#so he was like “oh could you give dorian a ride?”

[erisisthefairest]

good morning went out to a rave last night and saw all 3 of my crushes and one asked if I've been working out and another said I look good so I'm just gonna be riding that high all day

[secret-smut-sideblog]

The Rabbit

Lavellan x Blackwall

18+ drug use (weed), dom/sub, thigh riding, breast worship (f!), rough oral (f!), multiple orgasms, rough sex, p-in-v, doggy style, dirty talk, squirting, choking, spitting, unprotected sex, violence, blood and gore, tearful goodbyes

The battle for all of Thedas nearly drawn to their door, Vella and her bear share an urgent night of passion before it all falls around them...

Masterlist, Prev Chapter

-

"Really? You never learned how to play Wicked Grace?" Varric gave her a dubious stare.

"Is that so unbelievable?" Vella countered, sidling up to the table. "How easily you've forgotten I'm a wild woman from the forest." She sighed with mock weariness, smiling at Blackwall as his hand came to her hip.

Cullen flitted his gaze as she plopped into Blackwall's lap.

"You never taught her?" Varric directed at Blackwall, that amused sparkle in his eye.

"Are you kidding?" Blackwall laughed, his wide hand squeezed her thigh under the table. "You thought Solas could play you out of the clothes on your back? Nah, I know a card shark in the making when I see one."

Vella scoffed in mock affront and stuck her tongue out at him. Cullen caught on his own spit at the reveal of her tongue ring. Suddenly, he was very focused on his cards after a few solid coughs.

"Oh, he's got you pegged." Dorian agreed.

"Actually, I'm the one-"

"Could we start, please?" Cullen cut her off, his face scarlet. "I have a thousand things to do."

Bull laughed behind his hand, giving her an appreciative wink as he pushed coin onto the table. Vella smiled and tossed her leg over her thigh, lighting a pipe of elfroot.

"You're going to give the poor man a complex." Blackwall laughed low, speaking Elvhen to her under his breath. Spreading his cards in his hand.

"If that's all it takes..." She hummed mischievously.

"Hey! No elf whispering." Varric chided. "I'm barely convinced you don't know how to play as it is."

"Varric!" Vella gasped, leaning on a palm. Giving the slightest wiggle in Blackwall's lap. "Have I not proven myself trustworthy yet?"

"Oh no, Sunshine." He warned in a tease. "You may be sweet, but women as beautiful as you are always cunning."

Vella smiled wide.

He was right, of course. She had never played this game, but their companions tells were easy told to her. Even more so as the drink started flowing. Her own imbibing herbs left her warm and fizzled, leaning back into Blackwall's wide chest as content as a cat in a sunbeam.

Vella smiled at Cullen as he spun a tale from his templar days. It was rather tame to her standards, but he told it with the boisterous joy of retelling something rather sordid.

"What did he do?" Josephine urged through a giggle.

"Saluted. Turned on his heel. And marched out like he was in full armor."

The table lit with laughter, appreciative remarks thrown from all sides. The air warm with drunken comradery.

Blackwall's hand had come to rest on the curve of her hipbone, giving his own rough chuckle. A slow but insistent drag of his thumb on her waist had started, a near unconscious sign of his hidden desire.

She couldn't help but agree. This strain of elfroot left her snuggly and needful, barely restrained from kissing at his throat at the table.

It was criminal how attracted she was to this man. At all times, in danger of rubbing into him like a beast in heat. Gods when they finally get to live together...

The thought intruded, as it was bound to.

If. Not when.

They were facing down Corypheus within the next few days, she was sure of it. Though she was without foresight, there was something tight pulled in her gut. A certainty that he was somewhere within her horizon.

But she didn't want to think about that now. Only focused on the warmth surrounded behind her and the sensation of being slow and soft. Blinking up at him in adoration.

His stare caught hers, smiling under his mustache.

"No need to stare at me like that, dove. I'm already in love with you, don't need more persuading."

"You two are so..." Cassandra sighed dreamily, face propped on both hands. Eyes aglow with the unabashed reverie only brought out with a few tankards of beer.

"Careful Seeker," Varric chuckled. "You might come off as a romantic. And I just won." He planted the Angel of Death card on the table nonchalantly.

"No!" Cassandra cried. Slamming her hand of cards down in a huff.

But all of their companions became peripheral to Vella as her body saught for more touch. Both the elfroot and the heat of his body had left her heavy and sighing. Nuzzling into his throat like a hungry kitten.

"Do you need my attention, little bird?" He teased under his breath. But she could feel the drum of his heart against her. He needed it just as bad as she did.

"Are you going to win?" She whispered in his ear.

"Absolutely not." He chuckled.

"Then throw the game and fuck me." The whisper pushed directly into the well.

His breath caught in his throat, and she smiled against it. Rising off his lap to give a demure goodnight to their friends. Many voices rung out to wish her off, and she sauntered away. Headed towards her chambers.

Vella made her way upstairs, humming happily. Shedding her clothes in a line as she made her way to the bed. Snatching one of Blackwall's tunics that she had 'borrowed' from the back of a chair. Letting the linen fall over her as she pulled her hair through the neck to cascade down her back again.

She climbed into the bed with the satisfaction of a rabbit in a burrow. Curling up in the blankets as it pulls the earth around it. Humming out in contentment.

She had just fallen into a near sleep tranquility when the bed shifted behind her. Strong arms taken up around her under blankets.

"Mmm..." She turned, pressing into him. "You're made for cuddling."

"Am I?" He chuckled low, pulling her to him by her waist. Weaving his limbs into hers.

"Very. So big and warm and sweet." She praised, wiggling happily into his hold.

"And furry." She added, tugging in a soft tease on his beard. "I just want to kiss you all the time. You're wonderful."

"Maker, you're going to puddle me." He accused, his pupils wide with love as he stared down at her. "That elfroot made you too sweet."

"And yet, I'm not being eaten." She sighed mournfully. "I thought bears liked honey."

The blood rushing through her body was utterly intoxicated by the feeling of him against her. Tangling her limbs into his and kissing at his throat.

"Do you want to be tasted, honey?" He hushed, voice husky with desire.

She nodded up at him, her eyes seeking plaintively.

She had always leaned towards dominance in intimacy, but he pulled something from her. Something soft and submissive. Fallen under him a tame little thing, asking to be touched with wide eyes and softly parted lips.

"You're so beautiful." He marveled quietly, running his thumb over her bottom lip. Scanning her face in reverent glances. "Maker, how are you so perfect?"

He leaned down and kissed into the side of her neck. A wide hand pushed up her ribcage to cup her breast, thumbing her nipple over his tunic.

She whined softly, pulling his leg with hers to press his thigh against her sex. Grinding slow into the taut muscle.

"Fuck, yes." He encouraged, pressing his thigh harder into the ridge of her. Grabbing her ass in a handful to rock her against him.

"Could you cum on my thigh?" His deep voice sweet in its request.

She nodded again, pulling the tunic up to her clavicle. Arching her chest up in unabashed request.

He agreed immediately, breathing hard through nose as his mouth descended onto her peak. Licking the sensitive nub into his lips.

She bit into her lip as her head craned back. Another whine caught in her throat. The growl of his moan against her tingled through her whole body. Her cunt fully flooded with arousal. Climbing closer and closer to her tipping point with each grind of her hips. Her soft cries getting needy and choppy.

His tongue slurped and popped around her nipple, tongue flicking and laving flat lines through panted breaths. Watching her under his brow with dark blown eyes. Twisting her other nipple between his fingers.

How he already knew how to fast pull her thread was entirely unfair. The points of her body and how they needed to be touched to unravel her completely.

"Oh gods..." She moaned, gripping his forearm. Orgasm tight pulled in the drive of her hips.

"Yes, cum on me pretty girl." He praised around her breast. Grasping the outside of her thigh, pulling her deeper. "I want to lick your cunt while it's clenching."

The vulgar of it sent her over. Shuddering through waves of pleasure striking out through her body. Clawing into his back.

He smiled, rising off her tender breast to descend between her legs. Cupping the apex of her thighs in both hands.

"So sweet." He sighed out in contentment as he nestled between. Licking her cum from her thighs. The bristle of his beard teased against the soft skin as his tongue pushed deep into her. Slurping obscenely as he lapped cum into his mouth.

"I love you." She sighed around her moans, pressing her hand against the headboard as he took her apart with a suckling tongue. "Fuck, I love you Thom."

She froze, the intoxicating herbs and touch had left her mind hazy. But her calling of his true name only drove him harder against her. His calloused hands dug into the fat of her thighs, moaning into her core. Yanking her flush to his face. Eating voraciously, tongue and lips crushing into her with animal fervor.

She whimpered cries, and he growled into her. His steel eyes watched her writhe under his brow. His fingernails dug painfully into her thighs, but the pain only danced deliciously with her delirious pleasure. A flood about to burst the dam.

He lapped flat at her tender clit under the suction of his lips. Just the sound was enough to send her over, but the ferocity was overkill. She came in a strangled, shuddered cry. Her body trembled and curled up with a terrible pleasure. Fisting in to the sheets as her head craned back. Pelvis the nexus of an earthquake that rocked her whole body.

"Ohhh fuck yes." Thom growled, leaning back to thrust his fingers into her still clenching cunt. Eliciting a cry from her as he fast slammed his fingers inside. "Give it to me, baby."

A shuddering she had rarely experienced tightened around his fingers. Her thighs wet with release. She clamped her hand over her mouth to muffle a shriek. Her eyes utterly lost in her skull.

Thoms deep groans of appreciation watching her soak him were only heightened by him pulling his fingers free slowly to lick them clean. He kept her gaze as he licked his wrist up into his palm, her cum slick veiled along his skin.

She urged him up to her with pulls of her legs. Undressing him with rapid fingers as he met her above.

She opened her mouth wide, tongue stuck out flat in request. He understood implicitly and spat in her mouth. Her cunt clenched hard and she led his hand to her throat as she kicked off his trousers.

His reverent love making was wonderful, but this is what she always craved. Fucking nasty and mean. The kind of fucking done by animals in rut.

His eyes flashed dangerously, understanding her again. Flipping her onto her belly easily, hiking her hips high with rough grunting yanks.

She moaned into the pillows, arching her back. Giving him the full display of her submissive body curled for him.

"Maker's breath." He huffed, taking a full handful of her ass. Spreading his hand down her lower back. "Such a beautiful whore."

Vella moaned loudly, and Thom grabbed a fistful of her hair. Pulling her up to him as he lined up behind her. Growling into her ear as his hand tightened around her throat.

"You're my whore, aren't you?" His thick cock breached her as he threatened, pulling a strangled moan from her. "My pretty little whore, soaking the bed."

She nodded dumbly, already fluttering around the mass of him. A third orgasm refining to a spear inside her, nearing to striking distance.

"That's right." He huffed, thrusting hard into her. The slide against that mind-numbing place inside her entrance was near unbearable. Her body tried to collapse against the sheets, but his hand spread flat across her sternum. Demanding her to stay.

"You're not going anywhere." He promised in a huff. His thrusts picked up speed. "Not until I'm done with you."

"Yes, ser." She moaned. The squelching of her cunt so salacious it made her dizzy.

"Keep talking." He demanded. Gripping her hip as an anchor. Her body jolting with the force of his thrusts. Fingers digging into her neck.

"I can't, I'm about to cum!" She pleaded in Elvhen around mewls, mind unable to speak Common anymore. "Fuck, you're going to make me-"

Her words cut off in a whip of cries as she came again. Fingernails scrambled into his sides behind her. Choking on her own raw pleasure.

He cursed under his breath and released her in a heap under him. His hands took up both sides of her hips to solely thrust.

"Say my name."

"Thom." She pleaded.

"Again. Louder."

"Thom, please! Please!"

She looked over her shoulder at the wild bear rutting into her.

"Please cum Thom! I need you to cum!"

He finally buckled, a hand bracing on her lower back as his face crumpled in release. Driving sloppy into her as he bellowed behind clenched teeth. Her cunt flooded with warmth, pulling a wide smile from her. No matter how he insisted and promised he couldn't help but to cum inside her. It wasn't a problem anymore, so she could revel fully in it.

He fell back into an open kneel, huffing and sweating. Eyes glazed and rolling marble in his head.

Vella turned and pulled him onto his belly. His body limp and pliant to her leading, following easily. Fallen under her in a slump.

She sat on him and drug her nails lightly up and down his back. His deep moan exactly what she was looking for.

After a moment of gentle scratching, his breath returned in slow pulls of his chest. Body completely loose under hers, arms curled around his head, face slack against the pillow.

"You still with me?" She teased in a quiet voice.

"Uh-huh..." He sighed, his eyes struggling to focus.

"I'm not convinced. Quick, what's the capital of Orlais?"

He smacked her thigh with a limp palm. Pulling a giggle from her.

"Asshole..." He laughed, reaching back to pull her down to him. Wrapping around her, cocooned within the safety of his limbs.

"Language!" She chided in a whisper.

"Shit. Fuck." He pinched her side. "Motherfucker."

"You forgot Shitfucker."

"I love you." He smiled loosely at her, eyes soft in adoration. "Do you want to get married?"

"What?" She laughed.

"Wait, are you serious?" She hushed, rising onto elbows over his head.

"Yeah. I am." He smiled, her hair fallen curtain around him. His hands rested on her ribcage, rubbing thumbs in slow waves. "Would you marry me?"

"Dalish don't get married." She smiled with a shaken head. "We call it Bonding. And we're already engaged to be bonded, silly."

"Wait, what?" He stood on elbows now. Staring shock into her.

"Yeah, I gave you my hair..." She led in amused confusion. Planting a palm over the small pouch that he always wore pendant around his neck. "You gave me the boots you made me..."

"That was a proposal?!"

She burst into bright laughter at the absurdity of it all. She was sure he understood the meaning of the gesture after all of their lessons. He certainly acted with the appropriate solemn in taking her proposal gift.

"Yes, it was. We've been engaged to be bonded since the Grand Ball." She offered through fits of giggling.

"I-" His eyes darted down in thought, then started flooding with tears.

"Oh, dove." He warbled.

"Hey, shhh." She wrapped around him. Soothing his body into hers. "It's okay..."

"It's not okay." He countered around the tight of his throat. "I did all of that to you and didn't even know we were..."

"I forgive you." She kissed his ear, tightly holding him. "I forgive you, Thom."

He hitched a sob into her shoulder. Trembling within her woven embrace.

-

"Come on, baby." Vella huffed under her breath. Firing arrow after arrow into Corypheus. Watching her love slam into him with the last of his strength. Shield braced under the hail of red beamed death. "Come on, come on."

She threw a barrage of daggers to get him off of Thom, Dorian flanking behind her to unleash his own hellfire. Bull rushing past to cleave into Corypheus' calf.

The monstrosity cried out in rage as he fell to a kneel. Vella ran forward, seeing her target through a tunnel of spectral vision. Dagger poised along her forearm.

Thom raised his shield for her and she leapt off of it into a drive of her dagger. Screaming from deep in her gut as the blade speared through his throat.

Corypheus' breath cut as he stared shock into her. The orb pulsed with power as he still tried to wrestle it into his command.

Rage untethered flowed through her, this death a culmination of everything she had suffered. Screaming in holy rage again, she bore over him. Pulling her dagger from his throat and ripping her teeth into the putrid flesh. Blood smeared in the cavern of her mouth. Teeth rending flesh.

The orb flew to her hand, raised high above her head. A deafening beam of power flew to the heavens from it. Shaking the earth below her as she tore away his throat.

As he fell limp, she released him to the Fade as she spat blood. The orb shattered above her in the same breath. Sky shuddered closed. Earth pulverized around her.

Thom's shield came over her body as the castle crumbled around them. Dragging her to a run as it all fell away.

She blinked the dust out of her eyes, coughing through debris in the air. Taking fearful count of her companions. Letting out a deep breath of relief when she found them all whole.

Far into the battlefield, Solas stepped forward. Reaching out a tentative hand as he fell to a kneel.

Vella stared in confusion as she rushed toward him.

"Solas, what are you doing he-"

His gentle cupping of the remnants of the orb paused her. His body leaned in a bow of mourning.

"The orb..." He hushed, shaking his head.

"Solas..." She reached for his shoulder, but he stood. Leaving the pieces to the earth. "I'm so sorry."

She understood the loss of elvhen artifacts. The gouge they left in the already ragged tapestry of their people. But, somehow, this felt beyond that.

He tried to pull from her hand, but she ducked around his front and pulled him into a tight hug.

His breath stilled in his chest, arms held out uncertainly. But they wove around her after a moment. His head tucked into her shoulder.

They stayed entwined there. His hands grasped her back as he pulled away. Eyes swimming in sorrow.

"No matter what comes," He looked down at her. Stepping away with eyes locked on her face. "I want you to know you will always have me."

"Solas, wait-"

"Vella!"

She turned at Thom's frightened call at her absence.

"Here!" She called in return. "I'm here!"

When she turned Solas was gone.

-

Vella stared up at his unfinished fresco, wiping a tear with agitated fingers.

"Hey." Thom's kiss on her shoulder greeted ahead of him.

"Hey." She smiled sadly. Leaning back into his chest as his arms snaked around her waist.

"Men I care about really have a bad habit, huh?" She looked back up at the gouge he had left. "Dissappearing."

"I'm sorry, dove. On both of our accounts."

"I hope he's okay." She sighed. "I just want him happy and safe, no matter what."

Something shuddered inside her chest, drawing her eyes down in shock. Jolting her breath to a still.

"Vella?" Thom came around her front. Searching her with frantic eyes.

"I'm okay, I think." She pressed a hand to her sternum. "It's the ancestors. They just spoke... sorrow? They've never given me only a feeling before."

No, this felt beyond them. Something larger. Full under her heart.

"Solas...?" She whispered, but the feeling fell away again.

"Fucking well..." Thom sighed, shaking his head ruefully at her. "Come on, love. We're almost packed."

"Oh shit, I've still got to say goodbye to everyone!" She paused their stride to take a paintbrush from Solas' desk. Slipping it into her pocket.

"I hate that you're leaving." Josephine sighed. "I mean, I'm happy for you! Happy for you both. But I still hate it."

