#kunstpause writes

[kunstpause]

Welcome to a little interactive Tav/Astarion Au fic.

Hello, I'm your writer and DM today. This will be a story where the major decisions and dialogue choices will be determined via twitter poll. I am aiming for this to be a gender-neutral Tav, so you can headcanon whatever you want in that regard, but we are gonna give them some character nonetheless. Also: It's an AU, so we won't touch the main plotpoints of the game. This is for the silly romance feels and perhaps some vampire steaminess. So be aware that, depending on choices, this could get nsfw.

And because I am very tired of the constant Spawn vs Ascended discourse, we are going with a secret third option, the details of which you might find out in the story, again, depending on choices, of course. ^^

You can find the interactive version here on my Twitter

Setting: Countess Sierran is known for throwing the social events of the season in Neverwinter, raising money for good causes, and giving people a platform to meet all sorts of new acquaintances. You know that this is also an inofficial welcome to someone fairly new to the city. A white-haired man who bought a sizable estate but not that many people have met yet in person. Rumor has it he has left his home of Baldur's Gate behind for good, but why and what for is the source of much gossip. Perhaps tonight, there will be some answers, or maybe just a lot more questions.

But before we can start: Character creation!

The options are under the cut and on twitter, under this post with the matching polls to vote for.

Pick a name, I've tried to pick suggestions that work for any gender. 1 - River 2 - Ash 3 - Morgan 4 - Storm

What brings you to the palace tonight? (Background)

1 - The Hero You are a seasoned adventurer that has been through a lot and made a name for themselves. Even when not being part of nobility, your deeds have granted you an invitiation nonetheless. Everyone in the city knows your name, after all. If its generosity or a political move, you cannot say. Yet.

2 - The Commoner You are an oridinary person, a commoner living in the city and making ends meed by working as a tailor. One of your oldest friends has married rich and keeps sending buisness your way. And one day, an invitation along with this. You are here on their good graces, trying not to leave a bad impression.

3 - The Servant You are a servant of the palace, having worked for the countess for a while. You keep your ear to the ground, hearing far more of what the nobility gossips about than anyone could possibly imagine. It's a simple life, but your employer is fair and you can't complain. Tonight, you're responsible for seeing to the guest's needs, even thought o msot of them, you are mostly invisible.

4 - The Criminal You've spent your childhood on the streets, learning early that no one gives you anything, and you have to take what you want by any means necessary. Nowadays, you are a blade for hire, and your current employer has sent you here with an invitation and a target. You know how to blend in perfectly, dagger hidden beneath clothes as you wait for just the right moment.

What do people think of you (Personality)

1 - The Closed Book You are a closed book, you rarely talk, and especially not about something personal. You are so stoic, people have a hard time getting to know you, and many don't put in the effort to try.

2 - The Charmer You are upbeat and easy to talk to, but you know how to play an audience. You use charme to set people at ease, but what you truly feel and think is often a mystery.

3 - The Open One You are friendly and open, not seeing a point in hiding how you truly feel. You wear your heart on your sleeve and often disarm people with how genuine you are.

4 - The Liar Telling the truth is for peple not careful enough. You have an easy time lying and utilize that skill to keep yourself safe and others at arm's length.

What do you strive for (Goals)

1 - Riches and Comfort You want more. No matter where you are right now, you know there is something more for you out there, and all you need to do is go after it with all your heart.

2 - A Different Life Everything is wrong. You know you are not who you are supposed to be. You need to get away from the status quo by any means necessary, even if that means accepting help.

3 - Peace and Quiet All you want is to rest. Life has been troublesome enough, you just want something quaint and peaceful where you don't have to be "someone" anymore.

4 - Nothing You are perfectly content in your current situation, you want nothing to change at all, and if you have to, you are ready to put the work in or even fight to keep what you have.

What frightens you (Fears)

1 - Lonelyness You can't stand the thought of being on your own. You need someone with you, someone who fights for you and you for them.

2 - Death You fear nothing more than the cold finality of death. It lurks around every corner and you know you have to be smart to outwit it.

3 - Betrayal You have difficulties trusting people, the thought that someone who knows you intimately turns your back on you is petrifying.

4 - Obscurity The thought of being forgotten, of your life not mattering to anyone in the long run and leaving no impact behind once you are gone sends chills down your back.

