#edit: i realized that i forgot to tag the actual au so... oops i guess

[tacoteddy22]

A Word with Friends: Davrin week edition (But its actually an EmmRook WIP)

Thanks so much for the tag @davrinsleftpectoral!!!!

This week's word is susurration

Noun

the indistinct sound of people whispering

whispering, murmuring, or rustling. “The susurration of the river.”

In modern usage, we use the word to name a gentle sound characterized by a soft murmuring, persistent whispering, rustling, or even a barely audible buzzing.

Sorry this isn't Davrin related, but the word fit perfectly with a WIP I have going. This is a mondern uni AU with Emmrich and my OC Rook, Remy Ingellvar. She is the LOML and will soon be the same for our dear necromancer.

Tags: Probably late to this party (oops!): @sofiemystique @holdingontojupiter @junejems

“Professor Volkarin! Come! Meet our new teacher!” Myrna waved him over and he sidled up to the group gracefully. The blue eyes of the red-haired woman squinted at him as they had done before, but this time without the excuse of the sun in her eyes. It was this moment Emmrich realized he may have made an error in his assumptions about her.

“Emmrich, this is Professor Ingellvar. She has joined us this year to teach the freshman the proper Watcher rituals as well as their significance and importance,” Myrna gestured to the woman who was most certainly not a student despite her young appearance. To her credit and his surprise, she extended her hand in a greeting.

“Remy Ingellvar, but everyone calls me Rook, thanks to this guy.” Emmrich shook her hand beginning to feel that familiar pit of embarrassment in his stomach.

She pointed her thumb at the dwarf, and he gave a sheepish wave. “Varric Tethras. Former Viscount of Kirkwall and Rook’s mentor.”

“Ok, well mentor is a strong word.” Rook rolled her eyes as another wave of embarrassment hit Emmrich as he recognized both of their names. He cleared his throat and gathered his manners as he shook Varric’s hand and introduced himself.

“Lovely to meet you both! I’m vaguely familiar with both of your histories, I am professor Emmrich Volkarin. And I do apologize for my earlier assumption. I hope you won’t hold it against me?” He queried apologetically to Rook.

Rook waved a hand in dismissal. “Maker, no! It’s no bother. All you did was mistake me for younger than I am. How could I complain about that?”

Emmrich smiled appreciatively at her and turned back to Varric, “And will you be joining us this semester as well?”

“No no, I’ve got to get back to my duties. I just wanted to make sure the kid got all settled in here.” Varric bumped her shoulder with his and looked up proudly at her.

“Thank you, Varric, you’ve done more than enough. I owe you lots of treats from Orlais for all your help.” Rook bent down to give him a hug, and the dwarf hugged her back tightly. He reached up and patted her cheek and waved his goodbyes before leaving. Emmrich was glad for the momentary reprieve of attention on him, and he took a deep breath trying to will his lingering embarrassment away.

“Well since you two have met, I guess I won’t have to find someone to show Ms. Ingellvar around. You wouldn’t mind, would you, Emmrich?” Myrna inquired and Emmrich nearly sputtered out a denial because the last thing he wanted was to continue to bother this poor woman with his idiocy. But he was very curious about Rook’s history and his curiosity stepped in before his shame did.

“I’d be delighted to show you around, Rook. Perhaps in the next day or so once we have had a moment to settle in.” The offer was sincere and Emmrich surprised himself with how quickly he turned from horror to anticipation.

Myrna clapped her hands together excitedly, “Wonderful! Professors, as always, please let me know if you need anything.” She turned on her heel and walked away leaving the two educators alone. Awkward silence followed.

“I really am sorr-“

“So, I’ll let you kn-“

They both spoke at the same time and stopped, laughing awkwardly. She peered up at him with those big ocean eyes and he forgot everything for a split second leaving another silence.

“Why don’t I stop by your office later and we can coordinate the tour. This is my Alma mater, but I’d love to get the staff tour from an…experienced professor.” One corner of her mouth hiked up into a smirk and Emmrich’s mind went blank once more. He managed to say “That would be lovely.” before her smirk turned to a full smile and she walked back to her office - two doors down from his - leaving him in the hallway alone.

His watch beeped an alarm at him, and he scurried to his office to grab his bag. He walked to his first class of students recalling his morning and the embarrassment he felt. Oh, he should have known really. Seeing her up close she was easily at least a few years older than the graduating students - still seemingly far too young to be another professor here. She seemed like she brushed off his error and he was looking forward to meeting her later to arrange for a tour.

He rounded the corner and entered his classroom surveilling the group of students and listening to their susurrations. The room quieted slowly as the students realized their professor had walked in. He loved this day to no end and couldn’t wait to mold these young minds the way his had been shaped so long ago. He clapped his hands together excitedly as he introduced himself.

“Good morning, students! I am Professor Emmrich Volkarin. Welcome to Corpse Whispering 101!”