"I'm going to miss you too." Vella smiled. "And I won't be gone. We'll be in, I'm sure, constant communication as I 'rule' from the sidelines." She curled her fingers at the word. The gold bracelet with an enchanted stone caught the light. "Dorian made us these special afterall."

Josephine slid her matching ring around her finger. "I know. Leliana and Cullen have theirs, too. But it won't be the same. You're such a calming presence. I don't know how many spats you can settle from the Free Marches."

"You'll do great." Vella cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead. "You'll all do great."

"Where are you going first?" Josephine urged. "I'll have Leliana send scouts to assure your arrival."

"Honestly, I have no idea." Vella smiled brilliantly. "Isn't that great? I'm not leading for once!"

"We're tracking down one of my men on the road towards Ostwick." Thom offered over her shoulder as he came up behind.

"Oooh, I'm good at tracking." She smiled.

"The best." Thom agreed, sliding his hand around her waist. "That's why I hired you."

"I hope I can earn my pay." Vella purred.

"Ugh, enough." Josephine laughed. "Get out, both of you."

Vella pulled her into a hug, and Josephine sighed into her shoulder.

"Call on me if you need me." Vella assured as they separated. Both her and Thom turned. "I'll find my way back, no matter what."

"Wait!"

Sera ran out of the castle door. Leaping into a hug on Thom's chest.

"You're staying! We've talked about this!" He laughed heartily. Hugging her tightly to him.

As Sera blubbered goodbyes into him, Dorian's hand came to Vella's shoulder. Nodding his own tearful goodbye on the road towards Tevinter.

She kissed both of his cheeks and wiped his tears.

"Don't be a stranger." He sighed.

"Never." She chastised. "You can't, either." She held up the bracelet again.

"Right. We're connected now." He sighed in mock weariness.

"Ha-ha! You have to be my friend!" She teased.

"Be safe." He pulled her into a deep hug. "Don't die, okay?"

"Love you." She murmured into his shoulder.

"Love you, too." He warbled. Wiping his eyes again as he pulled away. "Ugh! Go on. Get."

"That's the goodbye I was looking for." She smiled. Hopping up onto Ghilana behind Thom. "Good riddance, all of you."

"Hope your trip is terrible." Josephine laughed.

"Hope Skyhold falls into the canyon!" Vella agreed in a call. Smiling wide at her retreating friends.

She wrapped tight around Thom's waist and leaned her head into his wide back. Letting out a long-held sigh. Finally, moving forward in the quiet of two bodies. The earth awakening with the damp of spring around them.

Despite everything, daffodils had bloomed.

~

~

~

okay this is the end! unless ya'll want some Trespasser chapters 👀 (but I just started it irl, no spoilers!) genuinely thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone following this story with me! mwah! mwah I say!!! ❤️

[supernovasilence]

Casmund happy ending: I love the idea of the Pevensies(mostly Edmund) trying to teach Caspian how to function in the real world with them. I think Edmund Lucy and Susan's favorite part would be trying to get him proper clothes. He basically looks regal and princely in everything he wears. Also when Edmund introduces Caspian to his mother. He's super charming, kissing her hand and stuff. Peter is a little(maybe a lot annoyed) of Caspian dating his brother. But he gets over it really quick. Their mother takes Edmund and Caspian's relationships really well. It's mainly their father they have to deal with. But Peter puts his foot down and talks to his father. Gives him basically an ultimatum. Accept your son as is, or lose all your children and not just one. Because the Pevensies are ride or die for each other. And Edmund and Caspian are basically married in all the ways that matter.

Sorry for the late response! I was thinking about Caspian in the real world, and wanted to ask if you've seen the Dorian Gray movie with Ben Barnes, because the beginning with innocent Dorian wandering London around all wide-eyed gives off such Caspian-in-England vibes. I couldn't find any gifs of that scene on tumblr, and instead of just screenshotting it like a reasonable person I thought "well, I know how to make gifs. how long could it take?" AND THEN IT WAS 2AM. Anyway have these gifs of Caspian completely failing to act casual while I ramble about your ask.

(yeah it'd be more cars than horse-drawn carriages by the 1940s but Caspian almost getting run over was too cute to leave out. he's trying his best)

Oh my gosh yes, Caspian is the sort to kiss people's hands. The chivalrous disaster. He probably goes around calling people "my lady" and "my good lord" etc too. And he absolutely would somehow look regal in whatever he wears. Edmund is torn because he wants Caspian to blend in, but also his boyfriend looks so gorgeous. Also imagine Edmund tying Caspian's tie for him. And the hat Caspian is wearing in the gifs above looks a lot like the one Edmund wears in Prince Caspian. What if Edmund is scolding Caspian, telling him mess up your hair or something, slouch a little more, you still look like a king, stop standing like you've got a crown on— And Caspian grabs Edmund's hat from the coatrack and puts it on. "Does this help?" he asks, grinning, because Edmund's brain just stopped working for a moment and Caspian knows it.

As much as I want the Pevensie parents to just be okay with their son being gay (or their children, because let's be real, none of these siblings are straight), realistically at least one of them would have some difficulties with it. I love Peter not being happy about Edmund and Caspian dating but instantly getting over it when he needs to defend them to his father. These siblings are so close and it's so good. Imagine traces of the High King showing through as Peter calmly, firmly tells his father Edmund and Caspian are together. This is how things are going to go, and there is nothing he can do except make himself miserable by pushing his children away. And Richard* sees a side to his oldest son he hasn't before--or maybe hasn't accepted before, but it has been there for a while. And he takes some time to really look at his children, and sees all sorts of things about them, strange things, but they make his children seem so alive. Like how happy Caspian makes Edmund. So after that the parents have a new son-in-law.

*props for LWW use Richard as Mr. Pevensie's first name and since he doesn't have one in the books I'm taking Richard and running with it

[skyfallscotland]

Ok last Kingdom of Ash update and so, last Throne of Glass update ever! The relief is immeasurable. Let's do this!

Asterin 😭 I feel like that scene would have been so powerful if I didn’t know it was coming, but I had it spoiled for me a while ago

I did cry when Manon begged for Abraxos though 😭

Chaol and Dorian, Dorian crying 🥹🥹 the husbands are reunited!

I hate that there’s so much depression and suicidal ideation in this book but it’s never really addressed?

Aelin brought her husband with her, Chaol brought his 🥹🫡

RHYSAND hiiiiii! 👋🏼

I…kind of hate it when the woman has to give up her power to save the day, but it’s an SJM special I guess

“He adored his friend’s wife already. Likely would have married her, too, if he’d had the chance.” Look, you still can buddy, it seems like you want them both well enough 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’ll never understand the fascination SJM has with having her MC’s fucking in war tents surrounded by soldiers, honestly

She’s riding the staaaag 😭 honestly she is very thranduil coded I must say

Gavriel?! 😭 noooooo, not uncle kitty cat!

“Lorcan glanced at the castle, where he knew Elide was watching and said a silent farewell” oop, this is about to get awkward because she is sooo not being safe lmao

Elide getting stabby is very cute

Aww Dorian + Yrene getting murdery together, the throuple is thriving

What year did this come out? Because I feel like SJM might have watched Avengers: Endgame while writing the final scenes 😂

Sorry, when did they supposedly draw those? They were fighting on horseback??? I'm???

Lorcan and Elide are the cutest tbh and I’ve just realised I blanked right over the “and Lorcan did” 💀😂 I was clearly very engaged

“I hope it will wash off.” 💀

Poor Yrene, her mother in law’s asking to move in already 😂

“You could just marry each other, it would make it easier for you both, so you don’t need to pretend.” Oh yes, I do so love Yrene 😂

Look, I just feel...tired? Relieved? Let down? I don't know. I definitely think this would have been a more impactful ending had I not had the (arguably) few most major things spoiled for me. But I also feel like by 1/3 from the end I was just slogging it, waiting for it to be over. It felt like so much happened, but not much at all and I feel like having two 'big bads' kind of split the attention and made the end blow just so unsatisfying? Yay, happily ever after, but...I don't know.

I like the characters, don't get me wrong. Well, most of them (lol) but maybe that's why it's so disappointing? Because I do really like them. I think it was a bit of a case of doing so little with so much. There are so many stories being told that none of them really get the attention they could have, so many side characters that are so compelling but you don't hear much about. I don't know, it can be hard to bring all those threads together, so I think she did an ok job, it's just that in hindsight it's easy to say perhaps there were too many threads.

I also don't think she ever gives the space necessary to trauma and mental health. Like it's there, but it's never touched upon in the raw way it probably needs to be.

I don't know, I feel like I enjoyed the last couple of books more, but I'm still leaving the series feeling pretty meh about it, which is how I've felt pretty much the whole way through. Not terrible, but in no way lived up to the hype for me, personally.

[tired-truffle]

Something’s Gotta Give

A CullenxLavellan fic

Chapter Word Count: 6.8k

Part 16 - Confessions

"You will never be clean from sin. Rotten children don't deserve heaven. There is no god who could give you your purity back." - Unknown

Masterlist

Rae had successfully rescued Hawke’s warden friend from the clutches of his fellow wardens and ended one of the largest Fade rifts outside of Haven in one fell swoop. Crestwood was saved from its murderous mayor, and Alistair Theirin - a decorated warrior who aided in ending the last Blight - was unharmed and more than willing to lend his aid to the Inquisition. Especially if it was in exchange for finding his lady love who’d disappeared months ago in search of a cure for the death sentence of being a Grey Warden. Ash had known little about the organization, but a thirty-year expiry didn’t entice her to it any further. 

“I think it’s sweet how much he loves her,” Ash argued, seated at a table as Dorian perused the library for a book he hadn’t already devoured. 

“You didn’t have to hear him last night, lost in his cups at the Herald’s Rest, lamenting about how much he misses her.” Dorian crinkled his nose and pulled his lips back in a disgusted sneer. 

Ash leaned back, her chair creaking beneath her with the movement. “I’m partial to a man who adores his lover so much it turns him pathetic now and again. It’s very romantic.”

“On that, we disagree.”

“Right,” Ash drawled, flicking her hand lazily. “Your idea of romance is riding the Bull until you can’t walk the next morning.”

Narrowing his eyes at her, his mustache twitched irritably above his lip. “Must you be so crass?”

“Must you scream his name at the top of your lungs when he—“

“Alright, enough,” he hissed and Ash grinned triumphantly. “I get the vividly painted picture. But, speaking of romantic exploits, you’ve been spending quite a lot of time with Commander Cullen lately.”

Her blush betrayed her as she squawked indignantly - and perhaps that betrayed her too. “There’s nothing romantic about that.”

"Oh come now," Dorian teased, "you can't blame me for being curious. The dashing ex-Templar and the wild Dalish mage? It's practically the plot of one of Varric's romance serials."

"There's nothing to be curious about," Ash insisted. "We're just friends."

Dorian raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Friends who spend an awful lot of time together. Friends who make each other blush and stammer like schoolchildren."

"I do not stammer, and he’s the one blushing all the time like a Chantry virgin," Ash protested, then immediately cursed herself for playing into his hands.

"Ah, but you don't deny that you’ve been spending copious amounts of time in his office.”

“You're impossible,” she pouted.

"I prefer to think of myself as charmingly persistent," Dorian replied with a grin.

“Is that how you got Bull into your bed?”

Dorian groaned. “Not this again.”

Ash placed her elbows on the table, propping her chin up in her hands. “He does make you happy, does he not?”

Dorian blinked, a frown marring his lips. “In bed? I believe we’ve already established that he is well accomplished in that department.”

“Well, yes, obviously, but…” Ash pursed her lips, unsure where exactly she was going with this. “Outside of your physical exploits, does he make you happy?”

With a deep and dramatic sigh, Dorian plunked himself down into the seat opposite her, having given up on his perusal. “Must there be anything outside of a roll in the hay, as the Fereldans would say it?”

“No.” Ash tilted her head to the side, mimicking Sweetpea’s favourite gesture - or was Sweetpea mimicking her? “But there is something between you, isn’t there?”

“Perhaps,” Dorian glanced out the window before returning his gaze to her. “And that - something more between Bull and myself - wouldn’t…bother you?”

It was Ash’s turn to frown, her nose crinkling as she scanned her memory for anything at all that would indicate she wasn’t more than happy for Dorian to be with Bull. But when his eyes followed her frown, or rather, the dot-like scars around her lips, it all clicked into place. 

Reaching across the table, she placed her hand atop his, her smile gentle, though she struggled to get it to reach her eyes. “No one from the Qun did this to me, Dorian. And even if they had, I wouldn’t hold it against Bull.” 

He blinked rapidly, his eyes darting nervously to the faint, raised scars that encircled her lips. She was accustomed to this reaction from people, as she had met very few who did not curiously gaze at the dots and wonder about their origin. But rarely did they ever ask, instead choosing to silently ponder and speculate. She doubted that Dorian would have ever explicitly brought it up, but it was entirely obvious to her where his thoughts were headed, and she believed it best to cut them off with precision. 

“I-I…” he stuttered before he gathered his composure. “I apologize, I should not have assumed, but I am…too familiar with what the Qun do to their mages.” 

The Saarabas were treated as worse than livestock among the Qunari, their fear of demons so all-encompassing that they wouldn’t risk for even a second that one of their mages would become possessed. Instead, they were bound and subjugated, forced to use their magic for their master’s bidding, to further the Qun. It was a fate similar to Tranquility, though with all one’s emotions left intact so they could feel the true extent of their suffering. 

“Inspiration may have been taken from the Qun,” Ash admitted, her fingers trailing over the familiar scars, “but it was regular men who did it. The men I told you about, the ones who tried to kidnap me and Rae.” 

Dorian’s face paled and Ash regretted her words. It wasn’t something she enjoyed talking about, not necessarily because of the painful memories - though she didn’t like those much either - but because she hated the pity that swam in people’s eyes when they knew even a fraction of the abuse that she had suffered her that night.

She withdrew her hand from his and smiled, wide and genuine as she said, “That is to say, I hold no hard feelings for Bull and I would be delighted if you found all the romance and happiness you could ever wish for with him.”

A spark of affection flickered in Dorian’s dark eyes, but he was not so quick to feign positivity. “You have become a dear friend to me, Ashvalla. I only wish to ensure that whatever I have with Bull will not come between us.” His gaze hardened. “Those men, did they get the punishment they deserved?” 

Charred flesh, acrid smoke, blackened bones across seared dirt. “Yes, they did.” 

Dorian nodded, opening his mouth to speak once more, but Ash’s ears perked at the faint sound of Rae’s drawl coming from the rotunda below. 

“-never done anything like that before, on a number of levels.”

Ash held up her hand to shush Dorian, to which he gave her an irritated huff, their heart-to-heart conversation snuffed out in an instant. But when she motioned for him to listen, she watched with satisfaction as his lips curved into a delighted grin. 

Solas chuckled, low and more lighthearted than Ash had ever heard from him before. “I apologize,” he said, though he didn’t sound necessarily sorry. “The kiss was impulsive and ill-considered, and I should not have encouraged it.”

Jaw dropped and eyes widened, Ash froze momentarily in her seat, still as a mountain in a hurricane. She’d been well aware of her sister’s feelings for the apostate, but to discuss a kiss so openly… 

Ash scrambled to the edge of the rotunda, vaguely aware of Dorian crouched behind her as they eavesdropped. 

“You say that,” Rae laughed, not at all offended by the mildly condescending words that Solas had thrown at her after their, ugh, kiss, “but you’re the one who started with tongue.”

Dorian made a startled choking noise, but managed to muffle it under the shuffle of his boots as he rebalanced himself. Ash suppressed a prideful grin, good on Rae to keep a man on his toes by stating the explicit - even though the mental image it conjured had her slightly nauseous. 

“I did no such thing,” Solas protested, offended at even the suggestion that he hadn’t been in control. Ash was pleased to hear that Rae had gone after what she wanted, and perhaps gotten more than expected. 

“Oh, does it not count if it’s only Fade-tongue?” A freaky magic kiss. Rae had exceeded even Ash’s expectations. 

“It has been a long time, and things have always been easier for me in the Fade. I am not certain this is the best idea. It could lead to trouble.” The hesitation with which he spoke had Ash’s suspicion rising. Why wouldn’t he want to be with someone as amazing as Rae? He was a fool.

“What, is there something you’re afraid of? Or rather someone?”

Solas chuckled again. “Your sister does not frighten me, if that is who you are referring to.”

Ash held back an irritated scoff, not that he should be afraid of her necessarily, but a healthy dose of wariness couldn’t do any harm. 

“Good to know.” Rae softened, still bold, but less teasing. “I’m willing to take that chance, if you are.”

“I… may be, yes. If I could take a little time to think. There are…considerations.” 

What was there to consider? Rae was the best that uppity elf could ever get, what else was left but to say yes and devote his whole heart to her? Rae deserved nothing less. 

“Take all the time you need.” Rae had not gotten her patience from Ash or their mother, she had always taken after their father in that regard. 

“Thank you. I am not often thrown by things that happen in dreams. But I am reasonably certain we are awake now, and if you wish to discuss anything, I would enjoy talking.” 

“I’ll think about it.” Rae echoed his words back at him, and with what was likely a sharp turn of her heel and a hungry look in her eyes, her boots padded across the ground, exiting before Ash could get a good look at her. 

But that didn’t mean she was going to be far behind. 

“Our little Inquisitor, all grown up.” Dorian wiped a fake tear from his eye and pushed himself to stand, offering Ash a hand. 

Ash accepted his offer, her cane abandoned at the table and unable to help. Brushing off her robes, her gaze was pulled to where Rae had disappeared. “Don’t let her hear you say that, you’ll get a smack upside the head.”

“That is why I said it to you.”

Ash bid Dorian farewell with a playful wink before she hurried down the spiral staircase, her boots and cane clicking against the stone steps. She emerged into the great hall, weaving between the nobles and dignitaries milling about. The midday sun streamed through the stained glass windows, painting the floor in a rainbow of colours.

She pushed open the heavy wooden doors leading to the battlements, stepping out into the crisp air. The wind whipped at her short hair and a pang of longing shot through her as she missed her waist-length braids.

Her eyes scanned the ramparts for any sign of her sister. There - a flash of shaggy blonde hair vanishing around a corner.

"Rae, wait up!" Ash called, hiking up her robes in an indecent but practical manner to jog after her - cane tucked under her arm. Her sister paused and turned, one eyebrow arched expectantly as Ash caught up to her, slightly out of breath.

