#or who is sitting on the sunburst throne as leliana is the ONLY one to do anything for the elves

[leliwardens]

very much wait and see for da4 but really thinking anything city elf kinda died with wewh and briala huh

[invinciblerodent]

I strongly suspect we will not see Leliana, Cassandra and Vivienne but we will hear mention of Divine Victoria. There will not be much detail of her but I bet you will hear someone complaining about how she is running things and might have to deal with that as a storyline.

Yeah, you may be right! I wouldn't bet money on it, but it'd be really cool to get a vague mention, even if it's just something that amounts to the equivalent of a war table quest.

Though, ngl, I wouldn't be surprised either if Divine Victoria were to be spoken of only (scuse the pun) In Hushed Whispers, or if she'd kind of get omitted pretty much altogether- especially if much of the plot is actually set in Tevinter, or if not many characters have much of a connection with the southern Chantry.

Since everything so far has been set down South, it's kind of easy to forget about the Chantry schism and the Black Divine (I totally did until my partner reminded me)- I think it's Dorian who says at one point (when questioned about his religious views) that, in the Imperium, acknowledging the woman sitting on the Sunburst Throne as a Divine amounts to heresy, much like how in the South, you don't hear about the Black Divine.

If we get any news of Divine Victoria, it'd probably have to be a character from- or connected to the South mentioning it, and it'd be really cool if specifically Dorian talked about potentially working with the White Divine and/or the College of Enchanters.

[daitranscripts]

Vivienne Cutscene: Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

Considering the Divine

Vivienne Masterpost Related Quest: Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

(Occurs after both HLTA and WEWH)

The PC joins Vivienne on the balcony.

Vivienne: My dear, I know you must have a great deal on your mind right now, but I need to speak with you. You know as well as I how far the Inquisition’s influence has spread… and how desperate the grand clerics have become. Our opinion will be instrumental in their election of the new Divine.

Dialogue options:

General: I suspected as much. [1]

General: It will? That’s unlikely. [2]

General: Any advice on the subject? [3]

General: One of our own may be Divine. [4]

1 - General: I suspected as much. PC: I thought that might be coming after the Grand Ball. [5]

2 - General: It will? That’s unlikely. PC: You think the grand clerics will care what the Inquisition wants? Vivienne: They pray for the Maker’s guidance, and see you standing as a beacon. [5]

3 - General: Any advice on the subject? PC: What do you suggest? [5]

4 - General: One of our own may be Divine. PC: They want Leliana and Cassandra as candidates. [5]

5 - Scene continues.

Vivienne: The Inquisition may not be invited to their vote, but our actions will certainly influence the grand clerics. To sit on the Sunburst Throne, a candidate should have grace, charm, and a will of solid steel. Cassandra may lack the first two, but unless you can think of someone better, she is the strongest choice.

6 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What platform do you support? [7]

Investigate: Where else can we look? [8]

General: I agree. [9] + Vivienne approves Divine: Cassandra +1

General: What about Leliana? [10] - Vivienne disapproves Divine: Leliana +1

General: You’d make a good Divine. [11] + Vivienne greatly approves. Divine: Vivienne +1

General: This needs some thought. [12]

7 - Investigate: What platform do you support? PC: What would your ideal Divine do with her power? Vivienne: The most important thing, of course, is the restoration of the Circles and the Templar Order. The institutions that have protected Thedas for ages must be rebuilt and the malcontents utterly crushed. We cannot allow anarchists to threaten the lives of the innocent. After we have restored sanity to the world, there will be time to address voices of dissent. [back to 6]

8 - Investigate: Where else can we look? PC: Where can we find candidates outside of the Chantry? There must be someone other than Leliana or Cassandra. Vivienne: The Chantry is already desperate. They would not look to unordained women if they had any choice. You may have better luck searching the halls of the Imperial Court. There are many women serving the empire who have the necessary presence and acumen. [back to 6]

9 - General: I agree. PC: I think Cassandra would be best for the job. Vivienne: Cassandra is our only hope for restoring order after all this chaos. I knew you would see it as I do. We will have to be very mindful of everything we do and say, for the Conclave certainly is doing the same. If they look to the Inquisition to provide a sign of the Maker’s will, we will have to give them the right one. Scene ends.

10 - General: What about Leliana? PC: Leliana might be a better choice than Cassandra, don’t you think? Vivienne: Leliana is a well-meaning fool. She will do irreparable harm to countless people in the name of “freedom.” She proposes to abolish the Circles with nothing but a solemn promise from mages not to murder children. When an angry mage lashes out inside a tower, villages aren’t destroyed! The Circle protects us all! Mages will die and take ordinary men with them in a war that cannot be won. Consider carefully, Inquisitor. Everything we do is a sign from the Maker to those who seek one. Scene ends.

11 - General: You’d make a good Divine. PC: Actually, I think you fit the criteria perfectly, Vivienne. Vivienne: Me? My dear Inquisitor, Thedas will never accept a mage as Divine.

Dialogue options:

Politics: I’ll make sure they do. [13] +Vivienne approves

General: You can win them over. [14]

General: Think about the possibilities. [15]

General: They will with my support. [16]

13 - Politics: I’ll make sure they do. PC: A few words to the right people, and we can ensure no one objects to you taking the Sunburst Throne. Vivienne: You do have a point, and a modicum of talent for the Game… If the clerics could be persuaded to consider me—and it’s not impossible–I could hardly refuse, now could I? [17] 14 - General: You can win them over. PC: If you can charm the Imperial Court, you can win over the common folk. Vivienne: You do have a point, and I suppose there is no better way to restore order than to do it myself. If the clerics could be persuaded to consider me–and it’s not impossible—I could hardly refuse, now could I? [17] 15 - General: Think about the possibilities. PC: Picture it! Your political skill and charisma, with the support of Andraste’s Herald backing you. Vivienne: You do have a point, and I suppose there is no better way to restore order than to do it myself. If the clerics could be persuaded to consider me–and it’s not impossible—I could hardly refuse, now could I? [17] 16 - General: They will with my support. PC: With Andraste’s Herald supporting you, what can they do? Vivienne: You do have a point, and I suppose there is no better way to restore order than to do it myself. If the clerics could be persuaded to consider me–and it’s not impossible—I could hardly refuse, now could I? [17] 17 - Scene continues. Vivienne: We will have to be very mindful of everything we do and say, for the Conclave certainly is doing the same. If they look to the Inquisition to provide a sign of the Maker’s will, we will have to give them the right one. Scene ends.

12 - General: This needs some thought. PC: I’ll have to think carefully about this. Vivienne (high approval): Don’t worry, my dear. I have complete confidence that you will guide the clerics in the right direction. Vivienne (low/neutral approval): Well, don’t fret my dear. With guidance, you’ll steer the clerics in the proper direction. Vivienne: We will have to be very mindful of everything we do and say, for the Conclave certainly is doing the same. If they look to the Inquisition to provide a sign of the Maker’s will, we will have to give them the right one. Scene ends.

If the PC speaks to Vivienne after WEWH before HLTA:

Vivienne (Gaspard rules alone): You did well enough at the Winter Palace, my dear. It’s not every day an emperor owes you his life.

Vivienne (Briala rules with Gaspard): You were very skilled in arranging matters at the Winter Palace, my dear. We will hope Briala can keep what’s been given to her.

Vivienne (Celene rules, Briala reunited): It took a great deal of skill to win that title for the elves, but you surely know it will end in a bloodbath.

Vivienne (Celene rules): You acquitted yourself well enough in the Game, my dear, and now you have the gratitude of an empire. Well done.

[felassan]

demon pope leliana? 0.o

if Leliana was killed in DAO, you can get this epilogue slide in DAI if she wasn’t made Divine:

Eventually, Leliana became distant and contemplative, often secluding herself in the rookery with none but her ravens for company. One morning, the residents of Skyhold awoke to a great beating of wings and a vast cloud of ravens blotting out the sky above the fortress. Those who investigated found both the rookery and Leliana’s chambers vacant, with only a single message as explanation: “The lyrium sang thought into being. Now time is stale, and the melody is called elsewhere. Until I am needed, I am free.”

sounds like she’s some kind of lyrium ghost or spirit. Assuming the nature of this Leliana’s being holds true if she’s made Divine (and obviously was still killed in DAO) ((iirc DAO-killed Leliana always has a dialogue about being brought back or something. I also don’t see why the lyrium ghost-ness would only apply in non-Divine Leliana eventualities)), a strange entity is sitting on the Sunburst Throne. If your actions in DAI hardened her as opposed to softened her, seems to me that the nature of this strange being is bound to be more on the demonic side than the spirit-y end of the scale.

[msg refs this post]  warning, Tevinter Nights spoilers at link

[mana-vortex]

Melien Lavellan (mispronounced as Me'lien by everyone but Cullen and Josephine) was always solitary among the members of her clan. While she certainly more than carried her weight as a huntress, she was the logical choise to send to the Conclave to observe the events that would have an influence on all elves. Little did the Elders know how "elfy" the whole Inquisition would turn out to be.

Romance: She can't precisely tell the moment she fell in love with Cullen. In hindsight, she cannot tell a moment where she was not. Of course she knew that being involved with a shemlen meant exile from her clan. She has, until that point, never questioned the wisdom of that tradition - after all, any children coming from such a union would have round ears, and no Dalish clan can be expected to feed those. Melien thinks that those who invented the tradition did not know that there were shemlen like Cullen, and decided not to care. It's not as if she can just return from being the Inquisitor and go back to be a hunter, anyway, she has seen too much for that. Exile is a logical consequence of the events at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, and she accepts it as matter-of-fact. Her best friend, Dorian, occasionally comments upon her relationship as "hideously sweet" or "nauseatingly adorable". She started showing her interest in Cullen in the traditional Dalish custom, leaving him gifts, at first hitting on him in the most direct way possible - by leaving him a bushel of contraceptive herbs, guessing that he would easily figure out who left them. When the herbs withered untouched, she swallowed the feeling of humiliation and rejection and asked Dorian for advice, after which she started to work on a leather folder for his paper, fully self-made, starting with killing the wolf. He repaid her gift with a Mabari puppy, Fellan, who is following her around and gleefully licks the faces of everyone who kneels in front of Andraste's Herald. She never discourages that, she's not entirely comfortable with people kneeling in front of her anyway, and she is going to marry a Fereldian, so her dog licking peoples' faces is culturally appropriate and they have to cope. (Besides, there's almost no one who doesn't find the little dog adorable.)

