#enarin lavellan

[nerdierholler]

Ok, I had to use this dalish elf pic crew to make Ithlen and Enarin. They both look appropriately very tired and happy go lucky, respectively.

If any of my DA followers do this, tag me so I can see your OCs!

[baejax-art]

@nerdierholler‘s absolutely gorgeous Enarin Lavellan

[nerdierholler]

4, 7 and 9 for the DA:V asks please :)

(I’m currently on my first DA:I playthrough, very excited about DA:V!!)

I hope you're enjoying your DAI run! Tell me about your Quizzie!

4. What does your worldstate look like going into DAV?

It seems like DAO and DA2 choices aren't going to be huge but I'll mention them.

DAO: Warden Ithlen Mahariel. Romances Alistair, sides with the mages in the tower, negotiates a truce with the werewolves, put Alistair on the thrown BUT then doesn't do the dark ritual so Alistair dies killing the archdemon and Anora now is Queen. Sadly this means no Morrigan in DAI :(

DA2: Female Hawke, she doesn't have a name. Rogue. Romances Fenris. Takes Bethany to the Deep Roads but not Anders so Bethany is dead. Oops. Eventually sides with the mages after trying to remain neutral most of the game. Isabella is still around, Varric is her bestie, she doesn't help Merrill with the eluvian, kills Anders because she feels like it's the best way to give him peace and be free of Justice.

DAI is hard because I have three Inquisitors that I'm really attached to. If I'm going purely canon compliant then I'll go with Enarin Lavellan. Rogue. Romances Iron Bull. I thought the Keep autofilled for DAI but apparently not so here is what I can remember. Friends with everyone, sided with Templars, Celene is on the throne, Wardens rebuild, Stroud is in the fade, Cassandra is Divine (?), dismantled the Inquisition.

7. Which character from the previous games or other media are you most hoping will make an appearance in DAV?

Like wow, so many! I would really like to see Dorian again especially with my Inquisitor that romanced him. Also would be happy to see Zevran again. I feel like a number of characters people want to meet again are dead or not available in my primary world state...

9. Which romance, if any, do you plan to pursue first?

Like I mentioned, I'm Emmrich curious. However, I started reading Tevinter Nights and now I'm interested in Lucanis too. Then again I really liked Harding in DAI. It's going to be a hard choice. Too many good options I suspect.

[nerdierholler]

I used the first two screenshots I come across on my blog to try and recreate Enarin in Veilguard and went with that. I also knew I would never get him to look the same (learned that lesson with Hawke in DAI) so I didn't spend a ton of time tweaking in the CC. I went with close enough and here is what I came up with.

Messing around with DAI today and decided to try Enarin with some mods since I’d only started using mods when I originally made him. Turns out I can’t improve him. He’s perfect as is. Look at my wonderful sassy flirty child.

[nerdierholler]

I got the most amazing surprise from @nug-juggler today with this portrait of my boy Enarin. It captures him so well. His freckles! His nose! His lips! All of it just alsdhjalsdahs;dlansdl

Thank you so much for making this. I am absolutely tickled!

[nerdierholler]

I broke Enarin. I broke my happy go luck boy.  OC-tober made me do it. Here’s some post-Trespasser Enarin and Bull.

Day 16: Hand

Bull sat down on the edge of the bed beside Enarin, “Is there anything I can help you with?” He chose his words carefully, mindful of the nearly healed wound on his arm that left the Inquisitor needing more assistance than usual. 

Enarin shrugged in silence, looking down at the floor, a strand of hair falling in front of his face. He reached around and tucked it behind his ear. “I was thinking about cutting my hair. It might be easier if it was shorter.”

“Sure thing, if that’s what you want.” Bull swept Enarin’s hair away from his neck and kissed it. “I think you’ll look irresistible either way.” The corner of Enarin’s lips curled into a weak smile before faltering again. “Do you want me to put it up?” 

The nod that followed was almost imperceptible. Bull took the brush from the bedside table and slowly started to comb through Enarin’s hair. He gently worked out the tangles until the brush went over the hair without resistance. Enarin was quiet, sitting almost perfectly still, his whole body held taught.

“I can stop, we don’t have to do this. I don’t want to push you. Just say the word. It’s always your choice, kadan.”

Enarin shook his head, “I know. It’s alright, you can finish.”

Without saying anything else, Bull gathered up Enarin’s hair and began working it into braids that would be easy to secure and unlikely to come apart throughout the day. As he finished, he let his hands rest on Enarin’s shoulders. 