"What's got you in such a hurry?" Rae asked, the mountains stretched out endlessly behind her, snow-capped peaks glinting in the sunlight.

Ash grinned, her scars framing her lips. "Oh, nothing much. Just heard an interesting bit of gossip and thought I'd come straight to the source for confirmation."

Rae narrowed her vibrant green eyes. "Gossip? About what?"

Ash couldn’t stop her impish grin from spreading across her face. “About your romance with Solas.”

“What?” Rae spat, her teeth barred in a snarl.

Ash linked her arm through Rae’s, bumping her hip against her sister’s, unperturbed by her anger. “You weren’t exactly quiet or subtle about it. If you didn’t want the entirety of Skyhold to know then perhaps a more private location would have been wise? Or did you want everyone to know that Solas kisses with tongue?”

Rae’s face turned so red she could have been mistaken for a large tomato. “Shut up,” she hissed, attempting half-heartedly to pull her arm out of Ash’s grip, but Ash wouldn’t let go. 

“No, I don’t think I will. Was kissing in the Fade different than in waking life?”

This time, Rae shoved Ash hard enough to dislodge her. Ash stumbled but caught herself on her cane before she tumbled off the edge of the battlements. 

“Come on, Rae,” she pleaded with almost sincerity to be believable. “I’m only asking for the sordid details? I’ve so often provided you with mine, it's only fair.”

“That is because you lack tact,” Rae sniffed. “Besides, if you did listen to our whole conversation, then there are no more details for me to share. That was all it was, a kiss in the Fade and a promise to think about it.” 

From the sour twist of Rae’s lips, Ash's heart sank with the realization of where she had gone wrong.

“He would be a dahn’direlan not to care for you as you do him. Whatever he decides, it is a reflection on Solas, not you.” 

Rae scoffed, though her muscles loosened as she looked out over the horizon, lost somewhere in her memory. “Maybe,” she sighed, uncharacteristically dejected. “Either way, there’s more important things for me to focus on. I cannot let my dalliance with Solas cloud my mind.” 

Always so serious, so motivated. Ash only wished that among all that duty and burden, Rae could find moments for herself. 

“Speaking of which, I believe Sera said she was looking for you,” Ash lied, though Rae did seem to perk up. “Something about a prank she needed help with? It sounded very important.”

“You’re right,” Rae said with mock solemnity, her smirk giving her away. “I must see to this immediately. If you’ll excuse me.” 

Ash bowed her head, and Rae departed, taking the stairs two at a time down towards the Herald’s Rest where her friend resided.

Her little sister, the Inquisitor, saviour of Thedas, getting tangled up with the likes of Solas. There was an aloofness to him, a distance he kept from everyone, even Rae it seemed. What kinds of secrets was he hiding? It took a secret keeper to know one, and whatever he was squirrelling away, Ash had no doubt it was big.

She released a long exhale, her breath fogging. Skyhold rose proudly from the mountainside, ancient stone walls and soaring towers proclaiming the strength and resilience of the Inquisition. The castle teemed with life - soldiers training in the courtyard, messengers hurrying across the battlements, the distant clang of metal from the forge. It was a bastion of hope in a world teetering on the brink of ruin.

And at the center of it all was Rae. Strong, passionate, determined Rae, who had been thrust into a role she never asked for but shouldered the burden with grit and grace. Ash's heart swelled with pride even as it ached with the knowledge of how heavy that burden was. Rae deserved every scrap of happiness she could find, every stolen moment of laughter and levity amidst the crushing responsibility. If Solas could provide even a glimmer of that, then Ash supposed she would tolerate his enigmatic ways. For now.

Nodding resolutely nod to herself, Ash continued, her robes swishing around her ankles as she strode along the battlements. The ancient stone was rough beneath her fingers as she trailed her hand along the parapet, feeling the history etched into every weathered crack and crevice.

As Ash walked, her thoughts drifted to the Commander of the Inquisition's forces. Cullen - a man forged by duty and tempered by a past filled with pain. She wasn’t clueless enough to think he didn’t have secrets all his own, though he was much less adept at hiding them.

Her steps quickened, carrying her along the windswept battlements toward Cullen's office. She could picture him inside, hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pored over missives and troop movements. Always working, always pushing himself. Did the man ever take a moment to breathe?

She would have to make sure he did.

Ash reached the heavy wooden door, pausing for a heartbeat before knocking against the weathered surface.

“Come in,” Cullen called from within, his voice tight and clipped. 

Briefly, Ash debated turning around and fleeing, but ultimately decided against it. Knocking and then ditching would likely only irritate him further, and she wasn’t sure she was fast enough to make it back to the Herald’s Rest before he swung open the door to find the culprit. 

The hinges creaked as she entered, taking immediate note of the darkness that filled the room. The curtains had been drawn over the windows, the only light coming from the now open doorway and the candle perched precariously at the edge of the desk. Cullen sat hunched over its surface, hand fisted around a quill as though he was trying to wring the words from it. While he appeared to be well groomed - his hair remained in its usual slicked-back style, his face shaven, and his clothes unwrinkled - the tightness around the corners of his eyes gave him away. Ash had had enough of her own blistering headaches to know how they outwardly appeared. 

Strong enough now to lift the spare chair to her usual spot, she quietly took her seat, watching him carefully as he too watched her - guarded and almost suspicious in the narrowing of his eyes. 

“May I?” she asked, gesturing to a stack of missives. 

He nodded, giving her an affirming grunt. The headache must have been killer if proper and sophisticated Cullen could do little more than make animalistic noises - not that she minded, of course, only that she’d prefer to be the cause. 

Ash turned her attention to the pile of missives, carefully selecting the top one and unfolding it with a crinkle of parchment. The flowing script stuck out to her as she scanned the contents - a report from Leliana's scouts about dangerous activity on the Storm Coast. She set it aside in a new pile, mentally categorizing it as a matter for the spymaster.

The next letter bore the seal of a minor Orlesian noble, the wax imprinted with a fleur-de-lis. Ash resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she skimmed the contents, a long-winded and thinly veiled request for the Inquisition to settle a petty land dispute. She placed it on top of the previous missive, making a note to have Josephine draft a diplomatically worded response.

As she worked, she could feel Cullen's gaze on her, heavy and assessing. She kept her eyes firmly on the papers in front of her, the scratching of his quill the only sound in the room. Questions burned on the tip of her tongue - about his well-being, his duties, the way he drove himself to the brink of exhaustion. But she bit them back, knowing that he would bristle at her concern, interpreting it as pity or doubt in his abilities.

Instead, she sorted and organized, the piles of parchment growing steadily as she worked through the backlog of correspondence. Her fingers were smudged with ink and her eyes ached from straining to read in the dim light, but she didn't dare disturb the fragile peace by rising to open the curtains.

A sudden movement from Cullen caught her attention, and she looked up to see him opening his mouth as if to speak. But then he shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose with a grimace before bending over his work once more.

Disappointment sank like a stone in Ash's stomach, but she ruthlessly pushed it aside. It wasn't her place to pry, to demand his trust when he was clearly not ready to give it. She had to respect his boundaries, his need for privacy.

Just shut the fuck up, she scolded herself sternly, keep your big mouth firmly closed. He doesn't need your meddling or your pity.

“Why…” Cullen spoke, drawing her attention. He pressed his lips into a thin line, tilting his head as he regarded her. “Why are you so quiet?”

Ash hadn’t expected him to ask outright, but she saw no issues with answering truthfully. “You have a headache, and contrary to popular belief, I am capable of shutting up when the situation calls for it.” 

The crease between his eyebrows deepened. “That’s not—“ He sighed, long-suffering but not angry. “Was it that obvious?”

“The lack of light, squinting, and grunting were enough for me to put the pieces together. Are you getting sick?” 

“No,” he dismissed her. “I’m alright.”

Disbelief arched Ash’s eyebrow, and Cullen propped his elbows on the surface of his desk, balancing his chin on his steepled fingers.

“It will pass, I promise,” he insisted, and for now, Ash was willing to let the subject drop. However, it did not stop her from wondering what exactly was happening with the Commander. This wasn’t the first time she’d noticed a headache brewing behind his eyes, pounding at his temples, making him irritable and short - though not typically to this extent. Nor had she failed to notice the days when the pallor of his skin was ashen, when the bags beneath his eyes deepened. But it was none of her business. He tolerated her and they were friendly, nothing more. Pushing him, especially in this state, would only turn him against her - and she couldn’t have an ex-Templar on her bad side.

“If you’re so keen on talking, then you could always tell me how you knew that man working with Corypheus.”

Cullen blinked hard, sitting straighter as he struggled to process Ash’s proposed topic of conversation. 

“You said you knew him,” she prompted, “I was only wondering how you’d come to know a man like that.”

A darkness formed in Cullen’s eyes, unfocusing for a beat. “Raleigh Sampson. I met him back in Kirkwall before he was expelled from the Order.” His shoulders slouched. “He was a good man, back then. I roomed with him, I knew him. I cannot fathom what pushed him towards such evil.” 

Ash took a moment to absorb what Cullen had told her, letting her mind work over his words to avoid saying the first crass thing that came to mind. “Why was he expelled?”

“He was delivering letters from a mage to his lover.”

Creators fucking forbid a mage trapped in the Circle find a small modicum of happiness, some love amongst so much hate. 

“Seems like a harsh punishment,” she said instead of screaming about how much she despised the Chantry. “I imagine the mage received a less lenient sentence.”

Cullen had left the Templars, but he still held loyalty to them. It irked her, but she had yet to figure out what she wanted to do about it - other than a quick fuck to get him out of her system once she was feeling up to it. 

He furrowed his brow, watching her carefully as she tried to disguise the myriad of emotions that had risen in her, spurned on by Love’s burning rage over lost love between a mage and non-mage she had never met. “Maddox was made Tranquil.” Ash’s heart sunk into her stomach like a lead pipe. “Meredith made mages Tranquil for less. It was another sign I willfully missed that she was…not fit to lead.”

Cullen shook his head, banishing the memories. “But this is why I cannot understand how a man like Sampson could betray those who trust him in such a way. He risked everything for Maddox, and suffered through lyrium withdrawal for it, yet he has sided with Corypheus? It doesn’t make sense.”

Ash rubbed her chest as Love bashed uncomfortably against her ribcage, unease churning in her gut. “Are we truly so terrifying that a few love letters should get us stripped of all personality and will?”

“No,” Cullen said quickly, and with a little too much force. “No, you are not. I have…treated and thought of mages unfairly in the past and I have much regret. I am doing everything in my power to right those wrongs and make amends. Though I’m not sure it will ever outweigh the harm I have caused.” 

“Probably not,” Ash crossed her arms over her chest, keeping Love contained and catching the sorrow that flitted over Cullen’s face. “But it’s better to try than to do nothing. Even a little good is better than leaving it all bad.” 

He nodded shallowly, his gaze averted. “Sometimes I wonder how you sit here, knowing what I allowed to happen to the mages under my care. The stories of Kirkwall supersede me.” 

Were vulnerability and insecurity symptoms of a headache? Ash had never heard him sound so downtrodden before. Leaning forward and placing her hands on the edge of the desk, she said, “Because I enjoy your company. It was an indescribable shock to find a former Templar pleasant to be around, but it was a fact I could not deny. While healthily suspicious of me at first, you’ve only ever treated me with dignity and respect, even when I perhaps did not deserve it.” She grinned, and the corner of his lips twitched. She took that as a good sign. “You have moved past your hateful beliefs, tolerating me is proof enough of that, and I would never discourage someone from trying to change course and do good.” 

He heaved a heavy sigh, though a flicker of light had returned to his sharp eyes. “You are more gracious than I am worthy of.” 

“I am curious though,” she began before she could stop herself. “Why did you hate mages so much?” 

The light in his eyes was snuffed out in an instant, a haunted emptiness taking its place. A muscle in his jaw ticked, and Ash waited in tense silence - sometimes she wondered if she was cursed to overstep, or if it was a natural skill she possessed. 

Silence answered her first, and then he found his voice. “What do you know of Kinloch Hold?”

“That’s the Ferelden Circle, right? I’ve done my best to stay away from Circles, so not much. But I heard that it was attacked during the last Blight. Something to do with blood mages. I stay away from those too, in case you were wondering.”

Possession was difficult enough to conceal, she didn’t need to add blood magic to it.

Cullen hummed his approval, not that she needed it. “Rogue mages used blood magic to summon demons and take over the tower. It was…bloody and of my fellow Templars who were trapped with the mages, I was the only one who survived.” He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a curl. Sympathy filled her throat, but she remained silent, allowing him to continue. “I began to fear that all mages would become like the blood mages from Kinloch, and I let my fear control me. It took me a shameful amount of time to realize this.”

Ash nodded, mulling over his story as his gaze remained on her, searching and guarded. It added perspective for her, and while it was clear he was holding back important details, what he had told her was enough for his feelings toward mages to make sense - and the remorse that coloured his tone settled her. 

“Fear makes people do a lot of things they come to regret, but I am glad that you no longer hold those ideals. I’d be terribly bored without you to annoy, scaring you would be a lot less fun.” Ash considered this, tapping her chin. “Or maybe it would be.”

A half-smile formed on his lips despite the shadows that still clung to his eyes. "I assure you, attempting to frighten me would not end well for either of us."

Ash grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Is that a challenge, Commander? Because it sounds an awful lot like one to me."

He shook his head, exasperation and amusement warring across his handsome features. "Maker's breath, woman. Must everything be a game to you?"

"Not everything," Ash conceded, her smile softening. "But life is too short and too full of darkness not to find levity where we can."

Cullen studied her, his amber eyes intense and searching. For a long minute, the wind whistled against the building outside and the muffled clatter of activity from the courtyard rose from below. Finally, he sighed, his broad shoulders releasing the remainder of their tension.

"Perhaps you’re right," he admitted, low and rough. "I’ve been so focused on my duties, on atoning for my past, that I have forgotten how to simply...be."

Ash's heart clenched at the weariness in his tone, the bone-deep exhaustion that seemed to seep from his pores.

"Well then," she said brightly, injecting a note of mischief into her tone, "I suppose it falls to me to remind you. Prepare yourself for terrible jokes and ill-advised frivolity, Ser."

"Andraste preserve me,” Cullen groaned. “I fear I may come to regret this."

Ash winked at him, delighted by the hint of a blush that rose to his cheeks. "Oh, undoubtedly. But it will be worth it, you'll see."

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head ruefully. Ash propped her feet up on the corner of Cullen's desk. He raised an eyebrow at her, but didn't comment on the impropriety. Progress.

"You know," he said slowly, as if testing the words, "if you truly wish to bring more levity into my life, perhaps I could return the favour by teaching you some sword fighting techniques. A bit of self-defence, as it were."

Had he really just offered to teach her how to wield a sword? Her - the mage who could barely walk without a cane? She had only just begun to train with her magic again, and the thought of adding sword fighting to it did not fill her with confidence.

A laugh bubbled up in her throat, escaping in an undignified snort. "Ah, no. No way. That's a terrible idea."

Cullen frowned. "Why? I thought you might enjoy the challenge. And it never hurts to have a few tricks up your sleeve, even as a mage."

Ash shook her head, still chuckling. "I appreciate the offer, truly. But can you imagine? Me, stumbling around the training yard, trying to swing a sword? I'd probably just end up crying in frustration and then everyone would know that you made the Herald’s sister cry."

His frown deepened. "What? Why would you cry?"

"Because you're always barking critiques and corrections at your soldiers.” She smiled as she said it, hoping to lessen the blow. “I can hear you from clear across the keep sometimes. 'Shield up! Feet apart! Thrust, parry, slash!'" She imitated his clipped commands in an exaggeratedly deep voice.

Cullen had the good grace to look a bit sheepish. "I'm not that bad, am I?"

Ash quirked a brow. "You can be quite…intense. Which is good for training soldiers, don't get me wrong. But me?" She gestured to herself, to the cane propped against her chair. "I already know what I'm doing wrong. I don't need someone else to berate me for it too."

Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by a flash of something that looked suspiciously like sympathy. Ash's hackles rose instinctively. She didn't want his pity.

But when he spoke, his voice was gentle, devoid of condescension. "Ashvalla, I would never berate you. Critique and correction are necessary for improvement, yes. But there is a difference between constructive feedback and cruelty. I would not be cruel to you."

Her eyes darted over his face, searching for any hint of insincerity or placation. His amber irises were like molten honey, shining with earnestness and sincerity. A knot in her chest loosened.

"I…" She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "I'll think about it. The sword fighting lessons. But no promises."

Cullen nodded, a small smile curving the corners of his mouth. "Of course. The offer stands, whenever you feel ready."

Ash returned his smile, a tentative thing that felt foreign on her face. She cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject before the strange fluttering in her stomach could take root. "So, Commander, tell me - what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you on the training field?"

"Maker's breath, you would ask that.” He wiped a hand down his face. “Weren’t you only moments ago trying not to aggravate my headache?”

Ash grinned, unrepentant. "It’s too late for that now. Come on, spill. I promise I won't tell a soul." She leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand. "Cross my heart and hope to die."

He was weak to her charms and with an exaggerated sigh, he said, "Very well. But if this gets out, I'll know exactly who to blame."

Ash found herself in Rae's quarters the next day. Her sister had been suspiciously absent at dinner, and worry gnawed at Ash's gut. It wasn't like Rae to miss a meal, especially not one where she could regale the inner circle with tales of her latest exploits.

Stepping into the spacious room, her eyes roamed over the organized chaos that was so distinctly Rae. Books and scrolls were scattered across every available surface, interspersed with strange artifacts, dirty clothes, and glimmering treasures from her travels. Twin daggers sat on her desk, ready at a moment's notice. The bed was haphazardly made, rumpled furs and silken sheets betraying Rae's restless sleeping habits.

"Rae?" Ash called softly, moving further into the room. "Are you in here?"

A vague sound of acknowledgement drifted from the direction of the balcony. Ash picked her way through the clutter, careful not to disturb the delicate order of Rae's belongings. She found her sister leaning against the railing, her gaze fixed on some distant point in the mountains.

"Hey," Ash said, coming to stand beside her. "Everything okay? You missed dinner."

Rae shrugged, a jerky motion that made her distracted thoughts clear. "Not hungry."

