#seeasunset:vasco

[dalishborne]

ships moodboard for funsies (@seeasunset)

vasco & revenelan

[dalishborne]

"Seven! What an auspicious year for the little one," Revenelan beamed, her heart soaring at the thought of celebrating such a sweet thing. "What have you got planned so far? How can I help? Say the word and I will have it done, we will make today absolutely perfect for them."

❝One of my cats is having a birthday party. Gonna be seven today.❞

[dalishborne]

“  i don’t wanna get up.  ” (Doesn't have to apply to the meme <3)

Morning After Starters (Selectively Accepting!)

Revenelan chuckled softly as her fingers gently threaded through Vasco’s hair, cradling him against her chest beneath his bed sheets. His bed, always his bed; though her clan had caught wind of the burgeoning connection between her and the sea-captain, she wasn’t ready for the torrent of questions and curiosities that would follow the revelation of their bond. Revenelan and Vasco could only steal fleeting moments together, their responsibilities pulling them in opposite directions for weeks. She wished to stretch these stolen seconds, uninterrupted and devoted solely to him.

They lingered in this embrace, a tangled web of limbs, silently basking in each other’s warmth, slipping in and out of sleep to the comforting thrum of their beating hearts. Revenelan looked down with a tender gaze, her lips curling into a content smile. From her view, all she could see of Vasco was the top of his head against her, his cheek pressed to her blackened chest. The covers were snug under his strong arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close as if she might slip away at any moment. Yet, Revenelan had no intention of leaving; she wished instead to meld into his very being, to be closer to Vasco than the depths of his own soul.

But how foolish to entertain such a love, destined to end. Revenelan stilled, her face falling. That venomous voice had returned, breathing life into the murky doubts that tainted the edges of her bliss. He is of the sea, and I am of the land. When all is said and done, would it be right to anchor him from the waters he calls home? Would he even wish to remain? Revenelan knew she was bound to the life she was born into, the role she was destined for. She could never leave her clan for such selfish desires; and Vasco...

Revenelan swallowed thickly, her head tilting to observe her lover's face, grateful that he had chosen to rest his eyes, shielding him from her doubt. She studied him—the chiseled edge of his strong jaw, the soft curve of his lips adorned by the unique vallaslin of his sea-faring tribe. She traced the straight bridge of his nose to his low brow, gingerly following the blueish tattoos that adorned his face. The reality of her dark thoughts settled in, that her time with Vasco would likely, inevitably end all too soon.

She tightened her arms around Vasco, burying her nose in the crown of his dark hair, inhaling his familiar scent of sea salt and earth.

“Let’s not, then,” Revenelan murmured into his hair, planting a kiss before she continued. “Let us stay here, close our eyes, and pretend that time has stopped around us. Just a little longer.”

[dalishborne]

CONTINUED

@seeasunset

❝Well,❞ Vasco started. Gloved hands gently moving the item. Rather, a book. Ancient even. The leather cover ready to fall apart at any second, alongside the paperthin pages. He held it up. Just enough for it to be seen. ❝I was wondering what this book is. I don't want to open it up exactly and unleash whatever monstrous entity lay within without knowing beforehand.❞ If there is any demon ready to be unleashed. One can never know if these types of stuff can or not.

"What?" Revenelan exclaimed in concern as she glanced around to make sure their conversation didn't attract the unwanted attention of Inquisition soldiers, many of whom could be former Templars. "Are you sure it is possessed? Gods be merciful, Vasco, you can't just go walking around with a possessed book like it's a souvenir!" While Vasco clearly handled the book with as much care as he was capable, Revenelan could not help but draw from the wisdom of her former Keepers, that enchanted tomes often help more than what meets the eye. From what little Revenelan could see, it was clear by the worn, chipped engravings that this book hinted at the extraordinary nature of the book. Her head began to pulse faintly, not an ache, but undoubtedly a reaction to the strange, ebbing energy the emanated from it. Revenelan chewed on the inside of her cheek, considering the tome with a mix of wariness and intrigue, then looked up at Vasco.

