#dorian and josie have brown eyes in my heart

[sinsbymanka]

Thank you @tightassets​ for the beautiful gift art of Varric and Maria getting busy at Solas' desk! I've used it to inspire my next @twelve-days-of-da-dwarves​ prompt:  Nobody Was Stirring, Not Even a Nug

Title: Ink and Other Stains on a Page Chapter: 1/2 Word Count: 2,471 Rating: E Pairing: Female Cadash/Solas/Varric Tethras, Female Cadash/Varric Tethras, Female Cadash/Solas Additional Tags:

Summary: Varric and Maria really only got up to shenanigans at Solas' office because they both kind of missed him. A little. Not that they'll admit it. And Solas won't admit he's more aroused and amused than annoyed. But he's certainly got some creative ideas for revenge.

Read on AO3

And here’s a preview of the art and fic! Full art is on AO3!

Maria Cadash tries to pinpoint where, exactly, it all went wrong.

Falling asleep in the war room waiting for reports isn’t her finest moment. Waking up with her face buried in Cullen’s stupid mantle and finding Josephine drooling on her while Leliana studies maps in careful silence…

Well. That’s just icing on the cake.

“Still nothing to report,” Leliana murmurs while Maria works on untangling herself from Josie’s poofy skirt and Cullen’s ratty cape. “Our agents could have been delayed.”

“Could be dead,” Maria snaps.

“Perhaps.” Leliana doesn’t sound bothered, and that makes Maria want to scream. Instead she pushes her hair from her face and stands from the sofa.

Leliana’s eyes swing to her. She can feel the way she’s being weighed and half suspects the spy master is about to find her wanting. Again. “If you wish to go to bed, I will alert you when our agents return.”

“I’m fine,” Maria growls, smoothing her hands down her thighs. “I’m going to grab some of the notes Solas left when he snuck off to those blighted ruins with Dorian. May as well get some sodding work done.”

“As you wish, Inquisitor,” Leliana replies smoothly. “I’ll await your return.”

Maria tosses a lazy, disrespectful salute in Leliana’s direction before she books it for the door. As soon as she throws it open, the sudden taste of fresh air instead of choking, daunting responsibility makes her feel alive.

She should be at those ruins with Dorian, Solas, and Bull. Instead, she’s trapped in endless meetings.

The hall is silent, dark, and quiet. She slips through it like a ghost, eye on the flickering light in the rotunda. Her heart twists with a pulse of anticipation, even though she knows Solas won’t be there. Someone merely left a torch lit, and-

Except, that’s not quite the case. The man at the desk is short, solid, and scratching away at his parchment like he’s got every right to be there. But Varric Tethras always has that aura, a man sure of his place in the world if nothing else.

“I thought you said you didn’t want an office, Varric.”

His hands are too steady to spill or blot the ink, but he does still for a moment before pinning her in the doorway with his golden brown eyes. And it’s a bit of an ego boost to get the drop on the unflappable Varric Tethras, she won’t lie.

“An office would ruin my reputation as the resident loafing dwarf, Princess.” Varric sets his pen down, capping the ink in a set of quick, deft movements. “But the bed was awful lonely without you in it and I figured since nobody was using Chuckles’ desk…”

[acciowests]

Crayons and Cookies

WORD COUNT: 871

SUMMARY: Chaol has been having a stressful time at work recently. When he has to leave work early to pick up Josie, Chaol finally realises where his priorities should lie.

Chaol was busy enough being assistant CEO to the Havilliard Business, but being the Dad of a six-year-old made it a whole lot harder. Usually, his mother would pick Josefin up from school, but with her busy that afternoon and Yrene working her usual shift at the hospital, it was Chaol's job to pick up Josie and take her home. The company had been under a lot of stress lately, Dorian hardly had time to even come to work with his newborn, and Chaol had never been very good with computers, he preferred the more physical side - meetings and events that would help them with publicity and partnerships. Last night, when he was supposed to be eating dinner with his girls, he had spent it doing overtime, trying and failing at completing the documents he was supposed to have finished days ago. The fact that he was now missing the last three hours of his shift didn't help, but he would finish them one way or another.

Pulling into the parking lot, Chaol let out a sigh as he navigated his way through bikes, poorly parked vans and the array of fancy sports cars that put his own car to shame. Yrene insisted he bought one that had chairs with back support, seeing as his spine wasn't as strong after his accident. He agreed, of course, but it was times like these he wished he hadn't. Exiting the car, Chaol loosened his tie as he moved toward the school gates, seeing the young children greeting their parents, some with curled lips and others with frowns. A flash of golden skin and curly brown hair appeared before him, Josie's eyes widening as she took in her father and ran toward him. Chaol's back may have been bad, but he would always be able to lift up his daughter when she ran toward him, arms out and jumped into his arms, her legs latching around his waist.

"Daddy!" She beamed, arms wrapping around his neck.

Chaol let out a chuckle, pulling gently on one of the pigtails Josie had styled into her hair (or rather, Yrene had styled into Josie's hair) and pressing a kiss to her temple, "Hey baby girl, you have a good day?"

Josie pulled herself away, taking Chaol's hand in her small palm as they walked, "It was okay, I'm happy to see you though! I thought you'd be a work?"

"I was supposed to be but Grandma's busy so I had to come get you, that's okay right?" He explained, leading them toward the car.

"Super okay! I drew something for you today," She started, stopping and dropping her backpack to the floor. After a few moments of rifling, Josie pulled out a piece of paper brightly covered in different colours of crayon. Despite the messiness of the scrawl, Chaol was able to identify his daughter's handwriting as she passed it to him.

The first thing he noticed was the drawing at the bottom, to any other person it was just three stick figures. To him, it was Josie, Yrene and himself. They were all holding hands with big smiles on their round faces, love hearts and stars flying around their heads. Chaol read the writing next, not minding that they had stopped, Josie's little hand in his as he squinted against the sun.

"To Daddy,

I wish you didn't have to work so much, I know it makes you sad and I don't want you to be sad. I wish we could just play all the time and make cookies. I think Uncle Dorian would let us if you asked!

Lots and lots of love,

Josie."

Chaol passed the letter back to Josie, a wide smile on his face despite the sting of tears in his eyes. "Do you like it?" She asked, lifting her backpack onto her shoulder once more.

Chaol moved, picking Josie up and sitting her on his hip as they walked toward the car, "I love it. Thank you, baby."

Josie nestled her head into Chaol's neck, "You're welcome, Daddy."

Reaching the car, Chaol opened up the backdoor for Josie, helping her clip her seatbelt as she settled back against the chair, pulling out a book from her bag as he did so. With Josie locked in, Chaol moved to his seat, the car coming to life with a rumble as he pressed the keys into the ignition. He couldn't help but take a peek at his daughter's cheery face as he looked into the rear mirror, reversing as he pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the roads.

"Daddy?" Josie called, her eyes not moving away from her book, the sound of crayons against paper filling the car.

"Yes, baby?" He asked, checking the mirror quickly before returning his eyes to the road.

"Can we make cookies with Mommy later?" Her voice rang like a harmony, soft and gentle. He could never say no to that.

Chaol's lips immediately pulled into a jaw-aching smile, a breathy chuckle slipping between them, "That sounds like a great idea."

Work would just have to wait when his girls wanted to spend time with him.

* * *

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[caducityclay]

MY OC INTERVIEW I was tagged by @illusivesoul ,thank you

Julien Travelyan

Name ➔ Julien, no need for formalities

are you single ➔No, no.... let’s say my love at the moment is bathing in the northern sun

are you happy ➔ Yes. Yeah...a lot, Andraste’s grace.

are you angry ➔ Not as a state of mind, there are things that make me angry... but I try to overcome it

are your parents still married ➔ No, my mum is a widow... my dad died when I was 4

NINE FACTS

birthplace ➔ Ostwick

hair color ➔dark red.

eye color ➔ They are kinda creepy or “facinating” as Dorian says...they are brown but with very strong shades of red.

birthday ➔20 \ 03

mood ➔ me gardening under the gaze of one of Leliana’s crows, music in the distance in a sunny and cold day.

gender ➔ Male

summer or winter ➔ Winter.

morning or afternoon ➔ Morning.

