#leliana x female inquisitor

[fenharelsfang]

"I don't think I'm ready for this."

The Winter Palace loomed over the Inquisition agents as they stepped through the wrought-iron gate into the front gardens, a colossal silhouette against the twilit sky, crowned in gold and glittering with the setting sun. The soft yellow light of ornate lamp posts dotted the landscape like stars in the night. Violets and lilies adorned bushes in marble planters, their sweet fragrance permeating the air. A large fountain sat in an alcove at the back of the gardens, two sets of stairs curving up to the entrance of the palace proper. Cool, crystal clear water flowed gently over a circle of golden winged lions.

"It's too late to back out now, Inquisitor,” said Josephine, ambassador of the Inquisition. She wore an off-shoulder golden bouffant dress accentuated with embroidered flowers and vines. Her raven-colored hair, usually kept in a low-hanging bun, was now free and draped over one shoulder. She wore a delicate golden amulet adorned with a ruby in its center. Gold eyeliner complimented her hazel eyes.

“Do stop slouching, please,” she continued as she scrutinized the Inquisitor’s appearance. “How you present yourself is a matter of life and death when it comes to the Game. It is no simple matter of etiquette and protocol. Every word, every gesture is measured and evaluated for weakness. Even more so when we approach the court. The Inquisition must not show weakness or they will eat us alive."

Ellana Lavellan, the Inquisitor currently being berated by her diplomatic advisor for her posture, straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. None of what Josephine said made her feel any better about the situation, though.

"Correction: I know I am not ready for this."

Ellana was Dalish! They didn't go to fancy balls or dress in the latest human fashion. She didn't even own a dress! What she wore now was entirely too thin and fragile to survive a day in the forest. However, Josephine insisted she look the part of a proper Lady. Elves had an ethereal beauty to them and it needed to be flaunted if they were to impress Empress Celene. Ellana felt that would be easy, considering Celene used to have an elven lover, but Josephine's fretting over the downfall of the Inquisition's reputation would not abate.

Now, Ellana stood before her fellow agents in a white silk gown, cinched at the waist by a golden brooch with the Inquisition symbol etched into it. The gown had a plunging neckline, framed by a high collar that was tied with golden string at the collarbone. It was simple, but the added golden embellishments gave it an air of elegance that was hard to deny. With her light blonde hair woven into an intricate updo and accentuated by a golden winged circlet, she was the epitome of what the Herald of Andraste should look like.

... Aside from the pointed ears and the face tattoos honoring a goddess who was not the Maker.

As they were actually here in the Winter Palace to prevent an assassination, Ellana had alterations made to the dress. The skirt could be peeled off, revealing leggings underneath that would allow her to move without exhibiting her undergarments for all to see. The skirt was also long enough that it hid her feet. They sported bottomless sandals rather than the jeweled slippers that Josephine wanted her to wear. Ellana needed to feel the ground underneath her feet. Elemental magic was her specialty and shoes got in the way of channeling the energy of the earth.

"Smile, Inquisitor. Eyes are upon us," Leliana encouraged. Her smile, relaxed and confident, was entirely uncharacteristic of the usually cold and deadly demeanor of the spymaster. She almost looked at home among the elite of Orlais and Ellana had to remind herself that this was all a façade.

The Inquisitor flashed a smile at passing nobles that didn’t quite reach her emerald eyes due to her growing anxiety. Leliana’s own smile faltered and she silently shook her head to get Ellana to stop.

"Honestly, you aren't doing yourself any favors with the company you've decided to bring with you," Josephine muttered under her breath, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the Inquisitor’s struggle. The Antivan glanced behind them to take in their entourage. Everyone was dressed in fine red velvet suits trimmed in gold with blue sashes extending across their chests and wrapping around their waists. At least they were uniform in that regard.

Ellana tilted her head at the ambassador. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, an apostate elf? A Qunari spy? A spirit boy? Dorian at least has some exposure to the nobility, but he's from Tevinter!"

"I am technically an apostate elf, too, mind you," Ellana shot back defensively, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Solas has given me good counsel since the beginning of this whole ordeal." The slight curving of Leliana's lips did not go unnoticed by her and she quickly continued. "They won't even remember seeing Cole and Iron Bull knows how to behave in court. He wouldn't be a Ben-Hassrath if he couldn't blend into his surroundings."

Josephine sighed. "I suppose, but Madame Vivienne, Varric, Blackwall, or even Cassandra would have been a better choice."

It was an unspoken agreement that bringing Sera would be a catastrophe.

"As you said yourself: it's too late to back out now. Let's just get this over with."

She took one step before spotting Duke Gaspard weaving his way through the crowd of nobles in the garden. He wore a suit of teal silk brocade, adorned with silverite pauldrons. A red sash was draped over his broad chest. His face, as was Orlesian custom, was hidden behind a golden half-mask. Ellana could barely see his eyes through the slits and it unnerved her greatly. You could gauge an individual's intentions through their eyes, creature or human. Did he have something to hide?

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Inquisitor Lavellan," he greeted in a thick Orlesian accent. He took her hand and kissed the back of it, the stubble of his beard leaving red scratch marks on her skin. She resisted the urge to wince.

"Bringing the rebel mages into the ranks of your army was a brilliant move," he continued and leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. "Imagine what the Inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful Emperor of Orlais!"

Ah, so he was fishing for support. He figured he had an edge on the competition since she accepted his invitation to the masquerade. Arrogant man.

"Oh?" she asked and put a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Which one was the rightful one, again? I keep getting them confused."

Gaspard let out a genuine laugh, the sound emanating from deep within his chest. "Why, the handsome, charming one of course, my lady!"

She could feel his eyes graze over her body appraisingly, lingering for no small amount of time on her chest, and it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The dress was definitely a mistake. Behind her, the air cooled considerably and Solas cleared his throat. The agonizingly long moment ended and Gaspard extended an arm for her to take.

"My lady, are you prepared to shock the court by walking into the Grand Ball with a hateful usurper?" He grinned devilishly down at her.

She, playing the part of charming guest, smiled up at him, all teeth and dimpled cheeks. "I can't imagine that crowd has seen anything better than us in their entire lives," she joked. Gaspard laughed and placed a hand over the one holding his arm. He pierced her with his gaze through those slitted eyes.

"You are a woman after my own heart," he replied, voice husky. Oh no, she was making this worse. The hand resting over her own was pressed up against her breast, a rather sly way to grope her. The Game was not something she was adept at. Was this even part of the Game? All she knew was that she couldn't part from him soon enough.

They ascended the stairs towards the entrance of the Winter Palace and, along the way, the whispers of the nobles did not go unnoticed.

"Is that the Inquisitor?"

"An elven savage? Maker forbid!"

"Andraste would never choose a knife-ear as her herald."

"Is this Gaspard's idea of a joke?"

"Perhaps she's his whore. She certainly dresses like one."

"Those marks on her face are hideous."

Each comment was a dagger to her pride. Her cheeks burned with shame. They had a point: why would Andraste choose an elf to save Thedas? Ellana didn't even believe in the Maker. Their opinions shouldn't have mattered, but they did. It wasn't just because they were directed at her. She was the face of the Inquisition and a negative opinion of her would reflect poorly on her people. They deserved better than that.

The walk to the front entrance stretched on for an eternity. Ellana did her best to keep her composure and block out the horrible remarks, with little success. She was vaguely aware of Gaspard speaking to her about his concerns for the night, namely that Briala, the elven ambassador, was up to something with her legion of servants. Ellana’s jaw tightened.

"Tell me there's more to your suspicion than 'the elves were acting dodgy'," she interrupted, her tone taking on a sharp edge. Gaspard was taken aback by her sudden change in mood. Of course he didn't notice what was being said about her. Or he did, but didn't care. Elves meant less than nothing to humans.

"Briala used to be a servant of Celene's," Gaspard argued. "That is, until my cousin had her arrested for crimes against the empire to cover up a political mistake. If anyone in this room wishes Celene harm, Inquisitor, it's that elf. She certainly has reason."

Right, the assassination attempt. That's what really mattered. Why should she care what those idiot nobles thought of her when the fate of the world was at stake? And yet it gnawed away at her from the inside all the same. Perhaps she was afraid those remarks were mere echoes of her own thoughts.

"I'll look into it," she said, deflated.

Gaspard sighed. "Be as discreet as possible," he warned. "I detest the Game, but if we do not play it well, our enemies will make us look like villains."

He relinquished her arm when they entered the vestibule and left to mingle with a few of the guests. Ellana breathed a sigh of relief and turned to face her entourage.

"When you meet the empress, the eyes of the entire court will be upon you," Josephine reminded her. She smoothed out a crinkle in Ellana's dress and adjusted her collar. "You were safer staring down Corypheus, I'm afraid. The Game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards."

A wave of nausea swept over Ellana. Her heart pounded against her ribcage like a war drum. Outside, she had fresh air, but in the palace the walls seemed to press in, threatening to crush her. Through it all, the disparaging remarks of the nobles were building to a crescendo in her mind, drowning out all other noise.

"You're just full of joy and light this evening," she managed to croak out when Josephine continued to stare at her. It was supposed to be a light-hearted jest but lacked the substance.

"Everything will be fine," Josephine said, to herself more than anyone else. "Andraste watch over us all."

The group broke apart then, Josephine, Cullen, and Leliana ascending another set of stairs to scope out the perimeter before the festivities started.

"I’m headed to the buffet,” said Bull as he patted his growling stomach. "I'm starving."

"Vishante kaffas, don't just shovel it in your mouth like a savage, you oaf," Dorian grumbled. He followed after the Qunari to try to prevent a disaster.

Cole had already vanished.

The anticipation of the night's events threatened to overwhelm Ellana and she tried to quickly and gracefully descend another set of stairs that led into a storage room. She just needed a moment to collect herself, a place to catch her breath. There was a mirror in the storage room with a great golden frame, a lion head jutting out on either side of the arch. She caught her reflection in it as she paced the small space and stopped. Her hands went to her knife-shaped ears, traced the hideous marks on her forehead and cheeks, the Dalish version of a mask. The sudden hatred that consumed her spilled over and she tossed the feathered circlet off of her head, yanking her hair out of the updo that took Josephine hours to do. She tried to style her hair so it would hide her ears. On a table next to the mirror sat a few discarded masks. She picked one up and placed it over her face to hide her vallaslin.

There, now she looked more human. Acceptable ... right? So why did her stomach continue to churn? Why were hot, angry tears threatening to spill over?

"What are you doing?"

Ellana gasped and spun around. She was so caught up in her emotional turmoil that she didn't hear the door open or even see the elf behind her in the mirror.

"Solas! I was just--"

His brows knitted in concern as he took in her wild hair and covered face. 'I'm fine,' was her instinctual response, but it never reached her lips. It was impossible to lie to him. He was wise beyond his years and though they had only known each other a short amount of time, she felt he knew, intimately, the depths of her heart.

"I don't know what I'm doing," she admitted in a whisper, her bottom lip trembling as the tears finally slipped down her cheeks. "This isn't --- Did you hear the things they said? I don't belong here."

He slowly approached her until they were mere inches apart. There was fire in his eyes, a righteous fury. For her? Or maybe he thought her foolish. His fingertips slipped under the edge of the mask, grazing her wet cheeks before gently removing the mask from her face. He tossed it aside, never taking his eyes off of her. Mesmerized, she couldn't look away.

"They are not worth your tears."

His hands cupped her face, wiping her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. Her breath hitched in her throat. His hands were rough, calloused, but the gesture was tender. He cradled her face like he was holding the world in his hands, his gaze so intense it was as if nothing else existed in that moment but them. The echoes of the nobles' words faded away as she hung onto every one of his.

"I'm the Inquisitor," she protested. "I'm supposed to represent the Inquisition. This meeting hinges on what the court makes of me and they just see me as an elven savage--! If I were human--"

"You are Elvhen," Solas declared, cutting off her downward spiral. "Our people built an empire that spanned all of Thedas. We created wonders the likes of which no other race has ever accomplished and never will."

This was the first time he had ever referred to her as one of his people. When they first met, he showed such scorn for the Dalish and didn't associate himself with city elves. He stood apart and above everyone else. His name meant 'pride' in the elven language, but she only ever saw him as ... lonely. Now he was including her in his world, the world of the true elves. Who knew whether he was right, but the meaning itself meant everything to her.

"Beyond that," he continued as he circled around behind her, "you are the Inquisitor." His fingers brushed against the nape of her neck as he started to gather her hair into his hands, handling it like it was made of the finest silk. "You command an army that makes nations tremble.” Her scalp tingled as he continued to brush his fingers through her hair. “Ferelden, Orlais, the Free Marches, they hang on to your every word and beg for the salvation that only you can deliver. You stand defiant against a would-be god and his archdemon. Be proud of who and what you are."

He leaned in close to her, lips a hair's breadth from her ear. "And you are the most beautiful woman in this entire palace," he murmured. Goosebumps erupted down her arms and the back of her neck, making her shiver, but unlike with Gaspard it was thrilling, not revolting. Desire sparked in her core and she fought back the urge to spin around and crush her lips against his. He was tying her hair up into a bun, not the complicated braided crown that Josephine had created, but loose and elegant, leaving her ears visible for all to see.

"These nobles fear the power you wield. Your beauty is a height they can never hope to reach. Envious, they must try to tear you down instead. Do not let them."

The bun was finished and he stepped back around to her front, his hands planting firmly on her hips. His words stole the breath from her lungs and set her heart fluttering. No one had ever spoken of her that way before. Not her clan, not her friends, not even her former lover. The words rolled off of his tongue so easily like they were waiting to be said.