Leadership and counsel: The Inquisitor is a mask Melien wears. She tries to speak to everyone who serves her in person at least once, to present the icon they are following. She understands the need for symbols, for a cause to rally under, and she has accepted that she's the one to be it. Secretly, she still pretends that she is just mediating between Cullen, Josephine and Leliana. Some call her Vivienne's puppet. The Grand Enchanter certainly has the Inquisitor's ear, staffs her wardrobe and decorates her castle because "appearances have to be kept, dahling." Melien leaves Vivienne free hand, but has been known to put her foot down. All that Melien wants is to get the entire Corypheus business over with, so she can speak the wedding vows - "from now on, my purpose is loving you" - with all of her heart. Vivienne called her hopes and dreams "pedestrian", it still occasionally stings.

Alliances: Despite the fact that Cullen advised the opposite she found herself not only negotiating but allied with the rebel mages, who are policing themselves to great effect. There have been no abominations in Skyhold or her army, and no magic-related incidents that couldn't be solved with a bucket of water or a dump into a bank of snow. She apologised for that decision to her commander, at night, between the sheets.   The lack of templars came up when Cullen confessed his Lyrium withdrawal. Melien encouraged him to go through with it and is now working towards rebuilding the order. She has promoted the most liberal veteran templar to Knight-Vigilant and the most senior conservative to his second-in-command and reinstated Cassandra and the future, re-build Seekers as a fallback-system. She has also established a shared leadership of the future circles, in which the highest-ranking Templar and the highest-ranking mage hold equal authority. To prevent deadlocks she plans to make them call upon a member of the clergy, a Seeker or the nearest worldly authority such as the local mayor if no consensus can be found, but the future will hopefully take care of that.

Trespasser: Cassandra sits on the Sunburst throne and at the end of everything, Melien hands her the remains of the Inquisition with a softened Leliana as spymistress and walks out on the Exalted Council to have babies, breed Mabari, and generally live happily ever after. If the Dread Wolf is smart, he gives her a wide berth and she will leave him alone. If he threatens her family, Andraste's Chosen will return and regret the day he crossed her.

[veridium]

favorite passage ever written

I was tagged by the wonderful @bitchesofostwick and @melaena to share my favorite excerpt of anything I’ve written. So, after staring at the screen terrified for 20 minutes, I realized my favorites change a lot. As of right now, I have to say, this is a ficlet I love to sit back and reread ever so often to remind myself of Olivia’s spunk.

This is a one-shot I wrote in the universe where Theia is Inquisitor and Olivia is her friend and apothecary mage for the Inquisition. Her love affair with Cassandra had gotten out in the midst of deliberations for Divine Justinia V’s successor, and the Chantry sends a Revered Mother to interrogate interview Olivia and get a look at her. Considering her fraught reputation it was of particular importance, and Olivia dishes out some stone-cold sass. I love it and I love her. So, enjoy!

I tag @daydreamingdragonage, @mybookswerealltome, and @dickeybbqpit to share theirs if they have not already and wish to!

“Deliberations” Excerpt: 

Mother Diane grinned. “I am sure. Truthfully, I only have a handful of questions for you. Should you answer them honestly, I will be satisfied.”

“Surely. What do you wish to know, Revered Mother?”

Mother Diane seemed to be contemplating an awkward question, trying to find the most euphemistically graceful way of posing it. Olivia could read the discomfort like an open book page, and a corner of her mouth cracked a grin. How long would it be before the question of her sex life was brought front-and-center? She wondered, but she knew it was only a matter of minutes, to be sure.

“I assume, my Lady, that you have been made aware of Lady Adalia Ferndale’s accusations of your character and past experiences as a Mage. Such allegations have caught our attention, however, we do not wish to be partisan in our view. The Maker loves and protects us all, in our imperfections. I wish to ask for your testimony in the face of these claims.”

“And what, pray tell, are the accusations you are referring to, specifically?”

“That...well…” Mother Diane pursed her lips, feeling the torn nature of her duty to be honest, but conservative. “That you spent your time in the Ostwick Circle tempting Templars to sin. That, in the wake of the Rebellion, you and your peers traveled as rogue criminals, thieving and distracting innocents to idleness. That you utilized the charms of your body and carnal nature as a woman and a Mage to illicit compensation in the form of money and gifts. That you corrupted Lady Adalia’s husband into a lucid state of ineptness, wherein she had to intervene in order to preserve her household whilst you distracted his energies using your...talents. That, now that you are here working for the Inquisition, you have become delinquent in your moral recuperation and penance in order to pursue the Seeker as a lover, distracting her virtues as an Andrastian in the process.”

Olivia’s eyes remained fixed on the Mother as she listed out the malicious docket of claims. Deep down, she wished to laugh like a giddy fool, because to some degree each and every claim had truth to it. But, in true Chantry form, understanding the perspective of those who need to survive comes laced with counterintuitive snobbery.

There was a pause of silence, wherein Olivia allowed the list to simmer the tension in the air. Then, she smiled, as if she wished to put all nerves to ease with her guile.

“Well, Revered Mother, that is quite an...artistic, selection of crimes.”

“You have an interesting choice of words, my Lady.”

Olivia nodded once, before rising to her feet again. “Before I answer, may I pour you some wine or water from Her Worship’s reserve?” Olivia motioned towards the end table with two pitchers at the ready, one full of booze, the other of room-temperature water. The Revered Mother agreed to water, of course, remaining true to temperance.

Poised and prim, Olivia made her way to the table and poured two chalices, one of water and one of wine. Her hands were that of a properly-trained and subserviant Courtesan, who had to do this procedure as often as she had to breathe. She returned with one in each hand, and glided towards Mother Diane, extending her cup to her.

After Mother Diane took her water and sipped lightly, Olivia returned to her seat, holding her own chalice close to her chest. She waited to take her first sip.

“I am afraid Lady Adalia’s claims come from a most salacious exploitation of my confidence in her as a friend and employee. She hired me originally as a servant woman after she found me working for a Mercantile trader along the coast of the Free Marches. Her husband, the late Lord Ferndale, was a most abusive and trifling man, and she enlisted my capabilities as a apothecary in order to subdue his moods, to the betterment of all. I acted in compassion, not in lust.”

Mother Diane’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t look ready to argue. “I see. That is a most unfortunate circumstance.”

Olivia then took her inaugural sip of wine, nodding as she swallowed. “Yes. Truth be told, I do not blame Lady Adalia for her malice. Such a life can breed unrest and unkindness in our souls. I wish her well, and am sorry to have had this ordeal entangle us both.”

“You are most empathetic, Lady Olivia. What of her other claims, then? If she, as you say, exploited your confidence in her, does it then follow that what she says is true?”

“And what if it was, Revered Mother? What, then?”

A tense silence followed Olivia’s shift in tone from cordial to contentious. Mother Diane tried hard to maintain a decorous expression, whilst Olivia searched for a crack in the facade with her despondent-looking eyes. Her chalice rested on her lap, cupped by both hands.

“We would be concerned that someone of such experiences would have unideal ambitions for aligning themselves with the next Divine. Being the Most Holy means working for the best interests of all Thedas, and not simply the perspectives of the few. If the Seeker is surrounding herself with those who have less than pure purposes, it is our responsibility to ascertain and understand.”

Olivia then giggled, her trademark tactic for making her opponents become off-put. Seeing Mother Diane frown, she knew it had its desired effect.

“Revered Mother, tell me, how many mistresses has the Chantry neglected to recount in its histories of all the Divines that have ever been?”

“Lady Olivia, I am not sure I understand what you’re alluding to.”

“Oh, of course you do. Everyone does, surely. Let me see if my meek mind can conjure some truth, then, since you seem to be stumbling. There was...oh, Divine Rosamund was known for her lewd tastes in erotica. How many lovers did she bed in her tenure whilst the Chantry quivered in their robes?”

“Divine Rosamund had other qualities besides her taste in art, Lady Olivia. She was trained and mentored for her succession her entire life.”

“Yes, and she was also the muse for what I have heard to be some of the most delicious erotica in the Exalted Age.”

Mother Divine swallowed stiffly, her cover starting to crack. “Does this mean, then, that you admit to your reputation?”

“I thought my reputation was one of congeniality and magnanimity, Revered Mother? If so, I wholeheartedly do.”

“I was referring to your promiscuity and proclivity for radical political sympathies, Lady Olivia.”

Olivia remained quiet. She turned her eyes towards the fire, and put the rim of her chalice to her lips. Her eyes glazed a bit as she got what she wanted: the pomp broken down, and the true motivation behind her interrogation brought to light. The Chantry would never like the idea of a Divine going to bed with a former Courtesan who had become notable for her defense of Mage rights. Such a combination was a liability: she could see the street artwork now, the mock portraits of Cassandra, Divine Victoria, sitting tall on the Sunburst Throne with a woman dressed in Orleisian lingerie hiding behind it, reaching out to her heart and her sympathies. It churned her stomach to feel so objectified even in a hypothetical sense, and that in turn made her angry.

She took a rushed gulp of wine, letting it rest on her tongue so the bitterness would distract her fury. After swallowing it down, she turned her attention back to her conversational partner.

“Mother Diane, I do not pretend to adhere to conservative virtue with regards to Mages. I am, after all, one of them. I am also Orleisian by birth and heritage, so I am more intimately aware of just how much the Chantry sits on its hands whilst violence is inflicted on us for the sake of control and “peace.” Magic may serve man, not rule over him, ‘tis that right? Well, what would the Maker have us do when the Chantry merely deposes Magic as a ruler in favor of Oppression?”

Mother Diane’s brow furrowed. “The Circles have been an enforcement of order and purpose in the lives of Mages and Thedas as a whole, Lady Olivia. However, with their disbandment, I hardly think it wise to deliberate such topics now, before we know what the next Divine may wish to do once she is coronated.”

