#siobhan and sebastian are friends and he's in love with her and she loves him just not the same way

[inquisimer]

After she loses her lover to the Nightmare, Siobhan Hawke seeks solace from the Prince of Starkhaven.

tags/rating/word count under the cut

Rating: Teen & Up Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Word Count: 2511 (complete)

Fandoms: Dragon Age II, Dragon Age (Video Games)

Relationships: Female Hawke/Sebastian Vael, Female Hawke & Sebastian Vael

Characters: Siobhan Hawke, Sebastian Vael

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Grief/Mourning, past Female Hawke/Loghain Mac Tir, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Dragon Age: Inquisition Quest - Here Lies the Abyss, Warden Loghain Mac Tir, Prince of Starkhaven Sebastian Vael, Viscountess Hawke, Platonic Romance, Unrequited Romantic Love, Political Marriage

DAFF tag list: @warpedlegacy | @rakshadow | @rosella-writes | @effelants | @bluewren | @breninarthur | @ar-lath-ma-cully | @dreadfutures | @theluckywizard | @nirikeehan | @oxygenforthewicked | @exalted-dawn-drabbles | @blarrghe | @agentkatie

[morelikeravenbore]

💕Positivity prime time! Share five things you love about yourself, four things you're excited about, OR three people you care deeply about and why. Pass this along to someone whose posts make you smile💕

CA-CAW BISH 💙

CA-CAW BINCH! 💙

Thank you for sending this, ya cutie! I didn't feel like writing about myself so I uh did this instead 👉👈 hehe I hope it spreads some positivity regardless.

Silly drabble, 600~ words.

Sebastian smoothed the sheet of parchment over the desk and reviewed his work with a small nod of satisfaction. Curfew was near, and the library was deathly silent save for the near-constant stream of dark mutterings coming from the girl beside him. Aurélie, for all her beauty, humour, and charm, was a force to be reckoned with when she was in a bad mood, and after an entire day of being grumbled, glared and snapped at, Sebastian was quite ready to put a stop to it. 

'Right,' he said decisively, squinting at his untidy scrawl. 'Are you ready?' 

'No.'

'First question —' 

'I still don't understand how this is going to help!' 

Not for the first time in his life, Sebastian thanked whatever higher power had given him a twin sister and thus a lifetime of experience dealing with the wildly shifting moods of girls: Anne was certainly a  formidable foe when she was upset, but even the volatile temper of a Sallow paled in comparison to that of a French girl when she woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

Still, vast experience notwithstanding, he exhaled a deep, slow breath before calmly explaining, for the third time in a row, ‘It's called practising gratitude. It's supposed to help you shift your mood so you feel better.'

'Fine,' Aurélie pouted, slumping lower in her chair. 'Ask the stupid questions.'

‘First,’ he began, referring to the list of prompts he'd compiled. 'List five things you love about yourself.' 

'Five?' she shrieked, bolting upright as if he'd just assigned her a twelve inch essay on the history of flobberworms. 'Pass. Next.'

'We'll come back to that one, then, shall we?' he said through his teeth. 'Share four things you're excited about.'

'Going to bed,' she muttered. 

Sebastian scribbled it down. 'And?' 

'That's it.'

Unwilling to concede defeat until he at least drew out a single, tiny, begrudging smile from her, he went on. 'Next question. Three people you love deeply.'

'Shoes.'

'Shoes are not people, Aura.'

'Shoes are a girl's best friend.'

'That's diamonds!' 

'Those, too. Write that down.'

'Alright.' With mounting frustration, he added "shoes" and "diamonds" to the list of people she loved. 'Who else? Real people, Aura.'

'Celeste,' she offered, leaning forward to watch him write her best friend's name on the list. 

'And? Come on, you might play the part of World’s Most Aloof Ravenclaw, but I know for a fact you love more than just one person…' 

'Hmm, Poppy. And Esme! And Jean, and Siobhan. And Lory, Cordelia, Tessa, Rosalie, Gibby, Allegra. Ummm...' She paused to catch her breath while Sebastian's quill flew across the parchment, struggling to keep up. 'Johanna, Calypso, Matty, Eleanor, Ariane, Winter, Alyn. Oh, and Artemis, and Lydia! And Violet and Pearl, and Eloise, both of them —' 

When finally she found herself out of names, Sebastian reviewed the long list with a bemused expression. ‘All these friends and you can't think of a single nice thing to say about yourself. Anyway —’ He shook his head and turned to look at her, ‘— you're missing someone.'

'Oh?' she frowned, critically eyeing the list of names. ‘No, I don't think so.’

'Mhm. A certain charming, good-looking, highly intelligent, freckled someone.'

'Oh!' She smacked her palm to her forehead. 'You're right! Garreth Weasley.'

Sebastian nearly choked on his tongue. 'I'm not writing Garreth fucking Weasley under "people you love deeply"', he refused, throwing his quill down. 

'Oh, but he's so friendly.'

‘No,’ he said flatly. 

‘Alright, alright, grum-py. How about this?’ With an impish grin, she picked up his quill and, in a long, elegant script, wrote “Sebastian Sallow” across the top of the parchment. 

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. ‘You couldn't have put me first?’ he grumbled.

‘I could've,’ she replied, smiling for the first time that day. ‘But it's much more fun making you jealous.’

🦋 Featuring my loves and some of Aura's AU besties: @sallowsangel @sallowslove @sloanesallow @lorriiraine @2centniffler @gingerlegacy07 @mianeryh @galaxiasgreen @lyworth @ravenwind-75 @dwightschrute11 @girl-named-matty @endless-starlight-legacy @yoshitsuno @moonstruckmoony @ps-cactus @polarisgreenley @esolean @vienguinn @myokk @thesuperiorfeeling

[sloanesallow]

a letter home

I was inspired to write this after answering this ask 💛✨ Short and sweet, implied (eventual) Sebastian x FMC

September, 1980

Dearest Papa, 

First I must apologize for the delay in my letter and secondly, for any grief the owl gives you upon her arrival. Her name is Ophelia and if she hasn’t already helped herself to the tin of biscuits in the kitchen, you will need to placate her with licorice. A boy—friend— classmate offered the use of his owl until I am able to train my own. 

I know I promised to write as soon as I arrived at Hogwarts, but the journey—I won’t lie to you—I’ve been having a difficult time adjusting. Almost all the students here have grown up with magic and have known about the wizarding world their entire lives. It’s supposed to be natural, and despite Professor Fig’s confidence in my abilities, my magic is anything but.  

I am trying—trying to find my place and purpose and not feel so guilty for leaving you alone on the farm. I miss home, I miss you, and most days I wake up terrified of the magic I can supposedly wield—but I can hear you right now telling me that you (and Mama) did not raise me to give up so easily. 