In all their years together, she had never known Rae to not be hungry. Something was definitely wrong.

"What's going on?" she pressed gently. "Talk to me, Rae."

Her sister sighed, her breath clouding in the nippy evening air. "It's nothing. I'm just…tired."

Ash raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Nugshit. I know you better than that. Something's eating at you, and I'm not leaving until you spill."

Rae shot her a baleful look, but there was no real heat behind it. She turned back to the mountains, worrying her lower lip between her teeth.

“I shouldn’t—” Rae began, but Ash was quick to interrupt.

“Whatever it is, it's weighing you down enough to make you turn down dinner. I promise I won’t tell anyone, you know I wouldn’t.”

Ash waited patiently, the silence stretching between them like a vine pulled taut. The sun dipped below the jagged peaks, covering the sky in fierce streaks of orange and red.

"It's Cullen," Rae admitted finally, lowering her voice to a low whisper.

Ash's heart stuttered in her chest, Love flopping along with it. "What about him?"

Rae’s head shook, her shaggy hair falling into her eyes. "He's trying to quit lyrium. Has been for a while now. But the withdrawal…it's bad. You’ve probably noticed. He’s worried it will affect his work, affect the Inquisition. Or worse, that it could kill him."

Where her heart had stuttered before, it almost stopped entirely. She knew a little about lyrium withdrawal, that it could drive even the strongest of people to madness. It was a constant threat of torture that kept the Templars in line should their supply be cut off and they be subjected to the whims of withdrawal.

"Fenedhis," Ash breathed, running her scarred palm down her arm to soothe the goosebumps. “That…actually makes a lot of sense.”

The headaches, the snippiness, his wane complexion and the bags under his eyes were the signs she had attributed to long hours or sickness, when instead they belonged to the pull of lyrium at his fraying willpower. And it…well, she wasn’t entirely sure how it made her feel about his ex-Templar status, but it didn’t hurt, at least.

“I’ve known for a while, but yesterday I caught him arguing about it with Cassandra, he was asking her to replace him, but she refused. She’s been keeping an eye on him and she has yet to doubt his abilities.” Rae gripped the railing of the balcony and leaned back on her heels, face turned towards the cloudy sky. “I gave him an order to stay away from lyrium. It was what he wanted, but…what if I let my friendship with him cloud my judgment?”

Ash turned to face Rae fully, her brows knitting together. "What do you mean, 'cloud your judgment'? You think ordering him to stay off lyrium was the wrong call?"

Rae pushed off the railing, pacing the length of the balcony with quick, agitated strides. "I don't know! I mean, I want to support him, of course I do. I respect his choice. But what if I'm putting the Inquisition at risk by allowing him to continue as Commander in this state? What if his withdrawal jeopardizes our mission?" She raked a hand through her hair, frustration rolling off her in waves.

Ash fell silent, taking a minute to contemplate her sister's words. Rae felt the pressure of her responsibility keenly, the constant need to make the right choices, to put the needs of the many above her own desires. It was a thankless task, one that left little room for personal considerations.

But this was Cullen they were talking about. The man who had stood by Rae's side from the beginning - despite the lack of Chantry support - who had worked tirelessly to build the Inquisition's forces into a formidable army. The man who, despite his past with mages, had proven himself to be honourable, dedicated, and fiercely loyal. If anyone was worthy of Rae's support, it was him.

Ash reached out, gently grasping Rae's elbow to halt her restless pacing. "Rae," she said softly, waiting until her sister met her gaze. "I think you did the right thing."

Rae's eyes widened fractionally, a flicker of hope sparking in their depths. "You do?"

She squeezed Rae's arm reassuringly. "I do. You can never tell him I said this, but he’s not just the Commander, he's our friend. He deserves our trust and support in this."

Rae searched Ash's face, vulnerable and making Ash's heart ache. "But what about the Inquisition? What if—"

"The Inquisition will endure," Ash interrupted gently. "We've faced worse threats than one man's personal battle. And he's not alone. Cassandra’s watching out for him, right? And the rest of us too. We'll make sure he has whatever he needs to see this through."

Some of the tension seemed to drain from Rae's posture, her shoulders slumping as she exhaled.

"You're right," Rae said, a ghost of a smile flickering across her face. "Of course you're right. I just…I worry, you know? About making the wrong call, about failing everyone who's counting on me."

Ash pulled Rae into a tight hug, talking over her muffled protest. "You could never fail us, Rae. You're doing an amazing job leading the Inquisition. We're all behind you, one hundred percent."

Rae patted her back, about as close as she ever got to returning Ash’s embrace. "Thank you," she mumbled into Ash's shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Crash and burn, probably," Ash teased, earning a watery chuckle from Rae. They pulled apart, and Ash was relieved to see some of the darkness had lifted from her sister's eyes.

"Alright, enough of this sappy shit," Rae declared, straightening her spine. "I'm starving. Race you to the kitchens?"

Ash snorted. "As if. You know I can't run."

"Excuses, excuses," Rae sing-songed, already bounding towards the stairs. "Last one there has to do the other's laundry for a week!"

"Hey, no fair!" Ash called after her, walking as briskly as she could to catch up. "You got a head start!"

Rae's laughter echoed up the stairwell, bright and carefree, and Ash couldn't help but smile. Her sister was resilient, a force to be reckoned with. She would weather this storm like she had all the others - with grit, determination, and the unwavering support of those who loved her.

Including Ash. Especially Ash. 

Next Chapter

A/N: A much-needed talk between Cullen and Ash to shed some light on his past and Dorian uncovers more about Ash’s run-in with slavers. 

Now the question is, what will Ash do with her new knowledge of Cullen’s lyrium addiction? I'd love to hear your predictions!

[pearblossommina]

ToG Read-a-Long, Crown of Midnight, Day 7

45

Kaltain got taken away, and married to the duke, I’ll miss you baby, I hope you and he work out. At least you can see the sky again. I’m not sure what Celaena is implying by drawing a connection between Roland, Cain, and Kaltain, does she think that King Whatever plopped portions of Wyrdkeys into them? Or… what?

And is the Ah! Time’s Rift! Riddle actually an anagram?!? I TRIED SO HARD to decode it, lol, but I’m pretty bad at anagrams. It just seemed like the kind of sentence that was rearranged to make an anagram, though.

Here, lemme try again

“The fair mist” or maybe “the first aim”

I am

So bad at this

46

Oh my god 😂

You could hide something forever from me by giving me an anagram, I feel like I NEVER would have gotten that

BUT that poem also spelled it out, Celaena. We knew it was in the tomb. The king knew. The door knew. Everybody knew. Lol.

So Dorian is only magical because his dad made it so that he would be… that was a surprisingly thoughtful thing for Dorian’s dad to do. And kinda out of character, honestly, but maybe he’s hoping that Dorian will follow in his evil footsteps.

I like that the ghost of King Gavin is like wake up boy go stop Celaena she’s all mad with grief

47

Oh my God 😭

I never thought I’d see you again, Nehemia!

Can you kiss

Can you hold hands

Just one last time!

“I knew what my fate was to be and I embraced it. I ran toward it.”

Girl. You died so violently, lol. How. How could you run toward THAT end.

Hello Archer, wow, that’s really random, I wasn’t expecting to see YOU here…

48

Um!

This fucking guy was the murderer all along! Archer how could you! I liked you!

Dorian and Chaol to the rescue

Best friends

It seems like they’re making up at last

49

INTENSE INTENSITY

HOLY SHIT

FLEETFOOT

CHAOL

whaaaa, that reveal tho

Was she fae this whole time? How did she disguise herself? How did she get to the human realm? Is she trapped there, since there’s no magic? Or did stepping through the portal cause her to transform kinda like being dunked into a cauldron?

(Is the faerie realm just the human realm, or are they separate realms?)

(Glancing at the map)

(Guys I’m excited)

(I’d much rather read about fae and faeries, I was under the impression these books were about fae and faeries and was so shocked when I started reading and was like huh???)

(Anyway. FINALLY! this is such a thrill)

(I DO NOT WANT TO STOP READING)

(That dog better be ok or my sanity is going to crumble)

That was quite a fun ride!

I feel like it’s impossible to stop reading right now especially with how it feels like there’s hardly any book left.

No promises that I won’t just read the rest right now

(I’m gonna go eat lunch first)

(The end of SJM books are always very intense and entertaining and hard to put down)

[domestic-pest]

Blurb: Dorian trips over her tail while carrying a box from her tent to the cart, spilling some of her sentimental items from it.

Pairing: Dorian/Lorcán (OC x OC)

Tropes: childhood friends, now adults, shy x sunshine, fluff, sfw

Notes: these are D&D OCs, Dorian is a tiefling bard, Lorcán is a half-elf cleric. Dorian uses she/her and is recently out as transfem, and Lorcán is a cis man and uses he/him. Lorcán belongs to my friend autistic_princess28 on instagram, I was given permission to write him. ♡

She's always so careful with this box, each transfer slow and cautious, much like everything in her life, she's careful with every step and every placement of her feet as she moves forward. Today, though, she's in a rush, bolting to the parties' cart with her sleek black hair tied messily back where she had no time to brush it into place, a beige cardigan hanging loose on her frame as she struggles to get all of her things into order.

Of course, gravity is a heartless mistress- one with a sixth sense for urgency, and zero regard for timekeeping at the best of times, as many observing her situation would find relatable. She quickly and predictably finds herself at the mercy of it, her dyspraxia teaming up with the accursed laws of science to send her tumbling roughly to the floor with an alarmed yelp, the contents of the unlidded wooden box scattering and clattering about her. 

She's unscathed, but Lorcán- big, dopey, sweet puppydog that he is- is by her side in less time than it takes her to get to her knees, instantly crouching down to the ground beside her, catching a piece of paper as it makes a valiant attempt to ride away on the morning breeze. 

“..Are ya alright, Princess? You didn't have to actually fall for me, y'know...” 

He chuckles cheerily, his smile sunny and wide as he looks down on her, all of his energy only vaguely less warm than the rising sun beaming down on them, like a drop of pure gold, if you don't make a note of his brilliant blue eyes- which would be a crying shame in the eyes of anyone who has ever met the man, not least of all, Dorian, herself.

“...I'm good, just dropped some stuff because I wasn't looking where I was going again.. thank you.. can you help me grab the rest? It's all stuff from back home…” 

She gestures to the objects scattered around her- most able to be scooped back into the box with ease, but something stands out as he leans down to collect the remaining items- nestled in the sand is a shoddily made carving of.. well, it's frankly quite hard to tell what it is, but it does strike Lorcán with a deep twinge of nostalgia as he lifts it up to gaze at it, the odd, lumpy creature best just summarised as… chunky. Real chunky. It stares back at him with its’ badly carved, wall-eyed wooden stare, seeming quite happy with its' lot in life, or as much as a badly-made carving can be, anyway.

“...Oh, there she is- do you remember this?” Dorian chuckles gleefully and plucks it from his palm as he examines it, smiling at it and turning it over in her own hands now with a distinct fondness glowing behind her lavender gaze.

“It was your uh.. well, not your first attempt at wood carving, since Lilly ate that… but it is the next one you did. It's Nutmeg… see her little wings?” Lorcán finds the carving thrust back into his field of vision, but he doesn't really see much resembling a Tressym- even an almost circular and incredibly clumsy oaf of a thing like Nutmeg. 

“I'm gonna be honest, Princess, it looks more like a toad.. a constipated toad… you could just ask, and i'd have got you a better one.” His laugh is deep and tuneful, like a song that was somehow laced with a rich syrup, the sentiment seeming to fly over his head- but that's to be expected with him, and is part of his endearing charm. He's simple in all the best ways, kind and warm and reliable, and she's loved him for as long as she's had the words to know it.

Dorian, for her part, just gives a twinkling little laugh, looking up at him with her big, shimmery lilac eyes. “I don't want a better one, you made this one for me- and anyway, you were only about twelve, give poor Kid Lorcán a break!” 

She leans back down quickly and scoops up the rest of her papers and trinkets- various items going one-by-one back into the box, ranging from marbles to shells to letters from her family, each item being set down with a distinct precision to maximise the storage space. Even with this incredibly calculated feat of organisational engineering, the box still seems utterly crammed to the brim, Nutmegs’ sweet, derpy wooden face peeking up before Dorian closes the lid back over her belongings- being careful to ensure nothing gets clipped by it as she seals the box with a light clicking sound.

“...Whatever you say, Princess. I'll still get you a new one, I can carve you a proper Tressym now, when we get a bloody days’ rest, anyway… I'll fit it in.” He laughs with a distinct, gentle warmth, ruffling his girlfriends’ glossy black hair into a ravens’ nest, dark strands sticking up all over the show, before he alights from the floor and extends a hand to help her as she staggers to her feet like a wobbly baby deer. He doesn't really understand why she keeps these things- the past is behind them and she doesn't need to live there, but the girl seems to have a distinct fondness for their shared lives, and even if the depth of the sentiment is beyond him, that wide, joyous smile she's giving him right now just does something to him.

“I'll be holding you to that, Mister- though, you might also have to carve me a bigger box..” 

“Damn, Princess, what did your last servant die of?”

He playfully grumbles and rolls his eyes, taking the box from her and setting it up on the cart, before bending down to scoop her into his arms, the two of them sharing a sweet nuzzle before he plonks her up onto the cart, where she quickly settles down for the journey ahead.

As he begins to walk, he laughs to himself- knowing damn well he'll make sure she has an ornate wooden box and a new wooden Tressym inside of it before the next full moon. He also knows that she'll still have it when her hair is silver and her hands are warped from age- that's just how Dorian is with these things. 

It does warm his heart that she cares so much, though, he's told her a million times and then some more that she thinks far too much, but he can't help but smile at how much she clearly adores him- it's refreshing, really, since most people he's dealt with romantically have discounted him for being too simple or missing their cues. Though, Dorian has been there since Day One, really, and she had never judged him for being himself, not once. Maybe the fact she kept some wonky wooden Tressym he made when he was twelve is relevant to them now somehow, he thinks to himself.

He continues to muse with a quiet appreciation over her poetic nature- completely lost on him as it is- as the rickety cart begins to set off down the sandy dirt track ahead of them, the sun beaming down on them as they both look ahead, to the day and the life ahead of them.

[railroad-migraine]

God, can you just imagine how smug and amused Ashton would be realising someone has a crush on him?? And in comparison Dorian would get even more flustered by it than the person crushing on him???? My boys I love them :')

My favessss 🥰 I find it so hard to narrow down what I want in a partner omg. These two genasi are so different and yet I'm in love with both. I might make a "guess my type" post soon, let y'all help me XD

Happy Valentine's Day, my loves 💕 Whether you're happily single, ready to mingle, in a relationship or spending the day with friends, I wish you all clear skin, clear skies, and clear communication 💞

~ Poet

Realising Reader Has A Crush

Ashton

Despite being so smug, Ashton was actually a bit slow with realising you had a crush on him. They genuinely thought you guys were just really close friends. Buddies. Amigos. Ride or dies.

And they were chill with that, but one day, and probably at the most inconvenient moment, it all just made sense his opalescent skull.

Ashton had fallen flat on their ass after a fight, so you held out a hand for him to take, helping them stand. He must've tugged a little too hard because in a blink of an eye, you guys clumsily stood with your chests pressed against each other and noses barely touching.

And they noted the way your body language stiffened, and how your eyes flitted from them to literally anywhere else, and then it all just clicked. You watched a slow smirk spread across Ashton's face, and you knew that there was no going back now.

Such a tease. Oh my gosh, you might be crushing on him, but sometimes you wanna just wipe that knowing smile off of their face. Gives you the slyest looks from across the table when the party are sharing drinks, making your face warm and heart flutter.

And he knows this and abuses this newfound 'power' they have over you. Pulls you into their side when introducing the party to new allies and such, leans in close when you're sharing info with the group, gives you pecks on your cheek to see you squirm etc etc~

Wants to hear it from you that you have a crush on him and boy oh boy, if you wait it out for ages before confessing there's just gonna be more teasing until Ashton has decided enough is enough

Literally dips you in the middle of a brawl, one strong arm supporting your back in a way that you arch into them, the other cradling your face so that he s m o o c h e s you, and damn him, you can feel that same smirk that's been taunting you for ages.

And the bandits you guys were fighting pause like "o h, are we- are we interrupting y'all?"

Will pull away and promptly continue to break shit and bonk your enemies, leaving you high and dry, trying to recover from the kiss, but damn they do look hot doing what they do best 💚

Dorian

To be honest, he'd picked up on your crush fairly easy. Your soft, lingering touches and broader smiles directed at him... Anyone in the party could tell you were infatuated.

But sweet blue man was in complete denial, because what could you ever see in him pfffft, despite all the evidence of your romantic feelings for him were so obviously there.

But he didn't trust his judgement. He didn't want to assume you held him in that regard, in a romantic light. Even when Fearne oh so clearly spelt it out for him and Orym suggested that he try talk to you about it, he still wasn't convinced that he should confront you.

He didn't want to get his hopes up. Not with you. So when you approached him, his mind was running a mile a minute because it was too good to be true that this was actually happening. You stand before him, heart bare and vulnerable, and Dorian still can't believe his ears.

He tries to convince you that you are mistaken, holding his hands out to you in a defensive stance while chuckling nervously. He nearly stumbles as he backs away from you, and yet you continue to close the distance.

Bless this man. Take his face into your hands and cradle him as if he's as fragile as glass. You lean in until your foreheads gently press against each other. You can feel warmth radiating from him, his skin scalding to the touch. His cheeks flush as he looks away at something, anything, other than your face.

Tell him that you love him.

Simple as that.

As a bard, he lives and breathes poetry and flowery phrases. Give him reality, not fantasies that belong in songs, and he'll melt in your touch, a soft smile threatening his lips. He manages a hesitant laugh, and your voice joins him. It eases his nerves, despite his heart hammering in his chest.

He raises your knuckles to his mouth and he kisses them, and once he's done just please wrap your arms his neck and kiss him for real because wow this yearning is so darn sweet it hurts, and his eyes get a little glazed over and he insists he's not crying (okay maybe just a little), but he's grinning from ear to ear. And you're tempted to wipe his tears away and kiss that smile off his face.

