#neria and zev

[m-m-m-myysurana]

ZevWarden Week Day One: Tradition, and Trying New Things

Neria had danced many times before. Dancing together around the fire under the light of the stars was a well-loved tradition in her clan. But this kind of dancing was entirely new to her. The festival was crowded with people moving against each other, the music so loud she could barely hear herself think. Zev guided her through the music, his breath in her ear, his body moving against hers in a rhythm that was all seduction and intrigue and soon had her breathless. It was not at all what she'd anticipated when Zev had insisted on taking her dancing, but the night intoxicated her, and she found herself letting go of all her many troubles and allowing the music to take over. That night could have lasted forever, but when it did finally end, she knew that this would soon become a little tradition of their own.

Yes, it is ZevWarden Week, and I am bursting out of my seemingly endless hiatus like Mariah Carey on the first day of November, just so I can bring you the good news of our lord and savior Zevran Arainai.

[contrivedcoincidences6]

The original himbo

[icescrabblerjerky]

30 Days of Dragon Age Day One: Introduce Your Warden

Here’s Alim Surana. He was not my first play through or even my sixth - he turned up in a fic I wrote about one of my Couslands and before I knew it he was my fave. Alim is one of a set of identical twins - his sister Neria stayed in the circle while Alim became the hero of Ferelden. Alim is trans, romanced Zev and became a blood mage in order to save Anders’ life. He’s lost some of his sunny disposition over the years of duty and responsibility but he’s easy going, really.

[thenugking]

Ships: Warden/Zevran, Brax/Romana

Zev/Warden

More apply based on who the particular warden actually is ofc but... asjdfgahsj greatest romance bioware has ever written.... (I hope you and Neria are enjoying it)

Romana/Brax

I'm Not Saying I Don't See It But. but. first of all, Brax does not deserve a partner, and I know Gallifrey!Brax is not the same as the fucking evil Brax in the Benny audios, but once you show that level of abuse and manipulation, there's a definite Uncomfort in all brax ships. Secondly even if he Did deserve a partner, it should not be his student from school.

but also... goddamn. there is something twisted and messy here and i kind of love it.

[platoniccereal]

i'm fully devoted to my surana/leliana canon where both live a happy wife life as the hero of fereldan and the divine herself, happily buried under their nugs and a few mabari, but. i can't stop thinking of surana and morrigan. 😳 what if we were a circle mage and. a swamp goth witch. haha. 😳 jk... unless?😳

[hamingo]

The list of people I ship Jaydin with has grown to about 9 now and I can't seem to stop

[tabriscadash]

I was asked this on my old blog right as I set about transitioning to this one, so...

The first character I ever fell in love with: for DA:O, dare I say Daveth? What can I say -- I irrationally got incredibly attached to him. otherwise, DEFINITELY Morrigan, and I have crystal clear memories of my first run through Lothering and looking at Morrigan like 😍 the whole time. For DA:2/E, Carver -- unless you count Anders & Justice since I knew of them from Awakening beforehand, in which case probably Justice. For DA:I, it’s a toss-up between Vivienne or Cole -- I technically liked Cole first but SPECIFICALLY in the supporting material (Asunder), and didn’t vibe with him anywhere near as much in the game, AND I got him as a companion after I got Vivienne, so probably Vivienne.

A character that I used to love/like, but now do not: for DA:O, I guess Oghren? I never loved him, but I liked the idea of him because I really liked the dwarves/Orzammar side of DA’s worldbuilding -- but he’s such an unlikeable character that I just.. don’t vibe with him at all. I debate recruiting him every single time now, and I don’t think I ever do his personal quest (in the base game OR Awakening). for DA:2/E, I don’t really have anyone that fits -- but I REALLY wanted to like Merrill and Aveline more than I did, and especially in Aveline’s case, I can’t stand her and genuinely think she’s the unintended, secret Big Bad of the whole game. for DA:I, probably Cole, bc I was really into the idea of a little walking-corpse serial killer animated by a spirit as per the book, but that’s not really the vibe in DA:I, and combined with the somewhat patronising/ableist language and how significantly he is infantilised (including by the fandom) I just got put off him. I do still like him, but not as much.