I know you will worry about me, regardless of what I write in a letter, but I thought to add a little bit of positivity, so you can worry less. I have made an unexpected friend—her name is Poppy and besides being my roommate, she has been keeping me company, so the days aren’t as lonely. You’d like her.  

There is—someone else. A boy. Sebastian is—strange—nice. He escorted me to Hogsmeade. We share a few classes and he has been generous enough to offer his help with tutoring me when Professor Fig is unavailable. He is knowledgeable—though he isn’t very good with plants (Herbology)—the only subject I am any good at. Sebastian calls it a fair trade. You’d like him, too.    

I promise to write again, soon. Promise me you’ll be well, and eat a proper meal—whiskey is not a balanced breakfast, Papa.

With all my love, 

Siobhan 

PS: Ophelia bites. 

[wrongcog]

Hey hi! How about 12,17,20 for Siobhan?👀🍿

12) did your mc open the repository? why or why not?

So Siobhan herself didn’t do anything with it, as she’s not the ancient magic wielder! During the battle of the respiratory, she fought along side Courtney Brookson ( @courtneyb22 )and her Uncle Professor Fig, but was separated from them when the bridge Professor Weasley placed collapsed: so she stuck with the teachers and fought Goblins while Courtney dealt with the repository (which she left sealed!)

And then Siobhan’s uncle tragically died, everyone’s hearts broke and there’s a slow motion montage living rent free in my head of Professor Sharp holding her back while she screamed and tried to save him.

17) did your mc turn in sebastian? why or why not?

No Sebastian remained a free boy!

Siobhan was loyal to her friends throughout, she understood why Sebastian was doing what he was, she liked the sallow twins, and she though Anne was funny. She certainly had to question her loyalty’s at some point; but by the time Solomon was killed, she had only recently lost Fig, she couldn’t bare to loose Sebastian as well.

20) does your mc have a favourite spell? if so, what is it and why do they like it the most?

Siobhan loves prank spells, but makes sure never to cross into things that would cause destress (think the slug vomiting jinx!)

I think her favorites would beeee “Rictumsempra” (the tickling charm!) or “Melfors Jinx” (encasing people’s heads in pumpkins!)

But make no mistake, Siobhan makes sure whoever she pranks gets a fair shot back at her, and that their both left laughing at the end!

Thank you so much for the ask! 💛

[journeyintotheshelves]

Tuesday’s Treats is a weekly blog post dedicated to newly released books that I’m most excited for. (Books are in no particular order.)

All books featured this week will be released: APR. 24th

1. Leah on the Offbeat: Becky Albertalli (goodreads) (book depository)

When I first read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, I immediately connected to Leah; I loved her attitude, her humor, her everything. And now she has her own book, and I cannot be more excited. I don’t even know fully what this book about — though I’m stoked for the bisexual rep — but I have a feeling I’m going to love this book, and it’s definitely not one to miss, even if you haven’t read Simon.

YA Contemporary Fiction, LGBT+; Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, Hardcover (US)

2. Ash Princess (Ash Princess Trilogy: 1): Laura Sebastian (goodreads) (book depository)

Theodosia was six when her whole world turned upside down; when her mother was murdered in front of her by the Kaiser and took their kingdom for his own. Now sixteen, Theo is known as the Ash Princess and is paraded around court and abused as a trophy. She’s spent the past ten years just trying to survive, but when the Kaiser forces her to do something unthinkable, just surviving isn’t an option anymore. Theo realizes that she can’t be the Ash Princesses forever, she must become the Queen her mother was, the Queen she was always destined to be.

YA Fantasy; Delacorte Books/Random House, Hardcover (US)

3. From the Earth to the Shadows (Valkyrie: 2): Amanda Hocking (goodreads) (book depository)

After the massive cliffhanger at the end of Between the Blade and the Heart, I’ve been itching to read the sequel, From the Earth to the Shadows. With it’s fascinating and creative urban fantasy world weaved with mythologies, focusing on Norse mythology, Hocking’s latest duo logy is immersive, action-packed, and full of heart.

YA Fantasy; Wednesday Books/Macmillan, Paperback (US)

4. Sky in the Deep: Adrienne Young (goodreads) (book depository)

Eelyn was raised as a warrior, and now she fights alongside her Aska clansmen against their ancient rivals, the Riki clan, for survival. But when she sees her brother on the other side of the battlefield, fighting with the enemy, even though she watched him die five years ago. Now she has to trust her brother’s friend, Fiske, who doesn’t trust her, in order to survive the legendary clan that is rising and threatens everyone’s lives, no matter the clan.

This book is giving me such Wonder Woman vibes for some reason, and I’m living for it. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

YA Fantasy; Wednesday Book/Macmillan, Hardcover (US)

5. Stay Sweet: Siobhan Vivian (goodreads) (book depository)

What started out as an way to cheer up Molly Meade’s friends while the boys were away at war in 1944, Meade Creamery has become a cornerstone of summer life in Sand Lake. Since then, the ice cream stand has been run only by local girls, and this year is Amelia’s time to shine. But when Molly passes away before Amelia’s first day in charge, she isn’t sure the stand can go on without Molly. But when Molly’s grandnephew Grady arrives and asks Amelia to stay and keep the stand going, she has to say yes — even if he has some changes in mind.

YA Contemporary Fiction; Simon & Schuster, Hardcover (US)

[inquisimer]

six song soundtrack

@shivunin tagged me to make a character soundtrack, thank you friend!!

If you're tagged, make a new post with links to music and/or lyrics describing the following: 1. An event that defines your character's past 2. How your character sees themselves 3. How others view them 4. Their closest relationship (platonic or romantic) 5. A major fight scene 6. End credits song

For Siobhan Hawke:

This City by Sam Fischer

Hard to Kill by Beth Crowley

W.I.T.C.H. by Annapantsu

Happy by MARINA

Hell or High Water by The Rescues

All the King's Horses by Karmina

tagging forward to: @rosella-writes | @pickelda | @dungeons-and-dragon-age | @exalted-dawn-drabbles | @queenaeducan

thoughts & rambling under the cut :3

An event that defines Siobhan's past: This City by Sam Fischer

this city's gonna break my heart this city's gonna love me then leave me alone this city's got me chasin' stars it's been a couple months since I felt like I'm home this city's gonna break my heart

Since a lot of Siobhan's story, for me, focuses on the later acts and post-DA2, I chose a song that speaks to her arrival in Kirkwall as an event that defines her past. When they get to Kirkwall, she's still desperately trying to fill Malcolm's empty shoes for their family - now without the context that she saw her dad in, and having just lost Bethany. She's a little bit lost, trying very hard not to let on that she's lost, and suddenly she and Kirkwall need each other. That purpose takes away a lot of her uncertainty and she seizes on it.