"Sweet talker," she managed in a breathless whisper.

There was a spark of amusement in his eyes, though it was quickly covered by a solid determination. "I speak the truth," he said and she believed him. Even if it wasn't objectively true, it was to him and needed to be said.

Fear creeped into her voice as the weight of the words made her falter. He held her in such high regard. Maybe too high. "What if I fail?" she asked.

"You won't."

A nervous laugh bubbled out of her. "You have such confidence in me."

"It is well-deserved."

Ellana swallowed, all too aware of the warmth of his hands through the fabric of her dress. She tilted her head back to get a better look at him and tried to take a step closer, but he held her in place. There was a storm churning in his steel blue eyes, a flurry of emotions warring inside of him. Excitement. Adoration. Desire. Then regret, resignation. Behind it all, a sorrow so deep and endless she felt she might drown in it. He was always restraining himself. In the Fade, on the balcony of her room, his heart and mind were at odds with each other. There was an obvious attraction between them. He had already kissed her twice before, but still something kept holding him back. The chains of a past she knew nothing about. He spoke of his journeys through the Fade, but never of himself. All of those pretty words and no follow-up.

"You're always so detached and self-controlled, Solas,” she observed. Her hands rested atop his and felt them tremble as she gently pried them away. "But you don't need to be ... not with me."

Fingers danced along the velvet fabric of his suit before resting against his chest. She could feel his erratic heartbeat through his jacket and knew then that her words were true. So she did have the same effect on him that he had on her. A hesitant step forward closed the distance between them further.

"This is dangerous," he breathed, eyelids drooping. His resolve was faltering.

"I like danger." She gripped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him closer. They were mere inches away from each other now.

"Ellana," he warned and a thrill pulsed through her at the sound of her name on his lips.

"What are you so afraid of?"

He struggled to find the words, eyes glossed over as if trapped in a memory. She watched him for a moment, noting the light dusk of freckles across his cheeks and nose, the scar above his brow, the curve of his jaw, the fullness of his lips. It was as if the gods themselves sculpted him. He was beautiful.

She rested a hand against his cheek to pull him back to the present. "Solas?"

"... I don't want to lose you," he finally admitted, leaning into her touch. His fingers curled around hers and her heart ached. There were such thick walls around his heart and though she chipped away at it, she still hadn't completely broken through. Solas was always looking miles ahead of everyone else or behind in his past, but never in the moment.

Her smile was kind, patient. "You still have me," she assured him and traced the line of his jaw down to his chin. "I don't know what the future holds for us. I don't know if we'll defeat Corypheus or what will happen to the Inquisition. I don't know if you and I will stay together or drift apart, but fear of the future shouldn't stop us from enjoying the present. What I do know is that you make me feel ... important. Like I matter beyond my titles. Me, Ellana. Not the Inquisitor, not the Herald of Andraste, not the Keeper's First. Just ... me. You look at me like I'm the only thing that matters .. like the world could crumble all around us and you wouldn't even notice." She glanced down, her cheeks tinged red. "Perhaps it's selfish of me, but I want to be the only one you look at that way."

She felt him take her chin and tip it up, his gaze a smoldering flame that slowly drifted down to settle on her mouth.

"You are."

Their lips met and everything he had held back from her flooded into that kiss. His adoration and desire burned against her like a wildfire. She grew lightheaded from the force of it, but craved the taste of him as a Templar coveted lyrium. They parted for a brief moment to catch their breath and his hands found her waist again, though this time it was to pull her against him. Her dress, so flimsy before, was now far too thick. She wound her arms around his neck, her tongue flicking against his lips. That elicited a groan deep in his chest that rumbled against her own. He was unraveling before her and it exhilarated her. The kiss broke again only for her to pepper more across his jaw and down his throat.

"Ellana," he groaned. It spurred her to start hastily undoing the buttons of his jacket, but he brought her face back up to capture her lips again. The kiss deepened and she felt his tongue in her mouth, gliding along her own. He gripped the backs of her thighs and lifted her up onto his waist, her back hitting the wall. She braced herself against it and wrapped her legs around him for support. His hands slid up underneath her dress and caressed her thighs and she moaned. Her leggings were still in the way, but his fingertips teased along the waistline. That flame he sparked inside of her became an all-consuming fire.

"Solas," she whimpered as kisses traced her collarbone. Her fingers tried to find the buttons of his jacket again, but now his lips were at her breasts. She had awakened a wolf in him that lay dormant for far too long and it was ravenous for the taste of her flesh. He was struggling to bring himself back under control, but she didn't want him to. He brought his lips back to her jawline, his cheek brushing against hers.

"Ar lath, ma vhenan," he breathed and time stopped. She went rigid in his grip and he stared up at her as if surprised the words had spilled from his mouth. They stared at each other, fighting for breath and trying to make sense of the words through their delirium. He slowly lowered her back to the ground, though his arms stayed wrapped around her. She, too, refused to let go of him.

"...You do?" she asked. Her arousal, though definitely still there, was melting into something else.

His eyes searched hers, trying to discern how she felt about the words, but then he set his jaw, resolute. "I do."

The confession hung between them for an agonizing moment and he swallowed, his throat bobbing in anticipation of her reaction. A wide grin spread across her flushed face. There was attraction between them, yes, but she never expected that it went deeper than that for him ... that he loved her, that he would admit it first. She had been in love with him from the moment they met, when he first grabbed her hand and showed her the power that she wielded. He always seemed so lonely and sad, but he would positively light up when speaking about the Fade. She lived for those stories. His smile, as rare and fleeting as it was, could brighten her whole day. When he laughed? Indescribable. She only heard it once and it became her personal mission to hear it again. But her fears mirrored his: she didn't want to lose him either, so she never built up the courage to tell him how she felt. Now he admitted it himself. Her hands cupped his face and she kissed him tenderly.

"Ar lath, ma vhenan," she declared in return.

He flashed her a crooked grin before pulling her back against him, intending to finish what they started.

Until the door to the storage room creaked open.

"There you are, Inquisitor," Josephine announced with no small degree of relief. "We've been looking ev- Oh." The scene before her finally registered and she blushed, averting her eyes respectfully. "Oh, do forgive me." she apologized, "I seem to have opened the wrong door."

"Josephine!” Ellana called out in surprise. Her face turned the shade of spindleweed and she let go of Solas, smoothing out her dress. “It’s fine, we were just–”

Solas glanced over his shoulder at the ambassador before calmly picking Ellana’s circlet off of the floor and placing it back on her head. How could he be so poised?! She was mortified, but he had an air of smugness about him, as if being caught making out with the Inquisitor in a closet was the most natural thing in the world.

“Yes, well, the court is ready to receive us,” Josephine said, her gaze still averted. “I will meet you upstairs.” With that, she slipped back out of the door.

Ellana released a breath she didn’t know she was holding and adjusted the brooch and her hair. “Right, well, I guess it’s time to meet the empress.”

“Remember my words,” Solas told her as he straightened his own jacket.

“How could I forget them?” She buttoned up his jacket and fixed the sash, aware that he was gazing at her fondly. “Save me a dance?”

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Perhaps, as soon as our present business is concluded.”

“I'll hold you to that.” She grinned and headed out of the storage room to meet up with Josephine.

Thankfully, it seemed the nobles were so caught up in their own affairs that they didn't seem to pay her much mind. A few cursive glances her way and more whispering, but she found herself less bothered by them than before.

“Be proud of who you are.”

She lifted her head to stare down her nose at them and confidently strode upstairs and into the ballroom.

[lavellanhell]

So obviously the goal is to establish the Inquisition to serve as an organization that will bring peace to the people and solve all threats. At least that's what they said they read from Justinian's writings.

Leliana went to send a message to the mages and templars. At least one must join in order for us to have enough power to close the breach.

Whether the crows flew in with the message safely or not…

... no reply reached Heaven. Not from either of them.

And so Josephine decided that it was necessary to officially announce the creation of the Inquisition and its interests. Cullen was so upset that even though he's normally a neat freak, he nailed the plaque to the door crookedly.

I don't really understand human politics, but it was clear that a lot of people didn't like the Inquisition. And especially to those who were among the dignitaries of the Chantry. Cassandra knew that the action would soon provoke a reaction, so she began gathering the Inquisition army. For now, it was made up of volunteers, survivors and refugees.

Commander Cullen threw out contacts among his Templar friends who would be willing to join our cause. And indeed some came. Commander did a great job training the soldiers.

Leliana also soon developed a network of spies from her contacts. And Josephine was also active - she actively sought out persons among the nobles and other influential personalities who could contribute some material gift or at least a good word in certain circles.

Even though the numbers weren't high yet, soon Haven was too small for us. In addition to soldiers, merchants and volunteers, crowds of refugees began to flow here, seeking comfort and pinning their hopes on us. To the Inquisition.

[herald-divine-hell]

Creeping Dreams and Warm Skin

Summary: A drabble of Leliana wanting cuddles with Inquisitor Trevelyan.

Coldness crept over her. She stretched her hands. Reached out and grasped something soft, something that bundled into wrinkles as Leliana’s fingers pressed deeper, wrapped around the smooth skin beneath. 

A shirt and skin warmed to her touch. Alexandra’s heat swelled off her, planting gentle kisses to her palm. And Leliana was cold, so very cold. Even in sleep, the thoughts threatened to crawl out, the ones bearing poisoned daggers and cruel fangs. 

With lazy strength, Leliana drew Alexandra flushed against her. Her face pressed against that dark mane, sighing. And against that warmth, the grief fled one more night.

[go-fornicate-yourself]

Memes of my DA Ocs bc Nobody Asked

[homiest88]

Letter from the Hero of Ferelden - Male Inquisitor and Female Warden

To His Worship, Inquisitor Lavellan

I appreciate your warning regarding Corypheus. Fortunately, my own search has taken me out of the area where the supposed magister is operating, and while I have encountered challenges of my own, they have not involved any weakness related to my Grey Warden Abilities.

As I have little useful information to offer, please accept the accompanying gifts instead. If, in my quest, I find anything that may be of use to you in your fight against Corypheus , I will send it to you immediately.

I have also included a note of a personal nature for Leliana. I was not there for the death of Divine Justinia, but I know it will have hurt her terribly. While her wits and skill are amazing, Leliana’s greatest strength lies in her faith, and to have Justinia die strikes at her very core. I beg you, if she is faltering, help her find her way back to the light.

In closing, I wish you luck. The world of shemlen is a difficult one for our kind, and I can only imagine the pressure of leading the Inquisition, an organization dedicated to the Chantry, while staying true to the Way of the Three Trees. May Myhtal protect you in your quest, and Andruil bless your hunt.

Yours,

Warden-Commander Mahariel of Ferelden

[anneapocalypse]

Anne's Dragon Age Femslash!

Happy Femslash February! Have a list of all the F/F fics I've written for Dragon Age so far. Listed from shortest to longest. Ratings are noted here; please check AO3 tags for full list of warnings/content notes.

Herald's Rest. Female Trevelyan/Sera, 370 words, rated M. The Inquisitor finds a respite.

In Darkness Enveloped. Cassandra/Leliana, 1800 words, rated E. The Conclave is destroyed. The Divine is dead. The Left Hand and Right Hand are at odds, and at loose ends. It's the worst of times. It's certainly the worst possible time for this.

What We Can Do Together. Shianni/Briala, 2000 words, rated T. Briala has never called her away from Denerim before, so Shianni can only assume this is important.

Gifts of the Hunt. Female Mahariel/Morrigan, 13000 words, rated M. Lyna Mahariel follows Morrigan through the eluvian, leaving behind her life with the Wardens and with her Dalish clan. With only each other, Morrigan's child, and the magic of a long-forgotten past, what kind of future will the two of them have together?

No Woman Rules Alone. Anora Mac Tir/Female Tabris, 34000 words, rated E. Warden Tabris convinced Anora and Alistair to marry for the good of Ferelden, to unite the lands against the darkspawn. They have settled into a functional partnership and even friendship, but there is no love between them and they both know it. Over time, Anora finds that it is the Warden-Commander and Arl of Amaranthine who has won not only her respect, but her heart.

[crowinkwriting]

Tranquisitor

[Author Notes]

Chapter 3:

After sealing the next rift Olive was incredibly relieved to have finally reached the forward camp. The large doors slowly opened and Olive, along with Solas and Varric, followed behind Cassandra. As they walked through the camp Olive saw Cassandra was leading them to a table where Leliana was arguing with two other men.

Olive could tell the older man was a part of the Chantry just by the way he was dressed. However she wasn’t sure about the younger man. He was dressed in shiny white and gold guard like armor and she guessed was an archer based on the large bow he had with him. When they got closer Olive could hear what they were saying. “You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility.” The older man argued. Both Leliana and the archer seemed pretty annoyed at this.

“I have caused trouble?” Leliana asked.

“We cannot do nothing. The Breach is still expanding.” The archer beside Leliana pointed out. His accent seemed familiar to Olive but she couldn’t quite place it.

“You have already caused enough trouble without resorting to this exercise in futility.” The man from the Chantry yelled at Leliana before turning to the archer beside her. “And you have no authority here.” He stated.

When Olive’s group got closer she noticed Varric’s expression was something between surprised and annoyed as he noticed the archer beside Leliana. “Choir boy?” Varric asked and the archer quickly turned to face them.

“Varric? What are you doing here?” The archer asked, seeming just as surprised to see them.