Olivia scoffed. “I understand that well enough, Revered Mother. In fact, the Orleisian in my blood is roaring with wisdom. I know exactly why you wish to know my truth: because you see Sister Leliana’s radical sympathies as a most unsavory option, and you have contemplated Seeker Pentaghast as a centrist alternative. However, my sudden appearance and proximity to her has curtailed the ease of your choice. I am the great outlier you wish to understand so that you may figure whether she will reevaluate her loyalties, or remain loyal to Andrastian doctrine.”

Mother Diane remained quiet, her face stone-cold and unforgiving in its impatience, now. In return, Olivia softly smiled.

“I see I have cut to the bone of the limb, haven’t I?”

“Your brazen temper is most unnecessary, my Lady. You have merely the task of being honest in adherence to your conscience. All of this theatrical discussion of history and radicalism is besides the point. We have a duty to the Empires and to the faith to uplift a Divine who can be a capable and compassionate figure for people to look to during such difficult and uncertain times: a leader who can unite Andrastians with the goal of peace, first and foremost.”

“I can think of no two finer people for such a role, then. Sister Leliana has put her life on the line in service of all Thedas, as Seeker Pentaghast has done, as well. My position and opinions are a mere splatter of color on the corner of the portrait of her life. She served her Most Holy Divine Justinia with dedication and virtue. Surely, that is enough to qualify her in lieu of any influence I may have on her.”

“It only takes one new color to distort the image of an entire landscape.”

Olivia’s eyes narrowed, then. She leaned forward, setting her chalice that was not mostly empty on the table in between them.

“I will never forget all of the men I let between my legs who had charms of Andraste on chains around their necks. All of the men I have let penetrate me, who took the Maker’s name in vain whilst they did so. I will never forget the way they growled, the way they smiled with smug pleasure as I straddled them, a sinful and lewd Mage woman. The way they took me once, twice, thrice even in one night. The way they never once mentioned their wives and families waiting at home for them to return. The way they begged for me to use my Magic to warm or chill their skin, the way they wished my powers to be used for their carnal tastes. The way they paid with coin that could have just as easily gone to Coffers. You know, Revered Mother, many times I found myself wondering how I survived my life in the Circle whilst being such a fool: After all, it took so many years for me to realize I could have been compensated for my being fucked over, whilst the Chantry was able to do it for free.”

Mother Diane’s eyes widened with each new statement Olivia made, the shock of her brutal honesty leaving her dumbfounded. No one had the gaul to speak in such ways to a Revered Mother of the faith, surely. But, there she was, Olivia in all her erotic glory. And she did it with a most pleasant smile.

“Lady Olivia, you have offended me in the most disturbing of ways. How dare you speak with such false impugnity to a ranking member of the Chantry?!” the raised anger in her voice betraying the decorum of the conversation.

Olivia remained undaunted and unimpressed. “And how dare you, Mother Diane, suggest that I ever had the power or the agency to deny a Templar’s taste in their formal captives. That I had the ability to tempt them and bed them as if they posed no danger to my life? That I had anything left to my name but my body to give in return for money to survive? You come here, all the way from the Capitol -- a four, five days ride at minimum? To question me with your entitlement to my life and my truth, and I am the one who has dared beyond sensibility?”

“If you choose to associate yourself with a servant of the Chantry who stands to ascend to the role of Divine, then you have no justification for desiring the privacy of a common person. In your platform and tastes for human flesh, you implicate your soul.”

“Then throw my body to the pyre when the day comes, Revered Mother, and watch me burn. I know you must be haunted by nightmares of how many bodies of Mages, of Elves, of those left behind by the Chantry’s ceremonial apathy. Only a person without a heart would sleep well with that knowledge.”

Both women rose to their feet, keen to stand tall for their respective views. Olivia glared with unabashed confidence now, whilst Mother Diane’s judgement brewed in her eyes.

“I see now. I see quite clearly just what Seeker Pentaghast must feel attracted to in you. You are spirited, clever, and beautiful. But, if she has any loyalty to the principles of her faith and position, she will evaluate such a choice.”

“Is that a threat, then? Will you depose her name from deliberations on my account? You would throw away one of the foremost qualified people for Divine, even after all the people you have lost?”

“The scarcity of our options cannot make us bend into the direction of an unwise choice.”

“Really, Revered Mother? Tell me, have you asked for a Harlot’s perspective on that sage advice? Because I can testify confidently that when it is between letting yourself and your friends starve, and having money for bread at the risk of your bodily safety, there was no scripture I could remember from my Andrastian upbringing that made me feel exalted for my selflessness and self-sacrifice. I cried for Andraste’s mercy many a night, but when the dawn came, it was one of the three other Mage women who’s holy hands picked me up off the ground.”

“The Maker comes to us through each other, Lady Olivia. Only, I fear the Seeker has believed that in welcoming you into her life, when you clearly are most unsympathetic to her faith as a cornerstone of her existence.”

“On the contrary, Mother Diane. I respect her choice, and I challenge her to be better than the institution she is loyal to. Such is our duty to one another as people: to witness and help each other become the best people we can be. That is one of the many reasons I fell for her, because she has taught me not to lower my chin to anyone who presumes to know more about my experiences than myself. Not even Revered Mothers who come to my residence, compel my friends to offer me up as a polished maiden ready for testimony, so that she may have her traumatic past cut, sliced, and diced for the sampling. Now, if you excuse me,” Olivia then shifted her weight to face the opposite direction, flattening out her dress skirts with her hands, “I must be returning to my work in the Tower. The Inquisition does not have ample time for us to sit amongst ourselves and slander each other over wine, I am afraid.”

Olivia began to head for the stairs, ready to be done with it all. From behind, she heard Mother Diane call after her:

“Lady Olivia, if you do not collect yourself and resolve this argument with me in the way that is proper, I will be forced to make your disrespect known to the Inquisitor herself.”

Olivia stopped in her tracks. She tilted her chin up, biting back a laugh. Turning to face Mother Diane from her the side, she raised a brow.

“Mother Diane, there is absolutely nothing astonishing about my behavior towards you that the Inquisitor will not understand. But I will say this: if you punish Seeker Pentaghast for my temper, after all she has committed and sacrificed in the name of the Chantry and the Maker, you will be far and away the bigger fools than I. It would be quite par for the course, now, wouldn’t it? The Chantry blaming a Mage for all the trouble. I can hardly imagine that would be smart politics in this current climate, though. Best take care not to bury the Circles, or the Chantry’s relationship with powerful Mages across Thedas, further into the ground than it already is. I wonder where the Hero of Fereldan, the Champion of Kirkwall, or the Inquisitor, all Mages -- or, for that matter, either of your contenders for Divine, who have taken Mages for lovers, would feel about such a partisan choice.”

And with that, Olivia scanned the Revered Mother up and down, a sign of resigned aggravation. Then, she turned and made her exit once and for all. Behind her, Mother Diane looked ready to spew steam from her ears, infuriated with the gross candor she had been answered with.

As Olivia shut the door behind her, she saw that Theia had been awaiting the end in the hallway, careful not to stay too far away.

“Olivia, you’re done already?” she said, turning around to face her.

Olivia shrugged, seeming to have just walked out of the most casual conversation of her life. “Of course, Theia. What did you expect, an interrogation?”

“Well, yes, that is what they were here for, at least. What...oh, Maker, what did you do?”

“Theia, calm yourself,” Olivia smirked, walking past her and patting her on the shoulder as she did so. “I hardly left a scratch. Just be careful, I may have incited an Exalted March onto the Seeker’s bed chambers.”

[cassandrapentayaaaaas]

I just read the answer and your response to the question of what being divine would do to cass and i really agree with you and the other person. Being divine would cause cass to make sacrifices, much more than in any role that she's had. she would put her all into it but at the same time i feel that she'd lose her identity. IMO leliana can handle being divine so much better due to her past. She can be the divine and leliana at the same time which is why I always choose her instead of cass.

I totally agree! And making Leliana Divine usually what happens for me, as well.

When you meet Divine Leliana, you get the vibe that she’s happy in her new life. Sure, it’s stressful, and she’s thrilled to pick up her role as spymaster for the short stint that you need her, but you can tell in her voice that she’s enjoying her reign.

I think you’re absolutely right. A lot of her joy in her work can be attributed to the fact that Leliana DOES get to continue being Leliana while she’s on the sunburst throne. And I think that’s because her ideals giver her license to shape the position to her needs–she even changes the rules on celibacy, if she’s romanced in Origins. Her goals are progressive enough that there’s room for her to rewrite tradition. With Cassandra, it’s the other way around. She has to rewrite herself to fit the traditions, because she’s there with goals to maintain and strengthen institutions and principals that are already in existence.

Vivienne is able to use her power as Divine to shape the position and the influence that it holds to her personality and history, as well. She makes the world so that she can operate in a sphere that’s separate from non-mages, while wielding no less power than they do. I’ve never personally made her Divine, so I can’t comment on how she feels about sitting on the sunburst throne, but I’d imagine she'd say ‘pretty well,’ considering she’s been able to obtain the outcome (for the most part) that she’s wanted for mages, for years.

The only one who’s utterly miserable while sitting under that stupid hat is Cassandra… and my wimpy lil heart can’t take that. It’s not that she’s a bad Divine. Being Divine is just something that is absolutely unnatural for her.

[heartslogos]

newfragile yellows [70]

When Bull opens the door and gets a snapping hiss around his groin, his reasonable response is to immediately move back and let the varghest enter the room.

Bull is only a little bit amused by this. The rest of him is entirely confused.

“You are alone,” Mahanon says, nose raised, tongue sliding out to scent the air.

“I’m expecting company,” Bull replies. A pointed invitation to go away.

“If it isn’t Ellana I don’t care,” The varghest says, large body taking up a deeply disconcerting amount of space as he turns a slow circle in the small room. “I will talk to you. Your company can wait.”

Bull closes the door.

Mahanon’s eyes watch him as Bull moves to sit at the one chair in the room. Bull forces himself to keep his body open, to broadcast every move. Mahanon has been on edge lately.

They all have been.

That’s part of what tonight was supposed to be about. Unwinding. Letting off some steam.

In less than a week they set out for the Arbor Wilds.

Even Ellana, ever cool and patient Ellana, has shown signs of fraying.

(“If I am around Sera right now,” Ellana tells him in a very soft voice that would serve well to remind everyone that her daemon’s shape is no mistake, no accidental spur of the moment shock that’s haunted her ever since, no secret hidden soft meaning, no sign that she needs to be protected, “There will be no more Sera.”

