#rook guinevere vynhalsyne

[rom-e-o]

Idk what sort of plants are Dragon Age, but I'd say these are candidates for the Memorial Gardens as well as Em's own personal garden.

Ohhh, I absolutely love the vibe of these for the Memorial Gardens! Rich, deep colors and a mix of both foliage and flowers too!

That Superstition Iris feels especially like it belongs in the series as-is, haha. Also, the Wee Bit Grumpy variety is absolutely adorable!

Lots of fun symbolic bouquets could be done with this lovely selection. 🥹

Emmrich surprising G’iney with a bouquet of Dark Dimensions and Wee Bit Grumpy after a fight they have. The attached note in beautiful script reads, “Life is pure darkness, and not the enchanting kind, without you. If I may ask your forgiveness, will you join me for dinner in the gardens tonight? EV”

[quill-pen]

Soooo, you know that part where Rook and Emmrich argue before the final battle, and the game gives you those three options to pick from? And EACH ONE still results in a fight?

Which on do you see G’iney choosing, if she had to? Because I get three totally different vibes from each, and I’m curious which one she’d default to.

Ooh, this was a hard one because the argument is just so... nothing. Barest of bare bones. (No offense, Manfred.) And awkward. And I can only really imagine Guinevere and Emmrich getting much deeper into it than the game seems to let you, with much more passion, raised voices, feelings and worries shouted, etc, probably ultimately ending in some form of affectionate touch, whether or not they actually really come to an agreement at the end.

Ex. Guinevere stopped at the corner and turned to look back towards the dejected necromancer, leaning wearily against his desk. Her heart thrummed with a sudden ache that dampened the annoyance she felt at his stubbornness. What he had said to her was aggravating... but it didn't feel right to leave things like this. She didn't want him reading too much into it. And honestly, neither did she. Turning on her heel, the young mage came back to the man. She reached out to take one of his large, elegant hands in her dainty one and pulled it to wrap his arm around her waist. She moved into embrace him. Instinctively, Emmrich brought his other arm around to encircle her as well. Guinevere reached up to cup his jaw in a palm and draw him closer down to her height. Moving up on tiptoe, she touched her lips to his ever so tenderly. A quiet moan sighed from her lungs as he indulged the contact, nudging deeper into the kiss to embrace her lips with his own. Despite what lay before them, there was no hurry, no haste. All there was at that moment were two devoted lovers enveloped in a soft, sweet exchange. When they finally parted, they remained close, brows touching, noses brushing together as they gazed deeply into the other's eyes. "Emmrich," Guinevere breathed after a moment, stroking his cheekbone with her thumb, "I'm not giving up so easily. On anything." A spark of hope that seemed to have gone out of Emmrich's eyes during their argument glimmered to life again deep within his hazel depths as he picked up on her meaning. His hold on her tightened gently, pulling her still closer. "Then neither shall I," he murmured sincerely, "my darling Rook." And he angled his mouth against hers for another gentle kiss that she eagerly obliged.

That said, you asked if she HAD to choose what the game offered. It would probably be the "I mean something to you!" option. That feels most like her out of the three. The first option kind of shoves Emmrich's insecurity in his face, and I don't ever see G'iney doing that, as she hates to have that done to her. And the last option feels just a bit too cheeky for her, especially considering the topics of love and someone being in love with her. But her kind of teasing him about being able to say he cares about her but not go all the way to say he loves her feels mostly in line with her. "You know, it'd take a lot less time to say "I love you" than "I care for you deeply" and mean the same thing, Mr. Always-chooses-his-words-carefully."

[rom-e-o]

Since we've already kind of mentioned it: Imagine Emmrich dealing with [probable] Wifey getting outside attention. And, likely, unwanted attention. At least for Guinevere's case, apart from the Lecher, I can definitely see some of Em's students trying to flirt with her, both in terms of grades and genuine interest. And some of the bolder ones (*cough* Van Markham! *cough*) taking it so far as to actually harass her. Stupid college frat boys, ya know. Also, stupid college frat boys who, on top of that, are entitled elites, because, with a name like "Van Markam" you know he's likely and blue blood.

Ooooh, this is delish. Okay, so, I can absolutely see Wifey getting attention. It's inevitable, like you said. Unfortunately, I can also see her getting unwanted attention as well.

The unfortunate thing about working around lots of students, especially university-age students and older, is that you're going to catch a lot of flirtatious remarks, and a lot of clumsy attempts to sway attention. Guinevere is going to have to suffer through some VERY awkward remarks from some very inexperienced students, AND some more lecherous ones from the more insistent crowd. Like, of course, Van Markham.

I can see him stopping G'iney in the hall by throwing his arm up, causing her to scatter her armful of papers. A little Gaston-esque in his audacity.

Of course, he swiftly offers his assistance (all while trying to peek down her blouse). "So, Guinevere - can I call you that? Ms. Vynhalsyne sounds so sterile. And ... I do notice the 'Ms.' part. Can't help it."