"So, you want me to handle maybe-unleashing a maybe-monstrous entity, in the heart of the Inquisition?" Revenelan narrowed her eyes at the elf. "What's the catch? Why are you so interested in this book, anyway?"

[dalishborne]

❝ My apologies if I have given offense. ❞

Stormborn: Part One (Accepting!)

The bite of Vasco's banter must have been clear on her face. When he apologized, Revenelan met his gaze with a flicker of surprise, then shot him an easy smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Bah, you're fine," Revenelan shrugged, forcing a chuckle as she waved her hand in dismissal of his concern. "I'll just cry myself to sleep tonight, that's all."

Despite Revenelan's attempts to mask her hurt and salvage their usual witty verve, it felt as if the air thickened with stilted tension. She absentmindedly toyed with a loose string in her tunic, her fingers betraying a nervous energy.

"I should get going, in any case," Revenalan said, quickly patting down her pockets and dagger-sheaths. When she was sure she had all her equipment on her, she turned on her heel. "See you around, Vasco; dareth shiral!"

[dalishborne]

it's honestly nothing. i can deal with it myself.

Assorted Dialogue for Patching Up Wounds (Accepting!)

"I know, it'll take more than a nibble to keep you down," Revenelan monitored the serrated puncture wounds as they slowly faded beneath the faint green glow of her palm. It was difficult to keep a steady hand with the sway of the Nauts' ship, but for the most part, the wound seemed to heal evenly through her magic. "But how about you give yourself a break while I patch you up?"

Revenelan's demeanor was shockingly gentle. She couldn't help but think about the razor's edge of the serpent's teeth, a flash of white before it lodged into Vasco's arm. Revenelan had hit the deck, the glowing green tome she had been sent to telepathically extract from the sea, clutched to her chest; confronted with the fine line between life and loss. Her usual banter faded, replaced by a silent acknowledgment of Vasco's bravery, a debt that words alone couldn't repay.

When the wound sealed as much as it would, Revenelan grabbed a wet cloth and gingerly cleaned off the streaks of dry blood around the scabs, careful to mind the tender and bruised skin.

"Can't be the first time you've been bit by a sea-snake, right?" She chuckled softly. "You must do this sort of thing all the time."

[dalishborne]

❝Are you doing anything for, eh, Valentine's day?❞ The usual calm and steady tone Vasco always held isn't presented. Instead, there's a softer tone to it. Almost a nervous tone as well. As if he is embarrassed to ask such questions. (Cyberpunk time <3)

Oh? The corners of Revie's lips curled in amusement, silently noting the uncharacteristic hint of uncertainty in Vasco's voice. It wasn't often that he let his guard down to allow for even a sliver of vulnerability, not even when she had him strapped to her examination chair, tapped into his interface and digging through the nooks and crannies of his networks. The man was as cool as a Cryo-chip, which only served to ignite a spark of intrigue when Revenelan suspected something akin to interest on Vasco's part. Her stomach did a little flip at the thought.

"Ah, I'm not sure," Revenelan shrugged, electing to keep her tone casual. A cold, blue light cast on her features from the tablet she deftly typed on, supported mid-air by an adjustable tripod clamped to the stand of a softly beeping heart monitor.

"Might be here, might not. The clinic's usually open for Valentine's specials and walk-ins; we've got some pretty gorgeous Bio Connection Implants that are all the rage with couples right now, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get busy. But, beyond that, probably just spending time at home with my cats. Half-priced chocolate and horror movies, just like the last four Valentine's." A sheepish chuckle followed; saying it out loud made Revenelan realize how sad her life must sound, but she was being honest. It was hard enough to find good people to date in Night City, let alone friends that weren't all too willing to sell you out for a stack of eddies. Especially as a Ripperdoc, Revenelan's had too many encounters with people who thought a decent date or mediocre sex was a fair exchange for free cyberware. It got old, fast, and Revenelan found much more fulfillment in the company of her cats than wasting her time on Corpo wannabes and grifty Fixers.