How Siobhan sees herself: Hard to Kill by Beth Crowley

I belong to the city and was raised on the stakes I claimed so I let the rumors turn me into a legend 'cause I'm only human but a good myth is hard to kill

So much of Siobhan's identity is tied to being the Champion, and later the Viscountess. She stops seeing herself as separate from Kirkwall--the city would not survive without her, and she needs it just the same (both figuratively and literally). This one also touches on her quest for power and control: she knows that she'll never be safe unless she's untouchable, so she sets out from the start to become a person who can pull all the strings in Kirkwall, and succeeds. In doing so, she comes to care so deeply about the city that her plan loops back on itself, and even after she's safe, she seeks out the favors her mythology offers to make the city better.

How others view Siobhan: W.I.T.C.H. by Annapantsu

she ain't out to get you, but she's better on your side and she don't wanna be anybody else she's a woman in total control of herself it's such a wonder to be under her spell what a woman in total control of herself

Very few people (none, for many years in Kirkwall) can perceive anything about Siobhan that she doesn't want them to. And what she wants them to see is someone in control, someone who knows what she's doing, where she's going, and how she's going to get there. Because she needs them to believe that, to give her the access and tools she needs to actually make it happen. It's a delicate balance, but she's very charismatic and politic and persuasive. It isn't until Act III that her closer friends (Sebastian & Fenris) start to see cracks and after not until after Anders' destruction of the Chantry that it slips fully. Only long enough for her to kill him, and then it's back in place for her to fix what he broke, but it slips long enough to be seen, which is more than she let it slide for the ten years before.

Her closest relationship - Siobhan/Loghain: Happy by MARINA

it made me feel like I belonged and all the sadness inside me melted away like I was free I found what I'd been looking for in myself Found a life worth living for someone else

Oh boy. Yeah, I turned this one over a LOT before settling here. Siobhan's relationship with Loghain is one of mirrors--they are on the same journey, just a few decades apart. He loved Ferelden so much that he sold his soul to hold it together (it wasn't enough) and she loved Kirkwall so much that holding it together tore her apart (it wasn't enough). He was forced to leave the country he loved for its own good, and she was eventually forced to leave Kirkwall for the same. They have regrets upon regrets and the same "I have to keep going. For something, but I have to keep going" resignation about continuing after they failed their respective regions. After Anders' actions at the Chantry and taking over as Viscountess, Siobhan is in a dark place: because of what she let happen and how much blood and fire it took to restore balance. And what it's going to cost to fix it. That Loghain comes back into her life at that point is key, because he sees in her the man he was at the end of Tabris' sword and he knows how to hold her through picking up those pieces. In working together over that first year, they each find someone who can understand the insurmountable pain and regret of what they've done--it will never go away, but they can hold each other on the days that it sits heavier on their hearts. They understand each other in this way, in the way that almost no other possibly could. And they are each needed, not for what they can do but for who they are, a rare experience for each of them.

A major fight scene: Hell or High Water by The Rescues

we are running out of time meet me at the water line no one here is safe - when the river's running red and we begin to falter we'll hang on to the edge come hell or high water

Since it was a fight song, I picked this one at least partially for the rhythm and beat, which slaps. I'm really sad that it got taken down off Spotify😭 beyond that, "no one here is safe" speaks to Siobhan's constantly looking over her shoulder, covering her ass, making sure she's considered every angle so that nothing can take her by surprise. Likewise, "we'll hang on to the edge, come hell or high water"--Siobhan is virtually unflappable in most situations; she's adaptable, and cunning and she will make things work for her. Essentially this post: she is so fucking hinged. She will not be unhinged, as long as her life and the life of those she loves depends on her staying hinged.

End credits song: All the King's Horses by Karmina

caught in the thought of that time when everything was fine, everything was mine - blind, but I'm still alive free to go back on my own but is it still a home, when you're all alone? all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put me back together again

Of course, Siobhan loses Loghain when he sacrifices himself to take the Nightmare down in the Fade. She loses him to her mistake, when she was ready to pay for that error. Loses him, in fact, against the Inquisitor's wishes--Trevelyan was going to send Hawke against the demon and Loghain intervenes. And she is so broken by this. It utterly shatters the confidence and charisma and poise that was the core of her forever. For one, shining moment, she has a Kirkwall that is whole & thriving, she has a lover who knows her at her side, there are no imminent threats.

And then it all comes crashing down.

After the Fade and the Inquisition, she can't go back to Kirkwall, because she's not the same person who was their Champion and she can't stand the ghost of Loghain that lives there now. It breaks her heart doubly, because she wants nothing more than the comfort of her city--but it hurts just as much, now.

She gets resolution, a different happy ending with Sebastian, and the title of this song is a nod to that. The Prince of Starkhaven can't heal her or put her back together, as much as he wants to. In her grief, she has to process and choose to keep living, for herself.

[sloanesallow]

invisible string

Five years after their graduation from Hogwarts, Ominis travels to Siobhan Sloane’s home in Nottingham for an overdue visit. Having suppressed his feelings for her for years, the encounter causes chaos in his heart. And then, to his everlasting surprise, Siobhan says, “please take me to bed.” Who is he to deny her?

Ominis Gaunt x f!MC  Tags: Sexual Content

read on Ao3 | read on wattpad parts of this story have AI generated voice overs on TikTok @ siobhan_sloane

 August, 1898

Dearest Ominis,

I would be delighted to have you visit my home. It has been far too long. 

Your ever-patient friend, S. Sloane

Ominis read over the letter with his wand again and again as the carriage trotted along, finding humor in its brevity and warmth in its tone. Sloane— Siobhan , as he insisted on calling her—was right, it had been several months since he visited her last, and it was hard not to hate himself for it. Long gone were the school days in which they spent most of their time together, usually up to no good with their mutual friend Sebastian Sallow. It had been five years since their graduation from Hogwarts, and despite the assurances they’d stay close friends, fate had other plans. 

Sebastian had initially— surprisingly —accepted a professor’s position at the school, taking over for a retired Hecat in Defense Against the Dark Arts. After his sister Anne made a miraculous recovery, the two moved to America, and the last anyone heard from them they were gallivanting across the land, simply enjoying life. Siobhan was still living in her childhood home just outside Nottingham, devoting her time to magical research and muggle-wizard relations. As for Ominis, he’d accepted an Auror’s position with the Ministry of Magic, much to the chagrin of his family. Despite his estrangement, the harassment continued, his family sending letters threatening the severance of his inheritance if he didn’t accept one of the many unfavorable marriage contracts they’d drafted. He tossed all Gaunt correspondence to the fire. 