If she tries to escape, he's not above grabbing her wrist. "Listen, I've got a joust this weekend, and I have a seat in my pulpit. I think a jewel of a woman like you is worthy of such a setting." He's got ties to royal families, does she know that? He's got connections to King Markus too, does she know that? He's VERY handsome, and way more muscular than that professor she hangs onto, does she know that? Did she catch the part about him jousting? He's also got great endurance, he points out, over and over. More Guinevere is about to be EXHAUSTED of this man.

And he follows her around, not taking no for an answer. I imagine it gets back enough that Emmrich eventually starts walking with her after each class.

"You don't have to--"

"Yes, I do."

If Van Markham gets too close, Emmrich will pivot around in a heartbeat. "Excuse me, young man. Is there something I can assist you with? You're rather close on our heels. It must be a matter of the utmost importance."

He talks down to this boy with more pose and grace than most royalty in the kingdom, and he does so as a former peasant. You know that gets under this glory-boy's skin, for this moldering professor of common birth to be schooling him.

"I wish to speak to Guinevere, professor," he says, "This is a matter for those among noble birth to discuss."

"So a tactless assassination ploy, garish accounts of horse-breeding, or waxing poetic about a summerhome?" he asks in amusement, which earns a blush from the other man. How DARE he parse his existance down like that?!

"Regardless," Emmrich continues, "Since Ms. Vynhalsyne has been rushing to ignore you, I believe she has other ways of occupying her time in mind. I suppose I'm not surprised her disinterest has gone over your head. I've suffered through your latest thesis - most things do."

As for Belisma, she does have admirers from her days in the ballet. People who would try to ask for her hand - lots of nobles who would love her fine dancer blood for an illegitimate child or two. That interest went away after her exile - now she's untouchable filth to nobles, haha. But as she slowly gets back into dancing outside the royal ballet, civilians start to enjoy her works, and there are many love letters that end up in her possession.

I don't think any are as creepy as the Lecher or Van Markham, but she does get some concerning notes.

"'I dream of your body moving with swan-feather grace as a take you from my balcony and to my bed' - oh, no thank you," Belisma says as she puts it into a nearby waste basket. She's perched upon Emmrich's desk, making a show of refusing their letters. He watches, smirking and captivated.

"Manfred, would you like these as kindling for your fire magic practice?" she finally asks once the basket is full.

"Yeeesss!"

"Wonderful! Just don't read them, okay? Just set them on fire."

"Okay!"

Emmrich chuckles and pulls her from the surface of the desk and into his lap as Manfred saunters out. "Well, that will keep him occupied for a few hours. You have made his night, dear."

"And ours," she purrs, hooking a finger in the front of his waistcoat. "If the mood moves you."

With her, it always does.

[rom-e-o]

Sssooooo... do you keep it canon that Belisma can't swim? Because, even if she's not technically in the universe... Guinevere absolutely cannot.😂 She's terrified of any body of water she can't see the bottom of and wade in. Anything bigger and deeper than a shallow swimming pool gives her a panic attack.

And, no, I didn't really base this on the meme. I kinda decided it before all the memes started crossing my fyp.😅

OH YES. Belisma absolutely cannot swim, haha.

You would think she could with her dancer athleticism, but Nevarra isn't exactly filled with pools, fountains, rivers, or oceans to practice in. There's really nowhere TO swim, unlike places like Rivain (mostly oceanside beaches) or southern territories in Ferelden like the Hinterlands/Redcliffe (where Harding grew up).

So, as a result, she never learned. Put Isma on land, and she's as graceful as a swan. In water, she's like a concrete weight. She keeps this a secret, of course. Why bring it up?

However, this DOES mean that there is absolutely a point where Belisma falls into a lake after missing a jump. The team expresses sympathy ("Ough, that's gonna be uncomfortable for the rest of our trip back to camp..."), but when she doesn't resurface, Emmrich is the first to go in after him.

He, a former country boy, DID learn how to swim. And does it well.

Cue the others watching in peril as Emmrich shucks off his coat and dives in after her. Moments later, he pops up with a limp Isma in his arms, and effortlessly swims to shore.

Once she's on land, he's quick to roll her on her back and provide mouth-to-mouth. It's not long before she sputters up water and is wheezing, color slowly returning to her as Emmrich her back and coaxes her through the heaving. He's soaked to the bone, hair and clothes a mess, but he doesn't care.

That night, after they've made camp, I definitely see her calling to him from outside his tent. He opens the flap, and sees her dressed in his extra shirt, and extra pair of pants from Bellara, and wearing Manfred's boots (which also used to be Emmrich's, he notes with amusement) with her hair down and unbraided.

"I never thanked you," she said timidly as she stood awkwardly on the other side of his tent's threshold. "I'm so, so sorry for before. I should have been more careful."