If you wanna influence the main character you have until the weekend to vote on it here.

[kunstpause]

From way back then, I just found it again and it made me emotional 🙈

Warden/Alistair, question (for the three sentence fic meme)

“What if we left Ferelden, just started to run and simply never looked back?”

Not a day went by where Alistair didn’t ask her the question and not a day went by where he didn’t regret not asking sooner.

The marble stone with her name on it never answered.

[crimsonsynastry]

Ao3 Fic Stats Meme

Tagged by the lovely @thepapernautilus ! If you love G'raha go read their stuff. (or Astarion. I haven't read it because spoilers but I'm certain their Astarion work is excellent too)

I've been dead on Tumblr so I have no idea when you tagged me in this lovely, I'm so sorry 😂

-

rules: give us the links to your fics with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the fewest words.

Most Hits | Unbreaking Breaking | Final Fantasy XIV | F!Warrior of Light/Zenos yae Galvus | Explicit | 18k words | CW: Non-Con, Violence I knew it would be this one right off the bat. One of my darkest and still most popular works, because people, like myself I suppose, want to see Zenos do some messed up things to the WoL. Zenos, pre 6.0 I found, catered to a very dark and messed up part of my mind.. And this was the result. People just seem to also like that.

Second Most Kudos | My Moonlight, Your Starlight | Howl's Moving Castle | Sophie Hatter/Howl Pendragon | Explicit | 3.5k words It has been a hot minute since I've logged onto Ao3 to check my stats properly and *wow* I did not expect this to have so many kudos. It shot up there in popularity pretty quickly, which I suppose I had somewhat expected.. My love for Sophie and Howl is not isolated, and people want to see them together.. Particularly with Howl in bird form.

Third Most Comments | In Every Life | Final Fantasy XIV | F!Original Character/Emet-Selch | Explicit | 19k words and writing Auh, my first attempt at a longfic.. I'm surprised this one has so many comments honestly. It's on hold at the moment because I started this when my writing style was significantly different, but I do hope to come back to it later when I can fully focus on writing past tense without mixing my current present tense style of writing in there.

Fourth Most Bookmarks | Tumble After Tumble | Final Fantasy XIV | F!Warrior of Light/Emet-Selch | Explicit | 24.7k words Ohhh no now we're getting into my older older writing.. I suppose people just like kinky smut with Emet-Selch, and this fic definitely has a lot of that.

Fifth Most Words | Wilt | Final Fantasy XIV | F!Warrior of Light/Emet-Selch | Explicit | 24.5k words | CW: CNTW One of my favourites that I am still writing for the lovely Kunstpause! They enabled this wonderful piece, and I hope to return to it when I'm more alive again as I've been on a bit of a hiatus. Two more chapters have already been written so honestly this shouldn't be entry number five, but the fourth and sixth entry have already been mentioned so I might as well leave it here.

Fewest Words | Pacify | Final Fantasy XIV | F!Warrior of Light/Zenos yae Galvus | Explicit | 298 words | CW: Non-Con One of many little tidbits when I was feeling dark.. Not entirely sure why I didn't throw this one into my snippets fic, but well, there it is.

In truth I'm not sure who to tag because I have been away from fandom socmed for so long (and Im only here intermittently) but, if you haven't done it already (and if yall want to do it) I'll tag @kunstpause @drk-brain @elveny @dholwrites and @hippestglitch

[anchanted-one]

Get to know me

Thanks for the tag @elveny ! 

Share your wallpaper: Unfortunately, I’ve not bothered to customize either my laptop or my phone with wallpapers yet. I wanted to make my own, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. If I make them, they’ll be like a fantasy South Indian Palace :3. Wish me luck!

The last song you listened to: I was listening to Footfalls (Endwalker Theme) before my last class. Love the song, love the trailer: https://youtu.be/zTTtd6bnhFs

Currently Reading: I’m currently not reading anything. I’m focused on my course, my fanfic, and my art. I want to start reading more books again when I’m done. I think I’ll pick up Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot. 

Craving: I’d like... okay this is embarrassing, but I’ve never been in a relationship. Rejected every single time. I would like to have some romance in my life, once I’m stable again. Also, I want to visit NZ, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Netherlands, Japan, Chile, or Austria. Definitely France.