Ellana pauses, here, knees slowly sliding up against her chest as she curls her toes, arms hugging her legs to her.

“It would take me a while, but I would remember - too late - that she is, sometimes, my friend.”

Bull, listening to that then, remembers Lavellan earlier when she was going up to consult with Cole about something.

The varghest still draws many stares whenever he choses to make an appearance. Even more so when he chooses to do so in areas like the Herald’s Rest or the merchant stalls or the infirmary or library.

Bull, at first, had thought that the reason the varghest had paused  as Ellana was going up the stairs was that he couldn’t climb them. That they weren’t traversable for a daemon of his particular shape. Or perhaps that he thought the stairs wouldn’t hold him - or that the stairs were unfriendly to his clawed feet.

But Ellana had paused, and reached her hand out and touched two of her fingers to his neck and said, in that same voice she used when she just spoke in had said, “Please. Don’t.”

Mahanon’s sharp eyes had fixed on Sera’s fox daemon. And Bull had recognized the look in those eyes. He’d seen them in Kata-kost, in Vivienne’s sleek jaguar, and in Leliana’s sharp magpie.

It was the look of someone who had scented blood and was ready to pounce.

Mahanon, then, slowly began to climb the stairs after Ellana.

“That,” Kata-kost murmured to him, with a small curl of respect and warm competitive desire, “Would have been a splatter.”

“No,” Bull disagreed, “A smear.”)

“I loathe you,” Mahanon says after a moment, repeating the words from Adamant. “I despise you. You are a deadweight, to us. Do you understand this, the Iron Bull?”

Bull clamps down on steam and slowly rising pressure. The is not enough to rattle him. This is not enough to break him.

Mahanon is very still, but with his raised scales and the venom of his words, it feels like he’s practically buzzing. Even with the tense, arch of his body and the stiff position of his tail Bull can tell that the daemon is using a tremendous amount of will to not move. To not trash and hiss and claw like the monster a lot of people like to say he is.

“You are a deadweight, an iron shackle around our necks,” Mahanon spits, “There is nothing we can do with you. Out of all of them, you are the only one who will stay. Do you understand this? The others - all the others we could leave and they would survive, they would find their own paths. Pavus was always meant to leave, Sera belongs to something larger than us, Varric’s heart is in Kirkwall. Cassandra, Vivienne, Leliana - one of those three will rise to the Sunburst throne and the other two, will no doubt, return to their respective circles and rebuild. Blackwall has a path of atonement to follow for all that he believes that it is worthless. Even Cole. Even the spirit boy is nothing but air to us.”

Mahanon advances, eyes glowing with rage, “But you. You we cannot lose. You we cannot shake. You, we hold onto with nowhere to set down.”

Bull swallows, and he holds his mind clear.

“Solas.”

Mahanon’s laugh sounds a lot like the scrape of nails on the underbelly of the hull of a ship, rocking in a storm. Lost.

“She refuses to understand,” Mahanon’s head shakes back and forth, teeth bared, “She refuses to listen to me in many things though we both know I am truth. Solas was never here. Him? Him we never had to care for. If the spirit boy is air, then Solas is less than that. He is nothing. You. You are everywhere. You are on our hands. You are in the backs of our minds, your eye is on every action we take, your ear is on every breath we have, your very life hinges on our own.”

Mahanon’s hind claws rasp against the floor, as he paws at it, really beginning to vibrate with energy.

“Do you understand what you have done to us?” Mahanon asks, voice cracking like lightning, like glass, “There is nowhere for us to go. We will never disappear. Wherever we go - there will always be eyes. We can hide the mark, we can hide her ears. I, myself, can disappear - I can leave her. But you will always be there. You, we cannot hide. You, we cannot disguise. You. You will always be there to be seen. The Iron Bull.”

Mahanon’s voice curls around the name that he has chosen for himself. Bitter. Like coffee and ash.

“Do you want me to leave?” Bull asks. Because through the venom there is this -

As it would do people well to remember that past Ellana’s facade of kindness, there is a dark and ruthless possessive desire.

And past Mahanon’s poisonous vitriol and malice, there is a loyalty that burns golden in every light.

“You don’t have to protect me,” Bull says, holding his hands loose as he leans his elbows onto his knees, bringing his eye closer to Mahanon’s hunched level. “You don’t need to keep me safe. I am here to keep you safe. I am here for you. This isn’t going to be the two of you dragging me around until one or both of us die.”

Bull gestures his hand between the two of them.

“This is an equal partnership,” He says. “Just because I choose to follow does not mean that there is an imbalance of power. To follow does not always mean to submit or to surrender. To follow means to support, to trust, to guard.”

Mahanon’s eyes have the faintest hint of consideration to them that shuts down cold and hard.

“You are a man who erases himself too calmly, who transforms too fluidly, and is too easily commanded,” Mahanon says. “You are fragile.”

Bull feels his eyebrows raise.

“That would be a new one.”

“You cling to something else, stealing your certainty from that thing. You are a ship without anchor. There is the possibility of steadiness, of certainty in you. From afar you are untouched, unmoved, unspoiled. An illusion. But up close I see the tremors that have rocked you since you were cut from the Qun. That have cracked you since before the Iron Bull’s Chargers and the Inquisition and all of this.” Mahanon inches forward, almost nose to nose with him. “I see that which has shaken you since Seheron. It is a crack down to your soul. It is a crack that we cannot fix for you. We are not your harbor in a storm. We cannot be the earth beneath your feet or the steadying hand that stops your fall.”

Mahanon’s voice drops to a whisper, “We have tried. We are trying. But it is not our purpose or our nature. We are not steady. We are not certain. We cannot be the kind of strength you are looking for. We will fail you.”

Mahanon’s eyes glitter, “We cannot be the reason you break. We cannot fail you again. It would bring us down with you, if you fell.”

Bull slowly reaches his hand out and when the varghest does not move he places his hand on the thinner scales on the underside of his jaw.

“I will not break,” Bull promises. “Kata-kost and I fly steady. The drafts beneath Kata-kost’s wings are never permanent. But we take what we can get. We do not need to be held up indefinitely. What we need is the support of something to give us a direction, for a time, until we have the power in our own legs and arms to carve it out ourselves. I am not asking either of you to fix me. I am not asking either of you to keep me together. I do not ask anything from you. There are things that I want from Ellana, but they are not the same things I ask from her.”

“What do you want from us?” Mahaon’s voice is softer still, as soft as the thin scales beneath the Iron Bull’s fingertips. “You know that if you asked we would give it to you. For you, she would give too much rope.”

“Yeah,” Bull nods. “I want to be with her, you. I just want to be in your lives. That’s all. I want to know that even if the wind diverts our paths, there is the possibility that they will bring them together again. I want to know that when I look up at the sky I will see her in the North, even if that is not where I am going or meant to go. That’s all.”

Mahanon slowly pulls his muzzle out of the Iron Bull’s hands and turns away from him.

“Do not hold onto us,” Mahanon says, “We are not as steady as we pretend. We can be that star - cold and far away to be chased, if that is what you ask. But do not ask for us to be the rock you rest upon. We cannot carry that weight.”

“I won’t,” Bull says. The varghest nods, once and then turns, claws rising faster than Bull can think and he shreds a long tear down the center of the sheets.

“There,” Mahanon says, normal disinterested drawl of a voice drawn back on as if the past few minutes of raw golden blood didn’t seep from the very same mouth. “Now no one will doubt your sexual powers. Your reputation is upheld.”

Bull feel his lip quirk up, “Thanks.”

“You are welcome,” Mahanon says, claw hooking in the wooden doorframe to drag it open. “May the stars be kind to you, the Iron Bull.”

[mllemaenad]

Vivienne says herself that not every Circle experience is the same and thus admits her """"privilege"""" as... a mage... and a black woman (shown in a banter with Cole, there is indeed colorism in at least Orlais) caught in the same system... as everyone else... why does everyone say that her being successful in a systematically oppressive environment make her a bad guy. I love your analysis stuff but don't be That Guy

... I ... well, look. I’m sorry if I have said something offensive. I am capable of it, I know.

But ... I don’t think she’s ‘a bad guy’, any more than I think that of the Iron Bull or Dorian. I am disappointed in a great many of Bioware’s writing choices in Inquisition, and I include some of Vivienne’s story in that disappointment.

I mean, let’s be clear here: Vivienne is amazing. She got out. She got herself right the fuck out of that Circle and all the way to the Orlesian court. She’s a candidate for the role of Divine, despite being a mage. A breaker of boundaries, a long-term survivor – indeed winner of the Game – and one of the few mages in southern Thedas to have actual combat training.

Vivienne can be kind to those she likes and respects, and give solid advice in a crisis, she can play high politics and dirty tricks with the same aplomb, she is fierce in battle and deadly at court.

She is an incredible and accomplished woman.

But do I think she admits and understands the full extent of her privilege? No. Further, I think much of what she learned in the Orlesian court was actively harmful and wrong. Orlais is a cruel and vicious place. It is bigoted, violent and awful, and has strong prejudices against mages, elves, non-Andrastians and foreigners of all descriptions – I doubt I can begin to imagine the slurs and insults they’d have for a woman of Rivaini heritage. I daresay Cole barely scratches the surface.

Mages rise quickly in the new Circle, having more freedom and responsibility than ever before - even if all true power lies with her.

Epilogue – Inquisition

That’s Vivienne’s ending slide if you make her Divine, and it makes me so sad. It makes sense, of course, that she would do these things. In Orlais self-interest is all. You’re a fool if you don’t accrue as much power as you can, because you can’t trust anyone but yourself. And of course she treats her fellow mages well: she is absolutely not a villain.

But – oh, Vivienne, Vivienne, what have you done? You brought the mages back to the Circles, and you placed the Divine over them with absolute power. I trust you not to go around butchering them or making them Tranquil; of course I do. But your successor? Or the one who comes after her? Them I do not trust. They’re not going to stop hating mages in Orlais because one sits on the Sunburst Throne. Orlais being ... Orlais, they may well hate them more. You’ve given your successor a weapon, Vivienne, and it’s pointed right at the mages’ throats.

