he responded.

“No,” he said, meeting her eyes. “I am declaring it. It was not a subject for debate.”

A shiver passed through her at the memory, and not an unpleasant one.

Until that moment, it never occurred to Selana that Solas might be attracted to her, nor had she considered him a romantic prospect. She didn’t join the Inquisition for that. All she wanted was to close the Breach and get home as soon as possible.

But now that the door was open, she couldn’t help noticing Solas in a new way. When they talked now, she noticed things like the broadness of his shoulders, and the way his peaceful presence calmed her. It was confusing, distracting, and not altogether welcome when there was so much to worry about.

The next day, Selana returned to find Solas and Rora standing together outside the cabin, in the same spot where she and Solas often chatted. Solas said something to Rora that Selana couldn’t hear, and they both laughed. Selana watched Solas’ face, the way his eyes crinkled with amusement when he laughed, and felt another twinge of jealousy. The two of them were so right together, Solas broad-shouldered and neatly dressed, the taller of the two, and Rora so small and dainty, with long, light brown hair that always seemed to shine. Selana couldn’t help but think of her own appearance, her boney, muscular frame, and her dull brown, unmanageably curly hair that she needed to wrangle into a ponytail to control at all.

She hung back for a moment, and considered leaving. But then Rora gave Solas a wave and headed back inside the research cabin. Selana approached.

She couldn’t tell if he was glad to see her. There was a happy glow to his face, but maybe that was just from talking to Rora.

“Did you get a chance to look at that sample?” she asked, by way of conversation.

“Not yet,” Solas said. “There is much to do.”

Selana’s heart sank, more than she would have liked.

“You and Rora seem to be getting along,” she said. She thought her voice sounded bitter, even to herself, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Oh yes,” he said. “She has proven quite helpful. Her knowledge of the Fade is surprisingly in-depth.”

Selana’s heart squeezed. She knew she was no match for Rora when it came to magical knowledge.

“That’s… great,” she said. She cleared her throat. “Must be nice to have someone to talk to who’s on your level.”

She must have done a poor job hiding her feelings, because Solas’ expression shifted to one of concern.

“Rora is a fine assistant,” he said. “But when the work is over, you are the one I most look forward to speaking with.”

Selana swallowed around the lump in her throat.

“Why, though?” she said. “I don’t know anything about the Fade, or about magic.”

“That is not all that matters,” Solas said. “You are still intelligent, and thoughtful. You give me new things to think about. And… you are my friend. Is that so hard to believe?”

It was unusual for him to stumble over his words, and it caught Selana off guard. But his words filled her with warmth. Even with his new assistant, Solas still took the time to speak with her, still listened to her questions with care and interest. It was silly for her to have worried. Solas was her friend, and that was all that mattered.

She smiled. “It’s not hard to believe,” she said.

Selana didn’t worry about Rora after this. Not just because of her conversation with Solas, though.

A few days later, she walked by the training grounds to see Rora and the commander chatting together. Selana was too far away to hear what they said, but she could sense a charged atmosphere, even from a distance.

She watched them curiously for a moment. Both their faces were flushed. The commander looked away, scratching the back of his neck, and Rora clasped her hands nervously as they spoke. Their conversation was punctuated with shy smiles and nervous laughs. Selana remembered then that Cullen, too, had been in a Circle in Fereldan for a time. Was it the same one Rora had come from?

Selana shook her head and walked away before they noticed her staring. None of her business, but it seemed like Rora’s interests lay elsewhere. Selana couldn’t help but smile to herself as she hurried off to visit Solas.

[honeysunai]

𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐎𝐔

Cullen Rutherford x Lavellan reader

During the two years after Corypheus' defeat, Lavellan had to leave for months on end to seek her allies to keep the Inquisition afloat. Amidst the diplomatic endeavors, a letter from Cullen finds its way to her. author’s note: I'm writing this because I absolutely love Dragon Age. It's one of my favorite game franchises and I adore Cullen. Tumblr needs more Cullen. This is probably my favourite one shot I wrote ever. wordcount: 1,3k

The days are getting frustrating.