The Inquisitor reached up and put his hand on top of Bull’s, silent tears beginning to fall on his cheeks.

[nerdierholler]

Just a friendly late night game of wicked grace among friends for today’s OC-tober

Day 10: Silence

Most of the crowds in the great hall have gone for the evening. A few small groups remain and the murmur of indecipherable whispers flows through the night air light a soft breeze. There’s a loud pop from one of the logs on the fire and several heads turn in alarm before returning to their quiet conversations, the sound leaving tension in its wake as nerves begin to settle. A chair groans under a shift in weight and someone coughs nervously.

“Well,” Varric says finally.

“Why not?” Hawke tosses a piece of gold into the center of the table.

“Took you long enough,” Enarin chides, adding another coin to the pile with a clink. “How about it Commander?”

Silence begins to stretch throughout the hall again.

“Come on, Curly, we don’t have all night.”

Cullen slides a piece of gold across the wood, “Maker, I’m going to regret this.”

“Probably,” Varric beams. “Let’s see it.”

Cards slap against the table followed by various moans, groans, and curses, and one triumphant voice as Hawke wraps her hands around the gold and pulls it towards her, “Thanks guys. I needed a little spending money for the trip back to Kirkwall.”

[nerdierholler]

Day number two for OC-tober, arranged by @oc-growth-and-development​. Perhaps a loose interpretation of mercy but ya know, whatevs.

Fandom: Dragon Age Pairing: Enarin Lavellan/Iron Bull Words: 224 Rating: M, nothing too explicit (I don’t think at least) but they are doing the do so that also means some BDSM themes as well. (I never know how to rate these things).

Day 2: Mercy

The knots in the silks hold tight, firm and tense as Enarin pulls against them, leverage as he arches his body away from the sheets. Something ghosts against the skin of his inner thigh. A trailing finger? A feather? He can’t tell and he doesn’t care. The only thought pounding in his mind over and over is ‘more’. 

Shifting weight on the bed and hot breath on his neck.

More…

The flick of a tongue on his chest.

More…

A hand resting against his hip bone.

MORE…

Everything is too much and not enough all at once.

Pleasure borders on pain and a new word begins to take shape in the back of his throat. He’s never said it, but it’s there, waiting. The tension building in his body makes him tremble. The tension needs to break, one way or another.

Enarin swallows, pulling against the silks once more. Just as he’s about to open his mouth, unsure of what might come out, the hand on his hip shifts lower and with a few swift strokes he’s completely undone. 

Ecstasy rips through his body like lightning, the pulses of electricity slowly fading until he’s left panting and sweating, boneless against the sheets. 

A tired but satisfied smile forms on his lips and he finally speaks. One word, a breathless sigh, “Kadan…”

[nerdierholler]

This should get me all caught up for OC-tober, minus that one day I just flat out skipped and still don’t have any ideas for. I was pretty sure this one was going to be about Solas and then it wasn’t. Have some Enarin thinking about the ways of the dalish instead.

Day 15: Myth

The Creators weren’t real. Of that, Enarin had been certain for most of his life. Their silence was a convenient explanation for the fact that they never existed at all. He didn’t begrudge others in the clan their beliefs though. Life could be hard, depending on gifts of the land and whims of the humans. It was understandable to want to have something to hold onto, something that united the dalish across Thedas and provided a backbone to their existence.

But that was all they were, myths and stories. He wore vallaslin because it was a sign of adulthood. He praised Andruil after a hunt because that was what was done. A habit born of comforting ritual and nothing more. 

At one time the ancient elves had been great and then they had fallen. The why and how hardly mattered now. The existence or absence of silent gods didn’t change the fact that they couldn’t block out the rest of the world forever. 

But Enarin mostly kept these thoughts to himself. He said the right words and did the expected things when others were watching. He spoke openly with those he trusted. As he saw it, the ways of the clan would have to expand if they wanted to survive. The world was changing and they needed to change with it or risk losing their voice forever.

[nerdierholler]

For the DA protagonist asks: your choice of 14, 24, 25 and/or 27, please! :D

Thanks so much for the ask! :)

14. If they’d been in each other’s places would they have made the same or different choices? And who would they have romanced, if anyone?

Since I already have a solid HC about my warden Ithlen also becoming Inquisitor, I might as well plug her into DA2 too. Based on the assumption that Alistair still dies killing the Archdemon, she’d probably romance Fenris because broody would suit her best at that point.