When he learned his new assignment would be taking him to Leicester, the first person he thought of was Siobhan, and sent an owl to inform her he’d be in the area. He’d be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t hoping for an invitation, struggling to remember the last time he saw her— figuratively . It had been Christmastime, the previous year, a somber affair with it being so shortly after her father’s death. His final wish, she’d said, was to see his only daughter married and happy, a promise she intended to keep. Ever since, the emotions he thought he’d quelled years ago resurfaced, plaguing his mind. Siobhan would soon be wed, and he’d have to put his lofty dreams of pursuing her romantically to bed for good. The visit would ache and soothe his heart all the same. 

Since she technically lived amongst the muggles in the countryside, he took care to transfigure his wand into a walking cane—a disguise he’d relied upon now for years while working for the Ministry. It was not as precise, but he could still easily get around without too much scrutiny by the common-folk. He had barely exited the carriage, paying the driver with what he hoped was the appropriate amount of muggle money, when he heard her boots along the cobblestone, rushing down the path to greet him. 

“Ominis!” He expected her excited demeanor, but did not anticipate the way her arms wrapped around his neck, the force of her hug nearly toppling them to the ground. He steadied himself, reaching his free hand around her back as he returned the embrace. It wasn’t that he had an aversion to physical affection, he just found it strange when people, especially Siobhan, wanted to touch him. If he had it his way, he’d stay wrapped up in her warmth forever. 

“Merlin’s beard, have you gotten even taller ?” He was sure he hadn’t, but Siobhan loved to tease him about it ever since he spouted up in seventh year, towering over her and Sebastian both. She was looking up at him, that much he could safely assume, and he angled his chin down to flash her a smirk. 

“Perhaps you’ve gotten shorter , my dear,” he teased, chuckling when she playfully pinched the back of his neck in mock offense. 

“Come along, the supper is almost ready,” she pulled away, and he followed closely behind. 

Once they were inside the cottage, he took stock of the surrounding environment, checking if anything had changed since he’d last been there. He touched the back of a settee, dragging his fingers along the wool of a blanket that had been there last winter. Siobhan had draped it over him when he fell asleep before the fireplace. It was empty now, unused due to the summer heat, but based on the sound of chickens in the garden and a slight breeze, she had opened the windows. 

“Sebastian sent me a lovely bottle of whiskey for my birthday,” her voice called from the kitchen a few paces away. Ominis frowned to himself—all he’d sent was his well wishes in a letter. “All the way from New York City, though, I’m not sure how it’ll taste with the duck.” 

Annoyance prickled his spine—he didn’t want to talk about Sallow. He had long moved past the turmoil the boy had put them through during their school years, but still did not enjoy it when he was the focus of conversation. “Might we stick to wine?” 

Siobhan hummed in thought, oblivious to his short-lived displeasure. “Good idea.”

Ominis made his way to the table, disappearing his cane to the magical ether in which the rest of his travel belongings were temporarily stored. He followed her movements around the space as best he could, listening as she set the table and poured the wine. He wished he could be of more assistance, but then again, Siobhan enjoyed being able to dote on and serve her guests. 

“This smells delightful,” he complimented, waiting until he was sure she’d taken a first bite before lifting his silverware. “Tastes wonderful, too.” 

“Thank you,” she replied. “It all came from the garden, and the local butcher gives me a discount.” 

Pleasantries aside, he struggled to think of a topic for casual conversation. There was so much he wanted to ask her, so much he wanted to say, but was unsure of where to start. Would she consider moving to London so he could visit her everyday? No , that was too forward, and assuming. She’d never leave the place where she grew up. What if he agreed to move to Nottingham? He had little experience with farm animals, but was willing to learn. Even if he had to smell like sheep everyday, and chop wood with an actual axe. 

Siobhan broke the silence for him, in an unexpected manner. “He proposed we get married.” 

Ominis nearly choked on his wine, snapping his hand to his mouth to wipe the spittle from his chin. “What— who proposed?” 

“The butcher, Mr. Nelson,” she explained, rather casually. He was truly at a loss for words, staring in her direction with a flabbergasted expression. Where did this come from? She sighed. “You disapprove.”

He scoffed, “I was unaware my opinion would be so valued when it came to potential suitors of yours.” 

“ Of course I want to know what you think,” she started. “He might be thirty years my senior, and already grey in the beard, but I suppose you could call him handsome. Oh, and he’s missing at least three fingers, lost to a mislaid cleaver. But he has a successful business, and is rather friendly with all the old bitties around town. How does Mrs. Siobhan Nelson sound?” 

He was going to be sick. “You can’t be serious.” “Definitely not,” she snickered. It suddenly dawned on him that she was having a laugh at his expense. Her laughter grew, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sound, despite his slight embarrassment. “The look on your face, Ominis.” 

“Please tell me the fifty-year old butcher didn’t really ask for your hand,” as preposterous as it sounded, and unlikely as it seemed, he still couldn’t bear the thought of her agreeing to be a butcher’s wife. 

“No,” she said. “But my options do seem to be dwindling. My father is rolling in his grave.” 

Ominis supplied his own joke, “Have you considered sending for Leander ? I hear Prewett is still a bachelor. A very successful one at that.” 

“And you aren’t?” 

Touche . Though, he would never suggest she marry him . At least not outside his fantasies. In reality, even if by some miracle she felt any romantic love for him, it could never work. His family would never allow it. A muggleborn? He was ashamed of what other, more unforgivable terms they would call her, terrified of the potential physical harm they could cause. 

She pulled him from the darkness again, a cheerful giggle lighting his senses. “Could you imagine ? Me and Leander ? Our poor children.” 

What a horrid thought. 

The rest of the meal was spent reminiscing and laughing about their past adventures and mishaps, catching up on what they’d been up to as of late. Ominis told her about his recent promotion with the Ministry, and Siobhan shared the details of her latest research on the curative properties of mallowseet leaves. As the conversation settled, he swallowed the last of the wine from his cup, licking the tart flavor from his lips. It was getting late, judging by the increased insect activity outside. His nose twitched—it smelled like it might rain. Siobhan let out a contented sigh, and he wished he didn’t have to leave. 

“When are you expected in Leicester?” she asked, as if reading his mind. There was a solemn edge to her tone. 

“By tomorrow afternoon, at the latest.” 

“And here I’d gone through the trouble of setting up the guest room.” So hospitable—once a Hufflepuff, always a Hufflepuff. “Shouldn’t you enjoy a hearty breakfast before chasing down wayward wizards?” 

That did sound appealing. As much as he wanted to stay, his worry about her reputation held him back from agreeing. It wouldn’t be proper, in or outside muggle society, now that they were grown. A small voice in the back of his head wondered if he’d be able to resist further temptations. “And what will your neighbors think about you having an overnight guest?” 

“I’m an unwed woman who lives on her own,” she countered. “I’ve already been labeled a spinster, might as well add harlot to the list.” 

Ominis let out a hearty laugh, tossing his head back in amusement. He reached out, thankful to the ease in which he found her hand. “I’ve missed you, Siobhan.” 