"My romantic life isn't particularly riveting at the moment," She added wryly, swinging the tablet around to Vasco. The screen displayed what looked like a receipt; a small list of services on the left, with prices on the right. Below, a cost subtotal of enough eddies to cause a stroke shone on top of a grand total of: zero. A note on the underneath wrote: Comped – Bestie Discount. :) A blank square at the bottom left of the screen awaited Vasco's fingerprint.

"What about you?" Revenelan asked, masking her apparent interest beneath a relaxed, easygoing demeanour. "Got anything special planned?"

[dalishborne]

a kiss on the brow (<3 If you want to do so!)

LET REVIE KITH U (Accepting!)

The scent of sand and salt permeated the air, thickened by the summer sun's warmth. Revenelan observed from the sidelines as the skilled Nauts' crew maneuvered on and off their moored ship, preparing for the Inquisitor's journey to the Northeastern lands. Her attention was often drawn to Vasco, noting with curiosity how effortlessly he assumed the role of Captain among the Nauts—a sight she rarely witnessed. Before long, a crew member announced the ship's readiness to depart, and the assembled group cleared the way for the Inquisitor's boarding. Catching Vasco's eye, Revenelan approached him with a familiar smile.

"The sea is your realm, just as the forests are mine, I understand. But would you carry this with you, if only to bring solace to my heart?" With a delicate touch, she placed a small bundle into Vasco's hand—a necklace of white wooden beads, entwined with a pendant crafted from a piece of Halla horn. Each bead bore Elvhen inscriptions, forming a prayer meant to accompany the wearer.

"May Mythal watch over your journey always, lethallin," Revenelan softly cradled Vasco's face, rising on her toes to bestow a gentle kiss upon his brow. "I expect countless tales upon your return!"

[dalishborne]

❝C'mon now, the Nauts are having a firework show. I'll figured I'll show you it once it happens while we are here celebrating the new year.❞

“Ooooh, that sounds remarkably fun,” Revenlan’s eyes sparkled wistfully. Then, she chewed on her bottom lip after a thoughtful moment, a troubled look on her face. “Is the show soon? We’ve been terribly overloaded at the infirmary, I’m worried that I might be too busy to attend.”

[dalishborne]

CLOSED STARTER

@seeasunset

The damp undergrowth squelched beneath Revenelan’s mud-spattered boots, the fresh scent of yesterday’s rain elevating the earthy aroma of the woodlands. At long last, Revenelan traversed beneath the boughs that had bore her; the leafy paths of the Dales, lush with flourishing trees of oak and birch, welcomed her home. 

Gratitude warmed her heart as her feet guided her through once-familiar paths, only to be replaced by a knot of sorrow and anger as evidence of the Red Templars’ corruption became more frequent. The vibrant, ancient trees that had witnessed generations now succumbed to the insidious touch of Red Lyrium. Their roots, once strong and nourished, now decayed, mirroring the corruption that spread through the land.

The sight of Red Lyrium, the jagged crystals protruding from the ground like a blight on the earth, it made Revenelan’s skin crawl. Each crystal pulsed with a malevolent energy, turning sacred places into haunting reminders of a tragic fall. It only strengthened her resolve to assist the Inquisition in mapping out safe-spots for their future outposts; and she couldn’t be more glad to do so with a friend by her side.

“Hey,” Revenelan put a hand on Vasco’s arm to draw his attention. Her gaze was set on the glimpse of a crumbling stone arch, only just concealed by the swaying branches of orange-and-green leaves ahead. The smooth head of an ancient statue peeked beneath it. Revenelan smiled, her eyes shone with a glint of hope.

“That arch there, it’s a tribute site to Mythal. I can’t see the whole thing, but it seems that it still yet stands unscathed. Shall we go together and say a prayer? All of this corruption...” Revenelan let her thought trail off, before turning to meet Vasco's gaze with a simple shrug. "We could use a break. I bet your sea-faring feet are ready to fall clean off your ankles after all this walking."

[dalishborne]

"What's rattling around up there?"

