#cylan surana

[loveydoveypiperwright]

“Maman, I’m tired! Why can’t we be sleeping somewhere warm?” Cylan whined, shivering in the night air.

“Hush now little one, be still. We’re close.” Returned Ayesleigh, standing at the edge of the Dragonbone Wastes.

Thoughts floated back to her. Previous adventures. Previous friends. Some she hadn’t seen since. Slaying Mother with the young Wardens… Hunting down a Dalish book alongside Ariane and Finn… Morrigan.

A low boof emitted from the elderly mabari, tearing her away from her lonely gaze. Ayesleigh smiled sadly, dragging her fingers along the canine’s scalp.

Ayesleigh bounced the toddler further up her hip, tightening her grip. She cast Repulsion Field, moving throughout the boneyard.

Once inside the tower, the atmosphere darkened. Every breath felt like a paperweight on the tongue. A certain eerieness danced amongst the dust floating about in the moonlight.

The tower still had been littered in bits of Mother’s tendrils, egg sacks, and other viscera. In all this time, the world had left this place untouched. Following the same path as she had once before, Ayesleigh came face to face with the Eluvian.

Walking off the path, she set the toddler near the camp logs she had seen years past; A spark flew from her palm, igniting a small fire. The dog circled them, keeping Cylan company. Planting a small kiss on the boy, she left the two, approaching the Eluvian.

The Eluvian looked to be a simple mirror, reflecting her image back to her. She stared at herself, looking deep into her own eyes. She had seen war, murder, deception, grief, and some of everything else. Is this who I was supposed to be? Is this fate?

She shook the thought from her head, dragging her hand across, similarly to Morrigan’s own actions. The mirror flickered, a number of swirls dotting the glass. A magical purple fog draped it, truly indicating entry.

Ayesleigh came back to the fire, picking up the sleeping child, Cylan grumbling shyly. The dog got up as well, but she hushed him to lay back down.

“It is unsafe for those not of elven blood, I cannot bring you along. Do not worry, I will be back by morning. Sleep well.”

The dog cocked his head, looking at her with what could’ve been worry. She scratched his head again, adding a kiss afterward. The dog laid down again, curling around the fire’s warmth.

She slowly approached the Eluvian, staring at it. She sighed, thinking of the future.

“Turn your head away, child. This may not be pleasant.” Cylan obeyed, resting his chin on the back of her shoulder. If she knew any better, he was likely drooling all over her pauldron.

Ayesleigh stood where Morrigan had stood all those years ago. She shut her eyes, stepping through. With a flash, she was gone.

——

Upon opening her eyes, she nearly lost her balance. This isn’t the Fade. Where am I?

Everything was a strange shade of blue. Trees that looked to have grown around invisible spheres lined the plain. Fog dragged along the floor, but it almost looked rhythmic. So many Eluvians appeared here, although most had blackened or shattered.

Ayesleigh wandered to each with no specific goal in mind. Darkened. Shattered. Crooked. Very few truly seemed functional.

While inspecting a cracked Eluvian furnished in twigs and serpents, she saw an elf in white and an armored human packing their things. The elf noticed her after a moment or two, calling to the human. Ayesleigh could see their lips move quickly, yet she heard nothing.

“‘Tis worrisome to see you again, friend. What are you doing here, at The Crossroads?”

Ayesleigh turned her head from the two, staring in the direction of the voice. Morrigan stood a couple yards away, hands overlapped. Her eyes seemed to pick at Ayesleigh, intaking the sight. Her hair had changed. She looked older. Where’s Leliana? A child…

Ayesleigh exchanged one last look with the couple, smiling at them before stepping out of view. She left plenty of room between herself and Morrigan, but she yearned to be closer. She missed their friendship.

“You had said we shan’t meet unless circumstances sempt dire, but you’re the only one I trust.”

Morrigan tilted her head with a soft squint. Ayesleigh continued, “During Leliana’s Divine business, I’ve come to realize I must cure the Blight. I love Cylan, but he won’t reach his thirties with both mothers.”