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ➔ Yeah.

do you believe in love at first sight ➔ well, love is like faith... you don’t simply believe, it takes some time and when you make the final jump of faith I can say I am in love. But like faith there are some peple blessed with love at first sight so who am I to know really. I talk too much on these matters sorry.

who ended your last relationship ➔ the person I was in love did because he said that our relationship was immoral... that hurted me a lot

have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ Maybe accidentally... I am pretty popular with girls it seems, and I love to give compliments that can create misunderstanding on my intentions

are you afraid of commitments ➔no

have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ yeah I often hug Sera.

have you ever had a secret admirer ➔Secret and not so secret ones too...

have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ ... A couple of times, more often my brain breaks down

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ➔ both... 

lemonade or iced tea ➔ iced tea

cats or dogs ➔ tbh I like more wild animals or bizzare creatures... but I would say dogs

a few best friends or many regular friends ➔ I have 3 best friends. 

wild night out or romantic night in ➔ romantic night in

day or night ➔ day

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ➔ Not really.

fallen down/up the stairs ➔ both.

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ yes

wanted to disappear ➔ sometims

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ➔ smile

shorter or taller ➔slightly shorter

intelligence or attraction ➔both , luckily I never had to choose one

hook-up or relationship ➔  relationships

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ➔ it's complicated... I get along with my sister, but with my Brother there is a sort of competition going on and he doesn't like me much. I love my mum but sometimes she puts too much pressure on me

would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ that's an euphemism

have you ever gotten kicked out ➔  never

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ no but i am secretly afraid of leliana ..

do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ no... they are good people though

who is your best friend ➔ Cullen Josie and Sera are my best friends

who knows everything about you ➔ Dorian and Sera

[herald-divine-hell]

A Flutter of Amber

Request:  ooohhh ~ can we see a jealous leliana and an oblivious trevelyan at the grand game? one where Josie is trying to calm Leli down, and ftrevelyan is completely oblivious to every orlaisian noble trying to get with her??? o.O :D

A/N: I don’t think this is one of my best, but I hope you still enjoyed it! You can tell me if it’s shit. I’ll try not to be too offended! Lmao. 

The chattering of fluttered flames sing soft and low upon a string that twirls about the ballroom, mingling with music rending a gentle caress overhead. Glassy shafts of silver-white light tilted through the windows and washed over the marble floor. A haze of orange-gold mixed with lengthened shadows. Leliana could see little behind the rustling fabric of black and silver silk. Masks adorned with animal motifs seemed to have emerged as the new craze of Val Royeaux. They mixed and twirled and blended together in rippling waves of gleaming shadow and glittering light.

And Trevelyan was a lonely drifting wood in a clamoring, hungry sea. 

She stood apart from the rest, almost encased in sun-kissed light. Chestnut brown waves tumble long and soft in a shadowy veil, framing her heart-shaped, pale face. Soft, ripe lips smiled wide and freely - too freely, if you asked Leliana. Splatter of brown stars covered nose, cheeks, and forehead, a thousand constellation upon a white, creamy sky. A flush of pink shone upon her cheeks, a hint of an excessive amount of drinking. 

Nobles flocked like croaking birds, clamoring and laughing in voices pitched and shrill. Some grazes fingertips over black silk sleeves. Some lingered far too long for Leliana’s liking, cuffing fabric and staring with mouths softly parted. Her mouth twisted into a grimace, and she brought her silver goblet to her lips, sipping. The wine was sweet, but hinted at a bitterness that left her blood boiling. They gaze with hunger. Hunger for power - and any taste they could feast upon - for the ability to claim to have bedded Andraste’s Chosen. 

In the corner of Leliana’s eye, Josephine shifted, cleared her throat, and sipped long from her own goblet inlaid with gold. The Antivan placed the cup upon a rounded table seated on curved wooden legs, licking her lips to wipe away an remnant of wine. “She can handle herself, Leliana,” said Josephine, a soft smile spreading across her lips.

“I know that, Josie.” Leliana’s lips thinned. “Or rather, my mind says so.” My heart on the other hand...Trevelyan was sweet - captivating even. Always glimmering in her eyes were a desire to find something worthy, even amongst old enemies. Leliana would not had spared Alexius if she had been through what the Inquisitor had seen. Maker, she’s far too sweet for this. Perhaps even bordering on nativity, a voice whispered cruelly in the back of Leliana’s mind. Not nativity. She’s not that.   

And yet, Leliana’s heart ached, and something hot boiled in her blood and hurled her stomach violently. Trevelyan laughed merrily; and she laughed freely. She seemed not bothered by any harm that might fall upon her. There were too many crowding around her like daunting wolves surrounding prey. The first one to bite would be the victor. 

It was smoldering in her suit. She felt restrained. Even when she shifted from one foot to the other, hidden knives pressing coolly against skin, she felt far too open. 

Lady Celise Marbon rested her hand upon Trevelyan’s sleeve, scuffling up the fabric of the sleeve, and laughing the loudest out of the rustling crowd. She leaned closer, pressing herself against Trevelyan’s arm. Leliana’s jaw tightened and she grind her teeth together. That’s it.

Resting her goblet next to Josephine’s, Leliana stepped forward. A hand grasped at her covered arm, and Leliana’s nerves jumped. She twisted her gaze to her friend. “Josephine...”

“Leliana, she can handle herself.” Black eyes smoldered like coal, filled with determination and resilience, but not unkind. “You think too little of her.”

Leliana tugged her arm away, but clasped her and Josephine’s hands together. She smiled, and a blanket of exhaustion tugged heavily behind her eyelids. The wine made her skin prickle with warmth, and her bones yearned and seemed to weigh heavy like iron chains. Do I? A sense of doubt filled her. She nibbled at her bottom lip. “Oh, Josie,” she said after a few moments. “It’s not that I think too little of her...I fear the wolves hunt on and roam lands unfamiliar to her. Allow me to go and guide her.”

Josephine sighed, and it seemed to have been the first time that Leliana noticed the purple-black bags that lingered beneath the olive tan of her skin. She closed her eyes, inhaled a sharp, deep breath, and then out softly, lips parted, smiling at the corners. “You are far too stubborn for you’re own good, Leliana.” Her black eyes were twinkling softly when she opened them. Untangling her hands, her dear friend clasped them together at her waist. Nudging forward with her chin, she said, “Go on. Nothing I would say stop you. Just don’t get into any trouble.”

The Spymsater grinned. “Now who’s thinking so little?”

Josephine’s laughter rang soft and sweet in the bustling, heated air.

-

Leliana slipped and twirled on her heels to pass through the waving and shifting meadow of black silk and silver and golden trimming. The heavy scent of perfume hung over the orange-tinted air, like puffs of smoke that threatened to choke and leave one gasping for air. There was a soft tilt of sweat mangled with the perfume. There were indeed drawbacks to clustering the nobility of Orlais in a single ballroom. For once, she envied Dorian’s decision to remain in the gardens. 

The crowd seemed to slithered into a circle, and Leliana caught herself from nearly tripping over air. Trevelyan stood there, smiling politely and replying with a vigor and enthusiasm that made Leliana have the strong desire to kiss her. 

“Surely the rumors of you besting ten High Dragons is simply just rumors, Inquisitor,” said Lady Celise, laughing in that horrific shrill, like the scratching of steel on rock. She leaned in closer, staring with half-lidded, silvery-blue eyes. 

Trevelyan laughed, and then grimaced, as if a sudden weight pressed hard against her shoulders. “I wish it was so, my lady.” A flush nestled her cheeks, crimson bright.

Lady Celise’s shrill laughter grew louder. 

Leliana tucked her arms behind her, straighten her back, and smiled, ignoring the wraith that churned in her stomach. “Inquisitor?”

The voices soften, and Lady Celise and Trevelyan swiveled their gazes to where Leliana stood, smiling. Trevelyan’s blush grew thicker, sprawling downward to brighten her neck. “Leliana? Is there something wrong?”

“Yes, Lady Nightingale,” sniffed Celise, eyes narrowing hard and cold like a vale of ice, “is there something the matter?” Lady Celise’s bottom lip quivered as she nudged her chin a bit up.  

Leliana’s smile widened as her hands itched for the hilts of her daggers. “Oh, nothing to be concern over, my lady. Inquisition matters. Nothing to fret over, I assure.” She flickered her gaze back toward a gapping Trevelyan. “My lady, it will only be a few moments.”

Leliana never knew a human’s face could ever become as red as Trevelyan’s. “Uh-right! Please excuse me, Lady Celise. Everyone.” She nodded and hurried through the little pathway that formed with Leliana’s arrival. The Spymaster had to strangle the urge to grin, and followed in pace.

Shadows licked the sides of the walls as they entered a private, empty wing of the palace, silverly moonlight dancing upon the air like thread. Trevelyan turned on her heel, curls whipping, and the red flush still lingered. “Alright, what’s the matt-”

Leliana captured her lips with her own, pinning the Inquisitor against the marble wall. A moan escaped, muffled by Leliana’s lips. Arms wrapped around Trevelyan’s waist, tight and secure. She dragged her bottom lip with her teeth as she pulled away.