And you did it because you only know Orlais and the Game. Because you don’t much like things outside of it. And – and this part isn’t your fault – because they gave you so little opportunity to learn.

They silenced Fiona, you see. They took the quest for the mage rebellion and flung it into the future, into a world that has so little to do with their struggles. All those voices that cried out in the earlier games and the novels – they shut them up nicely.

Solas speaks in favour of the rebellion, a bit, but he is fundamentally outside it. He favours the rebellion of slaves in general rather than this one specifically. He can’t talk about it like someone on the inside could.

Why is Fiona – elven woman, mage, former slave – standing meekly in the library instead of right up in your face, arguing. I would pay to see your duel of words: I may think Fiona is right and you are wrong, but you’re both so damn smart and brave and interesting, it would be worth it just to watch the fight.

Why doesn’t In Hushed Whispers put you in with the rebellion, withstanding a Templar siege, allowing the rebels to be courageous and desperate and afraid instead of just – giving you a couple of discontented voices in a pub? Why can’t Vivienne walk into the heart of that with you, and hear what they have to say?

I don’t think she fully appreciates how much suffering she escaped – or indeed, how much harm the Circle did to her, and how much harm it will continue to do, if she restores it.

Vivienne: You must see the value in restoring the circles, Cassandra.

Cassandra: Provided they fulfill their purpose. Too many have suffered since the mage rebellion began, but we cannot ignore the abuses that prompted it. Without change, we risk repeating the events at Kirkwall.

Vivienne: Or recreating its opposite. An overly lenient circle is a comparable threat. Kirkwall is lamentable, but it was the misuse of power, not restrictions, that led to the first Blight.

– Vivienne Dialogue

They could have sent you to Kirkwall, Vivienne. They could have done it to you when you were ten years old, too young to know how to stop them. Of course you acknowledge that what happened in Kirkwall was an abuse of power: you’re neither a fool nor a monster. But the person who sent you wouldn’t have been abusing power. You’d have been nothing more than part of a quota. It’s their job to shuffle mages around: alleviate overcrowding here, supplement some talent there. That’s the Circle: guardians of mages, treating them like children and packing them off to places for ‘their own good’.

They’d have made you Tranquil, Vivienne. Or they’d have snuffed out your life in some dark corner. Because you don’t know how to be mediocre. It would destroy you to pretend to be just average at magic, to sit in your cell and do nothing, and make sure never to draw attention to yourself.

The Circle has killed so many people, Vivienne, only through not caring what they wanted. Why can’t Hawke tell you that, Vivienne? Why can’t a pro-mage Hawke howl their outrage at this? You could be Karl Thekla, Vivienne, if your luck had been a little different, and Hawke would know that.

Cassandra: You would prefer to have the templars return to guarding the circles, Vivienne?

Vivienne: Of course, my dear. They need better oversight, clearly, but one does not throw away a tool because it was misused.

Cassandra: Few mages would ask for templars in the circle.

Vivienne: Speak to Ferelden's first enchanter. You might be surprised. When abominations ravaged your tower, suddenly the world holds far too few templars.

– Vivienne Dialogue 

Did you ask him, Vivienne? Or did you just believe what the Chantry said about that little incident? I can only think the latter, because First Enchanter Irving could have told you that the Templars just ran away from trouble. They locked all the mages in with the demons, Vivienne, even the children, and they plotted to murder them all. Think of that, Vivienne: I know demons frighten you. The Templars would have had no qualms about letting them rip out your heart.

It was mages who saved the day, Vivienne. It was Wynne who protected survivors, and then fought her way to the top of the tower to free her fellows. It was Niall who got the Litany of Adralla. Maybe the Hero of Ferelden was a mage too. And Irving and his people – so many of them resisted torture that they could still make up an army to fight the Archdemon. And they did that, too.

Why can’t Leliana tell you that, Vivienne? She was there. She favoured helping the mages. She could tell you who was better at fighting demons; who was brave enough to face them down and win.

Inquisitor: Cole, Vivienne doesn't want to talk right now.

Cole: She's afraid!

Cole: Everything bright, roar of anger as the demon rears. No, I will not fall. No one will control me ever again.

Cole: Flash of white as the world comes back. Shaking, hollow, Harrowed, but smiling at templars to show them I'm me.

Cole: I am not like that. I can protect you. If templars come for you, I will kill them.

Vivienne: Delightful.

– Vivienne Dialogue

The Circle did that to you, Vivienne. It forced you to fight a demon, it made you smile at the Templars who dragged you in there because they’d kill you if you didn’t. And it’s left you so scared. You’re scared of Cole; you’re scared of any spirit. You do care about him: you’re more than smart enough to see past the horrors of your training, to realise he’s a person and worry about him. But you’ll likely never kill that fear, Vivienne. And they’ll do it to more mages, Vivienne. Some of them will die, and some of them will be left as scared as you. They do it to spirits, too: every bit of misinformation, every bungled summoning, every spirit dragged into the world against its will and turned into a demon – because the Chantry thinks it knows about spirits when it bloody doesn’t.

You could listen to the Avvar, Vivienne, or we could go to Rivain. You could talk about it with Dorian, when the pair of you have finished snarking. You could listen to a Dalish Inquisitor. We could find ways to show you that it needn’t be this way, if only the opportunities were there.

I don’t want to destroy Vivienne, or make her less than she is. I want her to keep on being awesome, and being a candidate for Divine. I just want the game to engage with some of the points it brings up, instead of just letting it sit there.

What I wrote about her was one line in a post that was otherwise about the Iron Bull. I referenced Cassandra, Dorian and Cullen in the same paragraph, precisely because Vivienne is often singled out and I don’t think that’s fair because the problem is not with her, but rather with the game’s writing in general. It was meant to point out that most of the characters have this problem: they are dangerously wrong on some point, favouring oppressive systems or bigotry, and the game does nothing with it at all – at best it lets the Inquisitor deliver an objection that is not in any sense ‘remembered’ by the game in later quests or dialogue.

But – that said, I am flawed, and I am more than capable of being wrong. I wrote all of this to explain my issues with the game in relation to Vivienne, as I did in relation to the Iron Bull before. I could write much the same thing for any character in Inquisition.

If you still think I’m being unfair to her, or prejudiced, then say so and I’ll simply apologise. I can remove the line from the earlier post, too, if you like.

[ahrorha]

Flame of Winter

Chapter 28

.

.

The Inquisition changed after the defeat of Corypheus. Now they had achieved their main goal, the sense of urgency that drove them was gone. It was a time for celebration, and honour those who had fallen and who stood against a great evil. Hundreds of birds arrived at Skyhold carrying congratulations and invitations to several events. Josephine worked hard to sift through them and discuss with Leliana, Ryan and Vivienne, which of the gatherings they would attend.

Apart from celebrations, there was also a sense of completion. Soldiers and scouts took the opportunity to return home and reunite with their families. Several caravans were preparing to leave Skyhold and return to Orlais and Fereldan. Dorian had arranged to join one of them. He would travel to Jader and take ship to Cumberland. From there he would join another caravan and travel back to Tevinter. .

“Now, I despise goodbyes. So let's make this quick.” Dorian huffed to Iron Bull, Varric and Eirlana, who had come to say farewell.

Varric raised his drink flask. “Sparkles, watch yourself back in the Imperium.”

“Goodbye, Dorian.” Eirlana gave him a hug. “I will miss you.”

“Oh, don't do this to me.” he hugged her back. “Just promise me, you won't do anything stupid again.”

She knew he meant the lyrium incident, she nodded. “I promise.”

“Kadan.” Iron Bull stepped forward.

“I see we still doing the names.” Dorian complained, but Eirlana noticed a slight blush on his cheeks.

Iron Bull took Dorian in a big bear hug and lifted him off his feet. They gave each other a long, intense kiss.

“Alright, then.” Blushing even more, Dorian tucked his clothes straight and took his seat on one of the wagons. “Farewell.” he waved as the caravan started to move.

“Safe journey Sparkles.” Varric shouted after him. They all watched the caravan roll down the mountain path. Iron Bull was the first who excused himself, and Eirlana knew he would go to the tavern to have a drink.

“Things will not be the same without him being around.” Varric sighed.

Eirlana simply nodded.

Varric scratched the back of his head and sighed again. “Snowflake, I will also leave soon. A ship will be waiting for me after the ball at the Winter Palace.”

For a moment, she stared at her feet. She knew this had been the first of many goodbyes.

“There are a lot of problems in Kirkwall that need to be fixed.” Varric continued. “And I need to go and see my publisher about all my “unsold” books in Orlais. Also, the Merchants Guild keeps bothering me. And if I am being honest, I miss home.”

“You don't have to explain yourself, Varric. I understand.” she smiled at him. “You must miss your friends.”

“I do. You know, you are more than welcome to join me.” he smirked at her. “Kirkwall may not be the most peaceful or beautiful city, but you would be away from this.” he pointed towards Skyhold. “And I know a lot of people who would be thrilled to get to know you.”

Eirlana slowly shook her head. She knew he meant well, but she wasn't ready to leave the Inquisition just yet. Though she knew Solas wouldn't come back, she wanted to stay here where he could find her. Not that he always could find her through the Fade. It was silly, but she was afraid to leave the place she had shared with him. Leaving here would make her feel like they had parted for good, and she couldn't do that. There was also Leliana, if there was any chance of someone finding a trace of Solas, it would be her and her network of spies.

“Thank you Varric, but I will stay here for the time being.”

“Think about it. You still have some time before I leave.”

.

True to his word Varric left after the grand ball given by Emperor Gaspard, but he wasn't the only one.

Sera disappeared on their way to Halamshiral, leaving only a note with a crude drawing of herself giving a dead Corpy-face the finger. Eirlana was sure Sera had returned to her life as a Red Jenny, to resume her campaign of helping ordinary people and pestering the nobility of Orlais.

During the ball, the Chantry made the official announcement that Cassandra Pentaghast was a candidate for the Sunburst Throne. Confirming the rumours that everyone already heard about her becoming the next Divine. As a result, Cassandra left for Val Royeaux to begin the preparations. Vivienne accompanied her, stating that she was needed to assemble the last loyal mages and help to create the foundation for a new Circle of Magi.