She has been working day in and day out to keep peace between her allies to bring them to compromises over the Inquisition. She was after all, in title still, the Inquisitor. Her unwavering commitment led her to bend rules and relinquish much, driven by an unshakeable determination. A lingering sense of unease gnawed at her, as if some malevolent force lurked in the shadows, ready to exploit any moment of vulnerability. The Avvar tribes from Frostback Basin were the least helpful and indulgent in her needs. She needed their written support in the continuation of the Inquisition and be part of the protectors of the realm and with such a generous and honorable offer she was humbled.

Humbled by bitter words and disapprovals beyond measures. After two days of diplomatic quarrels and revisiting the pros and cons of their alliances they still hadn't made up their mind.

She sat at a desk made of bones and dark wood with her head in her hands. She had to come to the realization that soon it would be the end. No one believed the Inquisition useful any longer, no one believed her to be of use no more. No matter how hard she'd work to keep the fires of hope burning, it was now a mere flicker as she reminisce the past.

She missed the old days, the action, the adventure with her friends. She missed Bull and his teasing; her reading times with Cassandra when the world wasn't burning; her chess games with Dorian, her endless training with Blackwall; her drinking friend, Sera and Josephine and her stupid dancing lessons that she'd grown to love. Amidst the nostalgia, a pang of longing hit her for the one she left behind months ago to pursue her quest: her beloved, Cullen.

Closing her eyes, she let the scenes unfold in her mind's eye—the tentative glances exchanged in Haven, the warmth of their shared laughter amidst the chaos of the Inquisition's formation, and the quiet moments stolen in the tranquility of Skyhold. But one memory she'd always cherish was the day he'd invited her for a game of chess, a game Dorian has taught her and he was a very severe teacher.

The flickering candlelight bathed the room in a warm, golden glow as Lavellan and Cullen sat across from each other, an ornate chessboard laid out between them. The air hummed with anticipation, the only sound the subtle clink of chess pieces being moved.

Lavellan's fingers danced gracefully over the carved ivory pieces, her eyes alight with a strategic fervor that belied her calm demeanor. "Your move, Commander," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Cullen raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness. "I must admit, Inquisitor, I wasn't expecting such a challenge."

She grinned, capturing a pawn with a swift move. "Well, Commander, it seems elves aren't just skilled with a bow. We have a few tricks up our sleeves when it comes to chess as well."

Cullen chuckled, a warmth spreading across his face. "I'll remember to never underestimate you."

The game unfolded with a balletic precision, each move a careful dance of intellect and banter. Cullen, initially taken aback by the unexpected prowess of his opponent, watched in awe as Lavellan executed her strategies flawlessly.

As the tension mounted, Lavellan leaned back, studying the board with a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Your move, Commander. Don't tell me you're surrendering already."

Cullen's gaze met hers, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Never, Inquisitor. I just enjoy keeping you on your toes."

With a triumphant smile, Lavellan declared checkmate. Cullen's surprise was evident, his eyes widening in genuine admiration. "Well played," he conceded, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Lavellan leaned in, a sly grin playing on her lips. "A game well fought, Commander. Perhaps you'll catch me off guard next time."

Cullen leaned back, a subtle twinkle in his eye as he crossed his arms. "One can only hope, Inquisitor. Surprises can be quite... captivating, after all."

The victory wasn't just in the game but in the shared laughter that followed, a playful banter that hinted at the deeper connection blossoming between them. She couldn't help but smile at the memory of that victorious chess match—the strategic moves, the playful banter, and the spark of flirtation that hinted at the beginning of something more profound between them.

They've been through the hells and back and their love was stronger than it ever was, but this didn't mean she didn't miss him any less. He was on her mind every night and every morning, wishing he'd be there next to her. He would comfort her and make her laugh to ease the frustration that plagued her.

"What would you do, Cullen?" She'd muttered under her breath while pinching the bridge of her nose.

A knock on the door of her cabin echoed and she rushed to opened the door hoping to receive positive news of the clan chiefs, but was met with a messenger from Skyhold.