“I could be asking you the same question.” Varric responded. Cassandra then looked between Varric and the man he had referred to as Choir boy. “That’s Prince Sebastian?” She asked Varric. ‘Prince?’ Olive thought. So far there was a prince, a Seeker, and an apostate but Olive still hadn’t seen a single circle mage or templar.

Before Sebastian or Varric could respond Leliana had finally noticed the group. “You made it!” Leliana excitedly said before turning to the older man. “Chancellor Roderick this is-.” She started but was interrupted by the Chancellor.

“I know who she is. As Grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I hereby order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux to face execution.” The Chancellor demanded as he pointed at Olive.

“Order me? You are a glorified clerk. A bureaucrat.” Cassandra argued, becoming just as annoyed as Leliana and Sebastian were.

“And you are a thug, but a thug who supposedly serves the Chantry.” The Chancellor responded. As the four continue to argue about what Olive assumed was probably political chantry matters Olive’s attention slowly drifted to the large green light in the sky. She really didn’t understand the point. Even if they did arrest her or pick a new Divine the Breach was still there and getting larger as more time passed. ‘This is all pointless.’ Olive realized.

“Shouldn’t we focus on closing the Breach?” Olive finally spoke up. The four in front of her. “You brought this on us in the first place!” The Chancellor yelled at her.

“She’s right. We still need to close the Breach.” Sebastian agreed with Olive. Cassandra then stepped forward and stood beside Sebastian at the table so she was in front of the Chancellor. “Call a retreat, Seeker. Our position here is hopeless.” The Chancellor said but Cassandra ignored him. “We can stop this before it’s too late.” She stated.

“How? You won’t survive long enough to reach the temple, even with all your soldiers.” The Chancellor asked, seeming hopeless.

“We must get to the temple. It’s the quickest route.” Cassandra said.

“But not the safest. Our forces can charge as a distraction while we go through the mountains.” Leliana then suggested pointing toward the mountains.

The four continued to bicker a little longer but their arguing was interrupted by the loud sound of the Breach expanding again. Then Olive felt the pain return to her hand along with the bright green glow. Olive held her wrist in pain and watched as the glowing and pain subsided again.

“How do you think we should proceed?” Cassandra then asked her. ‘They want my opinion? I’m not even sure what’s going on.’ Olive internally panicked. As she looked at her hand she realized she may not have much longer at this rate. Even if she didn’t make it the Breach needed to be closed. 

“We should charge. I may not survive long enough for your trial.” Olive finally answered. Cassandra then turned back to Leliana. “Leliana. Bring everyone left in the valley. Everyone.” Cassandra ordered.

As Leliana began to walk away Sebastian stopped her. “I’m coming with you.” He stated.

“Shouldn’t you be with Hawke?” Varric then asked Sebastian. For a second the anchor seemed like he wanted to say something but chose not to. “That’s not important right now.” He responded before following Leliana, leaving Varric confused.

Olive and her companions then followed Cassandra as she headed through the camp. As they continued on Olive heard the Chancellor give them one last warning. “On your head be the consequences, Seeker.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olive couldn’t help but feel nervous once she jumped from the rubble and slowly approached the large rift now above her and the glow from her hand returned again. “Someone help me!” They heard a ghostly voice cry out of nowhere. “What’s going on here?” Another ghostly voice said. Olive recognized it as her own but it just didn’t sound right. Other than the odd echo her voice sounds so monoton. There was just no emotion, not even confusion.

‘I barely sounded like a person.’ She thought, now reminded of her previous state before the mark. “That was your voice. Most Holy called out to you, but…” Cassandra started to say.

They were then interrupted by a flash of light and when Olive looked again at the rift she saw a huge shadowy figure looming over the Divine. Olive watches as a ghostly figure of herself slowly walked into the room. Her face lacked any expression of fear or confusion and on her forehead was the brand of a sun.

Olive was tempted to feel her forehead now and see if the mark was still there but she knew she had to focus. “What’s going on here?” The ghostly tranquil asked.

“Run while you can! Warn them!” Justinia yelled. The Shadow figure didn’t even move. It simply said. “We have an intruder. Slay that thing.” Sounding repulsed by Olive.

With another flash of light all the ghostly figures were gone bad leaving just the large rift. “You were there! Who attacked? And the Divine, is she…? Was this vision true? What are we seeing?” Cassandra began to question Olive.

“I don’t remember. I’m sorry.” Was the only answer Olive could give. 

While Olive was speaking with Cassandra she hadn’t noticed Solas walking closer to the rift. “Echoes of what happened here. The Fade bleeds into this place.” Solas said before turning back to the group. “This rift is not sealed but it is closed, albeit temporarily. I believe with the mark the rift can be opened and then sealed properly and safely. However, opening the rift will likely attract attention from the other side.”

“That means demons! Stand ready!” Cassandra shouted to war the soldiers and archers around them. Olive then watched as everyone prepared themselves for the fight and she stood under the rift.

‘Maker, I know I’m a mage and maybe you don’t like me but please don’t let this be the end for me.’ Olive prayed as she looked up at the rift.

Olive slowly raised her hand and began to open the Breach. Once it had ripped open a huge Pride demon fell out, knocking Olive off her feet. “Now!” Cassandra shouted from behind Olive.

Olive quickly scrambled to her feet as the soldiers charged the giant demon. Grabbing her staff and when she turned it on the pride demon Olive watched in frustration as all she could use was small sparks. If there wasn’t something more urgent going on she would have been tempted to throw the staff out of frustration.

However even in her anger she knew that wouldn’t help. Olive then noticed the shades coming out after the pride demon who was now fighting the soldiers. She could only use a small amount of her magic but it was enough to focus some electricity at the end of her staff. A Shade began to quickly approach her and since most the other soldiers were focused on the pride demon she was on her own.

Once the Shade was within range Olive quickly struck it with her staff as hard as she could in the side and watched as fell back and was stunned from the electricity. While it was still getting over the shock of the attack Olive attacked the demon again. This attack knocked the creature back even further. It was then that she saw the second Shade quickly approaching her.

When she hit the second Shade it hadn’t been as effective. The Shade recovered much quicker and started to attack Olive. She then quickly moved out of the way of the incoming demon claws. Now with the two Shades after her Olive took another hit at the weaker Shade. When her staff struck the Shade to her surprise another lightning chain came from her staff, killing the both the demons in front of her. Relieved to have her magic back again, she joined the fight against the larger demon.

As the fight continued on Olive was surprised how quickly her energy was drained. She tried to keep her distance from the pride demon as she used what little magic she still could. There were a few times that she had almost been struck by the large wips the creature was using. Cassandra and the rest of the soldiers had charged the demon and were keeping most of its attention. The demon had become weak enough to have a hard time defending itself against the Seeker and other soldiers.

While Cassandra kept it distracted Olive saw she had a clear shot to try and reach the rift. As Olive shot one last bolt of lightning at the demon she quickly and ran to get closer to the rift. Unfortunately that one last attack had gotten the attention of the pride demon and it was no longer focused on the soldiers at its feet. Before Olive had realized it the demon sent a blast of lighting in her direction. The charge of lighting barely missed Olive as she was quickly pulled back by someone behind her. When she quickly turned to see who had saved her, Olive was surprised to see the archer from earlier beside her preparing to fire another arrow.

Now that the demon seemed focused back on the soldier nearest to it Olive quickly got back to her feet and ran to the rift hoping nothing else would get in her way. After she finally managed to get close enough to the rift Olive raised her hand like she had before. The pain in her hand was more severe than before as Olive tried to force the rift closed again. Once the rift finally sealed there was a flash of bright light before Olive watched as everything faded to black.

[Masterlist]

[shinypandamiracle]

Things need to get worse before they get better, right?

[acmelxvr]

Take A Seat, Inquisitor

Pairing: Female Lavellan x Solas

Summary: Solas finds the Inquisitor in desperate need of some relaxation in the Winter Palace. And, well, he can provide.

Genre/Tags: Explicit, Canon Compliant, POV Third Person, Spoilers for Dragon Age: Inquisition, Drunk Sex, No Penetration Though, Thigh Riding, Praise, Dirty Talk, Ear Licking, Edging, Orgasm Denial, Biting, Premature Ejaculation, Mentions of Oral Sex

Word Count: 3,900

Notes: This is my first Solas fic so be gentle pls...I also posted it on AO3, you can read it there by clicking this link if you want :3

“And that’s how I ended up hunting wyverns in the Frostbacks with only two pairs of breeches!” All the nobles and Inquisition personnel in the small circle laugh at the lord’s story, some more forced than others. The ball at the Winter Palace wanes into the early hours of the morning now with no end in sight. Although drinks and food are still being served, the massive crowd has thinned into small packs of chattering lords and ladies who would dare not make the faux pas of leaving too early.

“I think I’m going to explore the library.” Lavellan murmurs to Leliana, Josephine, and Cullen. The excuse is enough to dissuade the rest of the crowd from protesting the Inquisitor’s departure from the group, but her three advisors are unconvinced.

“Take me with you.” Cullen pleads through gritted teeth, smiling a bit too wide as he barely follows along to the conversation taking place. Josephine tuts at the Commander but simply nods at Lavellan. 

“Good idea. You might find some of the more intellectual attendees who would be interested in learning more about the Inquisition.” Josephine’s eyes twinkle at the possibilities, and the Inquisitor nods politely.

“Yes, I will most definitely be doing that.” She says flatly, causing Cullen to snort and this time earn a light kick from Leliana that could easily be passed as a stretch of the knee. As Lavellan begins to take her leave, the Spymaster grabs her arm and turns to speak over her shoulder to avoid any eavesdroppers.

“You did well tonight.” She starts. “You are a complete natural at The Game, despite the many forces working against you.” Lavellan smirks at the praise, knowing Leliana probably thought she would trip over her own two feet. “You’ve earned a respite, even just for a few hours before our work starts up again.” The last part she fully whispers, leaning in conspicuously. “For once, I will advise you to not listen to Josephine.” She smiles knowingly before dropping the Inquisitor’s arm. 

Lavellan chuckles. “You read my mind.” She takes small steps through the ballroom towards the vestibule, occasionally saying hello to people she passes. Her mind spins with the possibilities of her alliance with Empress Celene; what it means for the Inquisition, for the Dalish, for herself. The Inquisitor is still deep in thought when she looks up and realizes that her body seemed to auto-pilot her straight into the Grand Library. The guards that used to be stationed near the entrance have disappeared, gone hours ago once the threat against the Empress’s life was neutralized. She worries over this for a moment, before dropping her shoulders and taking a deep breath as she remembers Leliana’s words.

Her fingers trace over the many titles packed into the various shelves, some in languages Lavellan doesn’t even recognize. She smiles softly as she picks up a book by a professor in the Free Marches collecting Dalish songs and tales. She leans against a desk, facing away from the Grand Library entrance, while she flips through the pages and remembers a much simpler time. 

“I figured you’d be hiding in here.” The voice makes her jump, yelp, and drop the book at the same time. She quickly turns with her hand over her hidden dagger strapped to her thigh, only to sigh when Solas snorts with laughter. “The Inquisitor should not be so easily caught off guard.” He exclaims, the two flutes of champagne in each hand shaking as he chuckles to himself.

“Yes, well, forgive me if it pleases you.” She snips, then grimaces when Solas raises his eyebrows slightly at her short tone. “I’m sorry. I had finally escaped from all those people out there…I guess I got a bit caught up in what I was reading.” Her explanation is jumbled, but Solas places the two drinks on the desk before waving her off.

“Do not apologize. I’m certain you’ve had a much busier night than I. I can leave, if you wish.” He points towards one glass as an offering. Lavellan nods gratefully before grabbing the thin spine of the delicate piece and holding it close to her chest.

“Please, stay.” She says. “You’re good company.” Solas smiles and shakes his head as another laugh escapes him. He heads towards the shelf Lavellan previously occupied, now examining the tomes himself.  With his back towards Lavellan, she can’t help but take in Solas’ form. He towers over her a bit and his broad shoulders also help distinguish Solas from the Dalish elves she’s used to. Even in the alienages, Solas stands out as…bigger.

Lavellan coughs, a flush climbing her cheeks as her mind wanders to more depraved thoughts about Solas’ body. Solas was certainly free with his verbal affections, but they had only just started engaging in physical affections recently. Even then, they had only kissed. Lavellan didn’t mind waiting, of course, but it felt as though every time it developed into something more that Solas pulled away. 

Solas clears his throat, bringing the Inquisitor out of her thoughts as though he has eyes on the back of his head and can see how she’s examining him. Or maybe being a mage with a speciality in the Fade lets him read minds. Lavellan’s eyes widen as the drink begins to take hold. Can Solas read minds? She thinks, half seriously. “Inquisitor?” Solas asks.

“Yes!” He turns to fully face her as he holds a book in his hand. “Yes, sorry. Long night.” She mutters, taking another sip. She can feel Solas’s gaze on her as she redirects her vision to a different corner of the room. The shadows dance along the wall as the various candles around the room burn low. There’s a moment of silence, as though Solas is deciding to address the tension in the room. 

“I asked whether you enjoyed your time in the Winter Palace tonight.” Solas leans against the bookshelf, a sly smile gracing his face. “The way you managed to navigate the nobility, the ballroom floor, and an assassination attempt was particularly stunning.” He swirls his beverage in one hand as he flips through his chosen book. Solas’ choice of words cause Lavellan to finally bring her attention back to him. She scrutinizes him for a moment, furrowing her brow as her eyes rake over his stature from head to toe. Finally, she smiles too.