So you do 💙

[dontgofarfromme]

Rewatching EXU bc the Dorian message got me thinking abt them and I missed them, things I have noticed as of ep 1:

Dorian has always been the wildest combination of lying liar who lies and guy who can't lie to save his life. He won't tell you shit about himself however he constantly flags that he's rich by accident and doesn't realize it.

The number of characters all from small towns/areas (or not from this plane of existance) all with minimal experience in big cities!! The exploration of newness is an overarching theme. I also forgot how closely paralleled Opal and Dorian especially are on some fronts in this respect, there's a naivete to both of them, which Opal just spills all over the place and which Dorian tries his best to cover up. Theres this sense esp this early into the show that they've just been let out of a restricting cage for the first time and are riding high on it, but also have some gaps in their understanding of how everything...works. Orym is an interesting contrast bc you get the feeling that while he may not have experienced the city himself and has lived his whole life in a place with leaders that could be trusted, he seems aware of the potential dangers and corruption in the world but actively chooses to give people the benefit of the doubt despite this.

Fearne was always chaotic but I think she's actually become more chaotic as time goes on. Ashley plays her as slightly more reserved here.

Forgot how much Dorian and Orym sort of teamed up as the slightly more restrained ones early on. This obviously goes out the window a bit later on Dorian's part, but the contrasting reasons for not wanting to steal shit for Poska are interesting--Orym has a clear moral objection and suspicion of Posla's intentions, Dorian seems to both have some 'grew up rich' sympathy for her targets but I think also has some worry around doing an illegal thing in general (another compare/contrast between him and opal, she's raring to use her newfound independence to do whatever the hell she wants; and also maybe a consequence of his history in a pretty restrictive environment).

Ruidis + Catha on flag of the ship they rob 2:07:15. The ship is called "the Blightstar" and Aabria says "this looks like...the ship is named after Ruidis, yeah." *Travis voice* WEEEOOOOWEEEOOOWEEEOO. It's also from Issylra, not a place known for trade, so it's weird that it's there.

In the same convo Aabria says Orym is "extremely well-traveled," but earlier in the ep Orym says he's only been to 2 "city taverns." Was the traveling for work with Keyleth or in the 6 years after he left Zephra, or both? I am shaking this little guy upside down so all his secrets fall out of his pockets tell me everything!!!!

Truly the entire "He's a real sailor! He's kept us aloive! Many toimes I would've doied if it weren't for him!" is hilarious

Do we know what Dariax's compass is for? Does he actually follow a deity?

I fully don't remember who did all the murders on this boat or why they didn't take the crown with them while they escaped, I can't remember if we ever figured it out?

It's really interesting how often Dorian tosses the ball to Orym for input/final decisions from like day one. It feels almost like he's looking for either someone who knows what they're doing or a moral compass outside himself and he's pretty convinced Orym's got both those things covered.

Orym, questioning all his life choices: we stole an oily dark crown from a ship full of corpses with evaporating assassins and a monster in the hull.

Opal, having the time of her life: Yeah!!!! We did that!!!

Speaking of evaporating assassins, hey Orym...I do wonder if any of this poked at those memories for him

The fact that Orym's first battle maneuver was bait and switch, I continue to sob over this halfling oh my god he's just doing his best to keep everyone else safe.

I've been doing an awful job of keeping track of plot points in cr3 and I'm p sure they mentioned it but the nameless ones have 40 pounds of smuggled refined residuum from Zephra, def ties into the box they got recently in cr3.

How do the baby ankheg and the big ankheg line up is it that the ship the CK rolled was one Poska's group was targeting anyway but the CK interrupted and took the crown before anyone else could?

It's really interesting that while Orym has been the one trying desperately to steer them right and keep them away from unnecessary dangerous theft etc through this whole episode, in the end his decision to take the residuum (honestly a fair and understandable one!!) is a solid 50% of what puts them on Poska's bad side. It's about what's right for him, not what's safe--he's consistent!

[whimsicallyreading]

You Don’t Even Go Here

Day Two for Rowaelin Month

A college AU

~

Aelin grins mischievously as she walks up the stairs of the men's dorm at Terresan University. The teal-blue waffle iron clutched under her arm.

Aedion didn't really need it. It had been on the fifty-percent-off rack at the supermarket, and he'd simply thrown it in the cart for good measure. Yet, when Aelin saw the box for it laying the hall, she'd seen opportunity.

It had hit her harder than she'd thought. Aedion leaving. They'd been raised like siblings but grew up something closer to best friends. It wasn't fair that he was nearly three years older and ready to leave when she wasn't prepared for him to go.

Aelin had cried the whole car ride home. Then when they finally got back to the house, she'd called him right away. He could hear how teary she was and happily obliged her call. Narrating his actions as he went about setting up his dorm room. He teased her about missing him, but she could tell that he missed her too.

So, armed with an excuse to visit him, Aelin made the hour-long drive to visit her cousin.

Aelin was halfway up the stairs but not paying too much attention to her surroundings. She was too busy repeating Aedion's room number over in her head because no matter how many times she checked her phone, it just wouldn't stick in her head. Maybe if she'd focused a little more on the things happening around her, she wouldn't have crashed into a half-naked man.

A solid and calloused hand darts out and grips her shoulder before she can go tumbling down the stairs. Its twin desperately clutching the towel wrapped around his waist.

Aelin looks up apologetically, and her jaw nearly falls to the floor. His white hair was still damp from the shower and swooped over the top of his head, and his biceps were too large for Aelin to wrap both hands around. An intricate tattoo coils elegantly from a cheekbone and down the length of his body.

He was a man indeed. Nothing like Chaol or Dorian or any of her junior friends. This was a new breed of man. The apex kind. Aelin is pretty sure she looks like a deer in the headlights, and she's too busy ogling him to understand the words he'd been repeating to her.

"Are you okay?" His eyebrows are furrowed as if he's afraid he'd literally struck her stupid. Aelin felt that wasn't far from the truth.

"Yes, sorry," she apologizes as she steps back, suddenly very aware of how in his personal space she was. "I wasn't paying attention. You just caught me by surprise."

Aelin was definitely panicking. Where was her swagger when she needed it most? Why would it choose now to abandon her?

By some miracle, he doesn't seem off-put by her awkwardness. In fact, a smile curls the edges of his lips, revealing a set of dimples that made her heart stumble.

Gods he had dimples.

"No, I ran into you. It's my fault. My name is Rowan.”

He holds out a hand, and Aelin shakes it clumsily. "I'm Aelin."

"Aelin." She loves the way her name rolls off his tongue. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you a freshman?"

Oh no. Aelin's eyes widen, but she recovers swiftly and smooths her features out. Rowan thinks she's a student. Not some crazy high schooler too emotionally dependent on her cousin.

"I'm actually a junior," Aelin laughs at his perplexed expression. "I don't go here, though. I'm just stopping by to drop off some things my cousin forgot."

White lies. What was a white lie worth? Aelin likely wouldn't ever see him again, and is it so wrong for a girl to enjoy some harmless attention? If Aelin spent more time thinking about it, she probably wouldn't like the answers she'd come up with, but that was neither here nor there.

"Is that a waffle maker?" Rowan's green eyes glint with amusement.

"My cousin loves to eat. What year are you?" Aelin crosses her fingers that he's the same age as Aedion and not a senior or something. Her cousin would murder her if he found out she flirted with a man five years older.

"Don't we all? I'm a sophomore, a bit younger than you, I suppose." Rowan drags a hand through his hair. "Listen, I know you came to see your cousin, but maybe I could get your number, and we could get a cup of coffee before you head out?"

Was this really happening? Aelin inwardly squealed with excitement. Lysandra would die when she recounted this story later. "Sure."

Just as she pulled her phone from her pocket, an all too familiar voice materialized behind her. "Aelin?"

Aedion smiles as he lays eyes on his beloved cousin. He takes a couple steps down the stairs, and that grin quickly fades as he sees the naked man.

Oops, she'd forgotten that detail.

"Rowan?" Aedion's eyes harden as they lock on Rowan. "Why the hell are you ogling my cousin with no clothes on?"

"You know him?" Aelin swears under her breath. She cannot believe her luck.

Aedion laughs coldly as he sizes up Rowan, "He's my roommate, but he's about to be a corpse. Why are you perving on my seventeen-year-old cousin?"

Rowan's looks between the bewildered. "You said you were a junior?"

Aedion laughs harshly as Aelin blushes. "I am...just in highschool. Not college. I told you I didn't go here."

"I didn't realize I was rooming with a pedophile," Aedion grabs Aelin and pulls her to his chest. "Was he bothering you?"

"Pedophile?" Rowan's dimples have disappeared, and he looks at Aedion disturbed. "I'm only nineteen!"

Aelin shoves away from Aedion's boorish grip. "The only one bothering me is you."

Rowan's cheeks are flushed red as the full impact of the situation they were found in dawns on him. Damn it if Aelin didn't find his blush endearing. He is a solid chunk of muscle. How is everything he does so cute?

"Look, I just got out of the shower, and I bumped into Aelin. It was an accident. She was just on her way to give you your waffle maker-"

"You brought my waffle maker?" Aedion cuts Rowan off, eyeing the box under her arm.

That's when Aelin sees it. The twinkle of mischief in his eye and the forced concern. Aedion was playing her. He obviously knew Rowan wasn't a creep and saw the perfect opportunity to cause chaos. Aelin scowls at him, and that spark grows brighter. It's moments like this she wonders why she ever missed her cousin in the first place.

Aedion tugs the box out of her grasp and smiles. "Wow. This is perfect timing. Vaughn and Fen were just talking about making breakfast for dinner." He looks at Aelin and forces a frown. "If I'd known you were coming, I would have invited you, but it would kind of be rude to bring a guest now."

"What?" Aelin sputters. She drove all this way, and he was really going to ditch her? It was embarrassing, but tears prickled at the edges of her eyes. He was an ass, but she obviously came because she missed him, and he didn't even care? She really thought they were closer than that.

"Yeah. Sorry, Lin." Aedion points at Rowan, who was just standing to the side, thoroughly uncomfortable. Yet, despite the awkwardness, he hadn't left. "Hey, you owe me one for creeping on my little cousin. Earn my trust back and see that she has something for dinner and gets to her car safely? She has my phone number, one bad text, and your ass is grass."

Aedion tosses her a wink, and it's all Aelin can do to keep from outright gaping. Rowan looks stunned, his eyes darting between the two Ashryvver's. They settle on Aelin for a moment too long. Some of the tension eases from his shoulders, and he smiles. "I think I can manage that."

"Good." Aedion turns back up the stairs pats the box. "Thanks for bringing it to me, Lin. I'll call you tomorrow, don't send me to voicemail."

Just like that, her cousin, a walking, talking agent-of-chaos, disappears back to wherever he came from.

"So," Rowan starts, "If you want, I know a perfect Italian place we could swing by, my treat seeing as I plowed into you."

Aelin frowns and fiddles with the end of her necklace. "You aren't upset that I lied?"

"You didn't lie." Rowan chuckles, a deep sound that sends a shiver of delight down Aelin's spine. "You don't go here."

Aelin tilts her head as if she's deeply considering the offer. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. What's good there?"

"They have an awesome kabob." Rowan tugs his towel tighter. "It's my favorite."

It's Aelin's turn to laugh. "Isn't that just meat on a stick?"

"Let's go, and I can show you how profoundly wrong you are," he moves to take a step down, but Aelin stops him with a hand to the shoulder. "What is it?"

Aelin points to his towel, "I don't think they will serve guests without pants."

The flush that Aelin loves his back full force as he scrambles the other direction up the stairs. "Shit. Give me five minutes. I'll be right back. Aedion better have not locked out or I swear-"

Rowan's embarrassed tirade quiets as he charges up to his dorm to change. Aelin smiling as he goes. She can't believe she's going out to dinner with a guy like that.

Opening her phone, she sends a quick heart emoji to her cousin. He instantly replies back with one of his own. Aedion may have moved to college, but he still had her back at the end of the day. Even if it wasn't in the most ideal way.

Rowan comes back down the stairs moments later, and she's not disappointed by what she sees. He took the time to put on a flannel shirt and comb some gel through his hair. While the view without clothes had been pleasant, Aelin could definitely appreciate this look too.

"I'm ready if you are," Rowan extends an arm to help her down the stairs.

It's such a fussy, old-man move, and she loves it.

"Let's go."

[1001scoganmusings]

Painting the devil part 1

A/N: I’ve been watching Dorian grey a lot this weekend. Its one of my favorite comfort movies and it really inspired this series. No it will not be exactly like the movie but you get the jist. Also yes I reasearched a lot of the stuff from the time period so it’s mostly accurate but again I’m no historian so plz just go with it. Sorry for the writing updates so late at night my sleep schedule sucks and I’m more of a night owl.

Words: 1693K

Warnings: 18+

Summary: Your an up and coming artist who’s travelled to London to do a commission for a mysterious and wealthy man in hopes of jumpstarting your career. While spending time with him his mystery and charm draw you in. Can you keep you heart and your head separate or will you find out more about him than you can handle?

P.S.: Minors do not enter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A request from a very mysterious business man had come in one day asking for a self portrait of himself. That was fine and all but no one seemed to know who he was or what his business seemed to be was. Just that he was called blackhat with connections to people in high places and was extremely and fabulously wealthy. It did seem a little suspicious to you but you figured this could be the kind of exposure you needed to be noticed in high society. If this commission went well you could be living a whole different life style by this time next year.

As you exited the port you could see a man with a paper bag on his head carrying a sign with you last name on it. You walked up to him a sweet smile on your face.

“Ah miss (y/l n) right on time. I’m Mr. Flug I’ve been instructed to take you to hat manor safe and sound.” He took you suitcase and opened the carriage door for you even going as far to give you his hand to help you in.

The ride to hat manor was a long one. It seemed that your client wasn’t too fond of living in the city but instead preferred to live out in the country. There were pastures and rolling green hills as far as the eye could see. There was something truly beautiful about the country side at sunset.

It was as if the hills were blanketed in an ethereal light giving everything a golden sheen. You reached the manor at nightfall. Hat manor was just that. A mansion shaped as a hat. You honestly couldn’t get over some of the ridiculous taste the rich had. But if you had more money than you knew what to do with you’d probably try to find creative and ostentatious ways to spend your money too.

Flug helped you off the carriage and led you inside. The mansion was beautiful to say the least. A huge crystal chandelier hung at the entrance bathing everything in a soft warm glow from the reflection of the oil lamp light that bounced off the crystals. Flug led you down a corridor lined with religious sculpted statues. In some of the pieces angels triumphed over demons. In others it was the opposite. You wondered vaguely if Mr. Blackhat was a religious man. He stopped and opened a door gesturing you in. You stepped in to a parlor room. “Wait here please the master will be with you shortly.” He bowed and closed the door. There room was comfortable and cozy with nicknacks hanging on the walls with bookshelves taking up the rest of the space. You sat down in one of the seats at the coffee table by the window. The moon hung in the sky shining its light over the grounds. You could see a beautiful rose garden with a pond and in the center a white gazebo not to far from the house. Oh how your fingers itched to take out you supplies and capture the image before you.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it.”

You jumped a little startled that you hadn’t heard so much as a knock or a door open.

“Terribly sorry I hope I didn’t frighten you.” Although he didn’t really look all that sorry. He stood right beside your chair looking down at you. He was a tall handsome man with a dark complexion dressed in the most expensive clothes you had ever seen. You had seen all types of people in your line of work but he looked strange to you. It was as if he could almost pass for human looking but at the same time not. Still it was not your place to judge just to paint. It didn’t frighten you though it merely increased you curiosity ten fold.

“I am lord blackhat pleased to make your acquaintance.” He bowed and took your hand in his bringing it up to his lips and placing a kiss on the back of your hand. Your heart fluttered as your cheeks flushed as red as fresh ripe apples.

“I hope your as talented as you are pretty.” he said giving you a flirtatious smile as he sat down across from you. At that moment a knock was heard at the door. “Enter.” He said. A bear dressed in a maids outfit came in and set down a tray of fresh hot jasmine tea and a plate of rose Turkish delights and left. How did he know these things were your favorites?

“Your very strange Mr.Blackhat.”

He laughed as he handed you a cup of tea. “Just Blackhat and my dear, you have no idea.” He smiled a wide smile showing off his sharp pointed teeth.

“So what are you some kind of monster or devil of some sort?”

He sat back in his chair crossing his legs and resting his hands on the arms of the chair. Looking for all the world like some kind of evil king. “Does it really matter? I mean are you really going to refuse my business if you find out that I am hypothetically not human?” He rested his chin in his hand and raising an eyebrow at you.

“No.” It was true you weren’t that would’ve been too stupid.

“Then why ask?”

“It’s just I’m curi-“

“Careful miss.” He stared straight in to your eyes a warning in them. “You know the old saying. Curiosity killed the cat at what not. Though I guess coming from me that might be a little disingenuous.” He said as he looked out the window in to the night.

A chill went down your spine at his words.

“But that’s not why I called you here. I want you to paint me at this point in time of my life. I want to remember it when it has passed as all things eventually do. After all, time stops for no man.” He spoke as if he would live forever and wanted to look back on it. Judging by what he had hypothetically said and not said that just might very well be the case.

He pulled out a fancy looking pocket watch from his coat. “You can start tomorrow seeing as it is already this late. He pocketed his watch and rose to his feet. “ Follow me if you please. I’ll show you where you shall be sleeping for the night.”

He led you up a winding staircase that led to a floor with stuffed exotic animals some you had only seen in books. He turned down a hallway with polished antique suits of armor that lined the corridor. “Are you a collector of antique items Blackhat.”

“I only collect the things I’ve personally been apart of.”

“But you have a bunch of statues of the Great War in heaven? How can that be that would mean that you’d have to have been-“

“This is where you will sleep tonight.” He interrupted you pointing to a mahogany door with a gold door knob. “If you need anything please pull the bell on the wall and someone will be with you shortly.” He did a slight bow and walked away leaving to you more curious and confused than ever. You went inside and closed the door. The room was very spacious and had its own bathroom that had a porcelain tub. The life of the rich and fancy hopefully soon to be your life. You went over to the bed and unpacked your night gown from your suitcase.