"Inquisitor, a letter for you." The man offered her the folded parchment with the sigil of Kirkwall molded in the red wax that held the paper from revealing the words written inside. She thanked the man and returned to her desk with her eyes glued on the wax seal. The Inquisitor's heart raced as she carefully unfolded the parchment, a mix of anticipation and longing swirling within her chest.

"My Dearest Vhenan,

I find myself surrounded by the quiet shadows of Skyhold, the empty halls echoing with the absence of your laughter. In these moments, I am acutely aware of the words I struggle to say, the gestures I fumble, and the emotions that elude my grasp. So, in the silence that separates us, I turn to this parchment, attempting to weave the sentiments I cannot articulate in person.

The future of the Inquisition has scattered us like leaves in the wind, and each step away from you feels like a stumble in the dark. It is in these quiet spaces, where your presence is most keenly missed, that I realize the depth of what we shared. You, my love, are the melody in the chaos, the anchor in the storm, and the warmth in the cold solitude.

I am not gifted with eloquence when it comes to matters of the heart, and my attempts at grand gestures often fall short. Yet, in the silent chambers of my thoughts, you are ever present, a constant hum in the background of my consciousness. Your courage, your kindness, and the way your eyes light up with passion have become the compass guiding my way.

As we find ourselves on separate paths, know that you are the sun on my horizon, the spark that refuses to be extinguished. I miss you more than words can convey, and with each passing day, the ache of your absence grows. Every quiet moment serves as a reminder of your touch, and every fleeting memory stirs a longing within me.

In these lines, I attempt to bridge the distance that stretches between us, to convey what my stumbling words fail to express. Until the day our paths cross again, carry with you the truth that you are missed, loved, and cherished beyond measure. The ink on this parchment may be a poor substitute for the warmth of my embrace, but it carries the essence of a heart that beats for you.

Yours, always and with all that I am,

Cullen" With each word, she felt the weight of Cullen's emotions, the sincerity of his struggles to express what lay in the depths of his heart. A tender smile curved her lips as the ink on the page painted a vivid picture of his love.

Her fingers traced the lines of the letter, as if seeking a tangible connection to the man who had become her anchor in the chaos of Thedas. The sincerity of his words resonated within her, echoing the sentiments she had sensed but had not dared to voice aloud.

As she reached the end of the letter, a gentle warmth enveloped her, like a soft embrace that bridged the physical distance between them. Tears welled in her eyes, not from sorrow, but from the overwhelming realization that she was deeply, wholly loved. In that solitary moment, she felt an unspoken bond, a connection that transcended the miles that now lay between them. With a soft sigh, she whispered, "I'll be with you soon, vhenan," as if the wind could carry her words across the continent.

[bioware-bard]

Seated in Sentiment

Seated in Sentiment (1871 words) by bioware_bard Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Dragon Age: Inquisition Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Female Inquisitor/Cullen Rutherford, Cullen Rutherford/Female Trevelyan, Female Lavellan/Cullen Rutherford Characters: Cullen Rutherford, Female Trevelyan (Dragon Age), Female Inquisitor (Dragon Age), Female Lavellan (Dragon Age), Jim (Dragon Age) Additional Tags: Romance, Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Kissing, Plotless, One Shot Summary: The Inquisitor would like her Commander to take a break. (yeah, that's it. this is just a random, fluffy scene that wanted to be written.)

[inquisimer]

fic recs

On this fanfic writer appreciation day, I'm going to take a moment to be sappy and sentimental. Whether I knew it or not at the time, fanfiction has gotten me through some Shit™. Even when I had no motivation to keep going irl, I could always count on ffn or ao3 to have that next chapter, that beautifully crafted one shot, that comfort fic that would make an awful day worthwhile. And when I say I could count on ffn or ao3, I mean I could count on the humans behind the usernames who were posting little pieces of themselves online for all the world to share in. So thank you - to my favorite writers, to those I have yet to find, to the ones who write long fics and the ones who write one shots. Thank you to the consistent updaters and the ones who've never posted anything at all. Thank you for being here and I hope you keep going, whatever fic writing means to you.