Ayesleigh sighed, tucking a piece of hair from out of Cylan’s mouth. “If he goes out into the world with me, he’ll likely die. I must go alone. So, I ask of you, could you take him until my return?”

Morrigan walked towards her, overlooking the child. The sleeping child looked to be no older than six. There was nothing special about this child. He didn’t even look like her, or Leliana for that matter.

“Is he yours?”

Ayesleigh frowned slightly, “No,” she hesitated, “No, he isn’t. His mother died from her wounds in a human ambush. Cecelia, -his mother’s name- entrusted Leli and I with Cylan upon her dying breath.”

“How long will this journey take?”

“I do not know.”

Morrigan lips pinched together, air blowing out of her nostrils. She thought of her own son, Kieran. Kieran was the only reason Ayesleigh lived to ask her of Cylan’s fate.

“Very well, I will take the child in. What of Leliana? Does she know of this?”

Ayesleigh repositioned her footing, bouncing him further up her hip. “I will write to her of this, though I suspect she’ll be worried for him, disappointed for me. Time will tell.”

Ayesleigh looked to her son, her eyes lingering on his soft face. He had not known a thing of violence or hardship; innocent as a child can be. His mouth laid slightly ajar, his tiny teeth poking from behind his lips. She shook him a little, setting him on the ground.

She bent unto one knee, her palms holding his shoulders. The child yawned with a big smile.

“Cylie, do you remember what I’ve told you of Auntie Morrigan?”

“She’s a witch! She can turn into creepy things! Like spiders! Can I do that? Pleeeaase Maman?” Cylan stomped his feet happily. The corners of Morrigan’s mouth tugged at her.

“I don’t know, Cylie. I’m sure she will teach you when you’re a big, strong man!” She pat his arms, the child bursting into a hoorah!

“Hush now, Cylie. Maman has to go somewhere very special. Somewhere that’ll help Mama. You’ll have to stay with Auntie Morrigan and Cousin Kieran for a while. Will that be okay?”

“Yeah! She’s got spiders!”

Ayesleigh laughed, “Yeah, she’s got spiders. Hold on Cylie, I want you to have this.” Ayesleigh undid the clasp of a necklace around her neck. Removing the silver locket from her person, she draped it around Cylan. “Be very careful with this, Cylan. If you ever need Maman and Mama, they’ll always be with you in that locket.”

Cylan fumbled with it for a moment, before it clicked open in his face. Inside the locket were two small portraits of Ayesleigh and Leliana, looking to each other smiling, dressed in wedding clothes. He clicked it shut with a smile.

She got up, walking hand in hand with Cylan back to Morrigan’s Eluvian. Just before reaching it, a small whimper escaped the boy.

“I- I don’t want you to go Maman…” He threw himself around her leg, burrowing his head into her thigh.

She knelt once more, hugging him with all her strength. Whimpering into her chest, he began to cry. She rubbed his back, “I love you with all my heart, Cylan. Be a good boy and behave well for Auntie. Maman and Mama will be back before you know it.”

The boy nodded as he pulled away, latching his hand onto Morrigan’s. She looked down to him, feeling a sense of remorse for the two. Ayesleigh looked like she was ready to cry, herself. She ruffled the child’s hair, mouthing a thank you to Morrigan. Morrigan smiled reluctantly back.

Ayesleigh took a step through the Eluvian, disappearing with a flash.

Morrigan sighed, leading the child to another Eluvian. On the other side was a fancy room, one unlike Cylan had ever seen. Morrigan introduced the two boys, and all went on with the world.

—–

Ayesleigh was back in the tower. Echoes of water drips panged like gongs, rigging in her ears. For the first time in her life since escaping the Alienage two decades ago, she was alone.

A tear slid down her cheek, and another, and another. Cylan, Leliana, even Morrigan, meant the world to her. And she had nothing but an old dog.

She sat by the fire, pulling her tunic off and placing it on her mabari. The fire crackled, continuing off into the night. Ayesleigh rest her head on the dog, falling asleep.

Part 2.

@dreamhunter-trash

[loveydoveypiperwright]

Part One

“‘Tis time to get back to your studies, little man.” Kieran mimicked his mother, passing through Skyhold’s garden. Kieran sat down beside Cylan, who was harvesting plants with Elan Ve'mal.

