#he’s like the perfect mix of Leliana and Josie and most of the inquisition is terrified of him in some level or another

[dark-elf-writes]

Percy and Annabeth waking up in Thedas (and anyone else you think would be fun) for them to end up with Percy as Inquisitor would be hilarious.

I’m laughing so hard at this because I know deep down in my heart that Percy just stumbled on the Conclave in the five minutes he was separated from the others (Annabeth, Thalia, and maybe Nico and Grover?) and managed to find the closest thing to a god to piss off immediately. I also know that he picked up the orb, felt the agony of the anchor being carved into his hand and in the split second before it all blew up yeeted it as hard as he could at Corypheus.

The others are so tired because of course Percy managed to become the head of an organization actively fighting a hole in the sky AND get amnesia the minute they turn their backs. They will stay with him and fight however. It’s what they do.

[novamm66]

Red Sky in the Morning

This chapter was a real struggle for me. My anxiety decided it didn't want me to write for a while and it took some time to show it otherwise. I am really happy with the result. I hope that you enjoy it too. 

Chapter Nine - It's not a Perfect World

Their return to Haven was chaotic, their little party scattering almost the moment they entered the town. It was a strange feeling. Working and fighting with them the past few weeks had become comfortable for Kiaya. She fit with this odd group of misfits, better than she would care to admit.

She couldn’t say the same for the rest of this blasted experience. Even on the approach, she could feel the change in how people looked at her with awe and fear in their eyes. The stories of the woman who fell out of the Fade and sealed the Breach had only grown with time. With so many recruits flooding Haven there seemed to be eyes everywhere.

That was the other thing. The closer they had gotten to the Breach the more Kiaya could feel the wrongness radiating from the mark on her hand. It wasn’t glowing; in fact, it rarely pulsed light anymore unless it was close to a rift. Most of the time, it felt normal and Kiaya found she could almost forget about it.

But here, in the shadow of the mountains, the green glow in the sky made it impossible not to think of it. She could feel it like ants under her skin. It hadn’t really caused her a lot of pain, at least not any more than she was already accustomed to, except when she used it. Closing the rifts was excruciating, and it seemed to be getting worse.

She was greeted with a surprise when she walked through the door of her cottage. Her arrival back had been anticipated. A fire was burning in the grate and a camp tub sat next to it, filled with water.

“Thank the maker.” Kiaya wasted no time in shucking off her armour and clothes. After weeks of travel and fighting, it was all in very rough shape. She had been wearing the same shirt for days, and it was starting to chafe.

The tub wasn’t big enough for her to lay down, but even sitting with her knees drawn up to her chest felt like pure luxury. She used a small burst of magic to warm the water, and she reached for her pack. She pulled out some of the soap that she had purchased in Val Royeaux. It had made her giddy when she had found it. When the mage and templar conflict reached the Ostwick tower, Evie had continued to heal, and with pressure from friends had started selling the soaps and potions. Finding it in a shop in that huge city had made Kiaya so proud, and there was a bonus: the soap she found was her favourite sent, a mix of sea salt, fennel and bayberry.

As she slowly scrubbed her body, breathing in the heady smell, she began running over the conversation she needed to have with Leliana. Kiaya had been putting it off for weeks, hoping that each day would see an end to the insanity her life had turned into. It had been easy to convince herself early on that with Whilliam and Ja’rell protecting Evelyn and most of Thedas believing she was here in Haven, was enough to keep Evelyn safe.

The guilt Kiaya was starting to feel about drawing her sister into this mess began to rise, but Kiaya quashed it back down as she busied herself working the soap across her skin, feeling more like herself with each passing second. She continued to wash long after it was necessary, simply enjoying the feeling. By the time she climbed out of the water, it was starting to cool again.

***

Cullen’s head hurt, which was normal, but this headache was brought on by the circular pattern of the current conversation. He, Cassandra, and Harding had been summoned to a debriefing immediately upon arrival in Haven. Now, they were simply rehashing details until the woman in question arrived.

“I am positive this file has been modified. Apparently, Ostwick’s record keeping leaves much to be desired.” Leliana was glaring at the parchment like the lack of information it held was a personal insult.

“I am sure there is an explanation.” Josie was ever the optimist.

“There is. I am sure of that. However, I doubt it could be a very reputable one.”

Cullen could see Cass’s hackles rising as she spoke sharply, “And I am sure every file you have ever kept is completely truthful.”

“Ultimately, Ladies,” Cullen interjected before anything more could be said. “It doesn’t matter. She has the mark, and she is willing to help us repair the damage. I am sure the rest will get sorted out with time.”

“I am surprised at you, Commander,” Leliana said. “I thought you of all people would be concerned about the lack of information on a mage.”

Cullen resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Is it concerning? Yes, however, that really doesn’t change anything, does it?” His own temper was starting to creep into his voice.