A ship that I used to love/like, but now do not: for DA:O, I don’t really have one? I guess see my DA:I answer, lol... for DA:2/E, has to be Anders - I don’t think he’s OOC in 2, but I think his writing does so little with him and he feels v. reductive. Where his relationship could be SO interesting and angsty, it instead is written in a really dull and/or cringey way. It would have been nice to see Anders more like the Anders of Awakening near the beginning of the game (rather than random, infrequent and questionably rare snippets), and then see the progression of his relationship with Justice as the game went on -- I want more interesting abominations, PLEASE. for DA:I, listen I cannot express to you HOW EXCITED I was for my planned Lavellan to romance Sera… also I used to be way more tolerant of Cullen x Amell/Surana ships because, like, hey dark ships are fun, right? But since Cullen’s ~wholesome whitewash~ in DA:I, and his fandom clamouring to absolve him of any wrongdoing ever.. it’s boring to me.

My ultimate favourite character™: for DA:O, probably Sten? or Morrigan. They’re both fantastic, and also are significant comfort chars for me. for DA:2/3, honestly, probably my own Hawke -- I feel so hugely proud of her, and can’t imagine I’d enjoy the game anywhere near as much had I not played it as my Hawke. If not her, maybe Sebastian or Carver? for DA:I, I really love Vivienne, as well as Blackwall, and Solas is a great character even if I probably would not say I liked him.

Prettiest character: for DA:O, we all know it’s Zevran. for DA:2/E, I think Aveline -- although her aggressively bland colour-scheme lets her down in a major way (although I respect her dedication to all orange all day every day). There’s just something about her arms -- very Abby from TLOU:2. for DA:I, maybe Josephine? Ser Barris is very pretty, too...

My most hated character: for DA:O, I really didn’t like Alistair, Wynne and Oghren, and of my companions - Oghren is probably my least favourite. He’s vulgar and also profoundly uninteresting. for DA:2/E, it has to be Aveline. There’s just something about ineptitude and a complete, wilful refusal to take accountability for your actions that I can’t stand. It would be okay if it was an intentional character flaw, but the game/narrative treats her like she’s lawful good and it really annoys me. for DA:I, maybe Iron Bull? He was a huge disappointment for me. I also really dislike Sera, Cassandra, and Varric. I’m so sick of Varric - I never want to see him again.

My OTP: for DA:O, I really loved Zevran’s romance -- but I am also very amused by the fact that Leliana got to ‘love’ status with Kallian accidentally, AND I got the ‘love’ glitch for Justice (👀) and Velanna. I do sometimes wonder about an AU where Kallian is forced to make a politically expedient marriage with Nathaniel Howe for diplomatic reasons in order to consolidate her position as Arlessa, and it being an entirely platonic arrangement (it’s not like anyone expects an heir from an infertile Grey Warden) -- and maybe Zev and Nate kiss sometimes, who knows? I also LOVE my Darkspawn Chronicles AU where Kallian and Nelaros are a happy, married couple each hiding their skills with weapons from each other like dumb, cute sweethearts. They shelter Zevran when he fails to kill Alistair and a poly couple evolves. for DA:2/E, I love the IDEA of a Seb romance that isn’t so strictly conditional around the structures that abused him -- he should be allowed to love, chastely or otherwise, but free from the Chantry OR his position as prince/heir. I’d LOVE to actually have a romance with him where you can actually challenge the abuse he’s experienced. for DA:I, Malika doesn’t have a canon romance (although I think when I replay, I’m going to romance Josephine!) but I think Blackwall has an amazing romance. Solas’ is also iconic, it must be said. 

My NOTP: for DA:O, I really dislike Alistair in a shipping capacity; he’s immature and says a lot of misogynistic shit and I don’t think he’s the worst for it, but I don’t really vibe with shipping him, having played the game as a female city elf. for DA:2/E, I wouldn’t say I have one, particularly? although I really dislike Aveline’s relationship with her husband simply because it seems incredibly inappropriate, given that they work together and she has power over him -- and because I dislike her, generally, I don’t feel inclined to do something nice for her. for DA:I, I suppose Sera/Lavellan -- although I’m not AGAINST it, it just really isn’t for me, having attempted it. I also don’t really vibe with Dorian x Iron Bull. Something abt the way the game handled BDSM and their relationship banter specifically I don’t really like.

Favourite episode quest: for DA:O, probs Orzammar/the Deep Roads. I really love the dwarven lore! and, of course, Fort Drakon is really funny, even though it’s not canon in my game iirc. for DA:2/E, maybe the murder mystery with the serial killer, where ultimately Leandra dies? I also really enjoyed all the companion quests. for DA:I, The Descent (just, all of it, lmao) and everything to do with the Avvar. Crestwood also BANGED.