I think she makes a lot of the same choices as my Hawke except she would side with the mages from the start instead of my Hawke who tries to stay neutral and not be dragged into the matter until the very end. And obviously no one would have died in the Deep Roads because she would know what to do (sorry Bethany).

She still wouldn’t help Merrill just because of her background with the mirror, not because she disapproves of blood magic. If it wasn’t that mirror or Ithlen didn’t have that same background, she’d support Merrill and help her because she would want to gain that knowledge for the Dalish as well.

She wouldn’t have gotten along with Sebastian because (in her mind) preachy humans are the worst, even if they have a lot of the same goals.

She still would have killed Anders though for similar reasons as Hawke. There’s a recognition that a horrible crime was committed and needs to be punished, but mostly because she sees it as a kind of mercy. Between Justice and the taint, Anders will never be whole and by killing him she’s releasing him from his own internal prison.

The rest answered below

24. How do each of your protagonists handle loss?

Ithlen - After Alistair, better than most because she hardens herself. Alistair was rough though. It was a lot of introspection away from the wardens then distractions with warden duties until the pain eventually numbed.

Hawke laughs through the tears. She’s pretty broken on the inside but usually does a decent job of hiding it from everyone except Fenris and Varric. Varric worries about her a lot because you can never entirely believe her when she says she fine.

Harold the Herald is a sensitive soul and it hits him hard. He’s pretty open about things though so he probably has the best coping skills because he allows himself to feel his emotions and work through them.

Enarin Lavellan has years of practice with emotional distance, only letting himself get so close to people. Loss from someone he does let in would be devastating and probably prevent him from opening up the same way again. He’s like Hawke, very good at pretending everything is alright even when it isn’t.

25. What is/was their relationship with their family like? My poor group of mostly orphans.

Ithlen was close to Ashalle and the clan in general. I’m a big believer than there’s a lot of the “it takes a village” mentality in the Dalish. She would have done anything for her clan.

Hawke was close with her family. She didn’t try to be the show off or be the perfect one, even if Carver saw things that way. She really wanted him to succeed. Of course they’re all gone now and the Kirkwall crew is like her new family. She possibly holds to them tighter than she did her real family because she knows what that loss is like and can’t stand to have it happen again.

Harold was disowned by his family once his magic manifested. No letters, visits, or mementos, just a one way trip to the Circle. That was hard as a child, but he wasn’t alone in his situation. He’s tried to let go of that and be indifferent towards his family and what they did.

Enarin was the rebel child. He loves his family but wasn’t interested in pursuing the path they set out for him. He was hardly the model Dalish in his views of the world and that caused friction.

27. What would their fears on the graves in the fade during Here Lies The Abyss be?  This is always so hard.

Ithlen - Abandoned her duty.Hawke - No one left to mourn herHarold - Corrupted by power and crueltyEnarin - Was never really loved

[nerdierholler]

I mean, really, what are words anyways? I don’t know. Anywho, here are some words. Bull really has a thing for Enarin’s lips and some frustrations on not being able to act on it.

From the Herald’s Lips

The Herald had lips that almost drove Bull to distraction.

Full. Supple. Teasing.

When he was frustrated or deep in thought, Enarin pouted, his bottom lip accentuated by the blue stripe of vallaslin running through the middle. It begged to be suckled, to be raked between teeth until it was plump and red. All it needed was a thumb to brush against it, gently pressing downward, until his mouth opened, wanting, waiting for more.

Bull knew the suggestion of a time and place was all it would take to find out how those lips tasted. He could relax and watch as they moved across his body, acting out desires, finally discovering their hidden talents, soft sensitive skin against soft sensitive skin. Then again, perhaps he would take charge, slow and steady, until soft pleading whispers came tumbling out, begging him for release.

Instead, Bull fought back a moan, pleasure mixed with frustration. If Enarin had been anyone else beside the Herald...

As things stood, fantasies would have to remain just that. Bull would have to content himself with settling into his tent and remembering their conversations, the way Enarin smiled or smirked, the casual comments and innuendos that betrayed a common interest. He would turn them into something more until he found his own satisfaction, a hollow imitation of the thoughts and desires in his mind.

[nerdierholler]

8, 17, 22, 24 for any OC(s) of your choice!

Thanks! I did a mix of my DA OCs for this. I tried writing from their perspective you do sometimes and it was so fun!

8. How do they cope with losing a friend?

Ithlen: I guess it depends on how I lost them. When I lost Tamlen and Alistair, I mourned them and threw myself into the task at hand, trying not to think too much until the hurt subsided some. With Anders it was different. I didn’t want him to leave, didn’t know anything about it until later. I tried so hard to reach him in Kirkwall but he never responded. Probably never even opened the letters. I guess I never quite forgave myself for any of them even though I know chasing what ifs will drive a person to madness. I carry on and try to do better so I don’t have to lose more friends.