“Solas, are you drunk?” She asks. She giggles as Solas opens his mouth to give a quick retort, but closes it when he realizes he doesn’t have one. He shakes his head in slight embarrassment and drops his eyes as the Inquisitor continues to quietly laugh. “I guess I need to catch up.” Lavellan murmurs as Solas regains his footing in the conversation.

“I will admit to partaking in more drinking than I usually allow myself. All the power, intrigue, danger, sex…” He notices how Lavellan crosses her legs when he pauses. “Well, I suppose it’s nice to go unnoticed for an evening. To engage in behavior that is unbecoming of me.” Lavellan shakes her head, alleviating his fears that she thinks less of him now. “You haven’t answered my original question.” He states, placing his book back on the shelf.

“Enjoyed is not the word I would use.” She pauses, thinking deeply on her answer. “I’m glad I was able to play The Game well enough. It was almost satisfying being able to talk circles around humans.” Solas nods ruefully, staying silent. “But I was on edge the entire time. Constantly waiting for something to go wrong. And when the Grand Duchess was dragged away…” She trails off. 

“Power can be suffocating, sometimes.” Solas finishes Lavellan’s thought. They’ve both finished their drinks at this point, the flush on Lavellan’s face indicating that she’s just as tipsy as Solas is. “There are times when a decision needs to be made. Even the correct choice is never an easy one.” Solas’s expression turns serious, and Lavellan cocks her head.

“So you think I made the right choice? Going with Empress Celene?” She asks. The candles in the Library have dimmed even further as the moon creeps higher above Halamshiral. Solas tilts his head back against the fine wooden shelf, crossing his arms and looking down at the Inquisitor.

“Is my praise necessary for you to feel at ease?” His question makes Lavellan laugh, a true laugh that comes from her stomach. It’s infectious to Solas, a smile creeping onto his face replacing the scowl he had moments before. “Briala and Celene could never have ruled together, and Gaspard is a disaster when it comes to court. In the Fade I’ve seen whole nations crumble because someone would rather force a compromise than make a real decision.” He moves towards Lavellan, all social grace completely lost, and places a hand on her shoulder. “You made a real decision, ma vhenan. They are never easy.” 

Lavellan looks up at Solas, who is only now an arm’s length away. “Ma vhenan?” She restates, teasing Solas now. “That is an odd way to pronounce ‘Inquisitor’, Solas.” Her hand creeps up to rest on top of Solas, the space between the two elves shrinking as he moves to grip her waist.

He rests his forehead against Lavellan’s, rubbing her shoulder with his thumb adoringly. “You looked breathtaking tonight. You were magnificent, awe-inspiring. You’ll forgive me if I drop your title. I couldn’t bear to hide how I feel for you any longer.” He pulls back momentarily to kiss the top of her head, one hand moving to the small of her back. She leans into his touch, and for some minutes the pair is silent, their embrace only betrayed by the soft skitters of someone passing through the hallway.

The trance is broken as Lavellan gives a soft push to Solas. “I should head back now. There are people probably looking for me.” She groans and rolls her shoulders, her muscles tensing back as she recalls what it feels like to have a dozen pairs of eyes on you at all times. She turns to leave, but Solas captures her arm.

“You’ve played your part for the night, vhenan.” Solas pulls Lavellan flush against him, her backside against his groin. Solas forgets his inhibitions as he pulls her collar back to plant a kiss on her neck, making Lavellan gasp. Another kiss and a roll of Solas’s hips makes her groan louder, planting her hands on the desk. “Relax with me. Forget your duty, even for a moment.” Solas’ words cause a small pit of guilt to form in his heart, but it retreats when Lavellan moans again. 

“Josephine would personally see to our executions if we were caught having sex in the Winter Palace.” Lavellan’s skin is practically lit on fire with every single one of Solas’s touches, his fingertips dancing down her waist. “And I think the Orlesian nobility would die from heart attacks if they found two naked elves here.” She turns to face Solas, who stops momentarily to grin wildly, showing his sharp canines.

“I haven’t said anything about being naked.” Their faces are inches apart, both of them breathing heavily as arousal sits heavy in their stomachs. “There are many things one can do to relax without being naked, if their imagination allows it.” Solas whispers in Lavellan’s ear. He pulls away and guides Lavellan to a plush couch in a dark corner, far from any immediate entrance into the library. Solas lets go of her hand and sits on the couch, spreading his legs wide. He leans back on the couch, throwing one arm over the velveteen, and pats his thigh, beckoning Lavellan to sit.

To sit on him.

Lavellan swallows as she takes the sight in. She’s imagined, dreamed of sex with Solas dozens of times, but this was something entirely new. Something she hadn’t even begun to consider, but was still enticing nonetheless. “Is this something you want?” She asks him.

“Yes.” Solas answers so quickly that Lavellan is taken aback. “Nothing would bring me more pleasure right now than to give you pleasure.” He holds out a hand for Lavellan to grab, and tugs her on top of him. “It is selfish of me to admit, but I do not kiss you the way I do solely for your benefit.” He rolls his thigh up causing Lavellan to cover her mouth as she moans. “I do it because I also enjoy it. No, enjoy is too simple of a word.” He turns his head to think while Lavellan grips his shoulders with both hands. “I relish it. Feeling you against me, with only some layers of clothing to separate us…Fenedhis, ma vhenan. You’ve undone me. I haven’t been this overcome with desire in a long time…You make it difficult to control myself.” He plants his hands on her hips. “Let me guide you. Let me show you what I mean. We can reckon with our indulgences in the morning.” 

Solas’ words have Lavellan dripping. she nods, and plants herself fully onto Solas’ thigh, moving her hands to Solas’ neck and jaw. He starts pushing her back and forth against his leg, adjusting the pressure by examining the way her face contorts just so. She moves to cover her eyes but Solas stops her. “You are so beautiful right now, vhenan. Do not think about how you might look, but focus on how you feel.” She obliges Solas and slowly drops her fingers back to his jaw. Solas notices how his words make her quicken the pace, if for a moment. “Ah, so you do need my praise to feel at ease. Very well.” 

Solas keeps one hand on Lavellan’s hips, and moves one to the back of her head, entangling his fingers in her hair and pulling her down so he can whisper to her. She gasps as he presses up into her, causing her to roll her hips on her own. Although she can’t see it, she knows Solas is smiling with pride right now. “Just like that, perfect. You are a natural at this, vhenan.” His lips move against her ear as she forms a rhythm, her moans forming a perfect harmony with Solas as he groans from the pressure building in his own sex. The slight push and pull causes him to rub against the smooth fabric, making him knit his brow in concentration to ensure he somehow doesn’t cum before she does. He can’t remember the last time he did something like this with someone else; and while he’s relieved himself plenty of times since meeting the Inquisitor, he didn’t allow himself to think their relationship would get this far.

Lavellan whines loudly when Solas grinds up against her clit, the wet patch on his thigh exciting him more than before. He pulls Lavellan so that way they’re face to face, and kisses her like it’s the first time. She heaves against him, pressing her chest against his to get a better angle. Solas groans, louder this time as Lavellan’s knee presses up against his erection. Like everything else about Solas, it’s somehow bigger than she expected. “If you keep stopping, Inquisitor, you will inflate my ego. And getting you into this position has made me prideful enough already.”

 He kisses her again, sloppily this time, the alcohol ignoring any expectations of how their first time together would go. Solas presses his tongue against Lavellan’s, his eyes rolling back at the vibration of her moans. He finds her chest with one of his palms, kneading her and finding a nipple with ease. She yelps when he pinches and rolls, her thighs beginning to shake. Lavellan’s pace has quickened to a point where her thighs burn, the strain of muscle mixing with her pleasure. She begins to chant his name, panting and whining when Solas lets go of her nipples and moves his hands to her backside, massaging Lavellan and gripping her with a strength she didn’t know he had. “Do you know how many times I’ve finished thinking of this exact situation? How I’ve dreamed of having you completely?” Lavellan shakes her head. “Thirty four times I’ve spilled myself over my own hand thinking of how beautiful you’d look like this. For the first time in my life, my dreams cannot compare to the real thing.”

Lavellan gains confidence through Solas’s words and leans forward, almost coming in for a kiss but at the last second, she moves past Solas’s lips. Instead, she focuses on his ears; she licks a long strip from his jawline to the tip of his ears, noticing how Solas shivers and making him wonder how the hell she figured that out. She laughs while still moaning and gasping for more. “I knew you were sensitive here. Had to be, because I noticed how you pulled away the first time we kissed when I went to grab you,” She moves her thumb just underneath the other ear, making Solas jump in shock and pleasure. “Here.” She finishes, returning her mouth to latch onto Solas’s helix. She licks a circle around the apex of his damned ears, running her tongue up and down the ridge before returning to his lips. “Imagine what else my mouth can do.” Her breath mixes with his as both of them pant, although Solas does close his eyes momentarily to see the picture she’s painted. 

Solas bites his lip, almost drawing blood by how close he’s come to cumming over himself. Both of them are sweating now, Lavellan’s pristine hair stuck to her forehead. “Fenedhis–” She presses her knee against Solas’ cock again as she moves her clit down onto him, “–Fuck–”, he groans loudly as her pace quickens and she begins to babble quietly in his ear. If someone had walked in on them, Solas was too preoccupied to notice.

“I’m going to–I think I’m gonna–” Solas nods approvingly while Lavellan’s release reaches its peak. Solas closes his eyes, tears forming in the corners as he pleads with himself to hold off for just a bit longer. In a final move of complete desperation and arousal, Solas latches onto Lavellan’s neck.

And bites.

Lavellan yelps and it’s what finally sends her over the edge. She cums on Solas’s thigh, stuttering and gripping onto him while he licks at the marks his teeth had left. Both of them are moaning, although Lavellan has the sense to cover her mouth. When she finally comes down from her orgasm, Solas leans back to examine his work. Lavellan looks down and breathlessly laughs. “I made a bit of a mess.” Is all she says, and Solas lifts her momentarily to examine her handiwork.

Solas’s thigh is so soaked that Lavellan’s juices had even begun to pool next to Solas in those final moments. He smiles softly and pats Lavellan approvingly. “It is an easy enough task to warm my hands and dry my clothes, as I have done before. Do not worry.” Lavellan moves to get up off of Solas and onto her knees in front of him, but he stops her. “As much as the thought entices me, and believe me when I say it does, I’ve stolen enough of your time tonight.” She crinkles her brow in confusion, and gestures towards Solas’s groin where his erection is clearly visible, and pre-cum has even started leaking through his trousers. 

“Ah.” He says, and while he does entertain the thought longer than he should have, he still shakes his head. “This was for you, not for me. And besides,” He stands up and kisses Lavellan. “I can’t imagine there won’t be more opportunities for me to catch up.” Lavellan snorts, giving another kiss to Solas before smoothing down her attire and hair. 

“How do I look?” She asked sarcastically.

“Magnificent.” Solas responds, moving closer to brush her hair with his fingertips. He plants a gentle kiss on her forehead. She seems to be remembering something and laughs; Solas tilts his head in a silent question.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you curse like that. I didn’t think ‘fuck’ was even in your vocabulary.” Solas’s cheeks flush red and he coughs in surprise.

“Yes, well…” He stammers underneath Lavellan’s stare. “You bring out a part in me I thought I put away long ago.” Solas smiles lightly. “And that part is inclined to curse, occasionally, when underneath a fascinating woman such as yourself.” This time, Solas is the one to let go. He nods towards the Library entrance, and Lavellan sighs before squeezing his hand and stepping quietly into the hallway. He waits until he can no longer hear her footsteps before sitting down and throwing his head back against the couch. The late hour and sudden physical activity has him utterly spent.

The elf looks down, his cock practically bursting against his leg and begging to be taken care of. “I’m not that depraved.” He murmurs. Solas’s eyes close, and while he tries to think of more important matters, he can’t remove the image of Lavellan on top of him from his mind. The way she bounced on his lap, how her mouth felt against him, makes Solas bite his knuckles to hold back a moan. How she jittered when he marked her, claiming the Inquisitor all for himself as her neck bloomed with purple splotches from his sharp teeth and how quickly her release came from an action that felt as natural to Solas as blinking. Solas breathes in, then out through his nose, attempting to bring himself back to reality, but he can’t help but recall the offer she left on the table before Lavellan took her leave. Her lips would look so pretty wrapped around him, gagging and moaning as she would try to take him all the way, his tip hitting the back of her throat—

Solas jolts suddenly as his orgasm hits him like a slap against the face, the dark stain of cum now spreading down his thigh. Solas bites down hard on his palm, unable to fully hold his voice back as the smallest movement against his trousers prolongs his release even further. When the immense pleasure finally subsides, Solas opens one eye hesitantly to assess the damage. He groans into his hands, a conjured flame able to dry his clothes but not the Orlesian, and definitely expensive, couch.

It’s hours later when the morning sun rises over Halamshiral that the Inquisition takes their leave. Solas blearily rubs his eyes and yawns, although when he catches Lavellan’s smile he can’t help but reciprocate despite his weariness. The Iron Bull looks between the pair before laughing and slapping Solas on the shoulder. “Sleep well?” He asks simply, although Solas knows the Bull well enough to know that his questions are never simple.

“No, I had a long night.” Solas quips, eager to head back to Skyhold and be as far away from the Winter Palace as possible. The unspoken part being that he is more eager to finish what he started mere hours before.