The blush returned, and Trevelyan’s breath came jagged and heavy, her eyes glazed with what seem to be bewilderment and desire. “I’m not complaining, I’m just confused.”

Leliana’s fingers unbutton her jacket with feverish hands, tearing off the slash of gold, and pulled the jacket to reveal hints of her pale neck. She bent and latched her mouth onto the pale column. “Stop talking.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Her breath was hitched. 

She kicked the Inquisitor’s legs open with her foot, pressing her knee between Trevelyan’s legs. Her hand wandered against the soft tunic beneath her suit jacket, grazing between the valley of her breasts, before skimming over her stomach with a feather-light touch. Her lover’s stomach trembled beneath her touch, and she gently slipped her fingers beneath her pant’s waistband. Trevelyan rose her hips when Leliana’s fingers softly ghosted over her slit. 

“W-we shouldn’t be doing this here, Leli.” She moaned as her voice uttered those words, head thrown back. “Someone could see us! What’s wrong?”

Maker, you’re far too adorable, ma amour. What have I done to deserve you? “Stop talking.” 

And to be extra sure, Leliana slipped a finger inside as her mouth latched onto the pale skin, a moan bubbling from her lover’s lips.

Let them know, my love. Especially Lady Celise.

[johaerys-writes]

Dorian Pavus x Trevelyan

A World With You, Chapter 3: Keeping Face

The day started off on the wrong foot when Tristan was forced to attend yet another dreaded war council meeting when he would much rather have another drink in the tavern. When his advisors confront him about his decisions... he gets extra salty.

Read here or on AO3!

*****************************************************************

Another cup of mulled wine later, Tristan left the thick warmth of the tavern and hurried towards the Chantry building. He noticed a slight stagger in his step and, for once, was thankful for the cold wind in his face.

It was probably not the best idea to show up before his advisors somewhat inebriated, but there was no other way he could bear these dreadfully long and tedious meetings. He pushed the heavy oaken doors of the building open, and was met with the bowing heads of Chantry sisters and the mumbled greetings of visiting dignitaries. For a long moment, he considered turning back on his heel and fleeing back to the cosy tavern, but he steeled himself to walk down the long corridor. His stomach was churning slightly. He blamed the wine.

Leliana, Josephine, Cullen and Cassandra were talking in hushed whispers when he walked in the council room. They all turned to look at him, faint disapproval on their faces.

“You are late” Leliana said curtly.

“Apologies, Sister. It was a busy morning. You’d be surprised how many people have been vying for my attentions lately.”

“Is that wine I smell?” Cassandra said, her nose wrinkling in disgust.

Tristan shot the Seeker his most icy glare. “I don’t see what that has to do with the meeting.”

Cassandra bristled at his curt tone, but went on with her attack regardless. “What manner of drunkard reeks of wine when it’s not even noon yet?”

“Why does it matter if I have a drink or two? I’m here, am I not? Besides” Tristan said flatly, “you could use a cup of mulled wine yourself, Seeker. You seem a bit on edge.”

Cullen’s eyes hopped from Cassandra’s horror-stricken face to Tristan’s and back. Tristan could never tell what the Commander was thinking behind that serious face, but, damn him, it was an attractive one. Golden curls combed neatly back, honey brown eyes peering from underneath slightly furrowed brows, sharp cheekbones and a chiselled jawline covered in blond stubble. He stood almost a head over everyone in the room, arms folded over his broad chest as he observed Cassandra’s outrage silently. He was so handsome, Tristan occasionally forgot that he used to be a Templar.

The Commander cleared his throat, and Cassandra turned to look at him, lips pursed. “I’m afraid there isn’t enough time to discuss the Herald’s drinking habits, Seeker. I have to oversee the training of the new recruits and several armoury reports to finish, and we’re already running behind. Shall we begin?” he said, and bent his head over the war table again.

“Yes, let’s” Josephine chimed in, not even noticing Cassandra’s scowl. “First on the agenda, Marquis DuRellion has extended his hospitality to the Inquisition by allowing us to occupy Haven until further notice.”

“Has he, truly?” Tristan said incredulously. About a month back, the noble had visited Lady Josephine’s office in a fury, intending to throw them all out of Haven on accounts of them supposedly having acted against the Chantry’s and Divine Justinia’s orders when the Inquisition was founded. He had left shooting them all murderous glances from his fancy carriage, after Tristan had threatened to use said carriage as a target for his throwing knife practice. “It seems he took my warning seriously.”

“Not quite, Herald” Josephine replied, her polite smile fading for only a moment. “After your… intervention, I investigated the wrights of ownership of Haven. It seems the Marquis’s claim on the land is not as strong as he thought. I sent a letter to Empress Celene’s associates, and they confirmed that the Marquis would not be able to order our eviction without the Empress’s agreement. The Marquis followed up shortly after with his own response, allowing us to stay. He would hardly want to lose face after the Empress herself was involved.”

“Well done, Josie” Leliana said, with that smile she reserved only for her friend.

“Yes, that’s marvelous” Cassandra broke in impatiently. “Now for the more pressing matters.” She turned around to face Tristan. “The mages are out of control.”

Tristan resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he returned her glare. “Is there a particular reason why you’re looking at me when you say that?”

“Because this is your doing” Cassandra said, wagging her finger at him for emphasis. “You were the one who offered the mages a full alliance. Now they’re all here, and we do not have the means to contain them. We cannot have them fighting with the Templars, like they were doing yesterday.”

“You cannot blame me for this. There was a decision to be made and I made it. Besides, I would hardly call yesterday's event fighting. It was just a row. Cullen and I took care of it.”

“You are naïve if you think it was just a row. This was only the beginning. Soon, they’ll be fighting amongst themselves.”

Tristan opened his mouth to interject, but Leliana interrupted him. “I have to agree with Cassandra. Discontent among our ranks is growing. The Templars and the Chantry are not happy that the Inquisition chose to side with the mages. The mages, on the other hand, have largely been divided between those who want Independence and those who still support the Circles. It won’t be long until we have more unrest.”

“If the Templars and the Chantry are not happy, then they might as well leave” Tristan spat with more distaste than he had intended. He took a short breath, trying to school the vehemence out of his voice. “Why do we need them anyway? We have enough power now to close the Breach. As for the mages, I believe it’s rather clear what the Inquisition supports. Those Circle ‘enthusiasts’ you’re talking about will have to come around to the idea eventually.”

“The Templars are needed here” Cullen replied matter-of-factly. “There needs to be someone able to face abominations should they occur. We are in short supply as it is. I suggest we start training more of our soldiers as Templars. It’s the least we can do to maintain some semblance of order.”

Tristan stared at the Commander as if he had punched him in the gut. “Train more Templars? That would be like restoring the Circles! After all we’ve done to set mages free, we’re going to place them under Templar watch once again?”

“It may not be an ideal solution, but it might help restore the public’s trust in the Inquisition” Josephine said. “Many were sceptical about our allegiance with the mages, and a few nobles have expressed their concerns outright. People trust Templars. Having more of them around could not hurt.”

Tristan could not believe his ears. He twisted the ring on his finger, struggling to keep his composure. After everything that had happened, after risking his life and the Inquisition’s reputation to give the mages a chance to finally be free of Chantry and Templars, one word from these people before him and it would be like putting the shackles back on their wrists.

He could not allow this. He would not allow this.

Yet, he had to be diplomatic about it. Keeping the grinding of his teeth to a bare minimum, he peered at every advisor in turn before he spoke. “Bringing more Templars into our ranks is not a solution. At least not a permanent one. It might solve the problem temporarily but it won’t be long until we are facing the same issues. Let’s not forget how the war between the Templars and the mages was started in the first place. There has to be a different way.”

There was a brief silence amongst the advisors, before Leliana spoke. “That is true. We have a very delicate situation on our hands. We cannot allow anyone to think that we are picking yet another side. At least for now. We have to act fast, and attract as little attention as possible. What our followers are lacking at the moment”, she glanced at Cassandra as she said this, “is a common goal. A shared vision will unite them, and divert them from any internal conflict. I suggest we advance towards the Breach as soon as possible. We should not allow any further delay.”

“I agree with Leliana” Cassandra said. “The sooner we march the better. But the Templar discussion is not yet over. After we return from the Breach, we will need to convene again.”

“Provided I’m still alive” Tristan added sourly. Cassandra’s lips were pressed in a tight line, but she said nothing.