Enarin: I’ve had relationships fall apart, I don’t know if most people would call them friends, but we were close. It’s hard. It hurts. In the clan, there’s really no getting away from each other either. Doesn’t help that it’s pretty common for everyone to know everyone else’s business either. I just smiled and tried to act like nothing had happened, try to at least seem like friendly acquaintances. Not sure if it worked or made things worse but it seemed like moping around in front of everyone wouldn’t have done much good either. *shrug*

17. Could their personality or interests be considered “flighty?” Do they change their mind/interests often?

Hawke: I would say that I don’t. (Fenris in the background “Hawke…”) Ok, fine, but just small stuff. For the big stuff I keep what’s important in mind. There’s a lot going on, I want to check it all out.

Harold: Up until now, I’ve been pretty single minded. I enjoy the comfort of familiar things so I chose to focus on what interested me most. Being outside of the Circle has shown me there’s so much more, that I was limiting myself. I’m grateful for the new experiences and slowly trying to broaden my horizons. I suspect I’ll always enjoy the familiar though.

22. How do the sneeze (ex: loudly, quietly, openly, into their elbow, hold the sneeze in)?

Hawke: Usually loudly and openly (assuming she isn’t going to sneeze directly on someone) if she tries to hold it in she ends up squeaking.

Ithlen: Openly, but always makes sure to turn her head or cover her face with something.

Harold: Being scold as a child for not sneezing “politely” has stuck with him. He usually tries to hold it in or make the smallest disturbance as possible.

Enarin: Outdoors, openly and loudly, but he usually gives a warning first. If he’s in a meeting or some place where he knows he should use manners, he tries to hold it in. It doesn’t always work though or he ends up making weird scrunched up faces.

24. What words make them cringe?

Harold: I don’t know if cringe is the right word, but there are a lot of words that make me blush. I don’t do well with innuendos, but I’m getting better. I guess it’s from spending too much time around Bull, although Dorian can be almost as bad. I think Dorian does it on purpose though.

Enarin: Words are words, sometimes Bull comes up with some very creative things, but in general not much phases me.

Ithlen: There are words that make me cringe because they don’t have pleasant memories or mean trouble is coming: darkspawn, ‘The Queen requests your presence’, the words of the Joining. I’ll also admit to not being a fan of anyone belittling Alistair’s dedication to the Wardens and instead placing emphasis on him being king. Although, that’s less cringing and more anger.

[nerdierholler]

My Dragon Age OCs

Doing a little housekeeping so here’s a quick reference to some of my OCs. Feel free to ask or send prompts about them.

Ithlen Lavellen Mahariel (tumblr posts) Race: Dalish Elf Age: DAO - 23ish, DAI - 33ish Class: Dual Wield Rogue Sexuality: Heterosexual Romance: DAO - Alistair, DAI - Solas Other Info: Doesn’t take Morrigan’s offer at the end of DAO, Alistair dies killing the archdemon. Her investigation into the Calling leads her to Conclave where she ends up with the mark and becomes Inquisitor. She has a reputation for being serious and stern, is actually very kind to those she trusts and looks out for the people under her command.

Enarin Lavellen (tumblr posts) Race: Dalish Elf Age: 31 Class: Dual Wield Rogue Sexuality: Pansexual Romance: Iron Bull Other Info: Acted as a sort of relationship and sex therapist/expert in his clan. He answered questions, offered advice, and covered for you if you needed to skip your scout watch for a date. Supports mages but due to a fear that they wouldn’t be able to stop the Tevinter mages in Redcliffe without help, goes to the Templars and loses the mages. Generally flirty and sassy personality.

Harold Trevelyan (tumblr posts) Race: Human Age: 26 Class: Mage. In the Circle - herbalist/healer, In DAI - Fire, Rift Sexuality: Homosexual Romance: Dorian Other Info: Loves to garden, is happiest outside digging in the dirt. He was basically disowned by his family after his magic manifested and hasn’t had contact with them since going to the Circle. He is a dorky, awkward goober who actually likes plaideweave. Kind of the last person anyone expected to the Herald, himself included. Dorian tried to change him at first, then became smitten. Dorian is his first real relationship. Kind and diplomatic.