It resulted in that when Eirlana returned a few weeks later to Skyhold, only she, Iron Bull and Blackwall were left from the Inner Circle. Somehow it made her more aware that her life had changed and that the coming months would be difficult and very lonely.

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

Eirlana

.

I am finally back in Tevinter. I can't say I miss being at Skyhold. Why anyone would build a fortress in the middle of the freezing mountains is a mystery to me. It is so refreshing to be able to sit outside in the sun without the need to cover oneself completely with layers of fur.

. I have gotten in contact again with an old friend of mine, Maevaris. She is a Magister but far more interesting than the older stuffy members of the Magisterium. It has been amusing to hear al the disturbance our little spat with Corypheus has brought. Apparently, it has caused quite a shift in the balance of power. Officially nothing has changed, of course, and everyone is keeping quiet about their personal opinion about the whole situation. But tongues are wagging in the halls and private chambers.

.

Maevaris has agreed with me that something has to change within the Imperium. We are planning to work together against the corruption that is ruling my homeland. We are going to try to find people who think like us.

Wish me luck, I have the feeling my charm has become rusty since I have been in the South.

.

You should know I have also taken a stance against slavery and its cruel and exploratory nature. Like Solas once said to me; “A society built on the bones of those without a voice, is a society doomed to failure.”

As of yet, I haven't much luck to convince others of the wrongness of the system, but I won't give up. You know what they say in for a penny in for a royal.

.

Speaking of Solas, have you heard anything from him? If you have, tell him I have a few words ready for him for leaving you like that. If you heard nothing. Well, let me know if I can help in any way.

.

Dorian

.

Oh, and be a dear, and tell Iron Bull to write me back, will you. I hear far too little from that big oaf.

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

  Dorian,

.

Skyhold has gotten very quiet without you being here. I miss hearing you complains whenever I am in the library.

.

The last couple of months have been dreadful. Ryan is dragging me from feast to feast, all thrown in his honour. I am not sure why, but he keeps me close, although he made it clear he no longer trusts me. Not that it hasn't restricted him in offering my services to Orlesian nobility. Though my patience with them is wearing very thin, and I am tempted to summon a storm the next time someone tries to touch me.

At least I have found a kindred soul in Cullen. It was most amusing to see the nobility gasp the first time I was his “official” companion. Although I don't think it was approved by Ryan or Leliana, and I can only imagine all the letters Josephine got asking about our supposed affiliation.

Did you know we are planning to elope and escape to Antiva? There were also a couple of Rivaini pirates, three assassinations and a dwarf named Pirin in that particular rumour. I have never seen Cullen blush so much in his life when Josephine's sister told us about it.

Sadly all these ridiculous rumours aside, it is the other rumours that bother me more. Word is spreading around in the Inquisition that I am being watched because I have become “unstable and dangerous.”

I wouldn't mind them, except they are beginning to affect my work. People are becoming cautious around me or even hostile, and many of my patients are wary and nervous when I am treating them. Nowadays my work is a far cry from that what it once was. That and the constant watch of the templars doesn't make life at Skyhold pleasant at the moment.

.

Ironically I am “safe” enough to still come along on Ryan's missions. Not that he has many choices of companions nowadays. Everyone has left, except for me, Iron Bull and Blackwall. We have now one of Leliana's rogues accompany us, but it is not the same. I miss hearing Varric's and Serra's stories when we are on the road or camp at night.

.

I have told Iron Bull that he needs to take care of you. He has promised to better himself, although he seems distracted somehow. I think he still has a hard time from losing the Chargers, he hasn't been the same since. And also with you now gone he has little to look forward to after a days work. It worries me.

.

No, I haven't heard anything from Solas, and I miss him terribly. You don't want to know how often I think I see him whenever someone bald walks near me. I never noticed before that so many bald people existed.

.

I wish you luck with finding new allies and trying to change things in Tevinter, but please be careful. Some of those in power will not take kindly to your ideas, and you know what they will try to do if you are succeeding.

.

It will take a while before I can write to you again. When this letter reaches you, I will be in the Deep Roads. The dwarves of Orzammar have asked for Ryan's help. Apparently, there are problems with the lyrium mines, and Ryan is anxious to aid them. He is probably scared his own lyrium supply will be affected if we do nothing.

And yes, I will be careful. I have no intentions to get close to anything blighted.

I haven't told Varric yet about our next destination. I know he will be against it.

.

Eirlana

.

Ps. don't worry, I have kept my promise.

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snowflake,

.

What is this, I heard? You went to the Deep Roads? Has nothing I told you, taught you to stay far away from that place?

I tell you nothing ever good comes from the deep.

I pray you haven't caught the blight, it was hard enough to see Sunshine getting it. Hawke had to end her life, and I don't want the same thing happen to you. Write me, as soon you are back on the surface!

.

Things are looking up in Kirkwall, I have managed to finally find divers to free the harbour from those glowing rocks that fell from the Fade. Now I am in debt to Rivaini, but I could have guessed that people from Rivain aren't afraid to get their feet wet. Although the new Grand Cleric didn't seem pleased that I invited a whole bunch of people that don't believe in the Maker to Kirkwall.

.

The High Lords and Ladies are happy, on the other hand, but they are making me nervous. I get too many letters and messages from them and also the Merchants Guild is getting more persistent. Something is brewing, and for once, it is not my coffee.

.

In any case, I have written to our dear Inquisitor. There are a few rifts here that he needs to take care off. Try to come with him if you can. We'll get into a game of Wicked Grace.

.

Varric

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snowflake,

.

You are beginning to frighten me. You know, you have forced me to get in contact with the Merchants Guild to get this letter to all the dwarven outposts in the Deep Roads.

Write me as soon as you read this. It doesn't matter if you have to bribe the dwarven runners or steal the Inquisition's fastest bird, just let me know that you are okay.

Don't force me to come and look for you in those blasted Deep Roads, because I will. Sparkles is also worried about you and Tiny. He is already trying to hire some Grey Wardens to aid us, and I have polished Bianca and talked Fenris into coming with us. We will leave for your entrance as soon as Sparkles reaches Kirkwall.

Trust me you don't want me to find you down there with Broody and a mage from Tevinter in tow. Things will get messy.

I say it again. Write me!

.

Varric

------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Dear Varric and Dorian,

.

Sorry that I have worried you, but I am alright. You can call off your rescue mission, but I must confess I was never this glad to see the sun again. I don't understand how the dwarves we have met here, can live all their lives without ever coming up to the surface.

Anyway, we have struggled to finish Ryan's mission. We had a lot of setbacks on our way, and not everyone that accompanied us has survived. Don't worry Dorian, Iron Bull is safe and sound, and I will remind him to write to you.

I will write to you both in more detail soon. For now, I am going to sleep under the stars and soak in the fresh air.

.

Eirlana.

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorian,

.

I am afraid I will be out of touch for a while again.

Ryan is going on an expedition to the South, and he is taking Iron Bull and me with him. He wants to aid some Orlesian scholar in finding the remnants of the last Inquisitor. Apparently, he disappeared in the lands of the Avvar 800 years ago.

.

We are going with a larger support team this time, but I have no idea how often I will be able to write. At least we are not going underground this time, that is my hope anyway.

It will be a long and interesting journey. Ryan is in a foul mood since Blackwall has left. It turns out, he wasn't Blackwall at all, but a man called Rainier, who is a wanted criminal in Orlais. Blackwall has turned himself in, and I haven't heard anything from him since.

I hope Ryan's mood will brighten once we have reached our destination, or this will become a long and tedious endeavour.

.

I, myself, am excited to meet the Avvar. They have a whole culture not based on the Maker, and I am looking forward to see their way of life. I only hope that Ryan will hold his beliefs back and won't cause any incidents while we are there. I don't want to see what happened to the Sentinels at the Temple of Mythal ever again.

.

Oh, before I forget. Thank you for the book you have sent me about lyrium properties. It contained some information that was new to me, and I hope I can use it to further my treatment of the templars that want to shed their addiction. Although sadly, some have decided to use lyrium again.

With the reinstatement of the templar order and Ryan using lyrium himself, they feel obligated to follow his example. Although I am happy that Cassandra has issued that taking lyrium isn't longer a requirement to become a templar, and is something that the new recruits have a choice in. But I have my doubts about how this will work. I am afraid that new recruits will be pressured into becoming 'real' templars by others in the order. Time will only tell if the templars can change.

.

Hopefully, I can write to you soon again and tell you everything about the Avvar.

.

Eirlana

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eirlana

.

Avvar? Seriously? You are going to the Avvar.

Has Ryan completely lost his mind? Those are dangerous people, they gave the Old Empire a run for their money and those were the days we were very powerful. Totally crazy, but powerful.

.

Be careful, they are barbaric people and have no manners at all. Not to mention their terrible sense of fashion. Don't return to me covered in smelly furs and that ghastly paint of theirs. I know not everyone can have my immaculate taste, but there are certain standards everyone should have.

.

Tell Ryan he should stop dragging you and Iron Bull all over the country. I am not even able to see my lover at this rate. If you can call my relationship with Iron Bull love. It has been months since I last saw him, and now he goes even farther away from me.

.

I look forward to your next letter.

.

Dorian

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snowflake,

.

I really enjoyed your visit to Kirkwall even if you had to bring the Inquisitor with you.

You will not believe it, but Fenris came into town two days after you guys had left. I still can't believe that brooding elf didn't show up even when I asked him to. But what can you do? He has always had a mind of his own. I am sure I will manage next time for you two to meet up.

.

I am certain you remember my lovely complaints about the stupid nobles of this city and their inability to act in times of a crisis. Now, I have good news. They finally have decided to elect a new Viscount, and to my surprise, I somehow was pushed forward as the only candidate.

I still don't understand how this happened, but somehow my complaining has convinced them I was volunteering for the job.

.

I don't know how this will turn out, but at least I can get the shit fixed in this city. I only wish Hawke was still here. That man had a golden tongue, who could talk anybody into anything. At least Aveline has my back. I think Kirkwall will fall into the sea if she ever decides to quit her job.

You will be happy to know I ordered to have the mages moved from the gallows. As you said, a place where the Fade is filled with despair is not a good place for young mages to live and learn their craft.

.

What about you? Have you heard anything about having to move into a Circle of Magi? Cassandra has made quick work of rebuilding the Circles after she was elected Divine, and I know mages all over Thedas are ordered to return to them.