Thankfully they were all saved from further discussion by the door opening and Kiaya walking in. She was smiling and looked at ease considering the serious expressions that greeted her. She was dressed in new clothes, and her first words were of thanks to Josephine for the garments. Everyone took a needed breath as pleasantries were exchanged.

Kiaya’s first question was direct, but her smile never slipped, “Have you decided which group the Inquisition is going to approach?

The four other people around the table were silent. The discussion on that point had not gone well before they had discussed Kiaya’s history. Cullen found himself trading guilty glances with Cassandra across the table.

“If you are leaving it up to me,” Kiaya paused and looked disappointed when no one interrupted her. “I wish to go to Redcliffe. I cannot in good conscience leave all those people facing whatever it is Fiona has foolishly led them into. I am also willing to go to the templars after that if they are willing. I firmly believe that we are all going to be needed in the future.”

“That is a very diplomatic answer, however, it is unlikely, once we have spoken to the mages, the templars will meet with us,” Leliana stated.

“Then they are just being stubborn,” Kiaya said, shooting an apologetic look in Cullen’s direction. “Josephine, can you reach out to the templars? See what they say?”

She looked relieved at Josephine’s assent. “Then we will depart for Redcliffe in three days. Is there anything else?”

As the discussion turned to other matters, Cullen could see the rigidity in Kiaya’s back and shoulders relax, leaving a tremble in her hands that she was flexing her fingers to disguise.

Thankfully, there didn’t seem to be too much more to go over, and as the meeting broke up, Cullen moved to her side.

“Are you alright?” he motioned to her hands, gripped together and shaking.

Kiaya jumped when he spoke, her attention held by the conversation Leliana was having with one of her scouts. “Yes, sorry. I am fine. I was just… I guess I’m a little nervous.”

Before Cullen could ask her what she was nervous about, Leliana’s conversation wrapped up and Kiaya smiled at him before gently brushing his arm as she moved towards the other woman. He watched her a moment before turning to leave. As the door swung closed behind him, he overheard Kiaya speak, “May we talk?”

***

Leliana was intrigued when the Herald approached her alone. It had been obvious to the spymaster that Kiaya was avoiding her, what Leliana wasn’t sure of was why. She motioned the woman towards the chairs near the fire in the back of the chilly room. Now that they were alone Kiaya was silent, her eyes unfocused as she stared into the fire.  Leliana retrieved a bottle that Josie had recently received and poured two glasses.

Kiaya returned her attention to the other woman and smiled as she accepted the glass, Leliana noted the slight tremor in her hand.

The room was quiet as both women drank until Kiaya spoke: “This is the best Antivan red I have had in ages.”

Leliana nodded, “This, this is one of my favourites. It has been a while since I have tasted it.” Kiaya sipped, taking time tasting the favours before swallowing, buying the time it seemed. She was here for a reason and would speak when she was ready. Until then Leliana was content to drink and watch her.

“I need your help. I know that I have not been very forthcoming about myself and I know that has been a concern of yours.  So, if you are willing to help me get my sister and her husband here, I am willing to tell you anything you ask.”

Leliana considered the other woman thoughtfully, “Of course I will help you, although I won’t hold you to a promise that no one could really uphold.” Kiaya’s glance was surprised and a bit sheepish, Leliana continued. “but it would help if I understood what was going on.”

“Family drama seems trivial now with everything else going on, but I still wish to protect her as well as myself. But now I realize that this isn’t going to end for me well and I am not going to be able to do what I have...” Kiaya was struggling for words.

“Why don’t you begin with what assistance you need and why?” Leliana said.

“With the death of our older brother twenty-four years ago Lord Trevelyan found himself with Evelyn as the family heir and this has not sat very well with him, wither that is because she is a woman or a mage I have no idea. He has tried to have her killed ever since and trying to father another son.” Kiaya’s voice had turned sour and her disgust for her father was evident.  After another mouthful of wine, she continued.  “She has been protected in the tower most of her life and after the war started she was still there with Danin, her husband, and Malcolm and those that chose to remain at Ostwick, but the Conclave would have been a different story. Evelyn was determined to go even after she got pregnant.” Leliana saw the flash of emotion that Kiaya tried to hide, “Eventually Danin and Lydia convinced her that was too risky for the child and the idea to have me go instead was born.”

Kiaya sighed and shook her head, “With both Malcolm and Lydia went Ostwick is no longer safe and if Lord Trevelyan finds out about the baby he will hire better assassins.  I thought I could get back to her after the Breach is closed but now… well, I really don’t think that I will be able to get back.”

“You are right to want to bring her here. If we are going to continue to use her name it might be a good idea to have her permission as well as protect you both.” Leliana emptied the bottle into their glasses before jotting a quick message, crossing to the door and giving it to the scout waiting there.  Then she returned to her seat. Kiaya had been watching her thoughtfully. As Leliana settled into her chair again Kiaya spoke, “Thank you.”