If she was surprised by his honesty, she quickly recovered, flipping her palm up to squeeze his fingers. “And I, you.”

Ominis awoke to the sound of summer rain and the pad of soft footsteps in the hall. He continued to listen through the sleepy haze of his mind, confused when the pacing didn’t fade away. What was Siobhan doing awake? Was she simply using the facilities, or had a bout of insomnia taken over? He knew she was prone to nightmares, just as he was, and couldn’t help but feel worried. Curiosity finally got the better of him and he sat up, hesitating before he stood and somewhat clumsily made his way to the door, leaning against the frame as he tried to parse out what Siobhan was mumbling beneath her breath. 

“Is it morning already?” he asked, sarcastically. 

She let out a startled gasp. “ Oh! I’m so sorry, Ominis. I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“The rainstorm is the more likely culprit,” he replied. “And what is your excuse?”

“I was—” she cleared her throat. “Just…closing the windows. Wouldn’t want the rain to get everything wet, now would we?” 

A lie? Interesting . 

“Are you sure ?” he questioned. 

Siobhan said nothing at first, the nervous shuffle of her feet placing him within arms reach. “You have to promise not to tease me.” 

“I promise,” he agreed without knowing the terms. 

“I was trying to find the courage to either join you, or ask you to my bed.”

Oh. His heart lodged in his throat, an instant wave of warmth awakening the more male parts of his body. It was the last thing he expected her to say, the last thing he expected to occur that evening. Her tone allowed him to assume, but he needed clarity. 

“You’ll have to be more specific than that.”

“Ominis.” His name, so soft on her lips, alluding to so much more. Her hand laced with his own, and she stepped closer. “Please take me to bed.” 

Gladly . 

Ominis pulled her back into the room, allowing her to lead until they were standing at the foot of the bed. Siobhan, to his everlasting surprise, had made the first move, but he wouldn’t be outdone. He hooked his arm around her waist, pressing his hand flat against the small of her back and scooting her closer to his body. With his other hand he reached up to face, cupping her cheek within his palm. He traced the line of her jaw, stretching his slender fingers so they curled around her neck and threaded into her soft hair. Her bottom lip quivered as he pressed the pad of his thumb to her mouth, a puff of hot breath meeting his skin as he slowly dragged it down. 

“Ominis…” There was his name again, coming out like a desperate whisper, her body arching to chase his touch. “ Please .” 

It was too easy to taunt her, “please, what ?” 

Siobhan inhaled sharply, unable to stifle a whimper. “ Kiss me .”

Who was he to deny her? 

Ominis did as she asked, slowly at first, acclimating to the feel and fit of her lips against his own. It was better than he could have ever imagined—soft, warm, and perfect . He traced his tongue along the seam of her lips, swallowing her sigh as he licked into her mouth. Siobhan slid her hands around him, eagerly accepting his kisses, one clinging to the fabric of his sleepshirt, the other threading through his hair. He grazed his teeth along her bottom lip, breaking away for the slightest gulp of air before returning in a fervor, languid kisses giving way to pure passion. 

She tugged at his shirt collar, nimble fingers loosening the buttons until she could slide her hand inside, pressing her palm flat against the skin above his heart. He reached down to cup the back of her knee, lifting it to hook her leg around his waist as he pulled her tight to his body. She moaned into his mouth, repeating the noise when he rolled his hips, creating a delightful friction between their partially clothed bodies. His conscience seemed to catch up to him, and he titled his head away, swallowing hard as he caught his breath. It would be too easy to give into temptation and simply bed her, especially given her seemingly pliable state. But Ominis wouldn’t allow himself this pleasure if it didn’t have a deeper meaning, or a promise he’d be able to make love to her again and again, in perpetuity. 

“Siobhan,” as painful as it was to detangle himself from her, he needed to be sincere without the distraction of her soft skin. 

“Is something wrong?” 

“No,” he disliked the anxiety in her voice, as if he was about to come up with an excuse to leave her. “Not at all.” 

“I need to know,” he licked his lips, swallowed his pride, and bared his soul. “I love you, Siobhan. I have loved you for what feels like a lifetime already. If we are to continue, I need to know if you feel remotely the same. I can’t—I won’t— do this if it meant to occur only this once. I’ll always want more. Call me selfish, call it what you want, I will always want more .”

Siobhan was quiet, worrying him until she closed the gap between them again, kissing him sweetly and softly as if for the first time. 

“I do. Feel the same way, that is. I have loved you as long as I can remember,” she said, the words whispered against his lips. There was no doubt to what she was saying. “I love you, Ominis. Never doubt that. I will always love you.” 

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her to him tightly as he deepened the kiss, unable to respond in any other way. She loved him— he scarcely believed it, clinging to her as if she’d disappear if he let go. She responded in kind, quickly undoing the remaining buttons of his shirt before sliding it off, tossing it to the floor. They paused, if only for air, Siobhan sliding her hands across his shoulders and down his chest. He hoped she could feel the wild beat of his heart. 

“You’ve done this before,” she hushed, and he sensed her trepidation. He understood her meaning, guilt tugging at his heart.  

“I—” he sighed, nodding once. Better not to explain the circumstances. “Yes. Does that bother you?” 

“Does it bother you that I haven’t?” 

“Of course not,” he assured, caressing her shoulders to calm her nerves. “I am at your whim, darling. Whatever you desire, you need only ask.” 

“I want…” the rest of her sentence went unfinished. 

Ominis hummed, sure he could elicit a better response. Despite her naïveté, Siobhan was a confident woman—after all, she had been the one to initiate this situation. He brushed the wild hair from her face, leaning to whisper in against her ear. “You’ll have to speak up, my dear. Do you want me to… kiss you ?” 

He did just that, softly, placing another along the nape of her neck, kissing along the hem of her nightgown. He tugged at the sleeve until the skin of her shoulder was exposed, tracing his tongue along the dip of her collar. 

“Yes,” she finally breathed. Progress . 

He curled his hand around her waistline. “Do you want me to touch you ?” 

“Yes.” 

“Where?” He slowly slid his hand upwards until he tentatively cupped her breast. “Here?” 

Siobhan made an agreeable sound, repeating it when he brushed his thumb across her clothed nipple. Ominis pulled at her nightgown again, this time lowering the fabric completely until it pooled around her feet. He kissed her neck, surely leaving bruises in his wake, her rapid pulse beating against his lips. With both hands he explored her body, groaning at the silken softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. He palmed her breasts once more, this time arching down to lick and suck at her nipples until they were pointed peaks beneath his tongue.  

Ominis trailed one hand lower, squeezing at her hip before sliding his hand around to fondle her buttocks, grinning at the little squeak that escaped her throat. He could do better than that. Lifting her leg again, he pressed his fingers into the flesh of her thigh, scraping his blunt nails down and up as he inched closer to her centere. 