Saddest death: for DA:O, it’s frankly a fucking INJUSTICE that Shianni gets murdered if you make her Bann of the Alienage -- the idea of that happening whilst Kallian is in Amaranthine and unable to protect her :( genuinely very upsetting. I go back and forth on who is made Bann, tbf, so idk how canonical it is: I think maybe Cyrion would get it, but I’m also endeared to Soris holding the position, with Shianni as Hahren. for DA:2/E, Bethany. I wish both twins had had the chance to reach Kirkwall :(. Let Leandra die instead. for DA:I, maybe not the saddest death, but the most memorable for me was that one sleeping dragon in the Hissing Wastes.. leave her alone. Stay out of a womans’ business.

Favourite season game: DA:O!

Least favourite season game: DA:I.

Character that everyone else in the fandom loves, but I hate: for DA:O, Alistair. I cannot deal with his complacency and hypocrisy. for DA:2, I really disliked Merrill but I honestly cannot remember why. DEFINITELY Varric -- I hated how the game forces you to be his best friend, and if you’re low approval, you have to endure these pointless pissy little comments with this little anti-dwarf centrist pissant. After the expedition, I literally have no reason to put up with him, and I NEVER take him out. I hate that he plays the same role in DA:I, too. for DA:I, the Iron Bull was hugely disappointing, and I also really don’t vibe with Cassandra. She just seems very wishy-washy and complacent and hypocritical, and many of her comments about other cultures seem snide for literally no reason other than bigotry. 

My ‘you’re a piece of trash, but you’re still a fave’ fave: for DA:O, lbr probably Sten. Mans is gonna launch a HORRIFYING invasion in the next game iirc and frankly, I’m ok with it. Just wanna see that big bastard again ❤🥵. for DA:2/E, I LOVE Gamlen, ok? for DA:I, I am not sure if I have one.

My ‘beautiful cinnamon roll who deserves better than this’ fave: for DA:O, if any of you so much as LOOK at Velanna wrong, it’s hands. That includes Bioware. I also feel incredibly protective of and sad for Morrigan. for DA:2/E, probably Sebastian -- I feel so sad for him, and so frustrated by the limitations with the game. for DA:I, I’m honestly not sure.. maybe Josephine? I don’t really feel this way about Sera, but I do think she deserves better from the game and its writing, and also from fandom: there are valid criticisms of her, but the hate she gets is not proportional to any valid issues with her -- and gee, I wonder why that is.

My ‘this ship is wrong, nasty, and makes me want to cleanse my soul, but i still love it’ ship: for DA:O, I did use to find Cullen x Surana/Amell intriguing as a dark ship -- I actually hc that Neria Surana is actually Nelaros’ sister, and have dabbled with it as a dark ship. I also am interested in Loghain/Alistair - which each pretends the other is someone else. Alistair is wooby, hate ships are, in general, fun -- so long as we acknowledge that they are, indeed, unhealthy ships. for DA:2/E, I kind of feel like Sebastian romances are, invariably, kind of dark... and, similarly, Anders romances -- especially with certain red Hawkes, The way it ends is, invariably, bordering on fucked up. ALSO Hawkecest is weird and wonderful: GET WITH IT. 

My ‘they’re kind of cute, and I lowkey ship them, but I’m not too invested’ ship: for DA:O, I joked about Velanna x Leliana once and I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it ever since… Velanna x Sigrun is also something that can be so personal. Ariane x Finn is adorable and are paid DUST by Bioware AND fandom. I actually am really into Anora x Nathaniel & NO I will NOT explain myself; it’s a crackship but it’s MY crackship. for DA:2/E, Isabela x Fenris is super cute, but I don’t pay enough attention to them to really have super committed thoughts & feelings on them. for DA:I, Blackwall x Josephine is cute as a background ship; I also think Maryden x Cole is sweet.

[blarrghe]

62 from the kisses prompt list for Neria and Zev because that sounds like exactly the kind of sappiness I live for 🙏🏼😘

Oh man you’re right this is super sappy! <3 -- The pale canvas of the tent did nothing to block the bright morning sunlight. As the dawn broke over the camp, birds began chirping, the dog shuffled about outside, and Neria heard the quiet clanging of someone searching through cooking supplies near the firepit. She squeezed her eyes shut and rolled over onto her side, covering her head with a blanket to block out the light.