What are you wearing right now: White shirt, black shorts. 

How tall are you: Hmmm not sure. 176-178 cm? I’m a bit above average for the Indian man. But not by too much.

Piercings: Had two ear piercings when I was a baby, but they’ve pretty much closed by now.

Tattoos: I have one, an eastern dragon. But I want to remove it someday. 

Glasses? Contacts?: I had really bad eyesight in my childhood. Like, -6.5 or 7.5 iirc. Bad enough that I couldn’t see a light switch on the wall. But I had corrective surgery done shortly after my twentieth. My sight is quite good now.

Last drink: Coca Cola. Rare treat.

Last show: Currently watching Vinlandsaga, Mando S3, and Bad Batch. Waiting on Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village arc, for which I caught the premiere <3. Will rewatch Naruto and Fairy Tail when I can.

Favourite colour: Red.

Current obsession: My fanfic. I’ve planned a huge, huge story set in SWTOR. I think my obsession with SWTOR, and especially Lana Beniko, might be unhealthy... but I can’t help it. I want to write that story, especially the romance. Maybe some smut :D.

Unrelated Obsession: Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Really need to quit. 

Any pets: Technically my sister’s. But two rabbits, whom she’s named Ludwig and Wolfgang. She loves classical music.

Do you have a crush on anyone: In the real world? Hmm, no one who knows I exist.

Favourite fictional character: I’m not very subtle about this lmfao.

The last place you traveled: Mumbai. I think it’s been ten months now. 

Extra info, not part of the original questions: I want to draw action poses. Like, the most gorgeous duels. Swords, spears, weapons, daggers, fists, chains. For a while, I thought I had to give up on that dream, but I’m getting my drawing back. Just a bit.

I also want to write my own novels.

Tagging: @captainderyn @kunstpause @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @crqstalite @swtorpadawan @chubbyooo @jemichi90 @greencrusader13 @naaklasolus @sheyshen

No pressure, guys!

[alamhigyoooo]

tagged by @elveny and @kunstpause for six sentence sunday! (also this maybe makes up for wip wednesday wjfkekg i didn't have any pieces in progress this past wednesday AAAA)

tagging @asscian​, @ahlis-xiv​, @everybodylivesau​, @ancientechos​, @fortempsward​, and anyone else who wants to give this a try!

here’s a little peek at a project i have in the works about exploring the character of livia sas junius, which is my attempt to take a real female villain and give her more merit than “she’s obsessed with gaius” because frankly anyone as terrible as livia was has to have more substance than that...i’m really tired of men writing sub-par women villains LOL

TW for some unhealthy things! (i’ll leave a dissertation in the tags for some discussion about this piece lol)

--

Love is not meant to be built on terror, you think (you know). Love is supposed to be tender and soft and gentle - love should be forgiving.

And yet you're sure that you love her, even when she digs nails hard enough into your skin that you bleed, when she leaves you gasping on the floor without a word, sets her cold eyes upon you with disdain. She is full of hate, exudes everything ugly in the world despite her pretty face.

Some days you wonder what made you fall for Livia sas Junius, and why you consent to the bruises she leaves on your skin. 

Then she comes to you again, in all her spite and fury, and suddenly you're too desperate for her touch to care.

[elfyourmother]

Dialogue 14 for Khedira?

For a man as burly and barrel-chested as he was, Blackwall was quick with a sword, and quicker with his shield. Before she could blink, or even react to the templar arrow hurtling towards her, the Orlesian rondache cast a protective shadow over her, and she heard a loud, sharp thud as the arrowhead splintered against and shattered along with the shaft.

And, just as quick as it came, he lowered the shield with an angry grunt, bashing it into the archer’s face to stun him. His blade was quick to follow, finding the gaps between the leather with ease; the red templar crumpled lifeless to the earth.

Blackwall’s eyes found her, and they were hard as agates at first; they softened then, when they found her own, and he relaxed his furrowed brow, the tension melting from his face.

“Are you alright, love?” he asked, as he wiped his blade clean.

Khedira nodded, as much in thanks as to reassure him. “I misjudged the enemy. Thank you.”