I can imagine that you will not escape their attention. Though as long as the Inquisitor needs you, you should be safe.

I don't know how these new Circles will work out, but there is still a lot of bad blood between the templars and the mages. We have to wait and see how Cassandra's reforms will turn out. If you need any help, let me know. I am in politics now, and I intend to use that power.

.

Varric

------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Viscount) Varric,

.

Are you seriously the new Viscount of Kirkwall? I had to laugh when I read it. Sorry.

But congratulations on the new position. I know you hate politics, but I sincerely believe you will be great. Kirkwall is lucky to have someone who knows its people, and how it is to live in the poorer parts of the city. Far too often, rulers come from riches and can't imagine the struggles ordinary people face in their daily lives.

I know you will do a fantastic job ruling that crowded city.

.

I also want to thank you for your hospitality. I know it was a short stay, but I really enjoyed myself. To see everything from your stories with my own eyes was amazing. It was also great to meet Isabella, Merrill, Aveline and Donnic. It had been a long time since I laughed so much. I am sad that I missed Fenris, but I am looking forward to meeting him next time.

.

That is, if there is a next time, because you are right about the Circle. Although I haven't been dragged in one officially, I am afraid my time is running out. Especially with Ryan spending more and more time in Val Royeaux aiding Cassandra in her effort to rebuild the Chantry into a reliable organisation.

Often I have to accompany him, and I fear every time that he will decide to drop me off at the White Spire.

I have also received several letters from Vivienne urging me to make the “smart choice” and join the Circle of Magi of Orlais. I suspect my history with the Inquisition has some political use, and it doesn't help that I have healed some important members of Noble houses of Orlais. As Vivienne put it “My appearance at the Orlesian Court has been noted.” and I am afraid I will end up a pawn in her political game.

At least I still have four months until the Exalted Council will be held, after that, I am afraid my life will change.

.

But rumour has it that everyone from the former Inner Circle has been invited. If so, I am looking forward to seeing you again. I can't wait to tell Dorian about my adventures with the barbaric Avvar. I tried to bring him a souvenir, but sadly it has been confiscated by Ryan. Who knew Skyhold is not a place to bring heathen totems.

.

Eirlana -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eirlana blew the ink on her letter dry. She didn't bother sealing it, knowing that Leliana would let it check for any hidden secret information. She walked to the rookery and was relieved Leliana wasn't in her usual spot. Leaving her letter with one of Leliana's men, she decided to go for a walk. It was a beautiful sunny spring day, and she already had finished her shift at the clinic.

It was almost two years ago since they had defeated Corypheus and it had been two long lonely years for her. She felt like a prisoner with constantly being watched by the templars, as if she was a dangerous being that couldn't be trusted. The templars presence and Ryan's attitude towards her had fuelled the rumours about her. Where before she experienced friendliness and acceptance within the Inquisition had turned into distrust and suspicion. Nowadays, people were hardly talking to her and kept their distance. She was close with only a handful of people, but she didn't know if she even could trust them.

There was of course, Cullen, who had been her tower of strength ever since Solas had disappeared. He was a dear friend, and she believed her movements would be even more restricted if it wasn't for his support. There was also Rosie, who had become a dear friend. A couple of other elven servants were also friendly with her, but she wasn't sure if their interest was genuine or simply a task given to them by Leliana. Not that it mattered, all of those friendships felt shallow. She had no one she could openly share her beliefs and opinions with, without fearing it would end up on Ryan's or Leliana's desk. She longed back to days when Varric and Dorian were still a part of the Inquisition. Not that she wasn't grateful they wrote to her regularly, but it wasn't the same as having them close in person.

But even when they would be here, she hardly could tell them about Solas being Fen'Harel, or talk about her meeting Falon'Din and Mythal. There was also Falon'Din's remark 'never has a mortal had the pleasure to pique the interest of three Evanuris.' She doubted it was Mythal he had spoken off, and there had been only one other important elf in her life, and that was Ghi'lan, her teacher.

If he also was part of these Evanuris, Solas hadn't been the only one who hadn't told her the truth.

All of this made her miss Solas even more. She missed having someone she could talk to, share her explorations in the Fade, discuss what she had read or learned from a spirit. Someone who understood her, someone she felt a connection to. Someone who wouldn't judge her for thinking differently. Someone she could trust and love.

She huffed at herself, knowing she still trusted him.

Staring at the mountains in the distance, she wondered if Solas also felt lonely during his stay with the Inquisition. It had to be hard for him to be surrounded by people who didn't view the world the same way he did. Had he also weighed each word he said in public, knowing the world would judge him and call him a madman at best. Like her, did he fear his secrets would be discovered or that his words would be misinterpreted and used against him? She knew he had more secrets than anyone. And it made her sad that he hadn't even trusted her enough to share them.

Her heart clenched. It still hurt thinking about him and how he had abandoned her.

To this day, she didn't understand why he had left her, just like that without even a word of explanation. She couldn't help but feel like the fault lay with her somehow. That she had done something wrong.

Shaking off her feeling of guilt, she continued to walk towards the small grove, next to Skyhold. It was a place she visited regularly. Not many people came here, and she liked the peace and quiet.

As always she walked towards the oak where her daughter's grave was. She froze when she saw the small bunch of flowers lying under the tree. It was the same as last year. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to calm herself, she didn't want to alert the templars following her that something was wrong.

Solas had been here again, it was the only sign he hadn't forgotten. But seeing the flowers was hard. It made her heart ache, knowing he had been here again without seeing her. For two years there had been nothing, he hadn't even tried to contact her. Wasn't she important enough to him? And it would be so easy. He just had to find her in the Fade or simply send a spirit with a message. No one would have to know. But he had done none of those things. For two years there had been nothing but those flowers.

It made her feel so sad and angry at the same time.

.

Hiding her grief, Eirlana left the grave and sat down next to the small spring flowing through the grove. It was nice to be outside, and for a moment, she could pretend that there was no one watching her every move.

She sighed, she knew there was only a short time left for her to visit this place. The Exalted Council would be coming soon, and the Inquisition would change after that. With the majority of the rifts closed and the damage left by Corypheus repaired, there was no longer the need to have an Inquisition. Judging by Ryan's actions until now, the organisation would reform and become a part of the Chantries forces. Most likely, with Ryan holding a prominent position.

Eirlana already knew she wouldn't be part of it. She was a mage, and it was expected of her she would bow to the new rules and join the Circle. Something she didn't plan on doing. She wouldn't replace one prison for another one, no matter how fairer the new Circles supposedly were. She was tired of being deemed safe enough to aid the Inquisitor with her magic, but still couldn't be trusted to go for a simple walk without supervision. She had become nothing more than a convenient, powerful tool with no voice of her own.

No, she had every intension to escape this prison, and the Exalted Council would give her the perfect opportunity.

She glanced back at the flowers lying under the oak. She was also tired of waiting. Solas owed her an explanation. She wanted to have at least a chance to talk to him, even if it meant he would reject her and leave her again. But first, she needed to find him. In the beginning, she had no idea where she should start, he could be anywhere by now. She had thought about visiting the ruins of Arlathan and search the Fade there for any memories. But that would take her close to Tevinter, and she wanted to stay far away from that place. Not to mention, it would likely take her years to sift through all the memories lingering there.

No, she had decided to try her luck at the Temple of Mythal. Though the forests of the Arbor Wilds had returned to hide their secrets. The few expeditions sent by the Orlesian University had failed to find the Temple or didn't return at all. She hoped that she would have more success.

Even if she couldn't find the Temple itself, she knew she would be able to find spirits living there. She planned to ask them for information and help to guide her. At the very least she hoped to find more information about Fen'Harel.

Two years had passed, and she wasn't one step closer to the truth. What she learned so far was confusing. Before she met Solas, she already knew that many memories cursed his name. The memories accused him of being responsible that the Evanuris disappeared and the fall of the Elvhenan. The legends told that he tricked the gods and the Forgotten Ones with his cunning. That he betrayed their trust and sealed both of them away so they could never walk again among the People.

She also knew that after the Evanuris vanished, Solas' people had been persecuted and killed. It could be the reason why all the legends that remained tell only about his trickery and betrayal. But what had really happened? She knew he had chosen a path that didn't sit well with Falon'Din. Something happened that made Solas turn against the other Evanuris? She knew he wouldn't do something without a cause. At least that was what she hoped.

Eirlana exhaled in frustration. She needed more answers, and it made her anxious to go and reach the Temple of Mythal. But first, she needed to slip away from the Inquisition. She knew it was risky, but she was sure she could count on Varric, Dorian and Rosie to help her. Once she had escaped, she needed to hide and disappear. Though it would be difficult to travel on her own.

Reaching the Wilds from the Winter Palace was a long and dangerous journey. She had to travel alone through a country that didn't like elves nor mages. But she would have some support at least among the elves living in the alienages. She had made many friends there during her visits, and they were used to hiding people.

“It is time to return.” One of the templars approached her.

Closing her eyes in frustration, Eirlana stood up. Glancing again at her daughter's grave, she walked back to Skyhold. She couldn't wait to escape from here.

.

[black-emporium-exchange]

Return of the Pinch Hits

Hello nuglets! We have three (count ‘em, THREE) new pinch hits that need a new home. Can you help out? EDIT: ALL CLAIMED!!

Pinch Hit #1  CLAIMED

Female Hawke/Isabela/Merrill, Fanart, Fanfiction 

Zevran Arainai/Fenris, Fanart, Fanfiction

Male Hawke/Varric Tethras, Fanart, Fanfiction

Isabela/Josephine Montilyet, Fanart, Fanfiction

Female Brosca/Sten, Fanart, Fanfiction

Cassandra Pentaghast/Leliana, Fanart, Fanfiction

Pinch Hit #2 CLAIMED

Male Hawke/Varric Tethras, Fanart, Fanfiction

Gerav/Varric Tethras, Fanfiction

Maevaris Tilani/Vivienne, Fanfiction

Female Hawke/Original Abusive Templars, Fanart, Fanfiction

Female Hawke/Original Qunari Character(s), Fanart, Fanfiction 

Anora Mac Tir/Female Aeducan, Fanfiction

Dorian Pavus/Fenris, Fanfiction

Anders/Morrigan, Fanfiction

Thorold Tethras/Maevaris Tilani, Fanart, Fanfiction 

Pinch Hit #3  CLAIMED

Female Amell/Leliana, Leliana/Female Surana, Fanfiction 

Female Adaar/Lace Harding, Fanart, Fanfiction 

Aveline Vallen/Isabela, Fanart, Fanfiction 

Female Trevelyan/Leliana, Female Lavellan/Leliana, Fanfiction 

Cassandra Pentaghast/Leliana, Fanfiction 

Lace Harding/Josephine Montilyet, Fanart, Fanfiction 

Cassandra Pentaghast/Female Trevelyan, Female Lavellan/Cassandra Pentaghast, Fanart, Fanfiction

Additional details below the cut.