“Here?” he asked again, hissing at the wet warmth that greeted his fingertips. “I already know the answer.” 

He traced along her seam as she clung to him, crying out as he curled one finger inside. M erlin preserve him , she was so hot and wet already, his briefest of touches already causing her legs to spasm. He pressed his clothed erection to her hip, moaning as he thrust up to mimic his hand’s movements. 

His voice was hoarse, “do you want me to fuck you?” 

“ Yes .” If she was scandalized by his term, she didn’t show it, gasping when he removed his hand. 

“All in good time.” 

She dug her nails into his arm, whining. “If I knew you’d be this much of an insufferable tease, I’d have never asked.” 

“Admit it,” he laughed, finding joy in the way she yelped as he plucked her from the ground to place her on the mattress. He leaned back to shed the rest of his clothing before kneeling on the edge of the bed. “You love it.” 

There was something else she wanted to say, he could sense it as he loomed over her. Ominis relaxed his expression, hoping his advances hadn’t startled her. “Tell me.” 

“I wish—” she cut off, and he could only assume what she was going to say. “I wish you could see me, Ominis. The way I’m seeing you now. You’re beautiful . I—I can’t believe you’re here, with me. I feel like I’ve been dreaming about this forever .” 

“What I wouldn’t give to see you, Siobhan,” he sighed, allowing her to pull him to her so their lips could meet. He rested his forehead against hers, hating that magic couldn’t give him this one thing. “I want to see what your mouth looks like after I’ve kissed you breathless. I want to know the expressions you make as I enter you for the first time, and I want to see my name on your lips as you’re screaming in ecstasy.”

“ Oh …” was her breathy reply, and he smirked—he’d stunned her into silence. He adjusted her so she was propped against the pillows before sliding down her body, leaving open-mouthed kisses in his wake. 

“Now, open for me, my love,” he kissed below her bellybutton, shifting his body to lie along the mattress between her legs. “I want to taste you.” 

Siobhan complied, spreading her knees further apart to accommodate the width of his shoulders. His hands firmly grasped her thighs as he licked along the jut of her hipbone before pressing the flat of his tongue against her, sliding her open to sample the wetness he found there. Ominis refrained from immediately devouring her, overcome by the heady scent and her soft mewls of pleasure. 

He continued, maneuvering one of her legs so her knee was hooked around his shoulder, allowing him greater access. Slow measured strokes turned into faster ones, darting his tongue to her clit and sucking until she was screaming in blissful agony. 

“Oh, God !” 

He paused, murmuring against her sensitive flesh, “Tell me, is it God that is giving you pleasure, or me?” 

Siobhan’s shaky laugh dissolved into another moan as he advanced, lapping at her like a starved man. With a gasp for air he replaced his mouth with his hand, sliding two fingers through the slick gathered at her entrance before pushing inside. He could hear her fingers grasping desperately at the bedsheets as she cried out. 

“ Ominis !” 

So she could say his name afterall. He curled his fingers up in a come-hither motion, and Siobhan writhed beneath him, legs frantically swishing across the sheets as she fought her end. That wouldn’t do , he thought—he’d help her find that sweet release. 

He nuzzled the soft flesh of her inner thigh, mouthing the words against her skin. “Be a good girl, and come for me.” 

He moved his lips to her center again, circling her clit as he thrust his fingers deeper, coaxing her to just let go . Her hips lifted from the bed, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging to keep him close. With one shuddering moan, she collapsed, trembling as the ecstasy washed over her senses. He could’ve found his own release just then, pressing his strained arousal hard against the mattress in a vain attempt to stave off his pleasure. Removing himself from her, he rested his cheek against her hip, and listened to the way she struggled to catch her breath. He grinned, allowing himself to momentarily indulge in his own ego— he’d done that. 

“Ominis,” she beckoned, combing what he assumed was disheveled hair from his brow. He lazily made his way back up to her, meeting her lips in a breathless kiss. She sighed as he trailed away, kissing along her jaw to her ear, down the slope of her neck and back again. She smoothed her hands against his shoulders, nails gently scraping at his back, and he lowered his body, stopping when he heard her surprised gasp. 

“You understand, don’t you darling?” He gradually dragged his hips down against hers so she could feel the heat of his cock between their bodies. “I need you,” he whispered against the shell of her ear. “Say you’ll have me, Siobhan. Please .” 

Ominis hadn’t meant to sound so desperate, but that’s exactly what he was. A desperate, foolish man who’d wasted so many years not ravishing the woman he loved. He needed to make up for lost time, starting tonight. 

“ Yes ,” she sighed, arms circling around his middle to pull him closer still. “I’ll always have you, Ominis.” 

A promise. It was more than what he could’ve asked for. He shifted, bracing his weight on one arm as he reached down to grasp his length, reminding himself to go slow for her sake. He pressed against her entrance, clenching his jaw at the overwhelming tight heat that encompassed him. She tensed, and he curled himself around her, embracing her and murmuring words of encouragement until she relaxed, allowing him to slide forward until he was fully sheathed inside. 

Ominis could feel his whole body thrumming to the unsteady rhythm of his heart—or maybe it was Siobhan he was sensing. He refrained from cursing, “you feel… incredible .” 

He moved, gradually retreating before pushing forward again, mustering all the willpower he could to not spend himself right away. It needed to last— he needed to last. Ominis would’ve been content to keep the leisurely pace, listening to the way her soft sighs mixed with the rain, the slight creak of the bed echoing through the room. 

Siobhan surprised him, turning her face to press a kiss near his ear. “ More .” 

Ominis eagerly complied, grasping her waist tightly with one hand as he fully withdrew, capturing her wondrous gasp as he lunged forward. He found a steady but quick rhythm, and with every thrust she hushed incoherent words, sending silent prayers sent to God and Merlin and him . Siobhan clung to him, attempting to stifle her whimpering sounds as he moved back to hook her legs around his hips. He leaned back over her, the change in angle allowing him to reach deeper, her cunt pulsating around his cock—it was torture, sweet, euphoric torture . 

“None of that now, darling,” he hissed, finding her hand pressed to her mouth. He laced their fingers and pressed them into the pillows above her head. “Don’t be shy… tell me .” 

Her nails scratched down his back before grasping tightly at his hips. “Make me feel like I did before,” she sighed. “I want that—I want you .” 

He fucks into her, more than willing to give her what she wished. He always would, given the opportunity—he’d worship her until the end of time. Determined, he thrusts harder, faster until the friction makes it difficult to focus. She was falling apart in his arms, limbs trembling as she crested a new climax. Mixed breaths shorten into gasps, urgent pleads and sharp whispers of I love yous pushed him to meet her. His hips stuttered and as he clamped his mouth and teeth along her throat he snapped forward, practically growling as he spilled inside her welcoming heat. 