His lips curved into one of his slight smiles, framed just so by his thick, silvery black beard, the manner of smile that made Khedira’s knees quiver. “There’s no need to thank me, my lady. No harm will ever come to you so long as I draw breath,” he said softly.

“You’ve gotta stop doing that.”

“What?”

“Saying things that make me want to kiss you,” Khedira said.

Blackwall grinned, and with shield still in hand, took Khedira by his free one, pulling her close to him; warm leather against cool steel. “I’ll stop when it quits working,” he said.

Khedira laughed softly, leaning in to find his lips with her own.

[barbex]

Fic writers' end-of-year roundup: 2022 edition!

It’s that time of year, writer friends — time to take stock of what we’ve been up to this year! @pikapeppa tagged me, thank you!

And I'm tagging... everyone. @storybookhawke​, @bexifer, @ocean-in-my-rebel-soul​, @rpgwrites​, @fandomn00blr​, @asaara-writes, @dafan7711, @kemvee, @kunstpause, @blarrghe, @a-tear-in-the-veil, @in-arlathan, @elveny, @hawkeish, @starsandskies, @dismalzelenka, @charlatron, @enigmalea, @tessa1972, @wickedwitchofthewilds, @noire-pandora, @queen-kass-the-writer, @lavellanvibes​, @vonuberwald, @evilsapphyre, @pinkfadespirit, @musetta3, @lesetoilesfous, @faux-fires, @midnightprelude​, @ellie-effie, @andrastesknickerweasel, @mordinette, @kagetsukai, @zet-sway​, @roguelioness, @potatowitch, @for-the-ninth, @anneapocalypse, @rakshadow, @contreparry, @realace, @chaosride, @emotionalmorphine, @anderstrevelyan, @thedastrash, @only-slightly-terrified

---

Words written (published or not, WIPs included!): 188,336 words according to my trusty spreadsheet, in 45 fics on AO3 and a few secret things.

Smut scenes: How do I even count that? I wrote 11 explicit fics in 2022. Some had several scenes.

New things I tried: I tried writing more short things for DA Drunk Writing Circle on Friday nights. It went well, I think, but sometimes it feels like I'm wasting a big idea on a small thing and then I can't use it again, which is STUPID, I know, but it's still a thing going on in this old head.

Fic I spent the most time on:  I have such a bad memory. I don't remember such things, time us just so... timey.

Looking at my trusty spreadsheet, I spent three months in the beginning of the year to finish Destiny's Bite and then Mystery of the Rose appeared. Currently, I'm spending the most time on Twilight and Soup. Like an unhealthy amount of time. You don't even know how much this fic occupies my brain space.

Fic I spent the least time on: I think I wrote the first chapter of Mystery of the Rose in one night.

Favourite thing I wrote: I think it's Outshine the Stars, but I love all my ongoing fics too.

Favourite thing I read:  The Right Pressure by DemonicPersephone, the pining, the careful feelings developing...

Writing goals for next year:  More words. Finish a few longifcs. Write the original novels. Just... use time more efficiently. Oh and if possible, maybe play a game again? But mostly, more writing.

[ashalle-art]

WIP Wednesday

Thank you so much for tagging me this week @kittynomsdeplume💖 For today's WIP Wednesday I got two sneak peeks of my work for the@normandyzine I am so happy and amazed to be part of this, if you want to enjoy them in full glory among other pieces from amazing creators, check out the zine 😍

Tagging (Like always no pressure just feel loved <3) @charlatron @kunstpause @scharoux @kemvee @zuendwinkel @noire-pandora @little-lightning-lavellan @schoute @pikapeppa @jentrevellan​ @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold​ @dalish-rogue​ @lavellanvibes​ @hobo-apostate @musetta3 @starsandskies @dismalzelenka​​ @kirstinetheartist @kittynomsdeplume @fiannans @diccix @a-shakespearean-in-paris @hollyand-writes

[jentrevellan]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Tagged by @kunstpause @hobo-apostate @kemvee @charmcity-jess @raflesia65 @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold

Thank you!

A little drawing of Elsie I'm working on to de-stress and relax when I can. I'm thinking one of her official portraits Josie makes her sit through.

Tagging forward (no obligation ofc) @a-shakespearean-in-paris @charlatron @noire-pandora @starsandskies @hollyand-writes @ashalle-art @elveny @queen-kass-the-writer @dismalzelenka and anyone else who whishes to!