Josephine paused her incessant scribbling to lift her gaze to Tristan. “Before this meeting is concluded, Herald, there is another matter I would like to discuss. It concerns your lineage.”

Tristan returned her gaze levelly, keeping his face as expressionless as he could. He knew the matter of his ancestry would come up eventually, but he had hoped it wouldn’t be so soon. “What of it, Lady Ambassador?”

“I would like to dispatch a courier asking the banns of House Trevelyan to align themselves with us. Your family’s support of the Inquisition could add great legitimacy to our cause.”

“With the Trevelyans, my presence may close more doors than it opens” Tristan replied quickly. “My relations with my family are shaky at best. I would not dwell on it too much if I were you.”

“I…see” Josephine said reluctantly. She prepared to note down his response, when she suddenly paused, her pen hovering over the paper. “If I may, Herald, I think you might be too quick in dismissing your family’s support of you. I have received several notes from your Lady Mother, and she-“

“You have spoken with my mother?”

Tristan was sure his heart had stopped beating momentarily. It had been close to two years since he had last seen Esme Trevelyan, since he had left the Trevelyan mansion in Ostwick, never to return. It was by sheer luck that the bloodhounds she had sent after him never managed to sniff him out. He should have known she would find out about the Inquisition eventually, but the mere thought of her knowing where he was still filled him with dread. If he never saw her again, it would be too soon.

“Well, yes” Josephine said, blinking. “If I may be frank, she seemed quite concerned. Taking into consideration that you are the sole heir of the Trevelyan family, surely she would be happy to at least discuss the possibility of-“

“I am not the sole heir!”

Every eye in the room fixed itself on him. Tristan could hear his pulse beating in his throat as he returned their startled gazes. He caught himself clutching the ring on his finger, so hard his knuckles had gone white, and he hastily let his hands fall at his sides. Even if he could find the words, he would never be able to tell them that he hadn’t always been the sole heir. It would be even more difficult to explain that since becoming the Maker-damned sole heir, he would have gladly sold his soul to the highest bidder just so he could turn back time and not be.

“What I meant to say“ he said slowly, carefully, in an attempt to smooth the tension over, “is that my being the sole heir has absolutely nothing to do with it. My mother has never wanted me anywhere near the Trevelyan fortune or name. It’s best if we just leave things as they are. Support will come eventually, Lady Josephine. Nobles are always quick to sniff out opportunities, of that I can assure you.”

He thought he saw Leliana glancing at his ring, but when he looked at her she was peering straight in his eyes. “I believe you have made your point clear, Herald.” She lowered her voice, her icy blue gaze boring deep into him. “Very clear.”

It was a relief when Josephine announced the council meeting officially over. With a curt nod he bid them all good-day and exited the stuffy room. His heart was still thumping in his chest as he walked down the long, dark corridor of the Chantry Building. That business with his mother, that was a close call. Too close perhaps. At least he had managed to evade it somewhat. For now.

He almost let out a sigh of relief, when he remembered Leliana’s eyes on his ring. Fear gripped at him with icy claws. Did she know? But how could she? Could her agents have found out about his past? Of course, they must have. Leliana’s agents could find a needle in a haystack. He silently cursed himself. How could he have been so careless, so naïve, so fucking dense-

Easy. Easy now. No reason to panic. Not yet. He took a deep breath. Even if Leliana knew, there was nothing she could do to him. His past was a burden that only he was meant to carry.

He ran a hand through his hair, willing himself to calmness, and walked on. He still had a mountain of reports to go through after the events in Redcliffe castle and a few weapon requisitions that needed his attention, but not before another warm drink and perhaps a game of Wicked Grace with Varric at the tavern. That should set his frayed nerves straight.

“Herald, may I have a word?” he heard Cassandra’s voice behind him.

With a bit more reluctance than he wanted to let show, he turned around slowly to face her. “Yes, Seeker?” he made himself say through clenched teeth.

“Walk with me” she said, stepping ahead of him. The woman was so used to giving orders, that she didn’t even wait to see if he would follow. He gingerly obeyed, and they were soon walking silently side by side on the faded red carpet along the narrow corridor.

Once they were safely out of earshot of the crowd gathered in the Chantry building, he stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye. “Well?”

Cassandra cleared her throat. “I am not sure how to tell you this, so I am just going to say it.” She inhaled sharply and looked away. “There have been some… rumours.”

“Rumours? What rumours?”

“About…you.”

“Rumours about me? I’m intrigued.” He always took a tiny bit of pleasure hearing all the outrageous stories people said about him. Most of them were spread as anti-Inquisition propaganda by the clerics, no doubt, but were enjoyable nonetheless.

“Yes. I am afraid they involve… another person as well.”

“Oh?” This was getting better by the minute. “And who might this person be, pray tell? Last I heard, I was participating in orgies with abominations and murderous apostates. I can’t wait to hear who I’m sleeping with next.”

Cassandra sniffed her disapproval at his mocking tone. “I would advise you to take this seriously, Herald. Your reputation and that of the Inquisition is of utmost importance for our mission. That being said… There’s been talk of you spending time with… with the Tevinter.” She uttered the word as if it were an accusation in and of itself. “You know of whom I speak” she added quickly, when he lifted an eyebrow at her inquisitively.

Tristan knew very well of whom she spoke, but decided not to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging that shared knowledge. “I am afraid you will have to be a bit more specific, Cassandra. I’ve met quite a few Tevinters lately. You know, whilst fighting a Venatori legion trying to subdue the whole world to their will, and all that. ”

Cassandra rolled her eyes and huffed. “I am talking about Dorian Pavus.”

“What of him?” It was evident Tristan was wearing her patience thin, but he just couldn’t resist pushing her a little bit more.

“I am sure you are aware of people’s conception of Tevinter mages. There are many who think that they are untrustworthy and dangerous. Having one amongst our ranks is controversial enough. But the Herald of Andraste associating with him so publicly… would be unwise.”

Tristan straightened his back so that he stood somewhat taller than the seasoned warrior, and looked at her over his nose. “I will have to remind you, Seeker, that Lord Pavus risked his life to help our cause, when he had little to gain from it. I wonder whether those ‘people’ you talk of would have done the same. We wouldn’t even be here having this conversation were it not for him. The Inquisition owes a heavy debt to Dorian, and it’s time people start acknowledging that.”

Cassandra gaped at him, eyes wide in shock. “No one is questioning the importance of Lord Pavus’s actions. But as the Herald of Andraste, you need to…”

He interrupted her with an impatient wave of his hand. “I know what my obligations are as the Herald of Andraste, Cassandra. But disregarding valued members of the Inquisition based on ridiculous prejudices just so a couple Chantry sisters can sleep safer at night is not something I am about to do.” He turned to leave, but paused to look at her over his shoulder. “I believed that partaking in gossip was beneath you. I guess I was wrong.”

He walked away, leaving Cassandra boiling in embarrassment. A small, barely perceptible smile spread on his face. He always did have a flair for the dramatic.

[iamonlybutaneel]

Leif Lavellan

name ➔ Leif Lavellan

are you single ➔ No.

are you happy ➔ ...Yes and no?

are you angry ➔ No.

are your parents still married ➔ Yes.

NINE FACTS

birthplace ➔ The Free Marches

hair color ➔ Brown

eye color ➔ Brown

birthday ➔ Umbralis 9:16 Dragon.

mood ➔ Anxious

gender ➔ Male

summer or winter ➔ Summer

morning or afternoon ➔ Afternoon

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

are you in love ➔ I- uh-.. yeah

do you believe in love at first sight ➔ Yes I fell for Josie the moment I saw her

who ended your last relationship ➔ No one, as this is my first

have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ No

are you afraid of commitments ➔ No

have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ Yes Josephine

have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ As the Inquisitor I recieve.. a lot of proposals so.... kinda??

have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ No

SIX CHOICES

love or lust ➔ Love

lemonade or iced tea ➔ Hot tea

cats or dogs ➔ Neither really

a few best friends or many regular friends ➔ A few best

wild night out or romantic night in ➔ Night in

day or night ➔ Day

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

been caught sneaking out ➔ Well not from home Creators know my younger brother would have snitched... from court and such however? Yeah I'm not great at sneaking for a rouge

fallen down/up the stairs ➔ All the time

wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ No?

wanted to disappear ➔ All the time

FOUR PREFERENCES

smile or eyes ➔ Both

shorter or taller ➔ It doesn’t matter

intelligence or attraction ➔ Intelligence

hook-up or relationship ➔ Relationship, I don't understand hookups

FAMILY

do you and your family get along ➔ Ah. Not.. really my parents have always held my brother above me for being a mage and never really... liked how anxious I am a lot of the time and how I can't shoot a bow as well as some might, so they never really paid me much mind growing up and into my adulthood I am very close to my little brother however

would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ I wouldn't say.. messed up I've had my issues but I feel I can't complain as others have it worse

have you ever ran away from home ➔ No

have you ever gotten kicked out➔ No

FRIENDS

do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ Of course not. Am I disappointed of some of them? Yes.

do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ Yes.

who is your best friend ➔ Dorian I miss him everyday ...Creators that makes him sound dead. He went back to Tevinter

who knows everything about you ➔ Dorian, Leliana (naturally) and Josie

[runesandfaes]

Baby Steps

In lieu of reaching 700 followers, I finally wrote this down. This little image had been floating in my head ever since I finished Tower of Dawn and I’m glad I wrote it down at last. Sorry if the writing isn’t too great, it was a quick drabble.