Leliana smiled at her, “It is why I am here. I would like to know why you feel you ow your sister such protection. What did she do for you?”

“That is a very long story and we would need more wine.” Kiaya finished her glass.  Leliana reached under the table and produced another bottle.

“Well, that solves that. Shall I start at the beginning?”

***

“Good, now if you brace your hands farther apart on the staff, it’s easier to absorb the force of a square-on hit,” Cullen spoke in the calm voice of a skilled teacher, and Kiaya corrected her grip as she faced the Commander in the training ring. “Better. Remember, you are on the defensive, so the goal is to get yourself clear of melee range. Now try again.”

It was easier this time to dodge the Commander’s attack, and she even managed to duck under the shield strike that followed the sword. Although as she danced away from the larger fighter, she caught her heel and stumbled, almost landing in the dirt. She laughed at herself as she staggered, and was happy to hear Cullen’s warm chuckle join in.

“It worked,” Kiaya panted for breath. “Although, I am sure you would advise not tripping on my own feet during my exit.”

“Yes, I think that would be best.” He nodded, shading his eyes to gauge the height of the sun before heading for the water skin slung over a post at the side of the ring. “I think that is enough for this morning. You did well.”

Kiaya snorted her disbelief at his statement. “You would pound me if you were actually trying.” Her smile turned rueful as she accepted the water skin from his hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I truly appreciate your help.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, and you have shown improvement even in a short period of time.” Kiaya shot him an incredulous look.

“I may not believe you but in celebration of successfully not crushing me into the dust in our first three sessions, I brought breakfast.” She had been surprised by how much she enjoyed the early morning training. Cullen had been a patient and effective teacher, and she had pushed as far as her knees would allow. She liked the man, and most surprising to herself, she felt comfortable with him.

“I’m almost sorry we have to take a break while I go to Redcliffe. Almost.” The adrenaline from the exercises was making her feel giddy and it was a relief to drop down to the ground. She grinned up at him while pulling bread and cheese out of the basket.

Simply saying the name brought her doubts and fears about what meeting with Alexius. Waves of self-doubt threatened to swamp her as busied her hands and distract her head with their food.

“Are you concerned at all? About Redcliffe, I mean.” Cullen asked as if reading her mind. He leaned back against the stone wall, accepting the food she handed him.

“Am I concerned about walking into a trap set especially for me by a Tevinter magister for Maker knows why? With a strange magic that is affecting the rifts in a way no one understands? I’m not sure how to answer that question.”

She was glad when Cullen laughed at her sarcastic comment; she was grateful that he understood her sense of humour, as fatalistic as it tended to be.

“Magic that affects time. That is…” He didn’t seem to be able to finish the thought.

“Bad?” Taking a bite out of the bread in her hand, she leaned back and stretched out her legs. The sun was fully up, and the heat on her face was delightful.

“Can I ask you about your magic? Where did you learn it? I know so little about it. I didn’t realize how little information is available about water magic here. It was mentioned during training; however, I can remember very little of it and it wasn’t commonly practised where I was stationed.” Kiaya thought she heard something strange in his voice, but the honest curiosity on Cullen’s face erased any doubt she had in his sincerity.

“That’s not surprising, really. It’s not very common anymore it seems, and its reputation, well, that tends to put people off. Any ship captain worth his weight wants a water mage aboard,” Kiaya said.

“That is very interesting, and I have many more questions now, however, you failed to actually answer.” Cullen’s voice was kind and teasing.

Kiaya laughed, “You are right. Yes, you can ask me anything about water magic, and I learned it from the woman who raised me.”

“Your mother?”

This time Kiaya’s mirth was more bitter than she wanted. “My mother was a flawed human being, and she was gone by the time I was four. The best thing she did for me was leaving me behind with caring people who cared about me, one of whom was a Dalish mage, skilled in the art of water.”

“I’m sorry.” His voice was kind but the pity that always appeared whenever she spoke of her early life made her uncomfortable.

“Don’t be. I mean thank you, but don’t be sorry. Grams and Papa were good people and they loved me.” Kiaya fell silent as she shredded the last of the bread in her hands.

“Was your Pa elven as well?”

She looked up in surprise. The pity was gone from Cullen’s voice, and his eyes held nothing but interest.

“No, he was a salty old sea captain who taught me as much as he could in the time we were together. He was part of the Ferelden navy before he left it all behind to be with Grams. He was a kind man.”

“Would you mind explaining the link between blood and water magic. We were simply told to watch out for it but not why.”