When you had finished your night routine you went over to the oil lamp by your bed and blew it out. You laid down pulling the covers over you and tried to sleep. You dreamed of many shadowy black tipped clawed hands caressing your body and of mouths with sharp pointed teeth leaving leaving little nips and bites on your neck. It felt wonderful on your naked skin. Unlike any pleasure you had ever felt before. Your body felt hot and tingly where ever the elusive shadows touched. A voice in your ear gave a breathy laugh. “Oh you are just too perfect for me my curious kitten.” The shadowy hands slid lower caressing up and down your sex with fleeting touches. “Is this what you want pet. Say it, beg for it, let me hear you beg.” The voice said sounding more distorted and otherworldly the more excited it got.

“Please touch me. I want you to touch me.” You said looking up at the mouth through your lashes spreading your legs open just a little wider. The voice gave a deep throaty groan. “What a pretty peach pet. You don’t mind if I have a taste do you?” A warm tongue gave a long firm lick up your pussy. Your head falling back as your eyes fell shut. Shadow hands intertwining with yours as the mouth went to work at eating you out in earnest. It had been to long since someone had given you attention in this way. The long tongue massaging your walls as another mouth sucked on your clit giving you double the stimulation. You writhed in complete ecstasy. A shadowy hand joined the tongue inside of you thrusting in and out of you. You could feel your end coming just a little more. The hand crooked it’s fingers just right hitting that wonderful spot inside of you.

“Oh, oh god, I’m, I’m coming! Don’t stop, oh please don’t stop!” You said as your orgasm crashed over you like a tidal wave.

“Why would I stop you taste delicious pet.” The voice said as the shadows kept going till you were a boneless mess. You watched as the many mouths left kisses all over your body and some of them cleaning you as they lapped up the cum from your core. “Sleep now pet. Rest. You did so well for me.” The shadowy hands caressed your hair and face as your eyes began to feel heavy and your breathing started to even out. Right on the verge of drifting off to sleep you felt a gentle lingering kiss placed on your lips. It was soft and warm the last thing you remembered as you fell in to a deep sleep.

[bumblesimagines]

Forgotten Fairytale

Part 3

Request: Yes or No

~

“We have two announcements today. First, we have a new student, (Y/N). As some of you may know, (Y/N) is a dragon-vampire hybrid and I expect each and everyone of you to treat him with respect. To whom it may concern, he is not our next monster. We’ve recently encountered a Night Hag.” Alaric announced to the remaining student body that had chosen not to leave. You kept your arms crossed, making eye contact with Hope. You gave her a triumphant smirk and got an eye roll in return.

“A Night Hag is a malevolent spirit trapped on the astral plane that can only interact with us through dreams. In this case, nightmares.” Alaric explained, murmurs spreading through the students. 

“So, like, Freddy Kruger?” 

“Well, in the sense that what happens to you in your dreams seems to happen to you in real life, yes. But, the good news is we’re safe, so long as we stay awake.” Alaric explained, nodding to the questions. He noticed tension rise and cleared his throat. 

“We’ve lined up more evacuation shuttles. They should be running all afternoon, so please, for those who don’t want to stay and fight, take advantage of them.” Alaric licked his lips. You gave a small snort, biting your bottom lip. Ryan had mentioned a possible run in with monsters but he seemed confident in your abilities to protect yourself. Once you had your father back, you’d make sure he faced some monsters of his own. You stood once Alaric dismissed everyone, noticing him motion for you to come over. With a deep sigh, you walked towards the stage he was on. 

“I’ve got your classes sorted out. You’ll be taking typical high school courses, plus some of the supernatural courses we typically give to everyone. You’ll have some vampire classes and finally, a one-on-one with Dorian to talk about dragons. Dorian insisted on it. I would like you to speak with Emma, she’s one of our teachers and also the counselor for those who need one.” Alaric explained, handing you a paper. You gave it a once over before looking up at him.

“And why would I need to speak with a counselor? I’m perfectly fine.” 

“Considering you walked out on Dorian after a mention of your father, I don’t think you’re fine.” Alaric gave a tight lipped smile, patting your arm as he walked by. You blew a raspberry, looking back down at the paper. 

“Oh, and by the way, these uniforms are horrendous.” You called to him, stepping off the stage and making brief eye contact with Hope as she spoke to Landon. 

“I have to agree with you on the uniforms being horrendous. We look like preppy golf kids.” You looked at the guy walking beside you. 

“All we’re missing are the pants and the golf course.” You grinned, chuckling as the guy nodded and laughed along. 

“I’m Kaleb, by the way. I’m a vampire, so I guess that means I’ll be seeing you around.” Kaleb gave a grin. You hummed, looking forward.

“Man, you and those other dudes got lucky. You don’t have to take these exams.”

“But, we do have to deal with the bullshit this school brings.” You stopped by a water fountain, leaning down and drinking from it. Kaleb leaned against the wall, arms crossing.

“Actually, I think that Landon guy was the one who brought the monsters with him. Things went to shit when he got here and-”

“It’s not Landons fault. The knife had been at this school for god knows how long.” You leaned up, wiping your mouth as your gaze fell on Rafael. 

“Well, like I said, we gotta deal with the bullshit the school brings.”

“And to do that, we have to be a team. We can’t insult or push each other away.” Rafael said, glancing between you and Kaleb. You let out a small snort, grinning as you shook your head. 

“Doesn’t that go against your nature? That’s all mutts know how to do. That and throw temper tantrums.” Kaleb snickered at your words. Rafael sighed, eyes shutting briefly in an attempt to stay calm and relaxed.