-CONTAINS TOWER OF DAWN SPOILERS AHEAD-

This is a little one-shot where Chaol and Yrene’s daughter takes her first steps. You guys may or may not enjoy this @catastrophicallyinlovewithbooks @nessiansmut @towerofdawn @foxboy-lucien @acourtofredqueens @azuremirwae @paperbacktrash @westfallsbitch @tacmc @propshophannah

Find this on Ao3

The glimmering rays of the brazen sun streamed through the billowing curtains that concealed the windows, illuminating Josefin’s gold-bronze eyes. Yrene watched her 10 month old daughter crawl across the living room, occasionally stopping to pick up a toy or two and start playing. Chaol was holed up in the kitchen, cooking up lunch as Yrene kept an eye their child and went through some old books and scrolls on healing herbs. These days, she was too preoccupied taking care of baby Josie to get any reading and research done; the only thing she read in the past year were bedtime stories. Not that she minded, of course. She loved their little girl with everything she had.

Josie wasn’t really a part of their plan-at least not when they had her. A couple years after the war when Yrene and Chaol moved out of the Palace and into their own house nearby. During the housewarming, Yrene found out she was with child. She noticed symptoms for a few weeks beforehand but she knew for sure at the party. Needless to say she was surprised, given she thought she had been taking her tonic, but some careful reminiscing alerted her that she missed her dose a couple of times, resulting in an accidental pregnancy. Regardless, she was delighted for she believed they were ready and when she told Chaol of the news that night, her husband was ecstatic and in tears.

When she gave birth and saw the face of her little girl-tan skin, brown hair like her father’s and an eye colour that was a blend of both her parents, she burst into tears of happiness. She knew she’d never love anyone or anything more than this bundle in her arms. They decided to name her after Yrene’s mother and what she represented for them-Josefin Hope Westfall. The baby was well loved with doting parents and a King and Queen as her godparents. Dorian and Aelin didn’t even waste a single breath to say yes when they had asked and were overjoyed and honored at the prospect.

Watching her now brought all those memories back to the surface and as Yrene glanced at her daughter, she saw Josie was standing, her tiny hands placed on the golden couch for support and movement-the couch Chaol was insistent on bringing back from Antica. She had been doing this a lot recently, as was normal for a child her age but what Yrene didn’t expect was for her daughter to let go. She was about to rush towards her baby when she halted and noticed her balancing on her own and looking up at her mother with big, wide eyes and a slightly parted mouth.

And then she took a step towards her momma.

“CHAOL!” Yrene screamed for her husband. “CHAOL GET IN HERE. NOW!” she shrieked as she laughed in delight. Hearing loud footsteps, she heard Chaol rush towards her, concern masking his features. “What happened? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he asked, worry filling his eyes and voice. “Yes”, she cried in joy, her eyes never leaving her baby. “Look! She’s walking. Chaol our baby is walking!”

At that, he turned around and looked at his precious daughter, shock and love filling his features as he also broke into a grin.

Noticing her euphoric parents, Josefin cracked a smile and took another step. And another, and as Yrene kept walking back and cooing, “Come here, darling. Come to mama. YES! Good girl”, the tiny human kept following her mother, with her father in tow.

“Yes, sweetheart. You’re doing wonderful”, Chaol called out to his daughter, encouraging her to go on.

 -

At long last, Josie finally trotted over to her parents and jumped to Chaol’s lap, flailing her arms around his neck and screaming “Papa!” as she burst into a fit of excited giggles. He kissed the top of her head over and over, eyes brimming with held-back tears. He felt Yrene fall to her knees beside him and hug them both, squealing in delight and smothering their daughter in kisses.

Amidst the laughter and tears, his baby’s first step took Chaol down memory lane and back to a time years before where he learned to walk again; to the day where it all began and he had kissed his wife after a long wait. Seemed like forever ago, that afternoon. And now here they were, with their own home and family and everything he could have ever wished for and more. He looked at his wife and caught her staring at him as if she was recalling the same thing. Chaol smiled at her, at the woman who had surpassed oceans and mountains and forests, who had healed him-body and soul; the woman who had the strongest will and heart and the woman who had stolen his own. He smiled wistfully at her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and drew her close, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Thank you, Yrene Towers.” he whispered. She raised her head from where it was resting on the crook of his neck and looked up, confusion lining her gaze.  “For what?” she asked. Chaol placed his hand on the side of her face, tracing his thumb along her cheekbone and brought it to his own, kissing her lovingly. He broke the kiss to look into those eyes which at first glance made him think of sunshine-the eyes he’d never get tired of getting lost into. “For everything.”

[gold3nberry]

Birthday Present

I hoped I’d be home in time to publish this, but of course, I missed the date. @kawereen , HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I’m super, super sorry for the delay, but I hope you’ll like this little present and I’m sure your birthday was great since you deserve nothing less! Hugs!!!!

(one - shot under the cut!)

Cullen Rutherford X Artemis Trevelyan

“What’s that?” Artemis laughed, staring at the old scarf Cullen was holding. He smirked at her, a sparkle of amusement darting in his golden eyes “Indulge me, dearest.” “Oh, do you have something on your mind?” she winked, even if a touch of red bloomed on her cheeks. Her Commander’s laughter was low and rich, a promise darting under the surface “That part will arrive after the party for your birthday, when we will be alone. I hardly think you’d like to shock your guests.” She squeaked embarassed, jokingly punching him on his chest “You’re terrible!” “So you don’t want to celebrate privately with me?” “You know I want to! But you’re still terrible,” she pouted, pushing her hair away from her face. He laughed again, louder, quickly kissing the tip of her nose “And you’re absolutely lovely. Now, be a good girl and let me put this on your eyes. I’m starting to feel a bit silly and I can’t wait a minute more to show you my present.” “You know you didn’t have to...” He cut her off with a peck on her lips, and then another, just in case “And you know I wanted to. Now, can I blindfold you, Your Worship?” With a last suspicious glare, Artemis allowed him to tie the cloth over her eyes. “Too tight?” he asked, taking her hands.  She shook her head. “Good, now follow me.” “I’m surprised you agreed to do this in front of everyone,” she teased him. Even if she couldn’t see it, she was sure he was rolling his eyes “Dorian suggested it. He told me it was more... romantic than just showed you what I picked. And Cassandra strongly agreed.” Artemis smiled at some point in the void, hoping he was looking at her “Can we walk a bit faster? I can’t wait to see what you brought me!” “I really hope you’ll like it!” His voice trembled with a barely contained excitement, as he helped her to walk down the Main Hall, gently leading the way with a hand around her hips and another on her marked one. She knew the hall was almost empty since almost everyone in Skyhold was busy helping Josephine to organize the big celebration for their beloved Inquisitor’s birthday.  Even if most of the details had been kept a secret to make her even a huge surprise, Artemis knew the party would be just for her friends and Skyhold people. No important guests, no formality. Just a moment to relax together, cheer and have fun. She smiled, thinking she had spotted what it seemed a huge box of special chocolate from Val Royeaux in the kitchen, before Josie saw and soohed her out. Yes, the party promised to be really amazing. A quiet chuckle from her left made her frown slightly “Varric?” “This is an interesting view, Your Inquisitorialness.” “Cullen has a birthday surprise for me!” she sang, almost bouncing. Cullen was grinning, she was sure, as he excused themselves politely.  More steps, the stone staircase that led into the courtyard, the amused voices of people around them and the merchants in the little market, and then... was that straw’s scent? “Oh, there you are, Commander. Your Worship, happy birthday or however you say in the Free Marches.” “Thank you, Master Dennet,” Artemis beamed looking at where she heard the voice coming.  “Alright,” Cullen’s grip moved from her and she sensed the light, anxious tremble in his words “I... here we are. Ready?” She nodded eagerly, and then he took off from her the scarf. She blinked a couple of times, adjusting to the dim light in the stable. At the beginning, she saw just an empty box. Was she missing something? Before she could ask Cullen to solve the mystery, a little snout peeked out from the door of the box.  “Oh, my Maker!” Artemis breathed, covering her mouth with trembling hands. A sweet pair of dark eyes stared at her and a soft neigh beckoned her closer.  “Who are you?” Artemis squeaked, tentatively holding out a hand. The foal pushed the head towards her, asking for cuddles and admiration. She gave them both, abundantly. The young Inquisitor couldn’t have enough to admire and pet it gently, running her fingers through its soft mane. The foal had a shining brown mantle, the same color of the chestnuts, and a long, pale blonde mane. It was beautiful and graceful, clearly the offspring of some well-known horse. Cullen was proudly wearing a huge smile on his face and she could feel his glare on her “Happy birthday, Artemis.” She turned, looking at him, as he rubbed his neck, the joy tinting his cheeks with a lovely shade of red. Artemis threw herself into his arms, covering his face with a rain of kisses and words full of gratitude and tenderness. She hugged him with all the strength she had “It’s perfect! It’s so beautiful and lovely and... oh, Cullen, I don’t have enough words to express how much I love it!” “She,” he corrected her with a grin, holding her in his arms, her feet swaying in the air “And you have to pick a name for her.” “I’ll think about it very carefully. Such a lovely mount deserves nothing less.” “I thought the Inquisition has plenty of horses, and carts and that strange drakolisks that I can’t understand why are here, but you don’t have one that’s only yours.” They both looked at the young horse, that was trotting happily in her new house. “Dennet will help you to take care of her, and soon you could ride a majestic horse, as lovely as her owner is.” “It’s perfect,” she smiled gratefully and moved, kissing his lips “She’s perfect, you are even more perfect, and I’m the happiest person in Thedas right now.” “I admit I hoped I’d make you happy,” he chuckled, putting her on the floor and caressing her rosy cheek “Because seeing your joy fills me with a happiness I didn’t think it was possible to feel.” She took his hands “Thank you, Cullen. This... that lovely foal, the surprise... it means more than I can express. I’m glad I can celebrate my birthday with you, with the kind man I love so much.” He blushed even more and their kiss was long and gentle, hands searching for each other and their hearts closer than their bodies. “Happy birthday, Artemis,” he breathed, holding her safely against him. Her smile was brightest than the sun that was slowly setting down “Happy indeed, my love.”