I've been lucky to meet some amazing people through this hobby and it's opened up spaces to me that I didn't even know I needed. Places of support and kindness and sharing and community and I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made there for anything else.

Thank you everyone for helping make that space possible💜

And now some fic recs! Because my sappiness has sources and you should all check these out (or at least mark them for when you have spoons later):

One-Shots:

Things my heart used to know (things it yearns to remember) by NiriKeehan (@nirikeehan)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Cullen Rutherford/Female Lavellan | Rated: T | 3,647 words Unquestionably one of my favorite pieces, a gift I received as part of the DAFF Discord Server 2023 OC Swap event. NiriKeehan beautifully captured the rocky relationship between my oc Neria Surana Lavellan and Cullen and filled in gaps in their history that I'd been struggling with since her inception. Set after the Inquisition arrives at Skyhold, Neria and Cullen work to find common ground despite their tumultuous past and the insanity of their present. Features: Cullen is good at his job, idiots in love, mage-templar dynamics

Cinnamon by Exalted_Dawn (@exalted-dawn-drabbles)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Calder Eikmann/Talena Ethera | Rated: M | 2,870 words My go-to fluff piece!! Calder and Talenna snuggle and share a sweet (and spicy) moment of peace. Oh, and Calder implies that Talenna (a Dalish elf who has left her clan) is part of his family and his mom thinks so too (I'm super normal about it). Features: tooth-rotting fluff, elf-human relationships, masterful dialogue, love is stored in the apple cider

Lead Her Through the Darkness by BECandCall (@warpedlegacywrites)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Gen, Female Lavellan | Rated: T | 3,121 words A beautiful character study of the moment @dreadfutures' Ixchel Lavellan chose her name. BECandCall does an incredible job with the internal monologue of a child and her prose and symbolism are expertly and beautifully crafted. Features: character study, genfic, ancient ruins, Evanuris, descriptive and immersive POV

last man standing (perhaps) by havvke (Wintertree)

Dragon Age: II | Carver Hawke & Charade Amell & Female Hawke | Rated: T | 6,749 words I'm a little insane about Charade Amell and how little we get of her in canon, so this gift I received as part of the 2023 Platonic Ideal Exchange was an absolute treat. It explores Charade's relationship (or lack thereof) with both Carver and Hawke, expands on her role with the Jennies, and packs a punch with the grief that is almost a given in any story about Hawke. Features: Warden Carver, new POV of canon events, canon-compliant exploration, families of choice

the things we carry by patho (ghostsoldier)

Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall | Daud, The Whalers | Rated: T | 4,158 words *shows up ten years late to the Dishonored fandom* *subjects you all to it anyway* so like. I know everyone followed me for Dragon Age. This is a Dragon Age centric blog. But it's my rec post and these Dishonored one shots have been clawing at my heart SO go play the games and then come back and read these fics 😂 This one is just absolutely heart-wrenching angst, as Daud and the Whalers deal with the aftermath of a tragedy. Features: found family, found family but slightly to the left, grief & mourning, betrayal, death, hurt/no comfort

the four times daud summoned a whaler who was totally unprepared for it (and the one time they were) by patho (ghostsoldier)

Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall | Daud, The Whalers | Rated: T | 1,705 words Unlike the other Dishonored fic on this list, this one is just fluff, fluff, and more fluff. I am a huge fan of when writers interpret game mechanics into narrative format and patho does that SO well here, I could literally picture this happening in the game and it was just a joy to read. Features: found family, humor, begrudging father-figure, slice of life

Long Fics:

Dead Pasts and Dread Futures by youworeblue (@dreadfutures)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Female Lavellan/Solas | Rated: E | Chapters: 170/170 | Complete | CW: depressive & suicidal themes It is flat out impossible for me to articulate a recommendation for this fic, but hell if I'm not going to try anyway. Ixchel Lavellan's story starts with her suicide - and continues with the journey of how she gets better. It is such a rare thing to find a story of recovery that captures the ups and downs, the highs and lows in a way that resonates with reality, but Blue does it. I don't know how, but she does it. Ixchel struggles, she doubts, she despairs, but she always finds a way forward. Despite or in spite of all the world throws at her, she tries to trust and she tries to hope and she keeps fighting. It's a story about choosing hope, even when no one would expect you to. It's a story of platonic love and empathy and morality and theory and lore and minor characters and so much more that I could fill an entire post with this fic alone. This was one of the first DA fics I ever read and it's one I've come back to over and over again. Because it's the kind of message you need to hear that many times and every time I read it I fall in love with Ixchel, her story, and the world and narrative that Blue has crafted a little bit more. If you only have the spoons to invest in one long fic, this is the one💜 It, and the sequel The Brave Guide, are absolutely worth your time.

A Fool's Death and a Hard Choice by RosellaWrites (@rosella-writes)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Loghain Mac Tir/Morrigan | Rated: M | Chapters: 12/12 | Complete A masterful exploration of what the reunion between Loghain and Morrigan who completed the Dark Ritual during Origins would look like. RosellaWrites has the biggest brain ideas about characters that most people gloss over or vilify - including me! I was such a Loghain hater before they started me chewing on his character and this fic is no exception. They interpret Loghain's harshness and Morrigan's aloofness into the multifaceted, heart-breaking characters that they are. This fic will win you over and break your heart exactly when you expect it (and again when you don't). Features: Warden Loghain, Kieran, Morrigan is a good mother, appearances by Hawke, Merrill, Zevran, and Mahariel, character study, beautiful descriptive prose

Boundless by Exalted_Dawn (@exalted-dawn-drabbles)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Calder Eikmann/Talenna Ethera | Rated: E | Chapters: 7/? | Ongoing We get so sparingly little of regular life inside the Circle of Magi, I'm a slut for fics that explore that environment. In this one, Ed explores what is "normal" for a circle mage and how Talenna, as a Dalish elf forced into the Circle, experiences, handles, and fights back against that. Talenna is a spitfire and she plays off the other characters that Ed created in a tantalizingly intense narrative. A must read for circle mage, Templar, and Dalish lovers alike! Features: day-to-day life in a Circle tower, mage-templar dynamics, hurt/comfort, star-crossed lovers, fluff and angst

Letters to the Dead by Demarogue (@demawrites)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Female Lavellan/Cullen Rutherford | Rated: E | Chapters: 7/? | Ongoing This one is for the ones like me, who broke up with Solas and ran off to see if you could romance Cullen afterward - you can! It's great! And also super heartbreaking if you think about it. And Demarogue has clearly thought about it. Told through a narrative in the present and letters that Niva Lavellan writes to an absent Solas, she weaves a tale of loss, grief, mourning, and (ultimately) recovery, with enough humor to break the tension along the way. Features: solavellan breakup, post-Corypheus battle Inquisition, unresolved tension of all kinds, beautiful exploration of how Cullen would feel about being Lavellan's rebound, idiots to lovers, friends to lovers

Keeping Secrets by ElvenSemi (@elvensemi)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Original Female Character/Solas | Rated: E | Chapters: 114/? | Ongoing Another one of my comfort fics, no question. This fic is heavy on the plot in all of the best ways - ElvenSemi's OC Emma is the linguist that the Inquisition hires to translate the dragon tome for Frederic of Serault. I love when authors fill in the gaps of canon or bend the canon details to fit their own ideas like that and it works SO well here. Emma is smooth and awkward and clever - she's well thought out and full of surprises and ElvenSemi writes with a strong voice that's a joy to read. It's the Inquisition behind the scenes, from the perspective of one of the people they're sheltering, rather than the higher ups who are running things (although there's certainly some of that too). Features: Skyhold lore and meta, lore and meta in general, the slowest burn Solas arc, lots of Bull/Chargers content, a very well done Sera subplot, so many minor characters in the most interesting ways, sad Tabris content, literally the Worst™ Inquisitor and Hawke ever (affectionate. kind of.), scary Leliana & Cassandra, bestie Dorian & bestie Varric, bards! so much barding, angst and hurt/comfort to the MAX