“Yeah? Spend some time cleaning in the library?” The Iron Bull asks, looking at the way Solas and the Inquisitor blanche before guffawing loudly. As he walks away he shakes his head. “You guys are not fucking subtle.” 

[bg3daydream]

Rumors and Facts 2/3 (Solavellan Fanfiction)

Solas x Female Inquisitor Lavellan Fanfiction.

Summary: +18 (Rated explicit) Lavellan is tired of the rumors that she hears around Skyhold regarding her relationship with Solas, and with all the gossip surrounding her at the Winter Palace. It's nobody's business, and besides, she's done hiding.

There's 3 chapters, with chapters 1 and 3 containing smut, and there's fluff through the whole fic. Chapter 1 is set in Skyhold and chapters 2 and 3 are set in the Winter Palace.

Find chapter 1 and chapter 3

Lavellan hadn’t been at the Winter Palace for more than ten minutes, she hadn’t even gone past the gardens and into the palace itself, and she was already fed up with people. They stared at her with no shame, neither had they any shame to talk about her as if she weren’t there, not caring that she heard their venomous comments.

Some were doubting she was actually the Inquisitor, considering she was dalish, while others had no problem calling her a savage elf. She wanted to snap at them, make them eat their words, and it was probably obvious on her face. Josephine was hovering near her, looking half-apologetic for what they were saying, half-alarmed that the Inquisitor may talk back.

Solas moved closer to Lavellan, though he didn’t touch her. He’d kept his hands to himself since approaching the palace, and Lavellan knew that both he and Josephine didn’t want the Inquisitor’s reputation maybe taking a hit by rumors of her and the elven apostate. Lavellan understood and yet, it was difficult to agree.

“Don’t concern yourself with them,” Solas told her quietly. “Not worthy.”

Lavellan took a deep breath and nodded. She could do this. She’d done worse and faced enemies more dangerous. She’d walked out of the Fade alive, twice. She’d survived all that, she could not only survive this but come on top too. She’d trained with Josephine, and so no matter she felt revolted by it, she’d play this so-called Game as she’d taught her and come out victorious.

“I’ll go first, say I’m the bodyguard,” the Iron Bull said, stepping in front of her and Josephine, and behind Cullen, who seemed rather uncomfortable too. “So everyone can look first at the big, mean qunary and be too busy to talk bullshit about you too.”

As so many times before, Lavellan felt a rush of affection and gratitude for her qunary friend. He wouldn’t have to suffer all this, the ball, the looks, and the talks, Lavellan wouldn’t have asked, but he’d offered when he’d seen her worry.

Dorian had offered too, and he had joined Josephine in her preparation of Lavellan for this. He said he too had experience with balls and mean gossiper aristocrats, and with people saying horrible things about you to your face, and that he knew how to navigate that world. Lavellan knew it to be true, but like with Iron Bull, she hadn’t wished Dorian to have to go through this, she knew people would give him a hard time for being tevinter and a mage. He’d insisted.

Everything was a mess and she hated where she was, but Lavellan had to admit, she’d good advisors and companions, and better friends. She was grateful for it.

Dorian was right behind her, seeming unpreoccupied and relaxed, though Lavellan wasn’t sure how much of it was facade. Two women were staring at him with wrinkled noses while clearly talking to each other about him. Dorian first gave them a polite nod, then a wink, which seemed to ruffle them more.

“Aaah…just like being back home,” Dorian said with mocked cheerfulness. “Just stand proud, Inquisitor, but be charming and polite…they’ll have it harder to attack you then, and it’d make them madder.”

“Let’s get inside,” Josephine said quietly, her polite smile not faltering as she endured comments about the Inquisition, greeting people and navigating Lavellan and the others through them. “Leliana’s already there, and we better keep an eye on Gaspar.”

*

Once inside, things hadn’t gone better. So much gossip and mean-spirited conversation, along with so many people wanting to talk to the Inquisitor about this and that. There were also those who refused to acknowledge her, like she were blighted. Lavellan didn’t know what was worse, and there was still no word on the potential infiltrators threatening the empress' life.

At least, she’d gotten to see Leliana playing the Game, she seemed so different from Skyhold, and she encouraged Lavellan to gather more gossip. She said it was leverage against nobles and it’d help them in Court, but Lavellan thought she enjoyed the gossip too, even if just a bit.

She’d also had the chance to meet Josephine’s sister, nice yet so different from her, and to hear her talk about Josephine’s childhood was as delightful for Lavellan as mortifying for Josephine.

“Everything alright, Inquisitor?” 

Josephine asked as she wandered towards her yet again, after she was cornered by some nobles who seemed to believe she ought to do something about the ideas their elven servants may get now that the Inquisitor was an elf.

She’d walked away, which was not polite, but it was better than whatever she may have said to them, she didn’t think she’d have been able to keep it nice. If she’d opened her mouth, Josephine’d have probably had a heart attack.

At least they were not openly ogling her and lusting after her like the group that had cornered poor Cullen. He seemed so uncomfortable and out of place…maybe she should make up some emergency and rescue him. 

“It’s bad that I wish assassins would show up already and all this can end?” She said, and Josephine’s sister let out a giggle. Lavellan knew she didn’t understand why she didn’t enjoy the ball, though, she was elated to be there.

“Everything’s calm for now,” Josephine said, looking around as she smiled and waved politely.

“Yes, our people haven’t reported anything yet.” Maybe she could go ask Cullen again, but she had no desire to try to navigate the people gathered around him. “Do you think I could go back to the hall and gardens, talk to the others, try to find something? I’m of no use here.” She was getting antsy with the waiting and so many eyes and sharp tongues on her.

“Sure, but be back when you hear the bell, don't be late, please Inquisitor.” It sounded more like a command than a polite request. Lavellan liked it when Josephine got bossy, she jokingly called it “polite threatening.”

“Promised.”

*

Outside the main ballroom, there was gossip and staring too, although less eyes were on her as people seemed engrossed talking to each other.

Lavellan saw Solas near a window, leaning against a column, glass in hand. He seemed more at ease and content than she’d expected. She made her way to him, trying to blend in and not attract attention.

“Hey.”

“Inquisitor.” Solas gave her a polite nod.

“How are you? Are you being treated well?” Lavellan could ignore the comments about her, even if they made her mad, but if they talked badly about someone she loved, she wasn’t sure she could keep it civil much longer.

Solas shrugged and smiled. “The Orlesians don’t quite know what to make of me. I try not to give them room to critique the Inquisition on my account.” He lifted his drink to his lips. “The food and drink are excellent, however, and the servants are happy to refill my glass.”

“Why’d you have them introduce you as the Inquisitors’ elven servant?” Lavellan asked, it’d annoyed her.

“Am I not but your servant, Lady Inquisitor Lavellan?” Solas joked and Lavellan huffed, rolling her eyes.

She couldn’t help a small smile, though, she loved it when Solas’ eyes wrinkled when he was amused sometimes, like now, but there was also something else in his eyes, that reminded her of how he looked at her when she was at his desk…Lavellan better not recall that if she wanted to keep her composure.

“Well…someone did call you ‘the Inquisitor’s pet mage’ so…” She tried to joke back, but it made her grimace, she’d wanted to use an anchor blast on that gossiper couple, if that was even possible. “Seriously, though, you could have just told them you were an Inquisition mage.” There was already gossip about the Inquisition employing apostates anyway.

“Have you seen how these people treat their elven servants?” Solas said and Lavellan nodded, it sickened her. “They act like they’re not people. Then they’re careless, talking about everything around their servants as if they can’t hear them. I’d hoped they’d do the same around me, that they’d say things they wouldn’t in front of you and your advisors, so maybe I could learn something useful for you. Leliana agreed,” Solas explained. “Sadly, I don’t have the look of one of their servants, so it’s not working.”

“That's smart.” Lavellan had to admit it, but she still hated hearing people call Solas her servant.

“If you want to find something useful, pay attention to the servants,” Solas said, raising his glass, and one of the servants came to refill it, although she avoided the Inquisitor’s eyes. Solas took a sip of his wine and relaxed against the column again, looking around the room, seeming so calm and collected, Lavellan was envious with how on edge she’d been feeling.

“You seem more comfortable with a grand Orlesian ball than I’d have expected.”

“I’ve seen countless such displays in my journeys in the Fade. The powerful have always been the same, only the costumes change.”

“Oh, that’s right, your Fade balls and dancing with spirits,” Lavellan half-teased. “So… you’re dancing with me tonight, right?”

Solas sighed. “I wish. But you need to win these people over and dancing with an elven apostate will win you few favors here. Perhaps later, when this is over?”

“Later…” Lavellan arched an eyebrow and leaned closer to Solas, lowering her voice so nobody else could hear her. “So, when this is over, you’ll come to my room and we can dance, then?”

Solas leaned towards her too. “Perhaps,” he said quietly, looking at her in a way that made her heart almost skip a beat, and warmth spread through Lavellan.

They hadn’t done anything like that night at Solas’ rotunda again. With everyone busy preparing everything for the ball, eyes and ears everywhere, and so much of her time devoted to it, for the last few days, they’d been lucky if they got a moment for themselves.

Then, during the journey to the palace, Solas had kept his distance. Lavellan understood why but she didn’t think it mattered, pretty much everyone accompanying them seemed to know about them, and the nobles at court were going to gossip anyway.

At least, they had the Fade. Lavellan wasn’t sure how it worked, but whenever they both were asleep, more often than not, either one of them seemed able to wander into the other’s dream, and so they could spend time together, away from everyone else.

Lavellan was pretty content letting Solas walk her around the Fade, to snuggle to him while he told her things about it, but she couldn’t wait for the chance to be alone with him out of dreams again too.

It might not be proper, sneaking Solas into the Inquisitor’s bed, but she didn’t care. She felt silly butterflies fluttering in her belly at the thought of it…whether things turned more intimate or not, at least she’d try her best to sleep next to Solas that night.

Solas looked to the side and pulled back and away from Lavellan, straightening. She looked in that direction too and noticed a couple of nobles eyeing them with interest. She was about to tell Solas that she didn’t care that they might stare and talk about them, but probably Solas what right, whether she liked it or not, that evening she needed that people’s support.

“I hope you enjoy the ball, Inquisitor,” Solas said, dismissing her, and Lavellan tried not to sigh. “Don’t let me take more of your time.”

“I’ll see if I can find anything useful,” Lavellan said, back to business…they had a job to do there, after all, preventing a murder seemed more important than mingling with nobles showing off like peacocks. “Be ready, I’ll let you all know if I find something.”

Solas nodded and Lavellan turned to leave. “Hunt well,” Solas said as she walked away, and Lavellan couldn’t help her smirk at him.

She looked around to room. Some nobles were talking to each other, seeming quite busy to pay attention to her. She should try to eavesdrop on what seemed like an important conversation. Others were trying to pretend that they were not looking and talking about her, while others openly stared.

She spotted the Iron Bull by the end of the room, eating some of those bittersweet nuts, and she approached him.

“How are you doing, Bull?”

He grunted, popping another nut into his mouth. “These nobles keep trying to mess with me thinking I don’t know what they’re doing. If we don’t find something to kill soon, I may use one of their skulls as my new fancy mask.”

Lavellan knew she shouldn’t, but she snorted a giggle. “I feel you.”

“Yeah, I see how they look at you, and the bullshit they say to your face,” Iron Bull scoffed, shaking his head. “Any news?”

“Nothing regarding the assassins. You’re the Ben-Hassrath, tell me what you’ve seen.”

She was half-joking, but she trusted the Iron Bull instinct and experience for this. She didn’t think any assassins could wander around without him noticing it, just like she trusted Solas and Dorian would notice it if there was something magical going on.

“I’ll tell you what I’ve seen.” the Iron Bull's serious look turned amused. “I’ve seen you and Solas, just right now. You two start making out? Not even me and my horns can distract people from it.”

“Iron Bull!” 

Lavellan scolded him with a hissed whisper, even though she knew it was her fault that she had leaned a bit too close to Solas, her mind full of daydreams...probably the Iron Bull didn’t have any trouble reading all her thoughts about Solas just by looking at her. 

“Please don’t start, I have enough with Sera and Dorian.”

“I don’t judge, boss,” the Iron Bull kept his friendly teasing. “You deserve a good tumble later on for dealing with this vipers' nest.”

“Shh!” Lavellan hushed him, embarrassed and worried that someone might hear him, but she couldn’t help the silly giggle that escaped her lips. Would Solas think too that she deserved a good tumble? “Stop it!”

“Alright, alright…but I have nothing of use for you.” Iron Bull shrugged. “All I can tell you is who hates who, who fancies who, who’s sleeping with whom…”

“Tell all that to Leliana, she seems to think all this gossip will be useful for us…I think she enjoys it too.”

“Got it, boss.”

*

By the end of the evening, Lavellan had dealt with several attempted assassinations and several actual murders, she’d been asked once again to decide on things that’d affect people way beyond her reach, and politics had once more changed.

Yet, to her amazement, the ball kept going, now celebrating what was supposedly a victory for Orlais. Lavellan couldn’t understand these people. But sure, most of the victims had been servant elves, so what would the Orlesian nobles care for it, beyond being understaffed. This place still sickened Lavellan, even if she’d tried to play The Game to win, and she succeeded.

She was now at the balcony, alone, feeling tired and done, hoping she’d mingled with the nobles enough, she didn’t think she could keep her polite mask much longer. She’d just finished dealing with Morrigan, whom Lavellan still didn’t know what to think about, when Solas walked into the balcony.