[mikkeneko]

The conclusion, for now, of the ‘Blackwall’s cover gets blown by the actual Grey Warden in the Inquisition’ saga. There may be a few more Anders and the Inner Circle vignettes later, but they won’t specifically deal with Blackwall. (Probably.)

( Blackwall | Cullen | Cole | Dorian | The Iron Bull | Hawke | Sera | Vivienne |  Blackwall II | Leliana | Blackwall III )

Anders mounted the stairs towards the Skyhold great hall, and noticed with some misgivings that there were few other people around. A messenger had come to the infirmary not long before, asking his presence for 'the judgments of the Herald.' Yet unlike all of the other judgments the Inquisitor had performed -- including his own -- this one seemed to be private, without the general public in attendance.

 He stopped in the antechamber, arrested by the sight of the people gathered there. Blackwall was there, as was Leliana -- and, somewhat to his surprise, Iron Bull. The Iron Bull leaned up against the wall behind him, his pose and expression casual but his gaze sharp. Why had Adaar chosen to bring him into this? For support, insight, or perhaps just to make sure that Blackwall didn't run? Either way, it was hard to read past his air of affability to discern what he really thought of what was going on.

One look at Blackwall's face told him everything. The warrior didn't look bewildered, or anxious, or angry -- his shoulders were slumped, his back hunched, and the face beneath the bushy beard was wracked with lines of guilt and grief. He had the look of a broken man, who knew his fate and was resigned to it.

It was all too familiar a feeling to Anders. After a moment's hesitation, he swallowed and stepped across the antechamber to Blackwall's side. "Listen," he said, hating himself even as he did so. He'd ruined Blackwall's life, blown open his secret, probably destroyed his chances with Adaar; he wouldn't blame the man if wanted to hear nothing from Anders ever again. But still, he had to say it. "I want you to know that I'm… sorry for how this turned out. I didn't wish any harm on you, on anyone." 

Blackwall hunched down further, but after a moment, he grunted out, "I know." He looked up at Anders, his eyes dull and face drooping. "You… I don't blame you." 

"You don't?" Anders said, startled.

"No… telling her the truth…" He slumped even further. "It's the right thing to do. I should have told her months ago… I meant ��to, but I just didn't have the strength. You… had the strength I lacked." 

Anders nodded; the lump in his throat blocked any further speech. He backed away, and the Iron Bull met his gaze and gave a wave of his hand like a lazy, informal salute. 

The doors to the hall opened, and they all turned to look as Josephine stuck her head out of the doorway and beckoned them inside. "The Inquisitor is ready to begin," she said, her softly accented voice struggling for a neutral tone.   

Blackwall stood up, keeping his head bowed, and trudged into the great hall. No chains for him, Anders noticed, although the Iron Bull shadowed him all the way in. For such a big man, he did a remarkable job of making himself unobtrusive, Anders thought. 

After some hesitation, Anders followed them in. The messenger had summoned him, after all; his testimony as a Gray Warden might be required. He wished Cole were here, to confirm his story if needed. 

It wasn't needed. Blackwall -- or Thom Rainier -- denied nothing. Neither the lie about his identity, nor the crimes for which he had initially been wanted. Nor was he a Gray Warden, although he insisted that he had in truth been recruited as one -- the real Warden-Constable Gordon Blackwall had met him in a tavern while on the run and decided to take him on as a recruit. During their return journey to Val Chevin, the real Blackwall had been killed by darkspawn and Rainier had made the impulsive decision to take his place. 

Anders had no trouble believing this account of things -- either that the Grey Wardens would choose to recruit a wanted criminal if they showed promising skills, that the real Blackwall was more likely to have met an untimely end at the hands of darkspawn than his prospective recruit, or that the criminal Rainier would have felt such an overpowering desire to stop being himself and start over as a new man. None of the testimony had the feel of a lie -- over the years since joining with Justice, he'd found that he could almost always tell truth from lies. Belatedly, he wondered if that ability was why Dian had asked him to attend. 

The cross-examination was brief, conducted mostly by Leliana while Adaar sat stone-faced on the throne. It was the ornate monstrosity fashioned after the flames of a pyre that Anders remembered seeing from his own judging, although it seemed today that all the energy and animation had been drawn out of the metal itself, leaving the blades of fire frozen and unmoving. 

At last the inquiry came to a close, and all present -- Josephine, Leliana, and the Iron Bull -- looked up to the Inquisitor for a conclusion. After a long silence she stirred, and her voice filled the empty hall. 

"Gordon Blackwall is dead," she said, the words ringing out like drawn steel. "He died with honor, serving with the Inquisition to defend the world from Corypheus. Word of his sacrifice will be spread across all the land." At this she glanced over at Bull, who met her eyes and nodded in understanding. 

"For obvious reasons, you cannot remain in Skyhold any longer." Her cool, stony eyes settled back on Rainier. "You must depart this keep by nightfall, and anything left behind will be destroyed on Blackwall's pyre." 

Rainier bowed his head, eyes squeezing closed. Anders saw a flicker of quick motion at Dian's through, like a gulp of air. "However..." she said. "If Thom Rainier were to come to Skyhold, seeking to lay down his life for the cause and serve the Maker and his bride in penance for his sins... then he would find a place here. If he were willing to face the censure of those whom he deceived, those he has wrongs, then he could have that chance. 

"All who seek to stand against evil are welcome. No matter your sins, Andraste makes it clear: With a penitent soul, you can be forgiven. With a brave and compassionate heart, you are not unworthy of love." 

Rainier looked up, stunned and disbelieving. Anders could sympathize. Josephine looked like she might cry, and even the Bull cracked a small smile. 

"I would recommend a change of clothes... and a shave," Leliana told him dryly. 

"Thank you," Blackwall -- Thom Rainier -- choked out, his voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, my lady… Inquisitor."

  Anders knocked on the door to Adaar's quarters, hoping that she would be willing to see him quickly; his hand was already going numb from the tin he carried. "Lady Adaar?" he called out. "It's me, Anders." 

After a moment she opened the door; her eyes were red again from weeping. "Oh, Anders," she said, sounding tired. "Come in… can I help you?" 