“There isn’t one, well not really. Blood magic draws power from the life that is in the blood of living creatures. Water magic draws from the element of water and since blood is mostly water you can manipulate it. The difference would be where the power comes from. That’s a bit of a simplified explanation, but does it make sense?” She continued after he nodded. “You can see where the reputation comes from, and it is true there is temptation, but that doesn’t mean you give in to it. I mean, I have the temptation to smack the smugness off Rodrick’s face every time I see him, but it doesn’t mean I do it.”

She laughed when Cullen almost spit out the water he had just drunk, coughing he said, “I almost wish you would.”

“It’s almost worth it, but I really don’t need to give him any more reason to arrest me.”

They both groaned in unison at the sound of the morning bell from the chantry.

Cullen chuckled. “Well, that’s a call back to reality. I suppose we can’t hide here forever. Are you still riding out this afternoon?” Cullen climbed to his feet and offered a hand to help Kiaya to hers.

“Yes,” she exhaled. “I would like to be as close to Redcliffe tonight as possible. Maybe with luck, everything will go smoothly. Alexius will simply release the mages, head back to where he came from, and we will be back day after tomorrow. In a perfect world.”

Cullen smiled at her as they departed the training ring.

“In a perfect world,” he echoed.

I want to wrap up with a quick ‘I love you’ to @scottishvix & @lechatrouge673 they are both super tough awesome women.

Reblogs are so very welcome.

[punwolf]

Yeah yeah more Dragon Age Inquisition rambling

The last 2 times I played I sided with the Mages. The first time I went templars because that’s what my character (yes a mage - gasp) would have done. I like to mix things up and see the whole game or I get bored. The last time I played was with someone else’s character for a video game so I did what he asked me to for recording footage. He went mage so magery it was.

First of all there’s Dorian. How can you ever have too much Dorian in your life? Hint: you can’t. That perfect mustache and immaculate hair. That wit and humor and snark. He’s just Dorian and that’s all that need be said. So there’s that about siding with the mages.

You also get that side quest with Cullen to ruin Samson’s day armor. That’s super cool. I liked running around extra with Cullen and it was an interesting bit of insight into Samson.

Third... Gideon Emery. That man could read the instruction manual to a toaster to me and I’d hang on his words. Even if I hate Samson as a character he’s like Rendon Howe, I can’t help but love to listen to him because of the VA. Also, I was surprised how Cullen reacted to turning Samson over to him. He was incredibly ... nice... about it. I kind of expected Cullen to lop his head off like Alsitair did Loghain and wouldn’t have stopped him if he would have.

No freaking timer. That’s a big one. I hate the timer on the Templar version. I’ve had a hate-hate relationship with timers since Mario was the most sophisticated game in existence.

The things that happened to Leliana and how they decided to explain why the Origins crew never got Blight sick, poor Felix, Conner and the last stand of your red lyrium infected friends. Gut wrenching stuff. Leliana had some slick moves there, too. She’s been watching Arrow, obviously. Seriously, though, that’s some great animation.

Okay but now for the down sides. Cole. Dorian is a human being so he makes sense - more or less. Cole on the other hand is weird. In a good, sweet, I love the spirit-person way but not human. If you don’t go Templar, Cole shows up out of nowhere and somehow the Inquisitor knows all about him? That could have been done better because it’s a bit jarring.

Time travel. Parallel universes and time travel have long been the stuff of fantasy and Sci-Fi. If the Eluvian idea wasn’t lifted straight out of The Magician’s Nephew I’d probably dislike it more. Magic, yes, I got it. Really though... time travel? I expect that in Sci-Fi, not in fantasy inspired by Tolkien and G.R.R. Martin. I groaned the first time I did it and couldn’t believe they played the time travel card in Dragon Age. I’ll never be 100% on board with that. Personal preference.

Now for the Templars.

People have different ways that they’re creeped out but damn... the Envy demon poking around in my character’s head (particularly a mage) is a big one for me. My mages’ biggest fear is usually to be taken over like Uldred, Sophia Dryden, Orsino I guess? I dunno, maybe he just turned himself into that reused DLC monster at the end and wasn’t an Abomination. I’m not a fan of DA2 so I don’t remember. Even Anders had problems because Justice could break out and take control. That body you were born with? Not yours anymore. You’re a Muppet without any cuteness or Jim Hensen. You’re a meat puppet being played on a demons strings. A great horror concept and why I’m in Viv’s court about the world needing templars ... just not asshole templars who abuse mages and are drunk on power.

Cole. Covered already.

Ser Barris. Because he’s awesome and good.

It felt more personal to me because so much of it was centered around my character and made the protagonist literally face themselves.

Cullen getting his throat cut by Leliana. Ouch. Being threatened with a carving knife by psycho-Josie. Yikes.

I also prefer Calpernia’s story over Samson’s. Hers felt more interesting and complex. You also have an option with her at the end that you can release her after turning her against Corypheus. I like that being an option, at least.

Overall I think I still like the Templar one better in some ways, but like the choices back in Origins, I tend to like them both for different reasons.