[kunstpause]

What We May Be, Ch 3

Astarion/OC, E

"Ah, come now, darling," Astarion edges her on. "I've seen you fight, and from the things I know about Drow society, you are not squeamish about many things. Aren't gratuitous displays of violence almost something like a courtship ritual?"

Read on AO3

[kunstpause-archive]

Last Line Meme

Thank you @captainderyn for tagging me! :D

From a FFXIV piece that I am (veeery slowly) working on, this is the latest bit:

“The present is far too elusive. Fleeting and hard to hold on to. Why is it that it seems to be forever slipping through our grasp while we are busy untangling us from our past or reaching for the future? A past that is immovable, no matter how much we wish to change it, and a future that -  despite our best efforts - remains uncertain.”

Golden eyes bore into her soul, stripping away layer by layer until she was nothing but herself anymore.

“We spend more than enough of our time lamenting sins of antiquity, fretting about the faults that tomorrow might reveal… may we not for once rest and strive to be nothing but ourselves, right here, right now?”

tagging @elveny @curiousthimble @anchanted-one @tishinada @edencalder

(if you want to - if you don’t or have already been tagged just ignore) and whoever else wants to do this ofc.

[crimsonsynastry]

Writer's Game: First Sentences

I opened tumblr on a whim and saw I was tagged in this by the sweet @kunstpause, and it seemed like fun so.. I might as well! I unfortunately use tumblr basically never and actually don't really know who here writes, and who I even know who wasn't already tagged so.. Tag yourselves! Pick this up and do it if you'd like!

Rules: post the first sentence of your last ten fics. If you haven't written ten fics, share as many first sentences as you have.

Now unfortunately I take part in exchanges that remain anonymous for a certain grace period so 3 of my most recent fics I *can't* actually talk about (alas) but I chose 3 that came before them, and did my best to do it based off time of writing.

For Science - Chell/GLaDOS, E Chell is used to GLaDOS’ bizarre experimentations, by now. -

Your Purpose - Emet-Selch/F!WoL, E, DD:DNE Even in Emet-Selch’s presence, the Warrior of Light had never known loneliness quite like this. -

Wander - Deryk/F!OC, G “You’re not very good at keeping secrets, you know.” -

Stone Cold - Ghirahim/Link, E, DD:DNE How many times had Ghirahim taken out his fury on him, by now? -

Butterfly - Daemon Targaryen/Helaena Targaryen, E It’s the way the moonlight hits Helaena’s face, when she stares at him, that makes Daemon think of Rhaenyra when she was younger. -

Demon His - Gibrilsbert Buteo/WoL, M It is terrifying, waking in the darkness. -

Wilt - Emet-Selch/F!WoL, E, DD:DNE Emet-Selch does not make sense. -

Inspiration - Daemon Targaryen/Aemond Targaryen, E Daemon notices it quickly, once it starts.. -

Kesueki to Hizō - Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter, E Will doesn’t know where the line sits, anymore. -

Couilles - Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter, E - As yet unpublished When Will wakes, it is unpleasant, and that is the easiest way to describe what he feels.

[decimdraws]

Thanks for the tag @noire-pandora! Worked out some more Thedas people on horseback. I said I’d do these once a month, but they just keep coming. Not sure yet which one I’ll render first, I love them both already xD

Tagging, no pressure: @kemvee | @coffeebirby | @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold | @ashalle-art | @jentrevellan | @zuendwinkel | @lavellanvibes | @dalish-rogue | @hollyand-writes | @dismalzelenka | @enigmalea | @kunstpause | @elveny | @thefoxinboots | @blarfkey | @charlatron | @a-shakespearean-in-paris | @wardenari | @midnightprelude | @queen-kass-the-writer

[midnightprelude]

WIP Wednesday

Hello friends! Today is a very special week for me (it's the week I magically transform from just Middy to Dr. Middy), so I'll probably be posting asks and memes to celebrate! For now, I'll post a snippet from the Kanders fix-it @oftachancer and I are diligently writing. :)