Emmrich, who had only poked his head out at first, emerged fully from the tent to better speak to her. "Rook, dear, you have nothing to apologize for!"

"I put you in danger," she said. "The currents were strong, Emmrich."

"Only marginally."

"Still, if you hadn't dove in after me ..."

"Well, I certainly wasn't going to let you drown! I only apologize I didn't dive in sooner. I thought you would have known ... that is ... em ..."

She nodded shamefully. The woman had no real excuse for not knowing how to swim, especially at her 35 years of age.

"W-Well," Emmrich floundered, searching his mind for a way to make her feel better. He finally landed on, "It was a lovely excuse to settle down and make camp. Perfect for making tea and winding down."

Accentuating his point, he was donned only in his dressing gown, undershirt and spare trousers. The rest of his clothes were drying by the fire. Unlike some of his more rugged companions, he always brought a few extra sets of clothes. A gentleman had to always look his best, and one never knew when a teammate might need an extra top (or silk scarf, or two). His only other clean shirt was on her, though he couldn't help but notice that she wore it very well. The collar was open at the neck, and he could just barely make out the swell of her breasts beneath the fabric. It was also quite large on her petite frame. She practically swam in the sea of bone-yellow fabric, and the tails went to her mid-thigh. Something red-blooded and primal in him appreciated the vision she made in that moment.

"Emmrich?"

He cleared his throat thickly, and glanced back upward. "Ah, apologies. Like I was saying, Isma, please don't worry. Could you just promise me that you'll be a bit more careful around water? Perhaps we look for more direct paths instead of trying for shortcuts?"

"Okay," she said, her tone disbelieving. Was she ... relieved that he wasn't angry at her? "Y-Yes, that sounds perfect. I was trying to save time, but it's not worth getting hurt for. I'll remember to take things slower next time."

"Wonderful."

"And thank you! Um, again."

With a playful sigh, he accepted her thanks with a gracious nod. "Well, you are more than welcome. Perhaps swimming lessons are in order?"

The idea was acknowledged with a promising hum. "If we keep ending up in places like this ... maybe. Taash could teach me, I bet. Or ... "

"I'd be delighted!" Emmrich said, picking up the thread of conversation right where she'd dropped it. "I've been teaching Manfred as well! You can join our classes."

"Really? I-I ... would love that! If you don't mind the company, that is."

"Yours? Never."

Ah, so Guinevere is in the same boat? Our poor girls, haha. BUUUT, honestly, not being able to swim allows for so many good scenarios.

Imagine Emmrich diving in to save Guinevere if she falls? Like, if her and her ritzy family are taking a boat ride and she falls in during some chaos after two boat captains decided it would be good to race each other. Emmrich dives in afterward to rescue her, knowing she can't swim. That would be difficult, since they'd likely also be in more formal attire, and he'd need to catch up to a boat. But he would do it, and look positively dashing as he climbed the boat ladder with her in his arm, holding her to his chest.

Once they're back, he commands the whole crowd with a calm but authoritative urgency.

"I need blankets and a kettle of warm water! Someone please get her some dry clothes as well! Come on, Guinevere. I'll get you to your room."

He's a paragon of a man, through and through.

[quill-pen]

@rom-e-o Little Ms. Guinevere was definitely a jock in her boarding school days. Field hockey, cheer club, cross country, archery, skiing, fencing, soccer(football--whatever), basketball, gymnastics for a while, martial arts, etc. She also did lots of the more academic extracurriculars (and sewing--she started a sewing/fashion club,). All to avoid having to spend so much extra time with her grandparents after school and on weekends. Because if she wasn't spending her time "well-rounding" herself, she would've had to go spend time with them to prevent her "wasting time". So girl just literally latched on to everything she could to spend as little time as possible with the old windbags.😅 But also, she did genuinely enjoy most of the activities she was involved in, whether she was particularly good at some of them or not.

She might have done sports at university but her grandparents were insistent that now was the time to only focus on her studies and nothing else. And, as we know, they are not to be denied. At least, not without significant consequences.

But that's also another huge reason behind her insecurities and why she feels so remorseful when Emmrich sees old pictures of her; she does not look like that kickass girl anymore, without even considering just the natural passage of time. In those pictures, she looks healthy, strong, muscular, normal, beautiful. She's glowing, she has her real hair, even her butt looks great and like something substantial (and she's never had much junk in the trunk to begin with). She's confident, has no fear, looks like she can do anything--take the world by storm.

And then sickness hit her and that badass young woman... is just gone. The diseases eat her away, murder her, and bury her. The prevent Emmrich from meeting that amazing girl. They prevent him from having the love of that amazing girl, who was so much more worthy of him.

Now, he's just stuck with... Guinevere. Post-diagnosis Guinevere. Sick Guinevere. Unworthy Guinevere. Defective Guinevere. The pathetic, useless husk of who she used to be.

And all she can do is cry and apologize: "I'm so sorry you have to be stuck with a worthless shell when she's the one you deserve."