It was cold, and as she twisted around some of her cover was lost and she felt her bare toes poke out from under the blanket. She quickly pulled her feet in, bending her knees up so that she formed a tight ball, and she reached over to find Zevran’s sleeping body with her arms. She pulled herself into him, fitting her face into a spot between his neck and shoulder, a kiss leaving her lips for his collarbone instinctively upon contact. In his sleep Zevran made an approving sound, and an arm tucked itself around her.

She adjusted a little, still trying to go back to sleep even though she knew that the effort was futile. Her nose rubbed over Zevran’s neck and her ears tickled at his cheek, he shifted with another sleepy mumble.

“Mi amor, your nose is so cold.” He complained as his other arm wrapped around her and pulled her body up onto his so that she was lying on his chest, the top of her head brushing up against his chin. She felt his lips brush against her hair, a kiss that didn’t quite land.

Outside, the quiet crackling of a small breakfast fire joined the pleasant chirping of birds, and voices began to mutter and laugh. The dog was sniffing at their tent now, she could hear the fabric rustling as it let out a quiet wine.

She planted another kiss on Zevran’s throat, and groaned. The arms around her squeezed.

“Isn’t it early? It feels early.” Zevran’s complaint echoed her own thoughts.

“I don’t want to fight darkspawn today.” Neria grumbled into his chest. Zevran replied with a sleepy chuckle.

She opened her eyes and blinked away the last bit of sleep. Zevran’s face was turned slightly toward her as he lay holding her to his chest, his eyes still closed and lips slightly parted. She pushed herself up to look over him, and pulled a little more blanket up to guard his bare chest from the cold. His skin was warm under her, and as she dragged kisses over his chest he chuckled again, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her up and over him so that his lips could meet hers.

“That tickles.” He scolded, her punishment for teasing him with her cold nose apparently being three quick successive kisses that tugged at her lower lip. She giggled, diving her face back into his neck to nuzzle more tickling kisses over his warm skin.

Outside, the dog beckoned them again with impatient muffled barks.

“The beast summons you.” Zevran teased, sitting up to lean on his elbows as Neria turned to look toward the sound. Before he could finish rising she pulled at his arm and sent him rolling over her, pinning her beneath him.

“One more.” She insisted, wrapping her arms around his neck for one last lingering kiss before the day began. 

[ottobooty]

OTP asks: 17 and 18 for anyone you want :)

Zevran and Neria!

Who is more protective?

Both of them are equally as protective of each other. Zevran mostly because Neria has never left the Tower until recently, and Neria because she doesn’t want him to be hurt by his Past.

Who talks to the other while they are sleeping?

Both of them do if they’re sure the other is sleeping. Zev does it even if he’s not sure if she’s asleep or not, but Neria is only brave enough to be really heartfelt late at night when she’s sure he’s not awake. (He is.)

[pallas-cat]

gothkimmyschmidt replied to your post “19 for as many of yr da ocs as you wanna do?”

Oh I love it! A glass canon is a fantastic descriptor. Also here for inquisitors who never wanted to boss anyone

ngl neria goes thru a few breakdowns during DAO because of that lol she and zev are an odd match but a very loving one also inquisitors are given WAY TOO MUCH WAY TOO SOON to do all my 20 yo daughter wants to do is read books and shoot lightning at fools

[m-m-m-myysurana]

ZevWardenWeek 2023

A Cage We Share - Chapter 11.

So this isn't for any particular prompt, but all the ZevWarden goodness got me thinking about my old fic, and lo and behold a chapter appeared! It had been mostly written many moons ago so I finally got around to finishing it off.

Enjoy! <3

[antivan-beau]

#yesss #zev is good dad material 100% #nothing can change my mind #in my canon Neria and Zev have a biological child after she finally discovers the cure#it wasn't expected #they'd never considered kids #never thought it would be possible for them #but Zev is so so happy and is a wonderful father #I have so many hcs about them as parents and about their daughter #I really should share more of them #ranting in your tags oops #sorry #will stop now hahaha

👀 no no, go on re: neria and dad zevran

Do you think Zevran would be a good dad?

I think Zevran would be a wonderful dad! Silly, loving, simultaneously overprotective but also lets kids play with knives at age 5 because, "it's educational."

In my Zevmance worldstate, Edric Surana and Zevran never have children. They do have phases where they nurture some liberated Crow foundlings, but they never regard themselves as fathers.