He cleared his throat. "Actually, Lady, I was hoping I could help you," he said. "You've had a pretty trying day." Pretty much the only one whose day had been worse was Thom Rainier; he had left Skyhold already, and the Bull's Chargers were already in the tavern beginning to spread stories of "Blackwall's" heroic death. 

Dian shook her head. "I've lived through worse. I don't know why this should hit me so hard," she said, a touch of desolation in her voice. "I tried to do the right thing, I think  I did the right thing, but…" 

Anders nodded understanding. "But it still feels bad," he said. "Missing him, knowing it's your own actions that drove him away; that you hurt the one you cared about, however necessary." 

Dian nodded. "Yes," she said, almost a whisper. "It does feel bad." 

"I don't think it would be a lot of help to tell you that you did the right thing, or try to suggest that everything will get better later on," he said. "For tonight, all you can really do is try to think of other things, and try to feel a little better." 

"How?" she said despairingly. 

"Well, that's what I brought this for." Anders held out the tin he carried, frost creeping up the sides.  An oversized metal spoon stuck out from the corner, under the lid. "Here." 

Dian took it, frowning slightly in perplexity; she moved the top off and sniffed, and her eyes widened. "Chocolate?" she exclaimed. "And… is that alcohol I smell?" 

"Well, yes, but only a bit," Anders admitted. "I had to get the chocolate from Josie, and a few other ingredients from the kitchens, but… It's an old Circle recipe, there's not an apprentice who doesn't learn it from the time they start casting frost spells. It's called creamed ice, and you can mix it with fruit, cheese, yogurt… or chocolate. In the Circles it's said that there's no better remedy for a broken heart." 

Dian smiled. She opened the tin and took up the spoon, eyeing the ladleful of brown goop with a doubtful gaze for a moment before she licked her. Her eyes widened. "It's amazing!" she exclaimed. 

Anders smirked. "What can I say, magic has its uses," he boasted. 

"It certainly does." Dian sat down on the couch in front of her fireplace, the tin seeming much smaller in her hands. She looked up at him and managed a small smile. "Thank you, Anders." 

"It was the least I could do," he mumbled. "After… all the trouble." 

"It's enough," she said. "That you cared."

They sat in silence for a few moments, consuming the cold treat in small nibbles. At length, the peace was broken by a small sniffle.

"Do you think he'll come back?" she asked, and Anders perched on the back of the couch and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"With you to come back to," he said, "I'm certain of it."

[thevhenan]

Mass Effect Andromeda Impressions/Adventures #2:

Everything under cut~

Up to getting Jaal and then finding the scientists. 

I have pictures!

I was thinking about going through the whole story in these but that is A LOT of work so I'll cut it down to the interesting bits of my journey.

First off, I want to say even though I'm playing Female Ryder people weren't kidding when they said Male Ryders VA sounded like a clone of Nolan North. HOLY SHIT. I mean, I kind of heard it in the trailers but it wasn't until I seen some gameplay I was like WTF. I mean, just give Male Ryders VA half the jobs and Nolan the others and we'll have that voice everywhere (even though Nolan is almost everywhere in the first place). Speaking of which, is it just me or this NPC an actual clone of default Scott? Just different hair. MY BROTHER IS AWAKE GUYS. 

At first I had an 'off' feeling about the Initiative/Jean Garson. It felt... kind of propaganda-y. Sanctuary in ME3 if you will. I'm hoping she won't be a villain esp. because her VA is trans but another part of me thinks in might be an interesting twist. At least thinking she might not be dead and maybe there is some sort of conspiracy there. I don't know. I get like there is more to her story.

The animations aren't nearly as bad as people acted like they were. They even have some good animations *gasp*. Of course the ones people nitpick are the only ones I've seen that are pretty bad but that's it. I also think a lot of the 'problems' stem from the eyes which is a lot less noticeable if you picked a preset that is asian/doesn't have big eyes/brown eyes. Other than that the graphics are way better and most of the animation isn't even that bad. I have faith that the longer the game is out the more that is patched. Take DA:I for example, I don't even think most of those animations needed to be patched but they did it anyway.

I like the Tempest but I think I would have preferred stairs as opposed to ladders... Ladders wouldn't have been so bad if you didn't auto climb them.  Kind of messes up the flow? The see through floor is pretty cool though although I almost had a heart attack the first time. I also like that the crew has bunk beds  and stuff, makes it feel more natural and the board they talk on is a cute touch. Also, I know we have a lift but I rarely use it because??? I don't know.

THE PYJAK IS SO CUTE AND YOU GET BANTER FROM THE CREW. 100% worth it if only for him (yes I decided that the pyjak is male). I loved how he was in one of the crews bed. Best boy ever. 

I so far really like the worlds (only been to two playable areas) they are so pretty but so far I prefer not having the Nomad.  I don't know, I like not having to worry about air/enviorment just enemies and CHARGING INTO THEM YEAHHHHHHH. Anyway, kind of wish the Nomad could climb for days like the Mako but hey, at least it doesn't take fall damage.

Some of the side quest are really fun. I think with the scanner you can do more mystery solving so it allows for a lot of options. Kind of reminds me of the Batman games in that aspect. 

I'm really interested in Alec's story which makes me infuriated because all those memory fragments are in places I can't reach. CURSE YOU GAME. My completionist ass upset. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the addition to the codex where it not only tells you your relationship with your crew and decisions regarding them but your more major decisions and your personality!!!! Tbh the personality system seems a little Myer Briggs to me. Like, Head vs. Heart is T vs. F and Formal vs. Informal is P vs J. I'm an INFJ so unsurprisingly I'm heart and formal. I didn't even really want her to be that formal but Idk myself seeped in? That or I just think being polite to new species and people is the way to go. I'm personally pretty formal until I know you well enough. It's more...safe?

I really like the Sudoku type puzzles. At first I didn't understand but then I was like 'oh this is sudoku'. It might be a little much for regularly doing it but you don't have to do it that much so I'm fond of it.

My opinions on companions/others currently:

Cora: I LOVE HER. Tbh I thought she'd be more cold and closed off but she's not, which is good. Of course being cold at first isn't bad either. Like, that's how I am but she's a lot warmer than I expected. She's serious but warm, I like that. I especially like the kind of inside joke between her and Ryder at the beginning about Dragons. Hey, talk about dragons when we first meet and you have yourself a friend for life. 

Liam: I figured he'd be really friendly but man, Liam is just the best. You instantly feel bonded with him (and Cora!!). I don't know why the hell people keep comparing Vetra and Jaal to Garrus when Liam is more like him than either. Hell, I knew that going in. I mean, Liam is for sure more optimistic and 'I LOVE EVERYONE' (though apparently he doesn't like Vetra very much???). Still, former cop CHECK, techie CHECK, designated bffl CHECK. Like? IS it because he's human? Okay internet. I mean in all honesty I wouldn't compare any of these new squadmates to older characters but if you had to Liam would be more like Garrus than any other. Vetra shares the sister thing with Garrus but that's literally it. Off on a tangent. Still, Liam is great and I'm such a sucker for his accent. Could hear him talk all day. Please, talk all day Liam. Narrate my life.

Vetra: OF COURSE I LOVE VETRA. She has a certain swag about her especially when you first meet her you are like SMOOTH, NICEEEE. I mean, okay I suppose you can compare it to when you first see Garrus in ME2 (but that's it okay and I'm done talking Garrus!!!). She is a little closed off and I like that. She's really cool. Unfortunately I still don't feel like I know that much about her besides she's a smuggler and cares a lot about her sister (and her sister is really cute!). Anyway, her and Jaal are leading my 'who I should romance' poll in my head. I don't know, I guess I'll decide after both their personal mission. Right now I feel like I know Jaal better even with him being closed off a bit. I also wish during one on one convos you could see her eyes better :/. It seems like in cutscenes you can but when you are just talking to her it's harder to see them. I WANT TO SEE YOUR PRETTY EYES. And sorry, I'm being weird and creepy. I'll stop.

Peebee: I like her lots. I didn't know if I'd really like her voice at first, same with Cora but once I talked to them in game I was in love. EVERYONE HAS SUCH NICE VOICES. Her voice really fits her. I like her personality a lot but she still is still pretty secretive along with Vetra. Can't wait to know more. I do think Ryder and her would get along and do get along quite well because they both love exploring. I really am into their interactions so far.