Temperance and Templars by NiriKeehan (@nirikeehan)

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Female Trevelyan/Cullen Rutherford | Rated: M | Chapters: 4/? | Ongoing A Jane Austen-inspired AU where Cullen is a private Templar hired by the Trevelyans to keep their mage daughter under control without taking her to the Circle. Cullen has other orders from his superiors, of course. I love a canon-adjacent AU (where the characters could be like this, even if they aren't actually) and this is no exception. It's a light and fluffy story for the most part, and explores what Cullen and the Inquisitor's dynamic might have been like if they were a bit younger (and not responsible for saving the world from multiple crises). Features: mage-templar dynamics, nobility, protector/protectee dynamics, lyrium addiction, political intrigue, Cullen has PTSD

From the Depths of the Void by kawakaeguri

Dragon Age: Inquisition | Cullen Rutherford/Original Female Character, Cullen Rutherford/Female Trevelyan | Rated: M | Chapters: 94/? | Ongoing Another one that's heavy on the plot in a very well done way! It also does one of my favorite things, which is weave together a character's arc across multiple games, namely DA2 & DAI. Liviana is a slave in Tevinter until she escapes and makes her way to Kirkwall. This fic tells the story of her stumbling, failing, learning, and growing, from where she enters during DA2 through Inquisition. It expands on the gaps between games and kawakaeguri's ideas about how that might of looked are clever and inspired and keep you on the edge of your seat while you read. Liviana as an OC has an incredibly well done backstory, that is both fleshed out and consistent throughout the story and will have you falling in love with her as I did. Features: well-developed platonic relationships galore, DA2 crew so well written, Liviana and Fenris bonding over Tevinter Slave Experiences™, a brief Liviana/Sebastian fling that explores learning what love is (and what it isn't), well-developed friendship that predates the romantic relationship, tie in of events from the comics, narratively satisfying reworking of canon backstory, character growth in so many ways for so many characters, well-structured subplots

[bitchesofostwick]

self-rec tag game

thank you for tagging me, @shivunin + @isayashai+ @vakarians-babe !! 

Rules: Share five of your own fanworks (fic, art, etc.). Then, tag five more people to share the things they've made.

1. something you absolutely adore: A World Alone (or as i’ve affectionately abbreviated it, AWA), a dragon age fic. it’s definitely my ~magnum opus~ of fics; it’s a complete, 250k words, enemies-to-lovers cullen rutherford/inquisitor trevelyan fic and i put my entire soul into it. it’s a study of addiction and mental health and love and learning and self-betterment. and i love it. and maybe you will too.

2. something that was challenging to create: probably my little mass effect shenko trilogy (begin again, a matter of trust, and rebirth). i was having a tough time writing during this period, and when i have writer’s block, i find it easier to write smaller vignettes of a story than to work on a long fic. but i really wanted to flesh out the complications of mylo and kaidan’s relationship over the course of the second and third games, so i needed to fix it myself lol.

3. something that makes you laugh (or smile, if that fits more comfortably): Corsairs on an Open Sea. it’s just a little one-shot of aurelia hawke and fenris being silly.

4. something that surprised you (in how it turned out, how much other people liked it, etc.): Cullen, Marksman. i’m not confident in writing smut, but apparently a lot of people didn’t mind when i wrote this fic.

5. something you want other people to see: The Best-Laid Plans. it’s the only fic i’ve written for the outer worlds fandom, but it was really fun. the romance is friends-with-benefits-to-lovers, and it’s an examination of loneliness and vulnerability through a sort of light-hearted and fun lens.

no-pressure tags: @captaintiny @captastra @greenteabtch @vvakarians @sunflowerdales @nabulsi @zevrn

[esta-elavaris]

tag writing game

Thank you to the lovely @ass-deep-in-demons for tagging me! 💜

If you are a writer, share a piece of your yet unfinished writing. Can be a sentence or a dialogue or anything really. Short, long, whatever. I want to see what you all are working on and admire some amazing writing. I think it might be fun. Here is mine from forever unfinished one shot.