Cylan continued on with the plant, speaking without looking at his cousin.

“Why 'r you ov'r here? Did she tell ya’ to leave?”

Kieran rolled his eyes, planting his palms in the grass behind him. “I was talking with the Inquisitor! But she butt in!”

Cylan looked up as he spoke, staring at Auntie Morrigan conversing with the tallest woman he’s ever seen in his life.

“The Inquisitor’s som’ kinda monster?”

“No, she’s a Qunari. Not like the other one here though. Qunari are really big and have horns!”

“Oooh, that’s cool. I wan’ horns. Think I can grow 'em?”

Kieran giggled, “I don’t think you can, silly. Most you can do is grow an inch taller!”

“Hey!” Cylan playfully punched his arm. He looked back, and the woman was out of sight.

“Now, now, children.” Elan set a pot in front of Kieran, instructing him how to plant Embrium.

—–

Morrigan patted a bit of the sludge off of Kieran’s face. The kitchen had made a lovely ram and cabbage stew, but it was sure messy.

Cylan had finished well before, fumbling with his Maman’s locket. He clicked it open, staring at the worn images of the two women.

Morrigan watched him as he did, pondering if Leliana knew of his presence here.

Minutes passed, and the three had all finished their supper.

“Kieran, would you please clean these? Cylan and I have business to attend too.”

“Yes, mother.” Kieran got up, carrying the bowls and utensils off towards the well near the stables.

Morrigan beckoned Cylan to follow. He clicked the locket shut, running after her. The two traversed up into the main hall, then off to the right into a tower.

Morrigan kept a steady pace as Cylan intook this part of the fortress. He had hoped to explore it when they arrived earlier, but the size of it all was intimidating.

An elven man at the bottom of the tower had been sitting at his desk, sketching. He stopped for a quick moment, glancing at the elven child. As they went up the steps to the second floor, it felt like every set of eyes were on him. A man with fancy armor and a robed elven lady stared at him as they passed, but they seemed more fixated on his aunt.

Nearing the third floor, over the caws of crows, a set of voices could be heard. Two or three women, maybe.

A golden lady was jotting onto a paper while the armored woman spoke. A hooded woman sat in a desk, her hands ruffled through her hair, chiming in to say something as well, but whatever they were speaking of didn’t seem urgent to Morrigan.

Morrigan approached them, looking like a sore thumb. “Leliana, when do you have any time? There’s something important I must give you.”

The two women stopped, glancing her up and down. They didn’t seem to take notice of Cylan. Leliana looked up at her, pulling her hood off, leaning forward in her chair.

“Lovely to see you again, Morrigan. I hope you’re fitting in well. What is it?”

“'Twould be a good idea to beckon off your colleagues. You’d likely not take this the way you think.”

“No, I’m sure whatever it is will help. You came on your own accord, you must have something valuable.”

“I do have something yes, but this is a matter of someone.”

The armored woman exchanged glances with the golden lady.

“And who would that be?” Leliana repositioned herself in her seat.

Morrigan beckoned for Cylan to come out from behind the travel marker. Cylan came running, standing in front of Morrigan.

Morrigan continued, “Show her your locket, Cylan.”

The ten-year-old clicked it open, facing it towards Leliana.

Leliana’s expression softened, her mouth unhinging slightly. “That’s…” She looked to the child, whose eyes had glazed over.

She smiled to him, her lips quivering, nodding her head. She slumped onto her knees as he ran around the desk. The two embraced, burying into each other’s shoulders.

Leliana looked to the other two women, gesturing with her eyes they should leave. The golden lady turned first, tapping the armored woman to follow. Once they were out of view, Leliana allowed herself weakness.

The two pulled apart. Leliana ran her hands along his arms, smiling at him. “Hello again mon chéri, it’s been a while.”

The boy nodded, tears streaming down his face. “Its been so long, Mama!”

Leliana wiped his cheek with her thumb, “Well,” Her voice cracked ever so slightly, “I’m here now.” They hugged once more. Leliana looked at Morrigan, who nodded to her and left. A number of tears fell from her chin.