Drack: Okay, I admit I was a bit skeptical about Drack. Like look, I'm a Krogan fan but I know Grunt and Wrex and a lot of Krogan we've encountered were quite similar (the males at least) and I was hoping Drack wouldn't be just a copy. He's pretty wise and cares so much about his grandaughter. It's ridiculously sweet. And yeah, he's still pretty combat heavy but that's what I expected. Anyway, I was hoping he wasn't  just another stale stereotype and so far he's exceeding expectations so I'm happy and really like him.

Jaal: He's as great, I was a bit nervous he was over hyped but he really is great. I'm really interested in him and his culture and everything. The interaction between him and Ryder is top notch and I feel the chemistry so right now he's a front runner for me to romance. I mean, look at my favorite romances and it's really no surprise I like him. He has a mysterious type air that I'm all about and Angara have such interesting eyes! I just got him yesterday so his personality hasn't settled as much as the others but basically, he's worth the hype to me (though I do think the people wanting to f him right off the bat were a bit much but hey who am I to judge). I got to know him and I like him.

Suvi: She's so dreamy even her voice *sigh*. She kind of has a voice that has a dream like quality like Solas' voice (whether you hate him or not he has a dream like voice, you can't deny it it's likely done on purpose because the fade and such). She's also so cute and a scientist and religious. She makes me think if Josie and Leliana from Dragon Age had a baby she would their offspring. Yeah, needless to say can't wait to romance her. I'm not going to do it this round because personally  don't feel like she fits well with my character as Vetra and Jaal do but I'm for sure going to role up a cute lady to romance her. She's so happy and loves her work and exited and perfect jaodlkjaodad. Yeah, she's my type.

Gil: I REALLY like Gil. They did a good job with making likable crew omg. He reminds me of a mix between Alistair and Dorian from Dragon Age. That'S MY JAM. Having a lack of m/m romances is horrible but ya'll Gil is the shit and I don't appreciate people saying he's 'uninteresting' and 'bad romance'.  I just really like him a lot and it was so fun playing poker with him ^^. I feel bad because the codex said I 'lied' about cheating but TBH they made me do it in the first place. I wouldn't have done it if I had the choice. I didn't lie. I just didn't tell the truth. That's the thing about poker anyway, right? God, I feel bad now.

Lexi: HER VOICE YA'LL. I feel like she's the new Seth Green of the series. The celebrity that will stay through the whole series (if there is one). Also, the fact that she and Joker are not interested in the main character and like someone else. EDI for Joker and Drack for Lexi. Anyway, I like her and if I didn't like her her voice is enough. Still, she's fun to talk to so far.

Kallo: He's a cutie. I'm really happy for him. Don't know wtf there is going on with him and Gil but w/e. He's a good pilot. Not too much of an opinion yet because I don't feel like I got to know him as much unfortunately but I'm exited to learn more about his personality!

Options so far (That I can think of):

More Emotional, More Formal

Cares about Dad (took heart options when it game to Alec)

Told truth to Scott about dad, lied about Andromeda Okay to be fair though I figured we'd get it better by the time he wakes up and I don't want him to lose hope after telling him his Dad died. I want him to pull through and you pull through with hope. I didn't want to lie and I kind of wish there was a third option because I didn't want to say ‘IT'S SUPER HORRIBLE LOL’ but I didn't want to say ‘IT'S AMAZING’ either. Just like 'We hit a few bumps but we're on our way to making it better'. Maybe the truthful option said that but it didn't seem like that from the text.

Lied to Gil about cheating  (look above to see explanation)

Set up Science outpost Female Ryder is all about the science, Liam and Vetra said science and Science will help more in the long run and help the people that are already here that are suffering.

Set the guy who 'committed the murder' free This was a hard one and I forgot his name so forgive me. But bottom line, he didn't do it. Whatever his intentions were he still didn't actually commit the crime. I do think there should have been punishment but he didn't need life or be executed because of something he didn't actually do.

And that's it so far! I'll give more thoughts later.

[mysdrymmumbles]

@dafan7711 replied to your post “I need prompts”

“I won it.”

This one was fun to write, though it does get a little angsty at the end. Thank you so much to @dafan7711 for all the awesome prompts <3

Pairing: Josephine x F!Lavellan

Word Count: 913

Kaitrith Disapproves

I Won It

Kaitrith stood in the doorway of her room, unsure what to do.

The voices in her head were still clamoring for attention at the worst of times, but she was getting better at tuning them out or focusing on one or another.

Granted, she’d only managed to really focus on one voice, that had told her to go to an old abandoned shrine, where she’d met Mythal herself. That she was a human had been disheartening, but Mythal had spoken kindly at least, and she’d been comforted by the fact that, even though people constantly acted as though her Gods were nothing, at least Mythal still walked the world.

She’d spent her whole trip back reeling from the discovery.

When she’d gotten to Skyhold, Josephine had been busy finishing up with meetings and paperwork, and so rather than walk in still covered in a layer of grime and sweat from the road, she’d headed up to her room to get cleaned up and changed.

She’d barely taken a few steps before something had caught her eye and she froze.

The most hideous surcoat in all of Thedas.

The maroon coloring with its gold embroidery and collar of fur stood out in sharp contrast to the Dalish greens and browns of the decorations around the room.

The commander’s favorite accessory had been placed on an armor stand in the center of the room, drawing attention from everything else.

Kaitrith wasn’t sure how long she stood there, staring at it, and she wasn’t sure what made her turn away, but once she did, she was taking the steps four at a time as she sprinted back down, heading to the one person who could explain this madness without her wanting to punch them.

Josephine sat in her chair, going over a few of the latest letters sent from the various corners of Thedas. As Josephine noticed Kaitrith’s approach, she beamed. “Welcome home, Inquisitor.”

“My room has been invaded.” Kaitrith stopped a few feet short of the desk, usual frown dipping a bit lower than usual. She hadn’t meant to avoid pleasantries, but this was too bizarre.

For a moment, both Josephine and her assistant gave her puzzled looks.

Then, abruptly, Josephine doubled over laughing, nearly hitting her head on her own desk, though she managed to catch herself in time. “Oh, I’d all but forgotten about that. Forgive me, love. I meant to be there when you saw it.”

“You know why it’s in my room?”

“Mmhm,” Josephine laced her fingers together and rested her chin on her hands, trying not to smile too widely. “I won it.”

For the first time since seeing that awful surcoat, Kaitrith felt her annoyance fading. Arching her brow, she wandered closer to Josie’s desk stopping just in front of it and tilting her head. “You won it?”

“I do not believe we have yet to have the pleasure of playing Wicked Grace together,” Josephine couldn’t hold back her smile any longer, beaming as she continued, “but I am quite good, and Cullen is…not so much.”

Kaitrith stood there, processing what she was saying for a moment before slowly pointing toward Josephine. “You got him to bet his coat?”

“Oh, more than that.” Before she could go on her assistant let out a soft cough, interrupting their conversation. Straightening up, Josephine gave Kaitrith a resigned nod. “I will tell you all about it over dinner?”

Darting around the desk, Kaitrith pressed a quick kiss to Josephine’s temple and smiled. “I look forward to it.”

…-…

“He really had to run from the tavern all the way to his room? Naked?”

Kaitrith leaned against the table hand partially covering her smile as she watched Josephine laugh and nod. “His face was brilliant red for days after, and Dorian and Varric are not going to let him forget it any time soon.”

Even as Kaitrith shook her head, gleefully glancing over at the trophy, her hand crackled to life with a harsh, stabbing pain. She fell from her chair with a scream, clutching at her wrist as the room shone green, the magic so much more violent than usual that she thought she could hear it cracking the world in half.

When the pain finally began to subside, she found herself in Josephine’s lap, her love’s arms wrapped tightly around her, cradling Kaitrith to her as terrified reassurances that it would be alright spilled from Josephine’s lips.

“I’m fine,” Kaitrith murmured against Josephine’s shoulder, heart breaking when she heard and felt the hiccupped sob that escaped her.

Rather than cry, however, Josephine merely held her closer. “Of course you are. You’re the strongest woman I know.”

Straightening up, Kaitrith felt like Bull had tossed her over a cliff, but it was nothing she couldn’t work past to assure Josephine that she would be alright. “Really.” She leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to trembling lips. “I’m fine. I’ll go talk to Solas and—”

Her promise was interrupted by the door to her room banging open as Leliana sprinted into the room. “Inquisitor! You’re alright. Thank the Maker.”

Kaitrith frowned as she appraised the spymaster, wondering just how loudly she’d yelled. “How did you…?”

She trailed off as she realized that the room still had an odd green hue to it, coming in from one of the windows.

Standing, Kaitrith walked to the balcony and froze, barely feeling when Josephine caught her unmarked hand and squeezed it.

The Breach had reopened.