“I’m not surprised to find you here,” Solas said, placing a hand on the small of her back. “Are you alright, vhenan?”

Lavellan nodded. “I’m just tired. I think I’ve done enough chatting and pretending around to win these people’s favor and support for the Inquisition.” She didn’t want to let her advisors down, but she didn’t think she could keep going with it for much longer that night.

“You did.” Solas nodded with a smile. “I heard some people saying how delightful the Inquisitor is.”

“You’re kidding.” Lavellan frowned but Solas shook his head no. “Oh, then, they meant delightful for a savage elf.”

Solas chuckled, shaking his head again and pulling her close with the hand on her back to give her lips a soft kiss, and Lavellan felt like she was able to relax for the first time that evening. When he pulled back, he vowed at her.

“Dance with me, vhenan.”

No matter how tired she was, Lavellan couldn’t help her smile and the butterflies in her belly. “I’d love to.”

Solas smiled too, pulling her close, and for a while, they danced together to the muffled sound of the band, coming from the ballroom. Lavellan’d have happily danced with him for the remaining of the ball, perhaps with stops here and there to kiss him again, but Dorian’s voice interrupted them.

“Nice form, I wasn’t expecting you to know how to dance, Solas,” he teased and Solas brisked, pulling away from Lavellan. “It doesn’t suit the whole hobo apostate thing you have going on.”

Solas glared at Dorian and Lavellan knew he was about to snap, so she talked first. “Shut it you both, no mage bickering at the Winter Palace.” She tried to sound as commanding as Josephine.

“It was a compliment.” Dorian shrugged with a teasing smile.

“I’m not putting up with two tipsy mages arguing,” Lavellan teased back, but who knew, if they started with their who’s got the biggest staff contest, they may send the whole place into the Fade somehow.

“I’m not tipsy!” Solas huffed, sounded almost offended, and Lavellan tried not to laugh but she couldn’t help her snort.

“Yes, you are.” She smiled, reaching to cup Solas' cheek. “But I think you look adorable like this.” Solas looked like he might snap but all he did was lean into her touch as she caressed his cheek, proving her point.

“Please, have some decency, I’m still right here,” Dorian said in mocked offense. Lavellan knew he didn’t judge or mind their relationship, and she knew she could count on his support.

“Did someone send you to come fetch me?” Lavellan sighed, her smile and joking tone has gone at the idea of having to go back inside.

“Afraid so.” Dorian gave her a sympathetic look. “Some have noticed your absence and are inquiring Josephine about it. Still, she didn’t want to force you back if you don’t feel like it.”

“No, I… I’ll be back in a moment.” Lavellan sighed. She was the Inquisitor, her advisors and companions shouldn’t have to deal with inquiring people and worried or plainly nosy nobles. The night was almost over, she could keep going for a bit longer.

“Besides, it seemed you owed some dances?” Dorian asked, smirking and chuckling at Lavellan’s grimace. “I’ll get going, I might need to save Cullen, I heard someone trying to convince him how marriage with his youngest daughter was the best plan of action.”

Lavellan couldn’t help her sympathetic smile. Poor Cullen was having a horrible night, he’d hated every second of it, without even the chance to escape the nobles to fight the assassins.

“Please, go save my commander.”

Dorian vowed to them, half joking but equally charming anyway, and he turned back into the palace.

“We should get back too,” Lavellan said regretfully, taking Solas’ hand as if for moral support and giving it a gentle tug. “I’ll talk and dance with whoever I have to but save my last dance for you, come on.”

Solas let go of her hand. “We shouldn’t. You just earned these people's favor, if you’re seen with the elven apostate now and they talk-”

“They’re already talking,” Lavellan interrupted. She was tired of everyone acting like they had a say on her love life or if she was allowed one. “I’m pretty sure. That orlesian couple who’s always at Skyhold’s hall is here, and they’ve been talking about us for a while, I’m sure they’ve been happy to gossip about us to anyone willing to listen.”

She’d always found that couple nosy and annoying, but the Inquisitor couldn’t really ask the orlesians nobles to leave without causing some ruffle.

“They’ve been talking about us?” Solas seemed half-surprised, half-horrified, and Lavellan tried not to smile.

He usually knew everything that was going on, he always had an answer for everything, yet he seemed so clueless about it, Lavellan had to wonder where his head had been.

“Yes,” she confirmed. “At first it seemed we weren’t interesting enough, being just these two savage elves…” She mocked an expression of disdain, like the nobles had been wearing when they first saw her at the palace, and she was glad when Solas’ eyes wrinkled. “They much preferred a highborn scandal.”

At first, Lavellan hadn’t really realized they were talking about her, but from then on, she’d noticed them staring at her when they thought she wasn’t looking, whispering and quietly giggling, and so she’d caught on…it wasn’t surprising after the rumors at the tavern, but annoying nonetheless.

“But then it seemed we caught their interest. Apparently, there’s been ‘exchanges’ between us’.” She was still not sure of what they were even talking about, and she shrugged when Solas arched a questioning eyebrow. “Apparently we’ve been exchanging gifts of a short, betrothals even.”

“And I had no idea we were!” Solas pretended to be shocked and Lavellan laughed, although she felt flustered that people were gossiping about betrothals, and she was glad Solas wasn’t asking about it. She wondered if it might fluster him too.

“They’re just nosy gossipers,” Lavellan said, trying not to dwell on the actual gossip. “But…with them around, I’m sure people’s talking about us.”

“I am sorry, vhenan, the Inquisitor’s reputation-”

“Stop with that and don’t be sorry,” Lavellan interrupted him. “I am not sorry for one of the very few good things in my life right now and I don’t care what people think about it, I’m not going to hide.”

It seemed Solas was going to say something, some sort of emotion seemed to go through his eyes at her words, but he didn’t, and instead, he leaned to kiss her.

“You know,” Lavellan began when their lips parted. “In my clan, you should only exchange gifts with your family and your spouse or betrothal.” Of course, as so many other social rules, more often than not they tended to ignore it and give gifts to friends. “And kissing someone you’re not bonded to? Tsk, tsk…If these rumors reach my clan, I'm in bigger trouble than with these orlesians hearing them,” she joked.

Solas smiled softly at her joking, but he seemed pensive, as if her words had given him thought, and Lavellan half regretted telling him about it. She couldn’t help but wonder, though, what would her clan make of Solas and their relationship… She’d not seen them in so long, sometimes she wondered if she’d ever be back. 

She didn’t want to think about it right now, she had enough on her plate, and so she reached for Solas' hand again and put on a smile.

“Come on…time we went back to charm these people.”

*

NA:

You can think they went have and behave all proper or you can think they went back and...held hands sometimes, so scandalous, maybe even danced. I hope she danced not only with Solas but with Dorian and Iron Bull too, quite the scandal, but she might be throw out of court.

I worked hard on this fic, it was out of my comfort zone, and I hope some of you can enjoy it, please check the other chapters if you missed them and thanks for taking the time to read this.

If you liked it, please let me know in a comment, and as always, reblogs are more than welcome.

I'm not usually a smut writer, it's not my thing, I'm usually a fluff, hurt/comfort person, but I don't know what Solavellan has done to me.

I hope they can have their happy ending, but I'll have to write it if they don't.

Excuse my English, it’s not my first language.

[scarfacemarston]

Pride Month Requests!

My specialties are character x reader mainly because I've never received requests for ships and I'm not experienced in it! If you don't see a character, I can still likely write it. For male characters it will be MLM Reader x character and WLW for female characters. (Trans characters hcs and readers always included. Edit: Non Binary and gender neutral also welcome!) Reblogs appreciated! SFW preferred.

Characters: Bucky Barnes x Reader Steve Rogers x Reader

Natasha Romanoff x Reader Yelena Belova x Reader Peggy Carter x Reader Arthur Morgan x Reader John Marston x Reader Anakin Skywalker x Reader Obi-Wan Kenobi x Reader

Hawke x Fenris Hawke x Isabela Hawke x Merill Dorian Pavus x Inquisitor Cullen Rutherford x Inquisitor Cassandra x Inquisitor Leliana x Warden

More by Request!

[dapolyshipping]

Nominations Update!

✨ There are currently 321 approved tags ✨

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‼️Outstanding tag errors that need correction:

Please provide gender and last name for Inquisitor and Warden, i.e. "Male Lavellan" and "Female Cousland"

Alistair/Inquisitor/Cullen Rutherford

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Cremisius "Krem" Aclassi/Lace Harding/Inquisitor

Inquisitor/Josephine Montilyet/Cullen Rutherford

Inquisitor/Leliana/Josephine Montilyet/Cullen Rutherford

Male Inquisitor/Dorian Pavus/Cullen Rutherford

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Trevelyan/Josephine Montilyet/Sebastian Vael

Varric Tethras/Cassandra Pentaghast/Inquisitor

Already in the Tag Set. You can nominate something else if you'd like!

Anders/Fenris/Male Hawke

Anders/Fenris/Nonbinary Hawke

Anders/Male Hawke/Justice

Female Hawke/Isabela/Merrill

Fenris/Male Hawke/Isabela

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Zevran Arainai/Rinna/Taliesen

To Make Corrections:

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[ell-vellan]

about me

Hi! Call me Ell or Autumn (she/her). I'm a writer by hobby and profession. This blog is mostly Dragon Age and a sprinkling of whatever else I like. I'm an adult and I write adult things, so follow at your own discretion, I'm not in charge of you.

Ao3

My DA Meta Posts

My Writing

My OCs

I don't knowingly follow back or privately chat with minors - nothing personal!

I try to curate a positive space here as much as possible for my mental health. I don't tend to post anti stuff, but that doesn't include some critique of media I like. I utilize the block function pretty readily and I don't engage with negativity.

I'm inconsistent at best with tagging, though I do make an effort to tag for common triggers. The only one you might see regularly is a cw for blood (in fanart, not real blood). If you need something tagged, you are free to ask, but I can't guarantee I'll never forget to include it.

My Canon Dragon Age Worldstates for fic purposes:

I'm always happy to chat about any of our shared interests, be tagged in things, or get asks about my writing, characters, or media. But I'm not here to argue.

(List not exhaustive - major highlights only.)

"Happily Ever After":

DAO: female warrior Cousland x King Alistair, ruled together, dark ritual with Morrigan, killed Loghain

DA2: male warrior Hawke x Anders, templar Carver, sided with mages

DAI: undecided!

"Elfy":

DAO: Male rogue Mahariel x Zevran, King Alistair rules alone, killed Loghain, dark ritual with Morrigan.

DA2: Male mage Hawke x Fenris, spared Anders, circle mage Bethany survived, sided with mages

DAI: female mage Lavellan x Iron Bull (though my hc is Solas is an almost-maybe ex), allied with mages and Grey Wardens, Divine Leliana (softened)

Favorite DA Characters: (aka the ones you'll see most of my rbs about)

Zevran, Alistair, Fenris, The Iron Bull, Krem, Morrigan

Favorite pairings:

Zevran/Warden, Cousland/Alistair, Hawke/Anders/Fenris, Hawke/Fenris, Hawke/Anders, Bull/Dorian, Bull/Inquisitor

Not an exhaustive list by any means.

[herald-divine-hell]

LET ME KISS THIS WOMAN IN THIS GAME BIOWARE I SWEAR ON ANDRASTES FLAMIN' TIDDES

[chai-latte-knight]

Dragon age: inquisition Meme

[x-bluefire-heart-x]

Thedas

Chapter 1 for my Skyrim/Dragon Age story. I hope you enjoy!

Warnings for this chapter include a lot of swearing courtesy of Aycria and some violence though not overly graphic.

Master List

Prologue

Blinding pain in her head is what eventually forced Aycria into consciousness. She tried to raise her left hand to rub at it but felt the movement tug at her right hand. She slowly opened her eyes and took in her surrounds.

‘A cell?’ she thought starring at the odd circular room she was in. The next thing she noticed was the green glow that was emitting from her left hand. She lifted her bound hands as high as the chains allowed to stare at the green glow encompassing her hand. ‘Well, this is just great. It feels like that Orb I found but…that one gave off a blue glow and it feels slightly different, almost like a sickness.’ She looked closer, noticing that the glow started from the middle of her hand.

She called up some magicka in her left hand, her eyes narrowed as only a small amount answered and it took considerably more effort to do so. ‘What in Sithis?’ Before she could try and call more up the thing in her hand crackled and the green seemed to echo outwards in response.

“Ahh!” Aycria cried out in pain as she doubled over. She gritted her teeth and panted heavily as the pain continued before ebbing off. “Fuck. What the fuck is going on?”

The door to her cell opened with a bang, the light caused Aycria to squint her eyes against the glare. She could make out two figures.

“Who the fuck are you two?” She snarled fighting against the pounding in her head that pulsed in time with the pain in her hand. “And what the fuck is this?”

They walked forward out of the glare of the torch light and in the shadowed light of her cell Aycria was able to tell her jailers were both women. They circled around her in opposite directions.  Aycria rolled her eyes, and scoffed at their attempt to intimidate her. She sat up straighter not allowing them to see her affected by the pain. She learned a long time ago not to acknowledge or show pain to your jailers. The one wearing heavy armour with short brunette hair walked closer to her. The other one who wore a hood that obscured her face stayed further back in the shadows. ‘Hm, a warrior and perhaps an assassin or spy?’.

“What happened at the Conclave?” the warrior demanded.

“Conclave? What in Talos is a Conclave?” Aycria asked back. “And again, I ask where am I? And what is this green shit coming from my hand?”