But I have friends with wardens who have both adopted and biological children with Zevran, and I love to read their stories and meta. @raymurata and @snarky-warden come to mind, but I'm sure there are more :)

[ellenembee]

Give a Heart, Get a Throne Drabble

So, this little story came from an “imagine if” a favorite character asked if you want to touch their biceps. I instantly thought of Alistair because he’d be so adorable about it, and suddenly, my brain lit up with the beginnings of a backstory for DAO characters as they would pertain to my Revelations world state (the world state of my other two fics). This story got a pretty good response as part of the “imagine if” post, so I’m reposting it and have added it on AO3 as well.

I have no plans to write a giant fic about this (though one about King Alistair is percolating in my mind), but if anyone would like to read more about them, I’d be happy to write more drabbles. Just hit me up! :)

Darkspawn Presses

After scrubbing his skin raw to rid himself of the latest round of darkspawn blood, Alistair throws on a clean tunic and heads back to camp. Leliana, Zevran, Wynne and Neria are gathered around the fire talking and laughing and drinking. Even Morrigan has joined them, though she remains quiet, and Woof lays beside Neria, his head resting on her thigh.

Noticing his return, Neria gestures him over and pats the spot next to her. He tries to stifle the unwarranted hope the minor gesture excites in his chest.

“Come sit, Alistair!” she encourages.

He fights off a blush as he joins them. Setting his armor aside, he sits down next to Neria and listens to the ongoing conversation.

“No, no,” Zevran objects with an emphatic negating gesture, “you cannot tell me that the darkspawn train. That is just too ridiculous.”

Neria laughs. “But how do they all know how to use weapons? Surely not everyone who gets turned into a darkspawn is a fighter.”

“It’s part of the brood mother job description,” Alistair interjects. “Birth darkspawn, teach them the ways of the hack, stab, slash, complain about the lousy benefits. You know, all in a day’s work.”

Neria nearly spits out her drink as she snickers at his joke. She smiles widely as she passes him the bottle, and he takes a swig, the liquor burning his throat like the blood burning his cheeks at her attention. She’s always laughed at his jokes. Not the “I’m just humoring you” kind of laugh, but the real “I actually think you’re funny” kind of laugh. It never fails to both terrify him and spur him into more concentrated efforts to amuse.

Maker, he loves hearing her laugh.

“But really, what I want to know is how they build muscle. Do they have special magic from the Blight that gives them strength?” Leliana pipes up, a jovial grin on her face.

Morrigan actually groans at this and looks as if she’s about to leave. However, Zev shoves the bottle in her hand before she can stand up. She stays.

“It’s a matter of proper technique,” Alistair explains with mock sincerity. “The darkspawn have such methodology, such organization, such-”

“Such appalling lack of manners,” Wynne provides.

“Yes, appalling,” he agrees, encouraged by Neria’s continued chuckles. “Elbows on the table, dirty knickers under the bed…”

Neria bursts into laughter, but calms herself enough to add, “But that doesn’t explain the muscles, Ali.”

“Well, they do push ups and lifts, of course.”

She quirks a brow at him. “Is that what you do?”

High on her laughter, he grins and flexes the the arm nearest Neria. “But of course.” He nods his head at the muscle bulging under the tunic. “You want to touch?”

“Uh, what kind of question is that? Of course I do!”

Alistair freezes as her hands - both of them - wrap around his flexed bicep and squeeze.

“Maker’s balls,” she breathes. “That’s nice.” After another moment, she nods her head curtly. “Very well. I accept your premise. Darkspawn do presses.”

Alistair just stares at her. His face is burning. Not just his face. All of him.

“Ahahaha… yes! Right. My premise. Darkspawn presses! Haha! I should, uh… put my armor on now. I’ll be back in… in a bit.”

He scrambles away to his tent, leaving Neria looking after him, confused. Zev and Leliana share a look - one lecherous, the other displeased.

[m-m-m-myysurana]

My ever growing list of Dragon Age OCs, made using This Picrew

Neria Surana | Elior Surana | Leah Amell | Olinda Aeducan | Rhian Mahariel | Iris Brosca | Amika Tabris | Eira Lavellan

I was tagged by @icy-warden and @scribbledquillz (thank you lovelies 😘)

And I officially tag anyone who wants to join in. This is a gorgeous picrew! I've had a lot of fun playing in it 🥰

Bonus Zev and Neria 😚

[m-m-m-myysurana]

ZevWarden Week 2022

Seasons

Neria and Zev with their daughter Carena enjoying an Antivan summer. I could never really make their ending anything but happy. <3

[m-m-m-myysurana]

Neria and Zev make the perfect Morticia and Gomez ;)