——-

“So darling, why were you with Morrigan? What happened to Maman?”

The child swung his feet from a chair, watching her unlatch her boots, “Maman 'ad to leave a long time ago, f'r some mi'ty quest. She thought Auntie Morri was tha’ best to take m’ in.”

Leliana thought of the letters Ayesleigh had sent her over the years. In fact, there were only seven since Varric’s interrogation.

She remembered unfolding the very letter Ayesleigh had written about her new purpose; the pages were a crinkly yellow, some of the ink blotting the other side of the page. The cure to the Calling, if she could find it. Cylan is in good care, dearest. Both of us are not fit to take care of him for the moment. I hope in due time, when our journies are over, that we may see him again, together. I love you more than all the stars in the sky. Ayesleigh.

That had been a worrisome night. She had known of her wife’s closest contacts, and yet she felt there were a million walls between them and her. Leliana was left in the dark about Cylan for five years.

“Are you okay, Mama?” Cylan had moved from the chair, now tugging at her chainmail.

Leliana broke free of her state, looking down at him. She had begun to remove her gauntlets, but nothing came of it. She smiled at him, “I am fine, darling. It’s time to rest.”

She scooped him up, placing him in her bed. She tucked him in, pulling back the hair covering his forehead, planting a kiss.

“Mama?”

“Yes, darling?”

“When will we see Maman again?”

“Very soon, I hope.”

[loveydoveypiperwright]

ayesleigh surana x leliana for the child meme!

Thank you!! I’ve written a fic that stars their son (Part One + Part Two), so there’s a shameless plug there if y’all’re interested! Cylan is twelve (12) by the Trespasser Epilogue. 

Name: Cylan Surana

Gender: Male

General Appearance: Bronze skin, tight brown curls, small pointed ears.

Personality: Cylan's adventurous, perceptive, and reserved. 

Special Talents: Like mentioned before, he’s very perceptive for a child. He’d make a remarkable scout.

Who they like better: Not sure. For most of his life, he’s only been around one mother or guardian. I think he’d like Leliana better of the two.

Who they take after more: He takes more after Ayesleigh. Aside from the fact they’re both elves, the two have a lot of the same mannerisms. (Probably due to the fact she raised him during his toddler years. Mind developing and stuff.)

Personal Headcanon: Cylan swishes his hand around to mimic mages for fun.

Face Claim:

[loveydoveypiperwright]

Things you love about your OTPs Tag!!

Thank you @tevinter-amatus for tagging me! I've done this once before but I like I'll add onto it!! I'll tag @lavellanlov (Since you mentioned you'd like to start writing more)

Ayesleigh Surana/Leliana

Braiding each other’s hair. Ayesleigh taking Leliana to lavish shoe shops to hear her criticize each make and pinpoint which country it’s from. Keeping matching daggers in their boots. Back-against-back combat. Sparring against Cassandra. (With swords, not magic. Make it fair.) Hearty, proud smiles for ‘Victoria.’ &&& Twirling locks of hair around their finger as they're entangled in eachother's arms. Eating breakfast together near the rose garden. Kissing Victoria's hand upon greeting. Training Cylan in secret.

Lucille Hawke/Merrill

Blood magic. Taking trips with Isabela for weeks at a time. Helping Orana clean and taking her out with a night on the town with them. Learning of the elven pantheon from bits of Merrill’s speech. Helps plaster the town with recruitment posters for Aveline. Subtle feasts with Viscount Varric Tethras. &&& Sorting herbs. Watering the garden. Indulging and spoiling eachother. Butterfly kisses. Sightseeing with their daughter, Hera.

Saar Ataash Adaar/Sera

Baking. No pants/trousers at night. Sera excitedly introducing different prosthetic weapons for the stub. Adaar slowly getting Sera to turn proper for formal events. Meeting up with Dorian and The Iron Bull for an ale or something competitive. Sometimes both. Handing out cookies at Sera’s class for beginning archery. &&& Gentle fingers drifting along her skin. Words of encouragement. Sera climbing on top of Saar because she's bored. "How do I look?" "Could show more skin. ;))"