“The Divine Justinia’s Conclave!” The warrior snarled. “The Temple of Sacred Ashes destroyed and everyone dead, everyone except for you. Explain it.”

Aycria blinked in confusion, her head titled to the left causing her snow-coloured hair to sway to the side evidently it had fallen out of the braids that Aycria wore it in when travelling.

“There is no such place in all of Tamriel, nor is there a Divine known as Justinia amongst the Nine,” she mumbled, she bit her lip eyes widening as she came to a sudden conclusion. One that made her stomach clench in horror. “By the Void…this isn’t Skyrim is it?” She looked pleadingly at the Warrior in-front of her before turning her gaze to the woman in the shadows.

“Skyrim?” Both women glanced at each other the one in the shadows moved forward. “Cassandra, I have never heard of such a place. I believe we are currently having two completely different conversations.”

“Finally, one of you is actually listening to me!” Aycria cried. “My name is Aycria Stormblade, I hail from the country of Skyrim, found on the continent of Tamriel. And I am truly sorry to hear about the destruction of this Temple of yours and the death that happened. But I swear on the Nine Divine I have no idea what any of that means. The last thing I remember is being in the Tomb of a Dragon Priest with my Shield Brother Vilkas and finding some strange Orb. Then it started glowing blue and nothing, before I woke up here. Chained and some fucking green shit in my hand.”

“Dragon Priest-?” The unnamed woman started before Cassandra interrupted.

“Leliana, go to the forward camp, I’ll take Aycria-,” here Cassandra stumbled a bit on the pronunciation of the strange woman’s name. “-To the rift.”

“Rift?” Aycria muttered. “Forward camp…is there a battle going on?” Cassandra came forward with a key as Leliana moved to leave. Cassandra unlocked the chains around Aycria’s wrist and replaced it with rope. Aycria raised an eyebrow in amusement, but out of morbid curiosity allowed herself to be led outside.

“It’ll be easier to show you,” Cassandra answered guiding her out of the cell. Aycria tested the rope around her wrists. ‘I’ll play along, I doubt it would work in my favour to inform them that the rope isn’t really going to do anything if I decide to escape. But I am rather intrigued by this rift business, and if I truly am not in Tamriel and I am in some other place entirely it would be wiser if I stayed with this Cassandra.’

As they walked through the building that served as Aycria’s brief prison she noted that it resembled the temples of the Divine she had briefly visited. She found it odd that they would use a Temple as a prison but maybe this places religion had a more violent Divine that didn’t mind their place of worship doubling as a prison. Women in red and white robes stared as they passed, they did little to hide the hatred and fear burning in their eyes. As they passed, they turned to each other and started whispering.

“That’s her, the murderer,”

“Why is Lady Cassandra allowing her to walk so unguarded?”

“She should be chained up and never allowed to see the light of day again, until the day of her execution!”

Aycria glanced at the woman next to her and couldn’t help but think the same thing. Surely, it wasn’t that easy to make someone believe that you hadn’t murdered this Divine Justina and caused the destruction of a Temple. Cassandra pushed open the large doors at the entrance to the Temple forcing Aycria to bring her bound hands up to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun and from the light reflecting off of the snow-covered ground. She blinked rapidly to help her eyes adjust, as they do, she wishes they hadn’t. The sky was ripped opened, green that matched the colour of her hand spread out from the centre of the tear.

“What in Oblivion?!” Aycria couldn’t believe what her eyes were seeing. She had heard stories of the sky being torn open during the Oblivion Crisis and she could only guess that it would have looked similar and caused the same kind of fear and panic that was currently rushing through her. “I-” she looked back at Cassandra just as the hole in the sky pulsed green dots falling from the centre and landing somewhere in the distance. Aycria’s hand seemed to respond to the pulse, the green glow lit up and burned her hand.

“Ahh! Fuck!” Aycria felt her knees give out at the pain. It felt like it had doubled, she stared as the green seemed to spread outwards only this time it didn’t ease back after the throbbing had stopped.

“Each time the Breach spreads, so does the marking on your hand,” Cassandra gently helped Aycria to her feet, noting just how small she was. “It is slowly killing you; I must get you to the Breach.”

“What happened?” Aycria gasped leaning on the warrior as the pain slowly subsided.

“No-one fully knows. All we know is that an explosion occurred at the Temple of Sacred Ashes destroying and killing everyone. Except for you,” Cassandra explained. Aycria’s eyes widened at the mention her being at this Temple of Sacred Ashes. “Scouts found you, they said you fell out of a Rift and there was a woman behind you.”

“But I wasn’t at the Conclave, I don’t remember any of that,” Aycria pushed herself away from Cassandra. “I still don’t even know what the Temple of Sacred Ashes, the Conclave or Rifts are. But an explosion did that?”

Cassandra glanced at her before pulling her along through the streets, the people stared as they passed. Aycria shifted her eyes from the sky to those around her and back again. This entire series of events was not making any sense to her and that above all else concerned her. If this place was anything like Tamriel a hole into the sky that seemed alive was not going to end well, and Talos only knows what is on the other side.

“This one did. They have already decided that you are guilty,” Cassandra pointed out, stopping them just before the gates that towered over the town. Cassandra pulled Aycria around to face her. “I cannot promise you anything more than a trial but it would help you to help us. It will be dangerous outside these walls on the journey to the Rift, demons are appearing too quickly for our soldiers.”

Aycria narrowed her eyes as she looked around and settled on staring at the Breach. Her hand seemed to pulse in time with it. Her nose picked up the scent of blood, and death. Sounds of fighting were distance but consistent.

“If there are still people dying out there and I can help I will,” Aycria sighed. “Whatever is in my hand is linked to this Breach no question about it. Don’t misunderstand I’m helping just as much for my sake as anyone else’s.”

“That is all I can ask,” Cassandra took a dagger and cut through the ropes. The gates opened and Cassandra led the way outside and along a road towards the Breach.

Aycria scanned the area around her trying to see anything familiar but apart from trees and rocks there was nothing. The plant life was as alien to her as these people were. They looked almost like Imperials but also Bretons, but none of them smelt like any of the people she had met in Skyrim. Even the scents on the wind were different, sure there was the smell of sweat, animals and such but it wasn’t quite the same. Aycria sighed as all of this further proved her hypothesis that this wasn’t Tamriel and that it wasn’t even the same World. For even if this place was just a different continent in her world surely the maps would still include Tamriel for it was massive. She eyed Cassandra, not having liked her mention of a trial, especially after being told that everyone already believes Aycria to be guilty.  After a time when they hadn’t come across anyone else for a while Aycria sped up and cut in-front of Cassandra.

“One last thing,” she said. Her tone was sharp, causing Cassandra to rest a hand on the hilt of her sword. “I don’t intend to be so easily captured again and sent on my way to execution. I will do everything in my power to close that Breach but I will not be blamed for it or the death of this Justina.”

“Do you truly believe you have a choice? If you fight you will die,” Cassandra was so matter of fact about it. As if Aycria would be defenceless against those who wish to chain her. Aycria laughed and shook her head before slightly tilting it to the right.

“You have no idea who I am or what I am capable of,” Aycria’s full lips pulled back into a smirk, her slightly pointed canine teeth in full view. She reached deep within herself for her Thum only to find it didn’t respond, she could hear the souls of the Dragons she had consumed roaring in rage but they were muted, as if they were shouting through water. Her smirk faltered for a moment before she forced it back into place. “Perhaps you should wait to see what I can do before declaring that I would be so easily killed.”

With that Aycria moved to the side and gestured for Cassandra to lead again. The warrior paused for half a second before a quick quirk of her lips and a huff of air showed slight amusement.

“Perhaps you should listen to that as well, you don’t know what the people here are capable of,” Cassandra stated before she moved on ahead. She heard Aycria stumble over a response before a laugh, genuine and bright sounded behind her. It was loud and although all around them was death and destruction it brought a small smile to Cassandra’s face.

“You got me there,” Aycria jogged to catch up before falling into step beside Cassandra. “You know you remind me of some people from back home.” Aycria’s golden eyes darkened for a moment before she looked away and up to the Breach. ‘First my magicka isn’t responding the same and now I can’t use my Thum, this isn’t good!’ Cassandra waited to see if the odd woman would elaborate any further, when she didn’t Cassandra focused her eyes back onto the road.

No demons had appeared yet which was a good sign as they came across a bridge with soldiers. Just as Aycria and Cassandra where half way across whatever the Breach was spitting out with the demons crashed into the bridge and destroyed it. Aycria yelped as the ground gave beneath her feet and she fell to the ice below. Cassandra landed next to her and quickly got to her feet as the strangest creatures Aycria had seen blinked into existence in-front of them.

“Stay back!” Cassandra drew her blade and charged into battle with a war cry on her lips. Aycria slowly got to her feet and eyed the green and black mass in-front of her. It appeared to be billowing up and one of those creatures formed out of it.

“Well, shit,” Aycria jumped back three steps and focused her magicka as ice pillars formed in her hands, she aimed at the creature’s chest and sent them flying. The creature stumbled but didn’t go down. Two more ice pillars formed and they were released but still the creature kept slithering forward. “Fine you piece of shit! Let Dawnbreaker send you back to what shithole you crawled out of.”

Aycria focused on summoning the golden sword, sweat formed on her forward as she struggled. The sword appeared in her right hand just as the creature reached her. Aycria grasped it firmly and ducked under the arm of the creature and drove Dawnbreaker into the chest alongside the four ice pillars. She yanked the swords to the side as she stepped away from the creature, which screamed in agony as its side was ripped apart. As the creature vanished Aycria turned her sights onto the two Cassandra faced off against, just as Aycria took a step forward one vanished and the other attempted to take advantage of the warriors distraction.

“Oh, fuck off with that,” Aycria flung her hand forward willing her magic to create a solid barrier around Cassandra. The claws of the creature bounced off harmlessly. “Thank Sithis.” Aycria moved forward intending to aid Cassandra further but it was unnecessary as said woman cleaved the creature in half and it vanished. Cassandra rounded on Aycria and pointed her sword at her chest.

“Drop your weapon!” Cassandra demanded. Aycria’s lips quirked as she hefted the blade and rested it against her shoulder.

“You’re shitting right? I can summon several more weapons and I don’t intend on being weapon less against those creatures,” Aycria said. “Plus, I don’t need a weapon to be dangerous. I have magic and even without weapons or magic I am entirely capable of killing someone. But you should remember that I haven’t done that yet and I am joining you willingly.”

“Is that meant to reassure me?” Cassandra sighed sheathing her weapon.  “But you are right, you should have a weapon. I cannot protect you.” Cassandra looked away towards the Breach. “Come we must keep moving.”

“Speaking of weapons,” Aycria started causing Cassandra to turn back towards her. “I would have had a sword and a dagger with me. Tell me you have them and they were not lost somewhere in my journey here.”

“We have them.” Was all Cassandra responded with before turning away once again.

Aycria titled her head to the left as she studied Casandra, as far as Aycria was concerned this woman was the strangest she had ever met. Defensive one minute but then agreeable the next. ‘I guess Cassandra is similar to my Shield Brothers, toughen exterior hiding a big old softie inside, just like Vilkas,’ Aycria thought.

“You know, you never did answer one of my first questions,” Aycria casually stated as they walked towards the set of stairs that led up and away from the frozen water. “The Conclave.” She provided when Cassandra looked over at her in question.

“Ah, it was the Divine’s answer to the war between mages and templars. She brought together the two groups to try and broker peace between them, it was the only hope for Thedas to end the chaos,” Cassandra explained. “But that is now even more unlikely with the Divine dead and the Chantry in chaos after any who were liking to became the next Divine died at the Conclave.”

“Templars, what in Oblivion is a templar?” Cassandra stopped fully, shock on her face clear.

“You don’t know what templars are?” Cassandra asked confusion clear in her tone.

“Well, they certainly don’t exist in Tamriel or Skyrim and I am definitely starting to believe that I am in an entirely different world,” Aycria sighed. “Look I know if sounds insane but this place nothing is familiar. These words you’re saying have no meaning for me and the magicka here is weird and affecting mine. I can’t call on it as easily as I can in Skyrim and when it answers it is significantly weaker.”

“Weaker? You can cast so accurately without a staff and that is weaker?” Cassandra questioned. “That is incredible and very frightening.”

“Frightening-No, we keep going like this none of our questions will be answered,” Aycria waved her hand. “How about this, you answer my question about the Templars and I will answer your question about my magicka being weaker and staffs. And then we can go back and forth.”

“Alright,” Cassandra agreed. “Templars are or were members of the Chantry. The order was created to watch over mages in the Circles, to watch for signs of possession and to keep mages in the Circle. They would also travel and look for Apostates, mages who were not part of any Circle and bring them to one for their protection as well as those around them. Templars are able to purge a mages mana, take away their ability to cast.”

Aycria stared at her in disbelief, what remained of the hold on her temper was slipping away the longer Cassandra talked. Aycria seethed, her hands clenching into fists, her knuckles on her right hand whitened as her grip on Dawnbreaker grew tighter.

“And I thought Nords hated mages but at least they never imprisoned them,” Aycria growled.

“Imprison?! That is not what happens!”

“No? What else would you call be forced into these Circles? You said it yourself these Templars hunt down mages not inside them and force them to go there, the Templars prevent them from leaving. Sounds like a prison to me,” Aycria pointed out. “No wonder the mages started fighting back.”

“I-” Cassandra started before she reconsidered. “It is for their safety. Mages risk possession from demons in the Fade. The Circles teach them how to control their magic and how to best fight against possession.”