“You don’t have to worry about me, puppy. I can be a good teammate as long as you stay out of my way. Same goes for you.” You glanced at Kaleb before turning around and walking away. You walked to your first class, stepping inside and getting ready for a boring day of school.

~~~~~~~~~~

You ran your fingers over the books on the shelves, grabbing one and pulling it out of the shelf. You stepped out of the library and found a nice cushion seat, opening the book and flipping through the pages. You stopped on the one you had been looking for. 

Klaus Mikaelson: The Great Evil

Your eyes swept over the writing, searching for any mention of Hope. She was powerful but she hadn’t become a full tribrid yet. You paused, hearing footsteps coming from the hallway along with someone humming softly.

“Dr. Saltzman!”

“”Dr. Saltzman, I have changed my mind. I’ve decided to take you up on your offer and get the hell out with every other sane person here.””

“No, actually, I took your advice and I stayed busy, and I think I found something.” You lifted your head at Landon’s words, hearing their footsteps head back down the hall. You stood up from your seat, turning your head and watching them turn a corner. You looked down at the book in your hands, gently biting your bottom lip. 

“I definitely didn’t sign up for this… but I might as well enjoy the ride.” You looked back up, heading down the hall and entering the small library where Landon, Hope, and Alaric were at. You leaned against the railing, watching them speak.

“Why would a monster need to disguise itself as another monster? The Oneiroi sounds freaky enough.” Hope said, glancing between Landon and Alaric.

“Because if we knew what it actually was..”

“We’d know how to stop it.” Alaric finished for him, nodding. 

“Hope, kiss him for me.” Alaric said, turning and heading towards the stairs. He looked up, noticing you. He slowed down, head tilting.

“Need something, (Y/N)?” Alaric asked, heading up the stairs. You shook your head, fingers drumming against the book.

“Just eavesdropping.” You shrugged. Alaric let out a small laugh, nodding as he walked by.

“Don’t think you’re off my radar, (Y/N).” Hope called, arms crossing as she cocked a brow at you. 

“I’m honored you care so much about me, Red. It’s real sweet, though I think you should be more invested in your boytoy. Keep your eye on this one, Discount Jughead. She seems to have… a wandering eye. You shouldn’t forget who her mother was in love with.” You gave them a wink, turning around. You stepped towards a bookshelf, sliding the book into the shelf. 

“What about your family? What were they like?” Hope asked, approaching the stairs. You turned to look at her. 

“My mother gave my father a gift and then she left. At least she didn’t die because of me.” You leaned forward slightly as she got closer. Hope stopped a few feet from you, jaw clenching. 

“You know nothing about me.”

“I could say the same, Red. I might’ve been a dick when I was younger but atleast I never tried to kill someone who loves me and raised me. You had a mother who was invested in you and loved you. It would’ve never crossed my mind to hurt my father, no matter how pissed I was.” You sneered, watching her facade begin to crumble. Hope remained silent for a few passing minutes. 

“We should probably tell the others about our new discovery.” Landon piped up softly. Hope turned her head towards him, nodding.

“Yeah, I.. I have a plan.” Hope breathed out, looking back at you.

“Making enemies on your first day is the stupidest idea you’ve probably come up with.” Hope said, brushing past you. Landon slowly walked up the stairs, awkwardly approaching you.

“Hope is a.. She’s a good person-”

“You don’t have to defend her when she’s not around, My Chemical Romance.” You stared at him, giving a small eye roll. 

“Why are you such a dick?”

“Well, my dad told me my mom was a bit of a bitch. I probably got it from her.” You shrugged, turning around and leaving the library. You heard Landon catch up with you.

“I was in the foster system for most of my life. I can understand some of your feelings regarding not knowing your mom and-”

“Listen, Gerard Way, I’m not interested in being your friend. I’ve been taught and shown that humans are the least trustworthy creatures on this planet. It’s better to be alone than to trust a human. They’re like chihuahuas. They think they’re at the top when they’re actually at the bottom and I’d rather not have my life in the hands of one.” You looked at him.

“Fair comparison.” Landon mumbled. “But, some humans are good and they mean well-”

“We can have this conversation after I take a nap.” You entered the lounge area where Hope had gathered the rest of the boys. Hope explained that the Night Hag was actually an Oneiroi. 

“I know it sounds bad, but now that we know what the creature is, we can fight it.”

“How the hell are we supposed to kill a dream demon?”

“Leave that to me. But since I can’t fall asleep without compromising the location of the urn, I need someone else to pull it out of the dream plane and into our waking reality.” Hope explained, looking over everyone. 

“So, Freddy Krueger, like I said.” Another vampire, MG, pointed out.

“And how the hell are we supposed to do that?” Rafael asked, looking back at Hope.

“By entering the dream plane, getting a hold of it, and waking yourself up.” You answered, shrugging lightly.

“Just like in the movies.” MG nodded in agreement to your response. Kaleb hummed, nodding. 

“Is it too late to get on the evacuation bus?” Kaleb asked, tilting his head as you snorted. Hope gave a sympathetic look.

“No. I mean, I’m not gonna ask all of you to stay for this, it has to be your choice.” Hope said, silence following. Landon quickly stood up.

“I’m not leaving unless Hope does.” Landon said. Hope didn’t seem exactly thrilled as she gave a small hum. She looked at Rafael, brows raised in question.

“I’m not leaving Landon behind.” 

“You two are very codependent.” You mumbled, hearing Kaleb snicker and nod. 

“I’m a founding member of the Super Squad-”

“The fuck is a ‘Super Squad’?”

“-So I can’t bail.” MG stood up from his seat with a supporting smile. The four of them turned towards you and Kaleb.

“Y’all are gonna get yourselves killed.” Kaleb said, looking at Hope. 

“But if MG stays, I stay.” He added with a sigh, looking at you. 

“This reeks of drama and chaos so, I’m definitely staying and watching this go down.” You grinned, shrugging lightly. “But I’m not gonna be a member of this.. ‘Super Squad’ shit you have going on.” 

“In that case, it’s naptime.” Hope said, giving a small nod. 

“I’ll go speak with Dr. Saltzman. Get set up in the gym. Bring blankets, pillows, and anything else that might help you fall asleep.” Hope walked past them and Landon quickly followed. 

“Codependency is a big problem here, huh?” You shook your head, glancing at Kaleb. You grabbed one of the pillows off the couch and turned, heading towards the gym. You watched the others bring the necessary stuff, Hope and Landon entering while deep in what seemed like an argument. 

“You are gonna sleep with us, right?” Kaleb asked, noticing you hadn't made a small bed like they had.

“No.” You shook your head, arms crossing.

“What do you mean, no?” Landon frowned, brows furrowing.

“You don’t want to see me wake up from a nightmare. Accidental shifting and accidental arson isn’t pretty.” You shrugged lightly. Hope hummed.

“We don’t need a confused dragon causing an accident.” Hope looked at the rest of the guys. They lied down in a circle, slowly falling asleep one by one. Hope stepped towards you, closely watching each of them. 

“It was a shit move to bring up your mom. I’ve been on edge since dad disappeared.” You said quietly, ignoring the surprised look Hope gave you. 

“Sorry for that.” You walked away from her, careful to be quiet so as to not wake them up. You noticed each of the boys becoming more twitchy, faces contorted in confusion or fear as the hours began to pass. 

“How come you aren’t tired?” Hope asked softly. 

“You think I could sleep with my only family gone?” You looked at her with raised brows. Hope nodded, looking down to see that Rafael, MG, and Kaleb had stopped twitching as much.

“It’s almost time.” Hope turned, quickly leaving the gym. You gently toyed with your necklace, licking your lips and turning to face the boys when they all suddenly awoke. They stood and began talking all at once, making you huff in annoyance.

“Calm down, Hope’s handling it.” 

“What? What the hell-” Landon was cut off by Oneiroi and Hope crashing through one of the doors. Hope quickly got up, blowing some hair out of her face.

“Stay back, I got this.” She called, running forward and tackling the demon before promptly getting choked. 

“Yeah, she’s totally got this.” You mumbled, picking up two wooden pieces that had belonged to the now broken doors. You approached her, stabbing the pieces through the demons’ eyes. Hope let out a gasp for breath as the demon disappeared into a cloud.

“Thank you.” She coughed, rubbing her throat. 

“Next time, be prepared.” You stood, letting Landon help her up as Alaric rushed in with his crossbow. You tossed the wood aside, turning and walking past Alaric. You thought back on the urn and Hope mentioning she knew where it was. Befriending her to find it would be a problem in itself.

“(Y/N)!” Alaric called after you, quickly jogging after you. You turned to face him, raising a brow.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for helping Hope. How’d you know how to kill it?” Alaric asked.

“Like I said, dragons don’t just horde inanimate objects. I like to read as a pastime and most of the time, the books have to do with the supernatural.” You answered, shrugging lightly. Alaric nodded, reaching out and gently touching your arm.

“Thank you.. I’m sure Hope appreciates it.” Alaric gave a small smile. You nodded, licking your lips as Alaric turned and went to check on everyone. He passed by Hope who gave him a small smile and nod. She turned her head to look at you, arms gently wrapping around herself. She slowly approached you, gaze on the ground. 

“I know you could’ve just let me get hurt but.. Thank you for helping me. I know we got off on a terrible foot so, I hope we can be a bit more civil with each other.” 

“We’ll see.”

[elentiyawhitethorn]

When Passion Rules the Game | Part Four

CW: NSFW, language

Part Three//Part Five//Masterlist//2976 words

“Shut up,” Aelin hissed, elbowing Elide. “Aedion can’t know about this.”

She had told Elide and Dorian everything about her last encounter with Rowan (save for what had happened after), and they both refused to stop bringing it up. Aelin swore to herself that she would never gossip with them again, but she knew she would cave eventually.

Elide was currently standing next to Aelin at the work party they were attending, pointing out Rowan and telling her how hot he looked, just to rile her up. As if Aelin didn’t already know.

And Aedion, her cousin, was making his way over to the pair of them. Unaware of Aelin’s inner turmoil, he marched up to them and said, “How’s everything coming along?”

“Great,” Aelin said with a smile. “I already got Chaol Westfall to donate to the organization.” They were hosting a fundraising event for their newest branch, a charity revolving around children with limited education opportunities. They had only been here for fifteen minutes, and Chaol, who Aelin suspected only agreed because he had a crush on her, had donated quite a sum after she sweet-talked him into it.

Aedion grinned. “I knew every time you convinced Dad to get you another ice cream or a new pair of shoes, you were made for bigger things.”

Aelin laughed. “You’re horrible.”

He grinned. “What about you, Elide? Good day?”

Elide rasied an eyebrow. “If successfully corralling Aelin around the room counts as a good day, then I’d say so.”

“I’m not that hard to manage,” Aelin protested with a scoff.

Elide snorted. “Whatever you want to tell yourself.”

Before she could respond, someone cleared their throat in a microphone, tapping it experimentally. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention.”

It was Lysandra Ennar, another friend of Aelin’s who often worked publicity events such as these. While everyone else turned and focused on the speaker, Aelin started making her way across the room.

“Thank you all for attending tonight. May I welcome your main speaker tonight, the CEO of Terrasen Corp., Miss Aelin Galathynius!”

Aelin reached the podium with perfect timing, stepping up and taking the mic from Lys with a smile. Then she turned to her audience.

The speech went well. Very well, in fact. Aelin loved many parts of her job, but this was her favorite. Making a difference.

And Aelin excelled at talking to crowds. She made eye contact with different people in the audience, kept her features light and apt, but solemn at the right times, and most importantly, she spoke from her heart. Every rich donor in the room had teared up by the time she was through with them, Aelin noticed proudly.

Upon the completion of her speech, she wandered the room and spoke further to individual people. With Rowan.

That was the other thing. Rowan’s job here was the coordinations director of this new project. Which meant not only was he required to be with her tonight, but they had been working together closely all week.

It had been one week and one day since the incident, as Aelin was starting to call it. Things had been tense, but each had done a good job of sticking to their work and getting things done. Now, on a Saturday, they were launching this new project to the public. Aelin was excited, and no amount of interaction with Rowan could diminish that.

Once Aelin finished up wrangling a healthy sum out of Meave Cadreson, much to everyone’s shock and Aelin’s eternal joy, she stepped out covertly, heading away from the main room and down the hall. Standing so close to Rowan and watching him walk around in a fucking tuxedo was getting to be too much for her. Aelin had done plenty tonight, and no one would notice if she slipped away for a few minutes. She walked toward the elevator, deciding that she could straighten up a few things in her office just to take her mind off him.

Just before the doors could shut, a hand appeared between them and pulled enough to have them automatically opening again. Rowan.

He stepped in the elevator, and Aelin watched in silence as the doors slid shut behind him. Glancing over to the control panel, Aelin realized it was a long way up.

“You left your own event.”

Aelin smiled, pretending the way he crossed his arms and the elevator started ascending didn’t turn her on. “I’ve done enough. I just thought I should catch up on some work.”

Rowan nodded. He didn’t explain why he’d caught up with her. And that was the end of the conversation.

Aelin’s office was on the sixtieth floor. It was a long and arduous journey (read: Aelin is impatient), and she even brought paperwork to sit on the elevator’s floor and do some days. Her employees found it amusing.

But today, there was no paperwork. There was just Aelin and Rowan.

They were staring at each other, staring becasue there was no where else to look. And an indecipherable expression began to cross Rowan’s face.

“You look stunning tonight, Miss Galathynius.”

He was right, in fact. In the long red dress she had on, she knew how she looked, especially to the male prospective donors. Aelin smiled a bit tightly, trying not to be as excited by this comment as she was inclined to be. “You look quite handsome yourself, Mr. Whitethorn.”

Oh, how Dorian would laugh if he could see them now. He didn’t work in the office building, so Elide had discreetly snapped a photo on her phone to show him. Dorian had laughed endlessly, claiming that even though he was straight, he would do anything “that beauty” asked of him. In other words, they both sucked.

Floor eleven arrived. The silence lengthened. Aelin felt the need to say something. “You did well tonight with the people. We made the right decision in hiring you.”

Rowan smiled. “Thank you.”

Floor twenty-four.

Aelin averted her eyes, feeling awkward as fuck. In the faint reflection of the metal walls, she could make out him still watching her. His gaze dipped lower and Aelin cleared her throat, turning back to him. His eyes immediately snapped back to her own.

“Why are here, if you don’t mind me asking? More work to catch up on?” Aelin kept her tone even, but her hands were shaking with anticipation. She clenched them into fists and hid them in the skirt of her dress.

Rowan smirked. Fuck, fuck, fuck, this man was not allowed to smirk at her. It did unspeakable things to Aelin.

“I just thought I would accompany you. This is your big day, after all. I didn’t think you should be alone.”

Aelin nodded faintly. “I see.” Her voice was slightly out-of-breath.

They reached floor thirty. Halfway there.

“Do you ever think about it?” Aelin asked, not letting herself review that question in her head before it popped out.

Rowan knew exactly what she was talking about. “Of course I think about it. Every fucking day. You have no idea how much torture it is to see you in those gods-damn pantsuits. Or now.” His gaze shamelessly dropped to the dip in her dress. While this dress wasn’t nearly as revealing as what Aelin had been wearing when she met Rowan, it still didn’t leave too much to the imagination.

Maybe they had both had too much champagne.

“I think I have some idea,” Aelin replied.

Rowan looked back at her. And took a step forward. Aelin licked her lips.

The elevator dinged. How had the last half of the ride passed that quickly? Shaking herself out of her reverie, Aelin stepped out, grateful. There was a camera in the elevator.

“Come with me,” she said, but it was more of a request than an order. Allowing Rowan to decide if he wanted to go through with this.

He nodded, and Aelin nonchalantly walked down the hall a short ways, heading for the door to her office on the right. As soon as they were both inside and the door was locked, Rowan was upon her.

Aelin gasped against his lips as he pushed her against the door, pinning her wrists. She kissed him back passionately. Only two weeks of denying herself since their initial meeting, and Aelin was pent-up, desperate to feel him again.

Rowan broke the kiss, pressing his body even harder against hers. “You look so fucking perfect in that dress.” His voice was a gravelly heaven, a sound that Aelin had been dreaming of.

She moaned quietly. “Rowan,” she gasped.

Rowan started kissing her neck, sucking and nipping at the skin.

“Oh, gods, Rowan you can’t…” Her voice was barely audible, a pleasured whisper.

“What is it, baby?” he mumbled.

Aelin almost forgot what her protest had been, then remembered and said, “You’ll leave marks. There’s no fucking way I’m walking out of here in a dress and a scarf.”

Rowan hummed, debating this, then stepped back. “Get on your knees.”

It was all Aelin could do to hold back a groan at the words. She knelt, as instructed.

“Good girl,” Rowan murmured.

Aelin pressed her thighs together in a pathetic attempt at quenching her desire, and reached for his pants. She had been wondering what it was like to taste this man for far too long. Her sanity probably wouldn’t have survived if Aelin never got to.

She pulled out his cock, giving it an experimental pump. Rowan groaned, the sound like a drug. Spurred on, Aelin twisted her wrist, delighting in the sensation of having Rowan’s cock harden in her hand.

She leaned forward and placed her lips on him. Small kisses to his cock had Rowan growling ferally. “Aelin.”

His tone was not one to ignore. Knowing there would be consequences if Aelin didn’t do as was expected of her, she leaned forward and took him in her mouth.

The groan that tore from Rowan’s mouth as she bobbed her head forward had her heart speeding up. Or stopping altogether; she couldn’t say. Aelin made an O with her lips and took him deeper, relaxing her mouth around him.

Rowan reached down and grabbed several strands of Aelin’s hair, tugging them lightly as he got a hold on her. She groaned softly, both from the sensation and from the knowledge that she was entirely at his mercy.

Rowan praised her as she moved, not yet controlling her completely. Aelin took him deeper and deeper with each bob, sucking the delicate appendage a bit too much, secretly pleased with the hiss the movement drew from his throat.

“You want me to fuck your throat, sweetheart? I will if you don’t behave.”

Both of them knew that Aelin was not opposed to that idea.

In response, she sucked harder, flattening her tongue and letting her teeth scrape against his cock.

Rowan tightened his grip on her hair and thrust into her mouth. Aelin moaned around his cock, and the vibrations had him cursing. He started moving harder, setting a brutal, punishing pace.

Aelin felt his tip hit the back of her throat, and she slid a hand down to the hem of her dress. Before she could get her hand where she needed it, Rowan said, “Did I fucking say you could touch yourself?”

The only light came from the cracks in the window shades, pulled closed, and she didn’t realize he would be able to see her. Aelin could only whine in reply. He didn’t stop fucking her mouth.

“Maybe I’ll let you come tonight if you’re good. But you have to listen to me.” Rowan’s voice held amusement, clearly taking pleasure in her struggle. Aelin reluctanly pulled her hand out of her dress.

He whispered some more dirty praises to her, as well as a few threats, and Aelin couldn’t help but feel relieved the only other people in the building were sixty floors below them.

Rowan thrust into her mouth with one last groan, then paused. He pulled her off his cock, ignoring Aelin’s pleas to keep going, and yanked her to her feet.

“I’m going to come inside of you, you little slut. Do you understand me?”

Aelin nodded desperately. “Please.”

“Bend over.” Rowan nodded to the desk.

Aelin pushed some papers aside, then bent over, gripping the edge of the desk in anticipation.

Rowan pulled her dress up, then slid her panties down. Aelin lifted each ankle in turn after he dropped them, leaving her sex bare and exposed to the chilly air. They always ran the air conditioning too much in this building.

Rowan, apparently done toying with her, gripped her hips. He lined himself up with her entrance, and Aelin gasped as she felt his cock part her folds. “Please,” she whispered, for extra measure.

Rowan chuckled, then slid in. All the way.

Aelin buried her head in the desk, gripping the end tighter. He buried himself inside of Aelin with one thrust, groaning breathlessly. She didn’t make a sound, just held on for dear life.

Way too soon, Rowan started moving. He leisurely slid into Aelin, then back out. The pause between thrusts started lessening as he picked up speed.

“Look at you,” Rowan muttered. “You and your tight little pussy.”

Aelin’s toes curled painfully in the high heels that she was having trouble standing in. Rowan’s fingers started to dig into her hips tighter, and Aelin felt exhilarated by the knowledge that he was marking her, that there would be evidence of this the next day and she couldn’t just dismiss it as a dream.

Rowan slammed into Aelin, his balls slapping her clit, and she cried out. He didn’t let up, moving harder and deeper with every thrust. The sweet pain of his fingers digging into her hips was enough to have Aelin groaning as she came.

Rowan cursed as she tightened around his cock. He moved impossibly harder, using Aelin to chase the same pleasure.

Aelin thought she heard some sort of ding, but quickly dismissed the thought as Rowan came inside of her, filling her so delightfully. She sighed, intoxicated from the feel of him.

Rowan muttered a few more praises as he pulled out of her. Aelin shakily stood, still using the desk for support. Before she could say anything, a knock sounded on the door and they both froze.

“Aelin? You okay? I just wanted to check on you since you’ve been gone for so long.” It was Elide’s voice.

The handle started to turn and Aelin yelled. “Wait!” The handle stopped moving. “Um, I’m just…”

“Just what?” Elide asked, suspicious of her tone.

Aelin thought for a moment. “Doing some paperwork.”

“And I’m not allowed in to see you committing the scandalous act of paperwork? What are you actually doing?”

“I… spilled something on my dress so I’m changing into my spare work clothes.”

“Liar,” Elide called. “You’re probably mooning over Rowan again, aren’t you? Maybe you’re even—”

“Elide!” Aelin squeaked. She didn’t dare face Rowan.

“Oh, gods, is he in there?” Elide started laughing. “I’m so sorry.”

“No, you’re not,” Aelin hissed. “Go away.”

Elide’s laughter got louder. “Just letting you know, people are going to start wondering where you are. You might want to finish that up pretty quickly.” Elide was still laughing to herself as Aelin her heels clicking down the hallway.

Finally, absolutely petrified, Aelin turned back to Rowan. In the semidarkness, she could make out a smirk, but that was about it.

“You told your assistant about us.”

Aelin tried not to shiver at the word “us.” She crossed her arms. “She’s one of my best friends, okay. She won’t tell anyone.”

Rowan hummed amusedly, then—thank the gods—seemed to drop it for now. “So, Aelin. Miss Galathynius.” She barely stopped herself from frowning at that. “Will this be… happening again?”

Aelin knew better than to ask if he wanted it to. He clearly did. “It can. But just to be clear, it won’t earn you any special treatment. And if you chose to end this at any time, there will be no repercussions for you. No matter how this ends, your job will not be affected in any way.”

Rowan nodded. “I’m glad.”

“And we won’t be doing this again,” Aelin continued, waving a hand around her office. “I am a professional, and there will be no more office hookups. This stays out of our careers. And,” she added, “when we are here, I am your boss, and you will treat me with the respect I deserve. There will be no talk of this while we’re here, no glances or innuendos. And this is just sex. Nothing more.”

Aelin was a CEO, and she had to be good with words and contracts to make it to where she was now. This was a mixture of both. It was easy for her to decide how to arrange this, and Aelin wouldn’t have this backfiring on her.

Rowan nodded again, agreeing. “I understand, Miss Galathynius.”

Aelin cleared her throat. “Perhaps now that the awkwardness has abated, you can refer to me as Aelin? Most of my employees do.”

“Only if you call me Rowan.”

Aelin smiled. Then she said, “And, I know I’ve already said this, but I would like to make this clear—you are allowed to stop this at any time, no questions asked.”

An expression Aelin didn’t recognize in the darkness came over Rowan’s face. “I appreciate it a lot. Thank you.”

“We should go. We’ve been missing for too long. I should head over to the bathroom and fix my hair.”

“Of course,” Rowan agreed. “Aelin.”

She tried to pretend hearing her name on his lips didn’t melt her heart completely, but it was a losing battle. If only Aelin understood what feeling like that meant.

———

Tag List:

@aelin-bitch-queen

@autumnbabylon

@evolving-dreamer

@feysand-loml

@flora-shadowshine

@gracie-rosee

@infernoqueen19

@julemmaes

@lemonade-coolattas

@live-the-fangirl-life

@midsizewitch

@morganofthewildfire

@nehemikkele

@realbookloverproblems

@rhysandswingspan

@rowanaelinn

@sexy-dumpster-fire

@sleeping-and-books

@story-scribbler

@swankii-art-teacher

@thenerdandfandoms

@yesdreamblog

[protect-him]

For DADW “You did WHAT?”

For @dadrunkwriting

I actually have no idea what this turned into. All I know is it's fenders and these two have been very busy developing distant feelings and telling no one, as per usual.

“You did WHAT?”

Anders grabbed his best friend’s arm and shook him.

“Garret Fucking Hawke.”

Hawke grinned, that shit-eating grin that had gotten Anders and himself into so much trouble—and so much fun—over the years.

“Please tell me you didn’t invite Fenris. You have to be joking.”

“Look, I know you think he’s pretentious and arrogant.”

“He is.”

“But he wasn’t doing anything, he was asking about how your studies were going, and I thought I’d invite him to your graduation ceremony.”

“From the fucking University of Mage Arts.”

“Sure, why not?”

Anders pinched the bridge of his nose.