Angst below, I'm sorry, but they'll get a happy ending eventually. <3

His knuckles were white against the smooth wood of his staff as he ascended the steps one at a time, padding silently towards Karl. The rest of his companions seemed far away as he studied the curve of his shoulders, the familiar swoop of his neck. A beard, peppered with gray and tidily groomed, if his profile was any indication. Anders’ voice was thin when he finally spoke at the top of the landing. “Karl?” he asked softly, the stinging returning to his eyes. “It’s me. I told you I’d keep you safe. Just took me a trifle longer than we had anticipated-“

“Anders, I know you too well.” Strange to hear his voice after so many years, echoing hollowly in the vast dark space of the Chantry. The clip of the familiar Ferelden dialect. His name - spoken so many times over so many years, missed and remembered and reshaped- “I knew you would never give up.”

“Of course not, Karl, I-“ Anders stepped towards him, almost dropping his staff on the marble floor. “I’ve missed you.”

“Yes,” he answered quietly. “They told me you would.” He collected the papers, stacking them neatly. “Impulsiveness. We spoke of it once. Do you remember?”

“…Karl.” Why was he still so far away? They’d crossed miles and a bloody sea and Karl may well have been sitting on Satina. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.” He settled the papers into a leather folder and turned.

He had seen too many fresh sunbursts on too many foreheads; the skin tightened and bright red around the imprint of the brand, the eyes dull beneath it when they should have been wide with agony.

“It is as it should be,” Karl murmured, seeing and not-seeing him at once. Moments he’d looked like that in the past, rousing from sleep or from the deepest of his meditations. Seconds of introspection lingering before he focused on Anders and his lips twitched with affection and arousal, fingers reaching before he knew what he was doing… Only Karl did not reach. He did not focus. He stood, temples graying, silver in his beard, age in his features that didn’t yet belong there. And what did belong- all the light and humor and softness that had once been inside of him- that had once been him- was gone.

“N-no-“ The words escaped his lips on an exhale, his heart dropping like a stone to his toes. “No, you can’t-“ He lifted his hand, before letting it fall to his side. “No- It can’t be- Karl. Karl.” He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, his body going numb as he studied that brand. “Karl, you’re not-“

“Would you like to sit down? You seem to be having some difficulty.” Karl drew the chair from the desk and gestured to it vaguely. “You will feel better soon.”

“Soon,” he gasped. “How can anything possibly make this better, Karl?”

“Like you, I was easily overwrought. There is another way. It will be easier.” He looked up to the low balustrade flanked by Kirkwall’s codes of arms. “This is the apostate.”

The familiar shift of armor- clink and scratch- and figures that had been still as statues shifted from hidden alcoves behind tapestries to march towards them.

“Fuck me,” Cecily swore.

“No!” Anders shouted, his voice fracturing and turning two-toned as he swept his gaze across the approaching Templars, bending low, staff clutched close to his chest. Fury, anguish, and the sharp scent of ozone. He let the spirit surge past him, taking control as his consciousness slipped away. “You will never take another mage as you took him,” he heard Justice growl as the world went dark.

Tagging forward to: @dismalzelenka, @pinkfadespirit, @luzial, @in-arlathan, @hezjena2023, @serial-chillr, @ser-thirst-a-lot, @johaeryslavellan, @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold, @elveny, @kunstpause, @lavellanvibes, @dalish-rogue, @decimdraws, @jentrevellan, @wavesofinkdrops, @lethendralis-paints, @factorykat,@hazelestelle, @ramonadecember, @barbex, @nug-juggler, @latefortevinter, @hoiist, @gaysolavellan, @merrybandofmurderers, @hollyand-writes, and @laniardraws! Being extra thirsty with tags today, please let me know if you'd rather be or not be tagged for future WIP Wednesdays! :D

[spicywarl0ck]

WIP-Wednesday

Thank you for tagging me @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold and @noire-pandora <3 I can finally show something from my recently started Project: Customs and Compromises Pairing: Solas/female Avvar Theme: Arranged Marriage Avvar AU

‘Oi, Got something nice from those stranger’s?’ One of the Hunters asked when they passed the narrow pathway that led down to most of the huts. Curious glances were thrown at him, it was nothing that he wasn’t used to, yet it did little to lift his sour mood.