“Possession? Right that’s my next question,” Aycria decided and she took a deep breathe to try and quell her anger. “In Skyrim mages do not require a staff to cast, they can use one if they want a specific spell to be stronger but it is not required. I am not sure why but something is preventing me from calling up my magicka easily or in any decent amount which is making my spells weaker.” Aycria stopped walking for a moment and stabbed Dawnbreaker into the ground. She held both hands out in front of her and focused her magicka on summoning fire, it flickered in her hands before becoming solid. “Normally this little amount of fire would be so large it would cover both my hands. And it would have happened in a blink of an eye. But this, this is all I can manage. It’s, I don’t know if it’s because of the magicka here, the shit in my hand or the gaping hole in the sky but something here is causing this.”

Cassandra had taken a step back when the fire appeared her brow furrowed and her hand on the hilt of her sword. But one look at the confused and slightly afraid look in Aycria’s eyes caused her to relax slightly. When Aycria had calmly stated that she didn’t require a weapon of any kind to kill someone Cassandra had believed her, the statement was made with the confidence of someone with the skills to back it up. Cassandra had met many warriors in her life and all the of the skilled ones had the same energy surrounding them that this tiny woman had. But the look of fear in her Aycria’s eyes made something soften in Cassandra, made her want to help and that was something Cassandra had no idea how to handle.

“We need to keep moving,” Cassandra turned on her heel and continued marching up the steps. “We are getting closer to some of my people. I can hear the fighting.”

Aycria looked up from the pitiful display in her hands and huffed at the retreating warriors back. She pulled Dawnbreaker out of the ground and followed. She stopped as she sensed a burst of strange magicka, like the Breach but on a smaller scale.

“What is that?” she asked. Cassandra glanced at her. “It feels like the Breach but also like what’s emitting from my hand.”

“There is a rift up ahead,” Cassandra explained. “From what our mages have been able to tell, they’re small tears in into the fade that allow demons to enter without being summoned. A significant number of them have been appearing since the explosion.”

They crested the hill and came upon a small group fighting more of those demons and some even stranger ones. Aycria looked around trying to understand the battle field as Cassandra charged right in. These demons were remarkable. One was currently on fire, and another has very tall and had a long tail and long spindly arms and legs and made the most horrendous screeching noise. Aycria shifted her grip on Dawnbreaker, and reached for her magicka only to find it did not respond at all.

“Well, guess I am doing this the old Nord way,” she muttered. She leaped into battle carving up one of the demons that was encroaching on an incredibly short man with a crossbow. Aycria paused looking at the man tilting her head to the left and blinking a few times before the screams of one of the soldiers dragged her focus back to the fight.

‘That couldn’t be a Dwemer and yet he is very similar,’ she thought ducking under the arms of one of the tall demons as she slashed at its legs with Dawnbreaker causing it to screech in pain. ‘Huh that’s an elf, well guess that explains why they were not phased by my ears although his is a lot more pointy and longer.’

“Nice of you to join us, Seeker!” the crossbowman called before he disappeared into the shadows leaving behind smoke.

“What the shit?!” Aycria couldn’t help but stare at the space where he just was. In her distraction the demon that was on fire swung one of its arms towards her, however a wall of ice blocked it from reaching her. She spun staring from the ice to the elf who put it there. Sure, some members of the Thieves Guild could hide in the shadows but that required the blessing of Nocturnal and for there to be shadows readily available. They couldn’t just disappear like he did.

“I suggest you pay attention to what is going on around you,” he scolded.

“Fuck off!” She growled, turning back only to find that all the demons seemed to be dealt with. She walked closer to what could only be the Rift that Cassandra was explaining before. She felt drawn to it as does the shit in her hand. She raised her left hand towards the Rift.

“What are you doing?!” Cassandra asked but the elf put an arm out to stop her from getting closer to Aycria.

“I’m not sure,” Aycria felt the strange magicka in her hand respond to the Rift and it lit up before a string of light seemed to connect the two. “Ah!”

It hurt at first but that soon faded as a pulse like a heartbeat started up. The light around the Rift started to fade. Aycria tried to pull her hand away but the string just extended until the pulse started to slow and then rapidly speed up. Aycria allowed it to pull her hand forward before quickly closing her fist and yanking her hand down and backwards. The Rift seemed to close up before disappearing completely.

“Well, would you look at that,” the crossbowman sounded only slightly surprised that she was able to close the Rift.

“It seems my hypothesis was correct,” the elf murmured reaching for Aycria’s left hand. However, Aycria backed away and brought it towards her chest.

“Don’t go reaching for my hand you fuck,” she snarled. “Ask first. Fuck, don’t you have any manners?”

“Apologises,” although he didn’t seem overly apologetic. “The orb in your hand is definitely connected to the Breach and the Rifts. I believed that such a connection could be used to close the Rifts but to see it actually work-”

“Wait! You know what this green shit is?” Aycria waved her left hand around, green light still lingering around her palm.

“Not exactly, only that it appears to be a magical orb that fused with your hand somehow,” the elf explained. “I examined it while you were unconscious in Haven.”

“He means he kept it from killing you while you slept,” the crossbowman added. “I’m Varric, nice to meet my fellow prisoner.”  

“Fellow prisoner?” Aycria was growing more and more confused with this place. “So, is it a common occurrence for you people to let your prisoners run free?”

“Varric was not a prisoner, and he has been free to go since the destruction of the Temple,” Cassandra huffed.

“My name is Solas, if there are to be introductions,” the other elf smiled waving his hand.

Aycria attempted to smile but was sure it came across as more of a grimace. She felt off about this Solas but she was sure it was purely because he watched her while she was unconscious.

“We need to continue, we must get to the Forward Camp,” Cassandra interrupted moving onwards.

“Right, and how far is this camp?” Aycria asked following after her. She saw Varric and Solas look at each other before following.

“Seeker, I should mention that although it appears our friend here is a mage, I do not believe she has the power to rip open the sky,” Solas said.

“I am aware,” was all Cassandra responded with looking at Aycria briefly. “I do not believe that Aycria had anything to do with the destruction of the Temple.”

--

They came upon the gates to the forward camp but a Rift was blocking it. Aycria was tired and sore and annoyed. She had closed two more Rifts on the way here and she had been unable to call up any of her magicka and no matter how much she tried her Thum still didn’t answer and the Dragons were sounding further and further away. Whatever was affecting her magic also caused her to grow tired more easily when she fought.

“I hate these fucking things!” Aycria grumbled.

“Me too,” Varric said. Hefting his crossbow which he apparently calls Bianca and readying for the demons to come out as it opened. “Me too, Snowy.”

Oddly enough Aycria rather liked the nickname Varric decided to call her by. It made her feel like he was welcoming her even after she explained she was not from this world and that was why Cassandra believed her. And boy was that a surprise when the warrior stated that she didn’t think Aycria had anything to do with killing their Divine.

The demons walked out and the group leapt into action. Each Rift took longer to close. It kept letting demons out until it appeared to run out of energy to allow them through. Aycria closed it after the demons stopped coming through. Aycria had tried to close one of the Rift’s they had come across previously but it only seemed to dull it before it brought more demons through. Aycria stopped trying after that until the demons stopped.

Finally, the Rift was closed and the guards opened the gates at Cassandra’s orders. Walking through Aycria was surprised to see how many soldiers and what looked to be civilians here. Cassandra walked towards a table where a man in the same robes as the women back at Haven were wearing and the other woman who interrogated her stood staring down at a map. They both glanced up briefly upon hearing them walking towards them.

“Ah, there she is,” the man said straightening up and glaring at Aycria. “Arrest her seeker, I want her bound and ready to be taken to Val Royeaux!”

“No,” Cassandra said. “She is our only hope of closing the Breach and stopping the Rifts. Leliana we must gather our forces and march towards the Temple.”

“The Valley is gone, Seeker,” the man sighed.

“It is the quickest way to get to the Temple, we need to gather our forces,” Cassandra repeated her previous statement moving forward.

“The quickest but not the safest. There is another way to get to the Temple through the Mountain passes,” Leliana looked towards the mountains. “I was sending scouts through there but we lost contact with them.”

Aycria looked around mostly ignoring the conversation. It was unlikely that they would ask for her opinion on how to get the Temple. They just needed the Orb or whatever was in her hand. She wasn’t even sure that it would be enough to close the Breach, just closing the Rifts was difficult enough for her and the Breach was giving off a lot more powerful magicka.

“What do you think?” Cassandra asked turning to the woman who was staring up towards the Breach. Aycria glanced over at the others when the conversation seemed to stop to see them all looking at her.

“Wait, you’re asking me?” she questioned. “Seriously?”

“Yes, you’re the only one that can close the Breach, you should have a say in how we get to it,” Cassandra reasoned. Aycria rubbed the back of her neck and muttered something under her breath before turning to face them fully.

“If we take the mountain path the soldiers will have to act as a distraction, which would result in a large number of them mostly likely dying,” she said. “And if we don’t take the mountain path and charge with the soldiers the scouts lost in the path will mostly likely die. But we don’t even know if they are alive to begin with.”

“All very reasonable statements,” Solas agreed.

“Either way people are going to die,” Varric said.

“That is just an unfortunate fact of any battle,” Aycria pointed out. “Others are dying wherever those Rifts have appeared and we have no way of knowing if closing the Breach will close all of them but somehow, I don’t think it will.”

“We must make a decision,” Leliana said.

“I have never been one to allow soldiers to act as a distraction for me,” Aycria straightened her shoulders from the slump they had been in during the conversation. “We’ll charge with the soldiers. Leliana, I’m sorry about your Scouts but we have no way of knowing if they are even still alive and if us charging with the soldiers prevents more of them dying then that I what I want to do.”

“I understand,” Leliana nodded her voice cold. Aycria paused before turning to face Cassandra who was looking at her with something almost like respect on her face.

“Let us go then, Leliana gather our forces, all that is left,” Cassandra ordered. “We make for the Temple of Sacred Ashes.”

--

Aycria was panting after she closed the Rift that the demons were coming through. The soldiers had railed and worked together to take them out. Aycria was feeling her energy waning. She hoped she had enough to close the big shit. Cassandra was standing close to her, having noticed that she was struggling.

“Seeker, you managed to close the Rift I see,” the blonde man who had led the charge walked towards them. “Well done.”

“It wasn’t me Commander,” Cassandra stated. “It was Aycria.” She motioned towards said woman who took a deep breath and stood straight hiding the struggle she was facing.

“Ah yes, the prisoner,” the Commander looked her up and down in a calculating way. “Let’s hope it works on the big one.” He nodded before turning around to help a soldier who was limping. “I’ll leave the rest to you and Leliana, Seeker.”

“Of course,” Cassandra nodded turning back to Aycria who was staring after the Commander with her head tilted to the left. “We must continue on.”

“I get it,” Aycria muttered. “Will have to explain to me the whole Seeker thing when we get a chance.” Cassandra smiled softly before nodding and leading the way to the Temple.

“I also have other questions for you,” Cassandra said.

--

On the way toward the ground of the Temple voices started echoing through the remains of the Temple. A man’s voice demanding something and a woman’s voice who Cassandra identified as the Divine Justina. And then her voice. Aycria’s voice sounding confused and lost, yet still demanding to know what was going on.

“You were there,” Cassandra gasped.

“I don’t know I swear, if I was here something happened to me and I lost my memories, along with other things,” Aycria swore looking towards her. “I promise.”

“I-” whatever Cassandra was going to say was interrupted by Justina’s voice calling out for help and Aycria answering.

“Don’t know who you are but let her go you ugly fuck,” Varric paused at the tone in Aycria’s voice. It was quiet and deadly, like nothing he had ever heard before not even Hawkes voice ever got like it. It was full of power and authority.

“You tried to help,” Varric pointed out. “Wait, Red Lyrium, what is it doing here?”

“What is Red Lyrium?” Aycria asked. “Wait never mind, let’s wait until this is taken care off.”

--

Turns out closing the Breach was not as easy as it sounded. Though it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Aycria had to open the Rift that was below it and linked to the giant Breach in the sky. Solas believed closing it was also close the Breach. And of course, opening it let out a bunch of demons including one giant motherfucker who had whips made of lightning because of course.

It took all of them working together to kill it. Solas managed to get its barriers down long enough for the archers around the Temple and Varric to bring it down to its knees. Cassandra slashed at its stomach as Aycria gathered what was left of her strength and leaped at its head using its knees as leverage. She gripped Dawnbreaker with both hands and brought it down with all the strength of her Dragon blood taking off its head.

“Now close it!” Solas shouted.

“Give me a fucking minute Egghead!” Aycria shouted back, after regaining her feet. “Sithis.”

She took a deep breath and held her hand up to the Rift. The string of green light leaped out of her hand and attached itself to the one coming out of the Rift. A humming of the strange magicka started up stronger than before.

“Ah!” Aycria gritted her teeth and fell to one knee. She could feel a burning a pain in her hand as the green glow encased it. “Come on you shit! Close!”

Aycria felt the burning die down and the humming slowed. She started to close her hand and yanked it back like all the other times. The string of green light broke and a rush a magicka exploded from it and went towards the Rift. Aycria fell backwards gasping for air. Her vision whiting out. She heard Cassandra calling for her, Varric dropping down beside her, and Solas standing over her staring at her with wonder and confusion in his eyes before he looked up towards the Breach. Aycria followed his gaze. The burst of magicka reached the Breach but before Aycria could see what happened she felt her consciousness wane. Her vision going black. And then nothing.