Hawke (tumblr posts) Name: I’ve never found a first name that stuck so she’s just Hawke. Class: Dual Wield Rogue Sexuality: Heterosexual Romance: Friendmance Fenris Other Info: Takes Bethany to the Deep Roads but not Anders so Bethany dies. Tries to stay neutral in the Mage/Templar conflict until she absolutely can’t anymore, sides with mages. Varric is her BFF. Purple Hawke all the way but following Leandra’s death there is a certain sadness and loneliness when she thinks no one is paying attention.

[nerdierholler]

The Dawn Will Come

 (I’m so so sorry for this title but I couldn’t resist) Inquisitor x Iron Bull

The Herald’s Rest was bursting at the seams the night before First Day. Soldiers, workers, and pilgrims all crowded in to celebrate the end of one year and beginning of another. In a back corner of one of the upper floors, those closest to the Inquisitor were gathered.

The nearby door to the ramparts was propped open, the cold night air a welcome relief from the heat of too many bodies crammed into one space. Varric, Blackwall, Sera, and Dorian were sitting around a small table, finishing a game of wicked grace. Cassandra stood in the doorway, brow furrowed in thought.

“Has anyone seen the Inquisitor? I thought he might be outside but no one is there.”

Sera set down her cards just long enough to made a rude gesture with her fingers, providing a hint to the Inquisitor’s probable location and activities.

Glancing around the room Cassandra noticed Bull’s absence as well, though she wasn’t sure how she’d overlooked it before. “Yes, thank you, Sera,” she said flatly.

Above the excited noise of the tavern and courtyard, a few candles flickered in the Inquisitor’s quarters. It was silent here except for measured breathing and movement against silk sheets. Blindfolded and wrists loosely tied to the bedposts, Enarin lay in bed, naked and waiting.

He felt the mattress shift under the Iron Bull’s weight, then his voice was in Enarin’s ear, soft and clear. “A new year starts at dawn, but I’m going to make sure you enjoy what’s left of this one, kadan.”

A smile played on Enarin’s lips and he let out a slow breath, his body taut with anticipation. He moaned when Bull’s teeth raked against the lobe of his ear and began biting at the soft skin of his neck. Thankfully, dawn was still a long way off.

[nerdierholler]

Obscure asks for Enarin: does he have any prejudices or negative bias against anyone or anything? Is there a food he really hates - as in, the mere smell of it makes him want to puke? What tends to be the first thing people notice about him?

Oh, lots to think about.

I’ll start with the last one first because it’s the easiest. I think the first thing people notice is his easy going personality. He’s one of those people who oozes confidence and seems very approachable but you just can’t put your finger on why that is.

This isn’t a bias towards a specific person or thing, but he’s wary of tradition for the sake of tradition. There’s nothing wrong with people believing in the Maker and the concept of the Chantry, but doing things a certain way just because that’s they way they’re done without thinking about alternatives rubs him the wrong way. He feels the same way about a lot of Dalish things and to an extent some of the stuff surrounding court practices in Orlais. It’s hard for him to understand that rituals and traditions form a type of comforting stability for some people and there is a happy medium there.

Not a food, but he has an aversion to dalish wines. He’s usually ok with grape based wines but wines made from other fruits make him gag. It comes from sneaking out a couple of bottles when he was younger, drinking way too much with his friends, then getting sick after.

[nerdierholler]

15 for Enarin

Oh my goodness, this was so much fun! Also I’m assuming you meant for the OC codex prompts, if I was wrong, let me know and I’ll write the other.

15. A letter to your OC from a companion they haven’t seen in a while

I’m not sure why Vivienne was the first to pop into my head for this but Enarin probably does get along with her the best of my main Inquisitors. Related note: Enarin took the assassin specialization.

My Dearest Enarin,

Rumor has it you were recently in Val Royeaux. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed you didn’t stop by, although, if my sources are correct, this was an unofficial visit. Have no fear, your secret is safe with me.

However, while you were in the city, you must have heard about death of Lady Margot’s husband. They say the doting old fool fell down the stairs in a drunken stupor. What a tragedy to be widowed so young. Hopefully she’ll have better luck in the future. In the meantime, it sounds as though she’s gone to their estate in the Dales with her lady in waiting to grieve.

But here I am, boring you with such details.

The latest fashions are out and, I must say, I find almost all of them to be atrocious. We have to keep up our appearances though and I’ve found a promising young tailor who seems to be able to make the most of them. You must allow me to set up an appointment for you the next time you’re here.

Give Bull my love and write me as soon as you can.

Yours,

Grand Enchanter Vivienne