Pinch Hit #1

Letter: n/a

REQUEST 1: Female Hawke/Isabela/Merrill | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Fluff only, please! I'd love to see them having a fun time at the Hanged Man!

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

REQUEST 2: Zevran Arainai/Fenris | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

No smut, please! I want to see happy Fenris! I'm a big fan of domestic! AUs :)

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

REQUEST 3: Male Hawke/Varric Tethras | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Happy with angst or fluff, but would love a happy ending! Something many years post-fade? Or some flirting spawned from Varric's stories?

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

REQUEST 4: Isabela/Josephine Montilyet | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Fluff, please! I have a feeling Is/Josephine might not get along... at first, that is ;) aka, give me that Slow Burn.

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

REQUEST 5: Female Brosca/Sten | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

No smut, please! Love fluff, angst, slow burns, and mutual respect. And happy endings!

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

REQUEST 6: Cassandra Pentaghast/Leliana | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Prompt: Varric's stories lead to Cass/Lel showing their goofy romantic sides!

No rape mention or incest please! As for DA-specific things: please don't have Hawke/Fen/Varric agree w/ Anders or have romance w/ him. In fact, if you want to pretend like Anders doesn't exist, that's ideal for me! Please no slavery/slavery AUs, torture, or abusive relationships of any kind, especially when writing Fenris! Also, please no Fenris pining for Hawke - if they aren't endgame, that is. And sexy!Merrill is Not My Thing.

Pinch Hit #2

Letter: http://kmfillz.dreamwidth.org/2017/09/25/

REQUEST 1: Male Hawke/Varric Tethras | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

* Fic

Any trope, any rating. Pining, angst, humor, smut, h/c, huddling for warmth, bed sharing, undercover as a couple, undercover as master/slave, marriage of convenience, sex pollen, fuck or die, bets, drinking games...

DNW: established relationship, Varric rivalry, unhappy or bittersweet endings, poly, futurefic, vilifying Bianca Davri, AUs (except Modern Thedas), 2nd person POV.

* Art

Any style, any rating, as long as it's unambiguously shippy. Fluff, humor, smut all welcome. In smutty art, prefer if Varric tops.

DNW: AUs, anything sad.

REQUEST 2: Gerav/Varric Tethras | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

There's more to this story than Varric told Leliana.

Could take place pre-Bianca Davri, post-Bianca Davri, or as part of a Bianca Davri/Gerav/Varric OT3.

DNW: AUs, infidelity, vilifying Bianca Davri, 2nd person POV.

REQUEST 3: Maevaris Tilani/Vivienne | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

What happens when two powerful women from different societies who have fought their way to the top despite detractors meet? Verbal sparring in the Winter Palace? Magical sparring in the courtyards of Skyhold? Flirting at the spa? Sex on the Sunburst Throne?

DNW transphobia, dysphoria or mourning as major story elements. DNW 2nd person POV or main character death.

REQUEST 4: Female Hawke/Original Abusive Templars, Female Hawke/Original Qunari Character(s) | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Noncon smut, please.

* Apostate Hawke (or a Hawke who has been concealing her apostate sister) has finally been caught red-handed by the Templars, and they are making an example of her. (Templars of either or both genders welcome. Named Templar characters welcome.)

* When Hawke fails to turn over the Tome/Isabela, the Arishok sentences her to an unusual punishment.

DNW 2nd person POV. DNW snuff, maiming, or Tranquillity. Default Hawke preferred.

REQUEST 5: Anora Mac Tir/Female Aeducan | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

I can imagine dozens of different angles on this pairing, and I like them all. Aeducan could be shrewd or gullible, kindhearted or cut-throat, honest or two-faced, stern or soft-spoken, etc., etc. However you interpret this pairing, I'm more interested in how the relationship or rendezvous began than in observing an already established relationship.

A few ideas:

- Perhaps Aeducan admires Queen Anora's deviousness, as a former cut-throat noble herself, and together they form an unstoppable team that turns romantic.

- Perhaps Aeducan has persuaded the Queen that marriage to the sister of the King of Orzammar would be more useful than marrying someone who could sire an heir.

- Perhaps Anora shows up at Fort Drakon herself to rescue the Warden -- or to taunt her.

- Perhaps Queen Anora vacations in Amaranthine, to the delight (or dismay) of the Warden-Commander.

- Perhaps Alistair sits on the throne, and Aeducan visits the defeated former queen in prison.

- Perhaps Alistair was supposed to be sole king but died fighting the archdemon, and now Aeducan has to work with the woman she previously helped dethrone.

DNW 2nd person POV, poly, or main character death. Noncon is OK.

REQUEST 6: Dorian Pavus/Fenris | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

There is no way these two would trust each other the first time they met. They are both prickly as fuck and proud, and Dorian is just about everything Fenris hates. They both ran away from abuse in Tevinter, but Dorian has a very different and much rosier view of his home country, to say the least.

If they can get past that initial dislike of each other, I think they'd get along splendidly, but getting past first impressions and early missteps would be no small hurdle. I am all about watching them navigate that thorny maze.

DNW: 2nd person POV, asexual headcanons, infidelity, unhappy endings.

REQUEST 7: Anders/Morrigan | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

I'd love to see these two arrogant mages trying to one-up each other over who can be more bitter about their crappy upbringing.

There are a number of different ways they could meet. For example, Anders bumping into a fellow acquaintance of the Warden when she's passing through Kirkwall, Morrigan finding a bedraggled fugitive in Orlais, and so on.

DNW 2nd person POV.

REQUEST 8: Thorold Tethras/Maevaris Tilani | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

The magister and the dwarf. We don't know a lot about Mae, let alone about her dwarven husband (was his last name even Tethras? Was he exiled to the surface after Andvar's crime, or was he a member of Ambassadoria in good standing?). How did they meet? How did they fall in love? What was a day in their life together like?

DNW transphobia, dysphoria or mourning as major story elements. DNW 2nd person POV.

Pinch Hit #3

Letter: n/a

REQUEST 1: Female Amell/Leliana, Leliana/Female Surana | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Any Warden is good! I'd love something of Leliana trying to deal with the Warden's realization she has to sacrifice herself to kill the Archdemon. Can be in-canon or extend post-canon; Warden can survive or not. Maybe the outcome has an impact on the person Leliana evolves into after DA:O? That said, absolutely any and all Leliana character development stuff is welcome -- maybe focusing on how she evolves away from the person who was taken in by Marjolaine, or the person who took refuge in that Lothering Chantry, or how she deals with being in Ferelden and reconciles that with how she remembers her Ferelden mother.

REQUEST 2: Female Adaar/Lace Harding | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Tag says it all. Write me the romance Harding should've had with the Inquisitor, make size a thing. Sex or romance or both, sex welcome but not necessary, no non-con or dubcon please. If you want more inspo, for some reason I've got this thing about the Deep Roads -- maybe Adaar takes Harding for all she's worth against those cold stone walls and Harding is sure glad she's a surface dwarf but her ancestors would've been proud, or something.

REQUEST 3: Aveline Vallen/Isabela | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

I'd love filthy, throwdown sex for this. Ideally a gradual seduction where Aveline is highly stubborn, shooting down every pass Isabela makes, but Isabela catches her blushing at something she says and slowly chips away at her resolve until Isabela's eating her out on her Captain's desk, or something. I'm not actually particular on how you end it but slowly take Aveline's figurative armor off with flirtation, please.

REQUEST 4: Female Trevelyan/Leliana, Female Lavellan/Leliana | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Man, I was so disappointed when Leliana wasn't romancable in DA:I. Any Inquisitor is fine. Make Leliana hardened or not -- I just really love Leliana, and exploring her character is really the most important thing here. An interesting idea is to investigate how the Inquisitor's remembrance of Leliana's torture in the "a year in the future" flash-forward, if you side with the mages, affects Inq's relationship with her. Does she tell Leliana about it? Does she keep it a secret but still think of it? Another option: how do Leliana and Inq deal with distance while she's always out and about and Leliana's stuck at Skyhold?

REQUEST 5: Cassandra Pentaghast/Leliana | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

I love love love the idea that these two got reeeeally close as the left and right hands of the Divine. Whether they slept together once in a fit of passion and never spoke of it for years; whether one blamed the other for the Divine's death or for not protecting her; whether sexual tension merely boiled under the surface for years upon years and they never spoke of it until one furious argument in the Inquisition years and the dam finally broke. Some sex would be ideal but okay to hand-wave it! Some plot and background to facilitate pining, please. I just want that burning passion and their belief and faith and desire to serve to undercurrent the whole thing. No noncon.

REQUEST 6: Lace Harding/Josephine Montilyet | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

This can kind of be anything! I love Josephine deeply and Harding just as much, I bet they're both frustrated at how they're constantly running around and exchange letters constantly updating each other on gossip and so forth. It can evolve into a romance over time, or it can be smutty, but a bit of plot as well please -- getting to know each other and so on. No dubcon or non-con please. Art can be anything.

REQUEST 7: Cassandra Pentaghast/Female Trevelyan, Female Lavellan/Cassandra Pentaghast | Fanart | Fanfiction

PROMPT:

Any Inq will do! A plotty pining fic would be beyond welcome, but so would something focused on smut. A bit of plot to facilitate the pining preferred. Bonus for focusing on Cassandra's pining, especially while they're on the road or in a meeting, but Inq pining is good too. Bringing Cassandra's pride over her sense of discipline into it is good too. No dubcon or non-con please. For art, blushing Cassandra would be really cool.