"Rats," Revenelan replied simply, never lifting her head from her lukewarm lunch. "They're in the ceiling. All the ceilings, I've heard. Mind your head and watch your stew; these creatures have a nasty habit of dropping from above."

As if on cue, a loud thud followed by a series of shouts echoed from a few tables away. Revenelan wordlessly shifted her bowl an inch closer, making way for the skittering rodent that zipped down the length of the long, shared wooden table, knocking over bowls and pints until it leapt and disappeared out the door. The air filled with the hum of disapproving grumbles and complaints directed at the owner of the Herald's Rest. Revenelan, however, savored another spoonful before casting a glance at Vasco and then his food. "Are you going to eat your bread?"

[dalishborne]

that must have taken you years to perfect.

Revenelan couldn't help but light up in a mix of wonder and pride as she blew the perfect sequence of smokey O's into the evening air, watching them descend until they were wisps in the moonlight.

"Those weren't so bad, weren't they?" Revenelan grinned, tapping out the ash from the bowl of her wooden pipe. "Gods be my witness, years is an understatement. I used to spend ages puffing away just to be like my late Keeper. He could conjure the most intricate, wild shapes out of smoke, but I swear he was using just a touch of magic. He denied it every time. Me? I spent countless nights trying to sculpt more than just clumsy puffs. It felt like wrestling with the air itself, trying to weave stories in the smoke."

Revenelan chuckled softly to herself, reveling in the warm and bittersweet nostalgia that lingered for a moment. Then, she offered the intricately carved pipe to her companion, giving him an encouraging look.

"Care to give it a shot, lethallin?"

[dalishborne]

For a brief moment, Revenelan’s eyebrows rose at the ease of Vasco’s response. She wondered, didn’t everyone look forward to seeing fireworks? The mere thought made her chest bloom with warmth as she recalled fond memories of her youth. The cold winter nights she spent huddled in wool blankets with her friends, the clan camped just far enough from human cities that they could witness the bright lights that flowered into the night sky, like daisies dotting a dark meadow. It was a childish dream of hers to see them up close one day, a dream she had long abandoned with the demands of a hard, nomadic life. Yet, Vasco's invitation reignited something within her; an expectant thrill from the place in her heart where a younger Revenelan still lived.

"That should give me a good few hours to work with. I may be able to ask Sister Elodie to cover me for a while, but I suspect I would have to return afterward," Revenelan nodded, brightened by the anticipation of the Nauts' event. It felt even more special to be invited by a friend, Vasco in particular; perhaps that added an extra spark to her excitement.

"Should I meet you somewhere, when I am done?"

{Continuing from (x) for: @dalishborne}

❖

❝Fun? You think so?❞ Perhaps so, given it'll be similar to stargazing. In this case, it'll be watching colorful fireworks exploding in the skies. The various of shapes, even if it is limited. Maybe to an outsider's perspective, Vasco could see why people enjoy it. As someone who has to do it - setting up the fireworks and making sure it lights up properly - Vasco gotten used to it.

Even then, he didn't mind bringing people to see such shows. The more, the merrier. Plus, with how many people he has met outside the Nauts and it had a lasting bond beyond than professional means, he might as well extend the invitation.

❝It'll be tonight. The darker it is, the more you can see it. So, you have plenty of time to do what you got to do. I hope.❞

[dalishborne]

"Gods, why stop there? Throw some Darkspawn into the mix and then it sounds like a party." Revenelan added, her light-hearted quips a mask for her unease. For all the years she had grown in the wilderness, a jump-scare in the dark, no matter the assailant, was one thing she could never get used to. Only this moment was made worse by the darkened, swaying tree branches that looked like clawed hands from the corners of her eye, and the crumbling ruins weaving through, too perfect to be caught unawares.

Still, Revenelan steeled herself with measured breaths and keen eyes. She held her lantern out, and kept a wisp of fire ready at her fingertips, should they defend themselves.