‘A Present for Caelan.’ The Thane answered, hinting at him with a gesture before the Hunter broke out in barking laughter. He could only assume that Caelan must’ve been the Thane’s daughter, and according to the man’s reaction, he was either sure that she wouldn’t be pleased with him, or it indicated that it was troublesome to find a husband for her.

It was probably the latter since they seemed to have taken him as a substitution for wares. And, the muttered ‘Good Luck.’ that echoed within his hearing range didn’t make things look that well for him.

Not that thing’s looked good for him in general, given the circumstances. And they surely didn’t get any better once they reached a hut of more prominent built that must be the one of the Clan leader.

It was warm and inviting despite the chilly air outside. He could make out large rows of tables, probably used for their feast’s. But what surprised him the most was the woman who seemed to be in charge for now and who must’ve been the Thane’s daughter.

She was an elf! Not one of those burly build humans, but an elven woman with a braid of long green hair. Her face was painted in a bluish colour, causing her amber eyes to look even sharper. They focussed on him like a hawk, her full lips pressed into a thin line while her brow’s twitched.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ The question was clearly meant for her father, her sharp eyes still focussing on him as she studied him while he still wondered about the fact that there was an elven woman amongst a Bunch of Avvar warrior’s. Not to mention that she was dressed in the same way as them.

‘A present for you.’ Her father obviously didn’t even bother to hide it, while Solas brows twitched in irritation. He did not intend to be anyone’s present, and according to her narrowed eyes, she must’ve felt the same. If he were guessing, he would even have said that her eyes had grown even colder.

‘I know what this is about.’ she hissed dangerously low, rising to her feet slowly. She was not taller than the city and Dalish elves he knew, most of her body hidden by chainmail and the heavy pelt that she wore. ‘We already discussed this, father. I’m not going to marry.’ The woman added as she approached him like a predator. Not that he would budge in his stance at all. Solas had seen worse in the past.

‘Especially not a puny man like him.’ Caelan paused in front of them with a sneer. ‘Just look at him. He doesn’t even look capable to even hold himself. You can’t be serious.’ Now, that got a reaction from him.‘

Excuse me?’ he snarked back, his brows arched and his lips pressed into a thin line. Solas heard many insults in his life, but this… this was new and an apparent hit to his pride. Fine, he might not have looked as sturdy as the Avvar men around him, but he could hold himself just fine.

@charlatron  @elveny @scharoux @zuendwinkel  @kunstpause @queen-kass-the-writer  @schoute @pikapeppa @jacklyn-flynn  @thefoxinboots @wardenari @jentrevellan  @dalish-rogue @lavellanvibes @musetta3 @starsandskies  @hollyand-writes @dismalzelenka

[barbex]

Writer’s Tag

I was tagged by @mordinette. Thank you so much for the tag!

Most popular fic: By Kudos over all time it is... not Solid Fluidity??? Now this is a surprise. Beating Solid Fluidity by two (2!) Kudos is... drum roll... Cultured Memories (Mass Effect)! I did not expect that. It’s also an older fic, a shavik pairing, of all things. I haven’t looked at it in a while but I remember I was quite proud of it, back in the day. I probably shouldn’t look again 😀.

Best fic: Oh this is hard to say. Back when the above fic was current, I would have said Under The Sand Of Tuchanka (Mass Effect) but today... I really like how Change Me - Malleabile (Dragon Age), a fenders fic, turned out. I’ve put more thought into it than the smut justifies, if you know what I mean.

Favorite fic: I participated in a few exchanges for original work and I really love The Shepherd's Laughter (Original Work). And I know, I’m not supposed to have two favorites but Vanish in Steam (Original Work), I just love it so much. Two favorites, okay? Just let me have that.

Least favorite: Meh, I tried something with Wisps of Curiosity (Dragon Age), writing a non-gendered spirit and I just couldn’t get the tone right. I might just delete it, at three Kudos it won’t be missed.

I’m tagging: @storybookhawke, @bexifer, @ocean-in-my-rebel-soul, @rpgwrites, @fandomn00blr, @asaara-writes, @dafan7711, @kemvee, @kunstpause, @blarrghe, @a-tear-in-the-veil, @in-arlathan, @elveny, @pikapeppa, @hawkeish, @starsandskies, @charlatron, @enigmalea, @tessa1972, @wickedwitchofthewilds, @noire-pandora