In the aftermath, Ominis struggled to regain his composure, barely able to keep his body lifted so he wouldn't crush her. Siobhan was breathing deeply, softly humming as she floated back down to earth. With his last remaining strength he pulled away from her, rolling to his side, pulling her close so her back was flush against his chest. They could clean up momentarily—perhaps enjoy a shared bath—but for now he wanted to bask in the afterglow.

Siobhan was snickering as she traced a finger along his arm. He gathered it, locking their hands together. “And just why are you giggling ? Not the kindest reaction for a man’s ego.” 

“I’m not laughing at the performance ,” Siobhan clarified, though he had already assumed that wasn’t the case. “It’s the situation . I had hoped something like this would happen when I invited you to visit.” 

“Naughty girl,” he playfully scolded, tickling her sides so he could listen to her continued laughter. “Should I be worried that I’ve been taken advantage of?” 

“Heavens, no !” she shifted in his arms, likely to face him. “I love you, Ominis.”

“I love you ,” he replied, warmth enveloping him again as she pressed chaste kisses along his face before finding his lips. “I’d be honored to make an honest woman of you.” 

“That’s one way to propose marriage,” she teased. 

“I want nothing more than to be your husband, Siobhan,” he clasped her hand, holding it to his cheek as he kissed the underside of her wrist. All too familiar fears started to creep up and he struggled to steady his racing heart. “I may be estranged from my family, but that will not stop them from coming after us. We may never know peace.” 

“I understand,” was her quiet reply. “But the danger is worth it, if it means I am with you. I am not afraid, Ominis. I will gladly fight for you, run away with you. I want everything—to be your wife, to be the mother to our children and, God willing, I want to grow old with you.”    

“You are enough for me.” 

Ominis could find no other words to say, allowing her comfort and love to settle over him, deep within his bones. Despite feeling undeserving, and selfish for allowing it, he was happy—content. He always would be, as long as Siobhan was at his side.

[sloanesallow]

19 & 20 from the otp meme for Sloane and Sebastian? 😊

Thank you for the ask~~~~ 💛

19. Who tells their family/friends about their relationship first?

Sloane writes home about "the boy in class" to her father in one of her first letters after arriving at Hogwarts. It's not really indicative of where their friendship eventually leads, but father knows best. Especially when she floats the idea of this boy visiting the family homestead. "His name is Sebastian..." Sloane and Sebastian's path to a formal relationship is a long one, but Sebastian immediately babbles about his "funny feelings" to Ominis (much to Ominis' annoyance). He also tells Anne about Sloane, and she for sure knows something more is going on between the two, well before they even realize it!

20. What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Papa Sloane is a very intimidating (muggle) man but is a softie at heart. He is protective of his only daughter, so when he realizes her relationship with Sebastian is not just young puppy love, he has a slight breakdown. Once he's worked through the reality of his daughter growing up and falling in love, he can't resist giving Sebastian grief, if only to watch the boy squirm. But Papa Sloane does come to love him as a son. (Fandom friends have helped me realize Papa Sloane is an Irish Ron Swanson). Sloane's friends are a little wary at first, especially because of Sebastian's suspicious behavior during fifth year (they do not know the details). But most of them come around throughout sixth and seventh year, realizing their bond is strong enough to withstand life's many trials. (Poppy is more accepting and forgiving, but Lenora makes Sebastian #1 enemy... at least for a while). Anne is more worried for Sloane, even if she's happy for her brother for developing a (mostly, eventually) healthy relationship with somebody else. Sloane's calm compliments his chaos and she soon learns that his sunshine compliments her raincloud. Even though her relationship with Sebastian becomes fractured and never quite heals in the way either of them want, she is so grateful that Sloane and Sebastian have each other. Ominis would like to be excluded from this narrative. (jk, he likes Siobhan, and prays for her sanity.)

ask about sloane x seb!

[inquisimer]

MER MER MER POLITICAL MARRIAGE! POLITICAL MARRIAGE! Siobhan x Sebastian + ❛ it’s not for you. it’s not a favor. it’s the cruelest thing i could do. ❜ from the hero x villain prompts? 👀👀👀

POLITICAL MARRIAGE yeah I knew I would get you with that one hehehe

so like, they're rivals but they're friends? because I like to add a bit of nuance to the da2 companion approval mechanics lol

also this went a bit somfter than I intended whoops ;-;