This is a snippet from the next chapter of Free, my Dragon Age: Inquisition modern!royalty!AU ft. Cullen Rutherford and an f!Trevelyan

“Thank you for tonight,” he said. “It…meant a lot. The amount of support you were able to foster.” “You must give yourself some credit, Cullen,” she said softly. “I just shone a light on your cause. If there was nothing worthy beneath that light – including in its leadership – our efforts would not have been half so successful as they were.” “Two people in one car who cannot accept due credit for a single thing,” he teased drily. “We’ll drive each other mad before long.” “We’ll have to acquire a jar. Every time someone won’t accept a compliment, we put money in it.” “If it comes to that, I’ll have to start dipping into charity funds – and then it’ll reflect poorly on both of us. Me for my mismanagement, and you for supporting it.” “Yes, but it seems far easier than simply smiling and saying thank you when one of us compliments the other.” Cullen gave a low chuckle – and Evelyn discovered then that even laughs could be handsome. “You have me there.”

[weaveandwood]

WIP Wednesday

I was tagged by @alpydk (thank youuuuuu friend!) and several people over the last couple weeks to post WIPs. Well, truth is, I've been suffering from writer's block. After I published Midnight at the Elfsong, all desire to write left me, so I took a break. And that break led to me starting to play Dragon Age: Inquisition along with a few friends here and that led to me getting the most intense brain rot that I've had since I discovered Gale Dekarios.

I haven't felt this inspired in a long time, and as someone who lost their creative spark for 8 years, I am determined to follow where it goes - I will not lose it again. And right now, it is heading down a Dragon Age path. In writing for this new fandom, I'm finding that the BG3 portion of my brain that was locked down is finally starting to come unlocked so hopefully I can update Weave and Woods and The Bard and The Blade (and write more smutty one shots!) soon.

For now, I am following the path my creativity leads me, wherever that is, and now, in addition to Baldur's Gate, my blog will feature my own Dragon Age works (I have already been reblogging stuff, but this feels like an announcement).

I hope you'll stick around! I'm not going anywhere in the BG3 fandom, I'm still thirsty for Gale. I'm just also REALLY thirsty for Cullen Rutherford and Warden Blackwall and want to show my love, even if I am 10 years late.

That said! Here is a snippet from something I wrote today about my Inquisitor Brinni, a dual-wielding rogue elf.

Brinni. Beloved and favored of the Keeper of Clan Lavellan. Hunter.  Spy. Suspect. Prisoner. Herald of Andraste. Brinni. Who even am I anymore? Brinni thought as she leaned against the heavy stone gate, staring out over the lake that Haven overlooked.  Haven. For who? Not her.  She was to stay here, help the Inquisition as the Herald of Andraste. She kicked an errant rock on the ground, her mood as cold as the weather. All around her she heard whispers, the skeptics and faithful both talking about the Herald of Andraste.  Did you hear? She closed the rift, sent by Andraste herself! An elf? Chosen by Andraste? But I thought she was a prisoner for killing The Divine? She laughed to herself. She was no herald. She was just someone who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and found herself embroiled in…whatever this was. Surrounded by more humans than she had ever seen in her life and eyed with suspicion wherever she went. She wished she could remember what happened. She wished her Keeper had not chosen her to attend the Conclave. She wished she was back in the wilderness of the northern Free Marches, hunting with her clan mates, her friends, her family. Her eyes stung with tears that would remain unshed. There were too many watching her, and she would not give them anything else to gossip about. She knew she should make the rounds, start talking to these new people that surrounded her, but she wasn’t ready to leave Brinni the hunter behind and become Brinni the Herald.  So she stared at the water some more. The lake’s gentle waves coupled with the rhythmic clangs of steel from the training area soothed her. She instinctively reached over her head for her dagger, remembering they were safely tucked away in her quarters. She wanted to train, to fight, to hunt, but all she could do was stand, watch, and be watched.