"Someone back at camp mentioned a nearby lake. She spoke of an ominous aura, but I'm not entirely sure." Revenelan continued, answering Vasco's initial question. "I don't know if they were reffering waterborne monsters, which I know little about, and haven't heard of in these parts. All I know is that I don't need more reasons to hate water than I already do."

Hardy Winds with: @dalishborne

Reading:

"A lot of people are afraid to come here at night."

❖

❝And why is that? Bandits? Thieves? Wild animals? Perhaps there's some kind of demonic being here?❞

The list of why people are afraid to come here spoken into the air. Vasco could continue to list things off, but decided against it. Instead, his haze swept over the area. Despite the light from both the lanterns and the moonlight, some areas held darker shadows, though nothing against the dark vision he seemed to share with many of the elves of Thedas. Searching and trying to pick out the danger. Even without the words ringing through the air, he'll still be wary.

[dalishborne]

Creators be blessed, he really needs to stop talking now. This feeling clawed at Revenelan. The lump in her throat was a cracking dam, Revenelan’s wavering last defence against a flood of heavy, ugly emotions. Her chest felt tight, the tension thin and taut. Her composure threatened to burst at the seams, and Vasco’s kindness only served to pick at the fraying threads. Gritting her teeth, Revenelan silently plucked dried Elfroot leaves, adding them to the small heap in her mortar and pestle — a feeble attempt to hold back the urge to spill her worries until she felt like a deflated sack of nothingness. But she couldn’t. Clan matters stayed within the Clan, even when the hurt felt like death.

“Gods, I don’t deserve you,” Revenelan sniffled and wiped her pinkish nose with the back of her hand, blinking up at the ceiling to quash those little tears that threatened to spill over. Being found like this was embarrassing enough, she didn’t need to burden Vasco with her tearful woes.

For a moment, she continued to harvest her dried herbs. Then, as she began to grind the leaves into the bowl of her mortar, she swallowed thickly, and decided on her desired distraction.

“I've always wondered about your Vallaslin—” Revenelan paused to look up at Vasco with still-glassy eyes, and pointed at her chin, “—there. It’s different than any I have ever seen. Could you tell me about that?"

Hardy winds with: @dalishborne

Reading:

"i know you're just being nice."

❖

❝There's more to this than just being nice, y'know. You're a friend of mine and I am more than happy to help you out in any way I can. Even if it means sitting here in silence and keepin' you company.❞ Sure, it is awkward to sit in silence without filling it with some kind of conversations of some sort. He's not good with silence and comforting. But if it is necessary, it shall be done. He's more used to people talking to him about their issues and him giving the best advice that he could offer.

❝Is there anything else I can help you out? Make you some food? Make some tea? Maybe you want to be distracted and keep your mind off of things at the moment.❞

[dalishborne]

"Ooooh, serannas!" Revenlan's face lit up, accepting the bread with a gleeful look, and promptly ripped off a piece of the hard crust to dip into her cooling stew. She chewed it slowly, savouring it as if it were of the finest Orlesian cuisine, the savoury flavours setting off fireworks in her mouth. What was a mediocre meal to most made Revenelan wonder when she last had a meal with so many vegetables. She thanked Mythal in a silent prayer before savouring another bite.

"I bet you could earn yourself a fancy title, if you did; or maybe a medal and some land if you killed them all," Revenelan remarked mildly, wiping her mouth with a kerchief, only barely masking the way her lips quirked.

"Would you whip out a flute and charm them with a quirky tune?" She started to giggle, "Vasco, the Pied Piper of Skyhold?"

{Continuing from (x) for: @dalishborne }

❖

❝Rats? I can handle them if you want me to. In a harmless manner that is.❞ Vasco's gaze swept upwards at the ceiling, eyeing the small holes. The same ones that rats could easily climb through or fall through when moving about. Then, his gaze landed back on the lunch before him. Not the worst he has eaten, but regardless, he still managed to take a few bites.

How exactly could he handle the rats isn't something he will elaborate on. Not yet. Although the two may have gain each other's trust, there's still time to build upon the base and build towards the friendship.

❝No, you can take it.❞ And just like that Vasco moved the bread forward to Revenelan.