for @dadrunkwriting and an honorary mention to @melisusthewee who sent me the same prompt for the same ship uwu

~~~

“If we do this—“ Siobhan began, and then stopped. She wasn’t sure where the sentence would end, and she didn’t care to continue like that.

“If?” Sebastian echoed. “You seemed quite certain a few days ago.”

“I am certain, it’s just” —she pursed her lips and pulled aside the curtains to gaze out at Hightown— “are you?”

His armor rasped a familiar cadence as he came to stand beside her. “And why would I not be?”

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Act like I’m not clearly getting the better end of this deal.” Siobhan scowled. Her breath fogged against the glass, obscuring the servants and couriers in the square below. “The most valuable part of Kirkwall is her port. And Starkhaven hardly needs marine access.”

“The most valuable part of Kirkwall is her leader. And there is nothing more precious than one who cares for her entirety."

He leaned sideways, one shoulder against the glass, and regarded her with those damnable eyes that always pierced her soul. “As you do.”

“I’m not even guaranteed the throne,” she countered.

“Oh please, Champion.” Sebastian chuckled. “It’s only a matter of time before Elthina sees reason and restrains the Knight-Commander. Who else do you suppose the nobility will turn to when that happens?”

“You never know who’s lurking in the shadows.”

The prince sobered. “True enough. Although, in all fairness, I’m hardly guaranteed Starkhaven either. That makes us rather even, no?”

“Starkhaven is your birthright!” Her armor smacked against his as one arm snapped out to whack his chest. “The only thing standing between you and it is your damn self.”

“While I would gladly leave Kirkwall in your very capable hands” —he cupped them as he spoke, rubbing comforting circles over callouses and scars— “I would not abandon you in this hour of need.”

“Starkhaven—“

“—has not yet fallen under the incompetent rule of my cousin. I very much doubt those who pull his strings are angling for the city’s destruction.”

“Must be nice,” Siobhan muttered darkly.

Sebastian’s fingers curled around her fist and she did not stop him as he pried her fingers open. In her palm was a ring, warmed from her skin and glinting in the torchlight. The design was custom, silver chains entwined with the furred dragons of Starkhaven.

Symbolic and beautiful and—

“But that’s not your only concern, is it?” Sebastian murmured.

Her hand clenched around the ring once more and she pressed it to her mouth. “Of course not.”

With the patience of a brother who has sat through many a stilted, awkward confession, Sebastian waited, giving Siobhan the space to find her meaning.

“I am…new…to nobility,” she began, slowly and methodically choosing each word. “I know that you do not always expect to marry for love. But I—my mother gave up everything for that chance.”

She took a deep breath and forced herself to look the prince dead on. “I’m not in love with you, Sebastian. I don’t know that I will ever be. I would not ask you to share your throne with someone who cannot give you her heart.”

“Ah, I see.” Sebastian hummed and she steeled herself for his anger, his lashing out with bitter pain.

“Hawke.” One gloved hand caught the underside of her chin. They were nearly the same height, so rather than tilting back, his hand traced the line of her jaw with gentle reverence. “There is love between us, but no romance. I have always known that and I brought this to you regardless.”

“Love is hardly so simple as to be a flat coin with only two sides,” he snorted and the tension Siobhan had imagined between them snapped like a cord under a blade. “The both of us would give anything for our cities. There is connection enough in that, and more in mutual respect, for this to flourish.”

“But what if—“

“As you said, you are new to nobility. And you know nothing of royalty.” Sebastian leaned back, a bit of a cocky smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. “Should I find a lady who could turn my attention from both you and Starkhaven, there is always room at a prince’s elbow for a consort.”

Siobhan rolled her eyes, but relief was a warm buzz through her veins. “It doesn’t bother you? To close that path forever?”

“No.” Certainty reverberated in a way that shouldn’t have been possible with just one syllable. “Don’t forget—I was to give up such earthly pleasures regardless. I have not thought of my own personal future in some time.”

“Of course,” Siobhan murmured. “But now—“

“Now I have a duty to Starkhaven,” he said firmly. “Anything beyond that is in the Maker’s hands. I will look to Him when that time comes, if it comes.”

He was so sure. It was enviable and unobtainable and Siobhan resented it as much as she loved it for him.

“Very well,” she opened her fist again and Sebastian threaded a thin leather cord through the ring. His breath ghosted over her skin as he lifted it over her head. The ring settled below the hollow of her throat and he fastened the cord with a strong knot behind her neck.

“You have walked beside me, down the paths where a thousand arrows sought my flesh,” he quoted softly. His accent shaped the Chant into something almost palatable; it pulled at the weary edges of Siobhan’s faith. “You have stood with me when all others have forsaken me.”

Her fingers found the foreign metal and played with it, staring out the window. She leaned back against Sebastian’s chest, solid, sturdy, supporting. Her rock. She was, as always, a fool to doubt.

“Though I bear scars beyond counting,” she murmured. “Nothing can break me except your absence.”

[inquisimer]

word search tag game

thank you @nirikeehan and @demawrites for the tags <3 I did both your lists because I was having so much fun rolling around in my fics and wips like catnip

and tagging forward to @plisuu | @warpedlegacywrites | @fadedsweater | @rakshadow | and you, person looking for an excuse to do this meme! (it's fun, you should do it)

And you're looking for the words: comfortable, touch, mood, opposite, & answer

Broken - from an unpublished wip about my Lavellan siblings

Because what was the point? He hadn’t saved them all. That opinion wasn’t popular and she’d taken care to keep it to herself after one brutal encounter where a hotheaded soldier accused her of being ungrateful for her life. She’d broken his wrist rather than admit the truth: he was right. She would give her own life a thousand times over if it would bring back even one of her crew.

Tooth - from if our demons cannot dance (f!Hawke/Anders)

He gave her a rather toothless glare, before remembering that he was meant to be placating, apologizing. He was always apologizing to her, it seemed. He drew the cloth back to the basin, this time leaving it to float in the water, and tucked loose strands of hair behind Mari’s ear. “Comforting,” he said.

Stroll - from the unpublished Lavellan siblings wip

Luckily, most people failed to look up in their observations. He crept silently along the backside of the roof and leapt with ease across the other buildings, dropping down in a thicket of trees and strolling out just between the Chantry and the spymaster’s tent. The rest of the village was still asleep, or just barely stirring, but Leliana was already bent over a stack of reports, frowning.

Civilization - from an unpublished wip where Neria meets Clan Lavellan

The tripping of her wards woke Neria well before she felt the nudge of a blade under her chin. Templars was her first, panicked thought—but she was too far from any proper civilization for that to be the case, and Templars would have dispelled the wards rather than tripping them, anyhow. Bounty hunters were another story though. There was a moderate village off to the east and even if they didn’t know she was a mage, her pointed ears would fetch a pretty purse with slavers.

Satisfied - from Before My First Breath (f!Trevelyan & m!Trevelyan)

“I will divert Charter to this,” said Leliana. “She is my best. Perhaps, in the meantime, some of the concerns on the council might be assuaged by a brief accounting in your own words?” “A brief accounting,” Acacia mused, drumming her knuckles against the war table. “Will you be satisfied by one with some holes in it? There are questions I’m not prepared to answer.”

Soft - from in lieu of flowers (f!Hawke/Sebastian Vael)

A soft grind of mechanism against marble and the passage door slid open. Turning immediately, Sebastian drank her in like a man starved: her rough edges had gotten rougher, but she was here, alive and whole. The woman he loved who gave who heart to another and could never love him back. "Hawke—“ He started to smile, but something was off. She'd flinched—at his voice? Her name? And he realized, suddenly, that she held herself as stiff and aloof as she did when politicking. He crossed the chamber in three quick strides. "What's wrong? What happened? Is the Inquisition—“ “Oh, fuck the Inquisition.”

Shadow - from after all this survival (f!Hawke/Loghain Mac Tir)

He pulled her to his chest at the same moment that she surged forward and held her as she shook. It would have been easy to mistake her tears for grief, the tremors that wracked her frame for anguish. But he had seen those emotions in Siobhan: in the shadow of her brother’s departure; kneeling before a newly made orphan; watching the ashes of a one-time friend drift skyward from a secluded grove on Sundermount. This was not her grief.  This was her anger.

Cut - from if our demons cannot dance (f!Hawke/Anders)

“The Knight-Captain?” Bethany raised a skeptical eyebrow. “‘mages aren’t people like you and me’ that Knight-Captain?” “He’s been a bit too close to Meredith’s paranoia. But he cares about his people, his men. That’s something we can use. If we can just cut off the Knight-Commander, turn her firepower against her—maybe we can keep the casualties to a minimum.”

Curious - from hold my hope by the throat (f!Hawke & Carver, f!Hawke/Loghain)

The very air around them chilled, gone icy under Siobhan’s scorn. The Ferelden raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, though there was something calculating and curious behind his impassive gaze. “Neither,” he shrugged. “Merely tempering your expectations, and his.”

Hollow - from Softly Uttered Curse (f!Lavellan & Merrill)

Her reassurance didn’t ease the knot of anxiety in Neria’s chest, not really. But it hollowed out the worries creeping up her throat and gave her concern room to breathe. She ran her tongue over her teeth and one of her ears twitched flat against her head.