“You know they have demonstrations scheduled. Magic demonstrations. And I’m doing one of them.”

“Exactly! Let Fenris see what magic can do.”

“He knows what it can do. It did worse things to him than ever came out of the Maker’s bum.”

Hawke burst out into laughter.

“Hawke, this isn’t funny!”

“Anders, it’s going to be fine. I’ll be sitting next to him, he knows there are going to be demonstrations. I’m not that dense.”

“Pretty damn close to it,” Anders muttered, cramming his graduation cap on his head.

“Hey, in all seriousness.” Hawke put a hand on the silky fabric covering Anders’ shoulder. “I know what this means to you. I wouldn’t have invited Fenris if I didn’t think he’d be respectful and decent.”

Anders sneered doubtfully, but remained silent.

“Besides, he’ll come to the Hanged Man with us after, and the more the merrier!”

Anders rolled his eyes.

“Go on, get out, I need to prepare the rest of my spells for the demonstration.”

Hawke waved and ducked out of the classroom where Anders was preparing for the ceremony. Anders only had a short speech to do, and then there were seven demonstrations, his spirit healing demonstration last of them all, being one of the most promising theses being presented this year.

As Anders mounted the steps to stand backstage while the presenter before him flourished and threw sparkles into the air above him to finish his demonstration, Anders smiled. Of course! Everyone who came to see the graduation ceremony had to sign a consent form to be possibly affected by magic. There was no way Fenris would have signed that form. He gave Dorian a cheerful smile as they passed each other, and Anders stepped onto the stage. His smile wilted as he looked to where Hawke’s arms waved in the air, giving him two big thumbs up. And next to him sat Fenris. Anders couldn’t see his face beneath the bright hair, but he imagined Fenris glaring at him. He swallowed and refreshed his smile for the audience.

His professors all sat in the front row and eagerly clapped as Anders gave the very short version of his thesis, hopefully in words that even grumpy mage-haters like Fenris could understand. At some point he forgot about Fenris, caught up in explaining how spirit healing could help with medical procedures, calming and numbing spells to act in place of anesthetics.

“For my demonstration, I am going to perform a spell that I’ve been working on,” Anders announced. “Panacea is defined as something which cures all ailments. My altered Panacea spell does not cure anything, but it is a soothing spell which will ease pain. If anyone in the room is experiencing a headache or some other pain, you will most likely feel it easing, or perhaps leaving entirely. I’ve been modifying this spell to be unintrusive, unnoticeable, and to extend over a greater distance. Though, for theatrics, I have included some lights.” He grinned and widened his stance to begin casting. Panacea didn’t really take much to cast, it was simple, but for the sake of demonstration, he added some flair and a sparkling green glow. The movements of his arms did help him to cast the spell further, so that it could reach the entire room.

Silence fell as the spell settled over the audience. Anders knew it was working, he could feel the spell soaking into the audience, doing its quiet and gentle work.

“It will last through the end of the ceremony,” he said, giving a bow. His professors jumped up, clapping for him. Hawke did as well. Fenris did not, but he was clapping along with the audience. That was something at least. Anders smiled and waved as he left the stage. There were a few other short speeches, but Anders didn’t listen, he was too excited to pay attention.

Anders changed out of his graduation gown and cap and went out to meet Hawke and Fenris. Hawke designated Anders to ride in the passenger seat, and Fenris sat in the back.

They arrived at the Hanged Man.

“Anders, may I ask you something?” Anders was surprised to hear Fenris from the back seat.

“Uh, sure.”

Fenris glanced at Hawke.

“I’ll meet you two inside,” Hawke said, handing Anders the car keys.

“You’ve been quiet,” Anders said, once Hawke had disappeared inside.

“I was thinking,” Fenris said, his eyes fixed on his knees.

“I admit I didn’t think you’d actually come,” Anders said. “Hawke said you’d agreed to attend, but I assumed you wouldn’t sign the consent form.”

“The spell you used.” Fenris looked up at him.

“My Panacea spell?”

“Yes.”

“It didn’t hurt, did it?”

“No, it—” Fenris grimaced and looked down again. “It worked.”

“Good!” Anders smiled. “I didn’t go back for my Masters for nothing.”

“I did not know I was experiencing pain,” Fenris said.

“Wait, what?!”

“It was gone,” Fenris said, his brows furrowing. “This ache.”

“Where?” Anders was trying to run through possible scenarios where Fenris would be in constant dull pain.

“The markings,” Fenris said, as if it should be obvious.

“The… tattoos?”

“They are lyrium. The experiments I was involved in were more involved than simple tattoos.”

“H-how?” Anders was twisting in the seat now, trying to get a better look. Fenris was still leaning back in the seat, not exactly forthcoming with information. “Do you mind if I look?”

Fenris held his breath for a long moment, and then sighed.

“Alright.”

Anders climbed between the two front seats, his long legs flopping awkwardly as he wriggled through the small space.

“You could have gone around,” Fenris said.

“I know,” Anders said, chuckling, “I don’t care too much if I look ridiculous. Now, can I see?”

Fenris pushed up his sleeve and held his arm out.

Anders frowned. They really weren’t tattoos.

“And they hurt?”

“They... ache,” Fenris said, “though I did not realize.”

“Maker,” Anders muttered. “I am surprised you even agreed to come.”

“I do not wish to be a bigot,” Fenris said, his voice softening as he looked away.

“I don’t think...ah, okay I used to think so. I apologize,” Anders said. “I don’t even think I can do anything to help with your...”

“Markings,” Fenris supplied. “I apologize as well,” Fenris said, turning back to Anders, and finding him surprisingly close.

“Oh,” Anders said, finding those green eyes uncomfortably close and wide.

“I was unfair in my judgment of you as a mage,” Fenris said. Anders could only look at his lips.

“It’s behind us now,” Anders said. “Thank you for coming. It...meant a lot to me.” He watched Fenris swallow, his eyes not leaving Anders’ face. Could Fenris feel the tension as well?

“I am grateful to Hawke for inviting me,” Fenris said. He grabbed Anders’ hand. He could feel Anders’ stiffness.

“I am not fragile,” Fenris said, rubbing a thumb over the back of Anders’ hand. “May I kiss you?”

“Me?”

“Is there another Anders in here?” Fenris raised one brow, smirking.

“Just the one, as far as I know,” Anders said. “And you may, though I might get feelings if you do.”

“Well, then we’ll have something in common if that is the case,” Fenris said, reaching up with his other hand to tangle his fingers in Anders’ hair and pull him closer to kiss him. Anders’ eyes were gold and unfocused when they pulled apart.

“Hawke’s going to wonder if we killed each other,” Anders murmured.

“Do you dislike the idea of … this?” Fenris asked.

“The opposite, actually,” Anders said. “I was just thinking my life was about to get boring now that I have my Masters. I think I could use some excitement to keep me on my toes.”

“And I’ve been thinking about getting a cat,” Fenris said, grinning.

“Now I know this can’t be real.”

“Need me to pinch you?”

“I think a kiss would suffice.”

[tomtenadia]

A Little Braver - ch. 5

So, here is ch. 5 for you all.

We finally get to meet the mysterious man that Aelin was kissing.

Also, the firehouse gets a great news

Enjoy it!

Ten days had passed. Aelin had been discharged from the hospital and allowed to move around in crutches providing she took it easy, a concept totally alien to her. She had gone back to the station as soon as she could do it.

The deadline for the performance review was fast approaching and she had spent the last few days at the station. They only got a week extension so she had offered to help but all she could do was sit and direct the show. Also, working kept her mind off… things… and as in things she meant a certain arsehole who had gone completely awol. She had texted him and never got a reply. Lately every time she tried to phone him she was told that the phone was not available. So she had stopped. He clearly was offended by what she had said. She just wished he had spoken to her, explained why her confession had terrified him so much. Just as she had finally found the resolve to try again after losing Sam, he had gone and ruined everything.

A glove hit her face “planet Earth calls Aelin.”

She refocused for a second and noticed Ansel’s red mane of hair in front of her.

“Dorian is looking for you. He is in your office and Aedion is there already.”

Aelin groaned “can they come to the couch? I am so comfy here.”

“Apparently not.”

“Fine.” She dropped the documents she was revising and grabbed her crutches and pulled herself up.

At snail pace she made her way to her office and once she got there she saw Aedion standing in front of her desk while Dorian had his feet up on it and was sitting relaxed on her comfortable chair.

“I don’t care if you are the chief. First, feet off my desk, second, arse off my chair.”

Dorian moved away and let her sit down and grabbed her crutches.

“So, what is so important that I had to leave my spot on the couch?”

Dorian passed her the documents he was holding, with a grin. He was positive this was going to cheer her up.

“No fucking way. You did it.”

He smiled at her smugly “Not entirely my merit.” He confessed “As you remember, the community protested in front of the government in the aftermath of the embankment accident. They did it just before the budget review was due. The government could not ignore them and what you all did that night. And I guess that the statement from your cheerleader had helped a lot as well.”

“Who?”

“Someone I am not allowed to mention in your presence.”

Aelin stare darkened all of a sudden.

“We are getting a second engine, but that engine needs staff.” She pointed out, her excitement taking a hit “I was just getting to that” added Dorian quite quickly, “Thomas has offered to give you a few men to help staff the second engine. It will have a mixed crew of newbies and experienced staff for a while. Aedion and I thought it was the best way to go.”

Aelin nodded “I want to help interview the candidates. Aedion is busy with drills. I, on the other hand, I have plenty of time.”

“As if I can sideline you. You are the captain after all.” Added Dorian knowing full well that if Aelin had her mind set on a task it was almost impossible to dissuade her.

“I want a bigger female presence. I can’t believe that from all the candidates that graduate from the academy there are no good female firefighters.”

“I can spread the news at the academy and see who applies and go from there.”

“Good.” Aelin relaxed on the chair.

“We have also have been invited to a party thrown by the mayor.”

“You are joking.” Aelin hated that kind of party. She had been to a few and it had been a nightmare.

“There is no escaping it. We have all the be present and dress mess is required.”

“My leg is in a protective support, if I wear dress mess I need to wear the skirt which means heels and can you see where I am going with this?” Aelin protested.

“I guess we can do an exception for you. Wear your regular blue trousers, make sure your boots are shining and wear your uniform shirt with the tie, not the t-shirt. And don’t forget the hat.”

“I can live with that.”

“When is the dreadful event?” Asked Aedion who hated those ceremonies just as much as Aelin.

“This Saturday.”

“We are on night shift, you genius.”

Dorian smiled dangerously “Not anymore. Second team is taking the night shift. Let me remind you that attendance is compulsory and pass the info to the team.”

“Yes, Chief.” And Aelin was very tempted to flip him off, but he was still her boss.

“Lys and Elide are to come as well. They are part of the team.”

“Oh so, no one is immune to this horrible shenanigans. Lovely.” Aelin sat back, still annoyed at the invitation.

“No darling, if I have to suffer, you will all go down with me.” And with that Dorian disappeared behind the door.

“Come on Aedion, let’s go and ruin the team’s day.”

Slowly the two made their way back in the common area where the squad was relaxing. Aedion had put them through a gruelling session of drills in the morning and now they needed time to unwind. No one had taken nicely the fact that the review has been postponed only by a week, but at least they hadn’t asked Aelin to attend as well with a destroyed knee. She would be there of course but on the sidelines.

“Ok, people,” Aelin shouted as she slowly made her way to her team “Brullo, switch off the tv for a minute.”

“That doesn’t sound promising,” complained Ren.

“Where are Lys and Elide?”

“In the ambulance doing inventory.” Replied Nox.

“Ok, can you please go and get them?” She asked him.

He nodded and ran away and got back a few moments later with the two ladies in tow.

“Ladies, sit.”

“Uh oh.” Said Lysandra, sitting on Aedion’s lap.

“Now that everyone is here, I have an announcement.” She smiled wickedly and the team shivered. That was her scary smile “Our esteemed mayor has decided to throw a party this Saturday. Bad news is… we are all invited so that he can show us how he appreciates what we do for the community.”

“Fuck no,” shouted Ansel, while finishing the bowl of cereals she was eating.

“We are on night shift.” Added Brullo.

“No we are not. Dorian gave the shift to second team. We are all free.”

A chorus of very rude words erupted from the team. Yeah, everyone hated those parties.

“Oh and by the way… it has to be dress mess.”

The protests grew louder. Aelin let them vent for a moment before putting an end to it.

“Guys!” She shouted, and the room went quiet “I know none of us like those parties, but my hands are tied. Dorian made it pretty clear that this is mandatory. So, protest how you want but there is no getting out of it.”

The team went back to their protest when Aelin raised her voice again “Did I say I was done?”

The group went silent again.

“The second piece of information is hopefully a bit more welcome.” And she really hoped so “we are getting our second engine.”

The cheers that erupted from the team were of pure joy.

“How did you do it?”

“You have to thank Dorian. He is the one who pulled the trick.” And Rowan apparently. No, she was not going there.

“He really is better than his old man. We have been pleading the old bastard for ages and nothing. A few months in charge and Dorian gives us the second engine. If it wasn’t that I am I straight I’d kiss the guy.” Said Ren happily and everyone laughed. 

Good, Aelin thought, they needed the good spirits.

“How will we do for crew?” Asked Ansel.

“Thomas is willing to give us some of his experienced men from one of his engines and take a few newbies. We’ll man the engine with a hybrid crew. Half experienced and half newbies. I need everyone to help with training. Aedion and I will do the main stuff but you guys are involved in this as well. I am out of commission for a while so I can only do classroom training.”

“We’ll help you, cap.” Chimed Nox happily.

Aelin turned to Ansel “I have asked to have a few more ladies in the team.”

“Thanks for that. Far too much testosterone in here.”

Aelin sat back down on the sofa, her knee started to get sore again “We are going to have other women hopefully, just don’t break their hearts.” She told Ansel.

Two of the guys sprayed what they were drinking, Aelin laughed “Oh come on, don’t tell me you had no idea Ansel was swinging on both sides.” Joked Aelin smiling at the woman.

“Both…” asked Brullo still quite shocked.

Ansel drank her coffee very calmly “Men, women, on a few occasion both at the same time.”

Aelin laughed at the expression of the guys.

“Ansel, I think you broke our boys.”

Aelin mobile went off and for a moment she hoped. But that hope had been short lived.

“Give me two minutes,” she said at the person at the phone. She stood and very slowly she made her way back to her office.

Once she got off the phone she stayed in her office to work. Then the dispatch siren went off and she heard the team depart and staying behind broke her heart.

She worked a bit longer but her mind could never fully concentrate. So she decided to do something stupid while the team was out on a call. She booked a taxi and not long after she was in front of the station waiting for her ride.

The driver got her at the airbase pretty quickly. She took out her pass and she hoped it worked even without him about. The man at the main gate let her through after checking her badge. So apparently he had told people she was allowed on the premises. That was a start. Painfully she reached the second check point and a guard approached her. Ok, her luck had already ran out.

“Can I help you, miss?”

“Yes, I am here to see captain Whitethorn.”

The man looked at her with curiosity for a second.

Did she got to the right airbase? As far as she knew there was only one and the first guy let her in.

“I am sorry miss but the captain and his team left a week ago.”

“Left?” Her voice trembled.

“Yes ma’am. They have been recalled and deployed a week ago.”

“Oh.” Was all Aelin managed “Th— thank you.” She turned and made her way back to the exit. Her heart slowly breaking. She sat down on a cement wall and let the sobs come. She took the phone and dialled his number and it went to voicemail “You could have told me. Instead you left. You just left me. Do you really hate me that much?” She sobbed and brushed her hand against her eyes “I hate you and I wish I never met you. Don’t ever bother look for me when you come back… I don’t want to see your face anywhere near my station. I am done with you, captain.” She hung up the phone and lowered her head and kept crying. She was done with men. She was done with pain and a broken heart. It was not worth it.

Eventually she pulled herself upright again and started walking. She had no idea to where, which she then realised that with crutches was a really bad idea. She had to stop a few times, exhaustion taking root. But the pain in her leg was keeping away the pain in her soul. It was much later when she realised she ended up in the west of Orynth and decided to go to west station, perhaps she could bribe the guys to give her a lift back to her firehouse.

Once outside the station, Thomas was the first one who noticed her. He ran to her and Aelin collapsed in his arm.

“Aelin, what are you doing here?’

“I need to sit” was all she managed. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the section with all the bunk beds. He placed the crutches on the floor and sat on the bed at her side.

“What happened?” He asked when he noticed her puffy eyes “Why are you over here? On your own?”

“I was at the airbase.”

Thomas looked at her in shock “are you telling me that you walked in your condition from the airbase to here?”

Aelin nodded. “Can you give me a lift back?”

“Of course,” he patted her leg “let me go and tell the guys.”

He came back not long after, and lifted her in his arms “Let’s go.”

Once in the car Aelin relaxed and leaned her head against the window.

“Excited about the big night with the Mayor?”

Aelin groaned and Thomas laughed.

“Exactly the reaction my whole team had as well.”

She sighed “Dorian said it’s mandatory and I think for the very first time I have been this close to hit him. But he still is my superior.”

Thomas chuckled “If there is someone who can hit the chief without repercussions is you.”

Aelin turned and looked at him with a questioning stare.

“I mean because you are close. It’s not news that the man is madly in love with you. He might let you off if you beat him. Actually he might even like it.”

This time it was Aelin’s turn to laugh “Dorian and I… nothing ever happened. We are just really good friends. Not even a kiss.”

“So now the news is that you have your eyes set on a certain airforce captain.”

Aelin tensed at those words “You all are a bunch of crazy gossiper, you know that?”

Thomas shrugged “What did he do?”

“I don’t want to talk about him.” Her tone hard and the man at her side realised it was time to shut up. They were at her station anyway.

Aelin noticed the engine was back and she knew she was in trouble. They clearly had noticed her absence. When she decided to look at her phone again she saw a lot of message and missed phone calls from Aedion. Damn, she was screwed.

“Here you are, my lady.”

Aelin leaned over and kissed him on the cheek “thank you so much for the ride.”

“Anytime.” He opened his mouth as if to speak, then stopped and tried again “if you need to talk, I am here. I know you have your friends, but if you prefer to talk with someone who is not around you all day, I am here.”

“You are wonderful.”

He helped her get out of the car, they said goodbye and he drove away again.

Aedion came marching on as soon as he noticed she was back “where the hell have you been? Why don’t you answer your bloody phone? We came back and you were not here, where you were supposed to be.” She felt bad for making them all worry but she did not feel like explaining herself so she just moved past him and in silence she dragged herself to her office and slammed the door shut.

She sat down at her desk and plopped her leg on the spare chair the guys had placed at her side so she could stretch her injured leg, hoping for the pain to subside. She took a few minutes for herself, then texted Lysandra telling her she needed her and Elide.

The two women arrived a few minutes later. They sat on the chair in front of her desk and Aelin knew that Lys was just as mad as Aedion had been.

“Where were you? We came back and you were gone.”

“I went to the airbase.” She confessed, looking outside the window, the sky looked heavy grey and she was positive snow was coming.

“As in the airbase. His airbase.”

Aelin nodded “I needed answers. I needed to know why he left that way. I had to ask him why all this hate.”

“And?”

Aelin felt tears sting her eyes again “he was gone.” She paused “the whole team has been recalled and left for a mission a week ago. No goodbyes. Nothing. He just took off.”

Lysandra stood and ran to hug her friend “what an arsehole.”

Aelin started sobbing again “all I could do was leave him an angry voicemail telling to get away from me forever.”

“I am seriously going to kick his arse.”

Aelin pulled back from the hug “Not worth it remember?”

“We all go to that stupid party and we’ll find you a man there. Perhaps a hot wealthy man.”

Aelin chuckled “You know what, screw it. I’ll remain single all my life and if I want a good time I might ask Ansel.”

The two women laughed “she might take you up on that, you know, right?” Added Lysandra.

“Can we just stop talking about it? Fine he is hot but is he not a nice man. I want to forget that I even contemplated the fact that I had feelings for the bastard.”

“Copy that. I will pass the message along.”

“Have you considered that he might not be able to reply to you because of where he is? Perhaps he is on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the sea.”

Lysandra and Aelin stared at Elide.

“What?” She said shrugging “Lorcan gave me his number, he told me to text him. But he added as well that in the case he was going to leave for a mission not to worry if he did not reply because sometimes their phones don’t work.”

“So you knew they were away?”

“No,” replied the woman lifting her hands “I haven’t heard from him in a while. He is not the greatest of texter and I haven’t spoken to him in a while. I had no idea he was away until now when you told us.”

“Basically airforce boys do not know how to communicate. Got it.” Sarcasm dripping from Aelin’s voice.

Aelin shifted uncomfortably in her chair and Lysandra noticed that.

“Are you okay.”

“Just my leg, bothering me like hell today.”

“Sure, if you only just didn’t walk from the airbase to west station…”

Dispatch alarm went off and the two ladies ran out as the ambulance was needed.

Aelin tried going back to work but her brain was not there.

Out of boredom and curiosity and probably a deep desire for punishment she looked up the captain online. The search engine brought up a page about him. He was only two years older than her. Native of Wendlyn but moved to Terrasen when he was quite young for his father’s job. According to the article he climbed the ranks quite quickly and was thought to be one of the most promising captain in the TAF in a very long time.

“Nerd.” She joked.

Then she scrolled down to personal life and she got even more curious but froze when she read the paragraph.

Fuck.

The man had been married. His pregnant wife had died in a car accident over a year and a half before. She opened the link to the newspaper article about the accident and noticed the picture of the accident site. Her eyes fell on one detail of the image and swore.

She stood and wobbling she went to the file cabinet where she kept the reports for the old cases. She found the one she needed and sat back down. Lyria Whitethorn, that was the name of the woman. She had a look through the case file. She did remember it. It had snowed heavily and the road and had been icy and pretty bad in some areas of town. That accident had been horrendous and it had involved quite a few cars. Lyria’s car had been stuck under a lorry. According to the police it seemed like it had lost control and smashed under the lorry that had crashed against the barriers at the side of the road. She died on impact. It had been an horrendous night. They spent hours working under the snow and only one person had come out alive from that disaster.

She leaned back and felt tears running down her face. They had one big thing in common. They both had lost someone they loved. And all of a sudden it hit her. His reaction. His fear. And for a moment contemplated that he was just as scared as her to get involved again. She closed the file and  grabbed her head in her hands. How badly had she fucked up? 

She took her phone and dialled his number. The number was not available and she left him a voicemail message again “Hey it’s me again. I know you are away and probably can’t get this message. If you listen to the old one as well, just ignore it. I was mad. I did not mean it. I… just… let’s just talk when you get back. Please. Be safe, okay?”

She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes and cried for both of them, for what they had lost and for the fear of committing again. 

Saturday eventually arrived and Aelin was at home getting ready for the party. Lysandra and Elide had joined her since Lys was going to drive them all.

Aelin had been in a bad mood since her discovery about Rowan but had not told anyone about it. To do so would mean reveal his secret and she could not to do that. It was far too personal.

“You’d think that being barely able to walk would excuse me from such horrible events.” She growled while tying her tie.

“You have been in a funk for a few days. Are you okay?” Lysandra had noticed her bad mood.

“Fine.” She snapped. “I am sorry…”

“Just don’t piss off any politicians, okay? We need them.”

Aelin sighed “I will behave.”

They arrived at the venue not long after and they noticed the already high number of cars present.

“Are we too late to bail?” Asked Elide who had been uncomfortable as well at the idea.

“Unless you want Dorian to rip you a new one, I would leave aside that plan for now.”

The three women made their way to the main entrance where someone checked their names against a list. Aelin for a moment hoped that someone had messed up and forgot to add them.

But that hope died quickly when the man greeted them a bit too happily.

“Ok, are we ready?” Said Aelin gathering the courage she needed to face such a horrible night.

They entered the venue and the notes of classical music hit them.

“At least they have great taste in music.” Commented Aelin staring at the great hall.

Dorian spotted them from the distance and walked to them with a brisk pace “Ladies, you made it. wonderful. Go, mingle, have fun. There’s plenty of food.” He grabbed Aelin’s hand “You come with me. The mayor wants to meet you.”

“What?” Blurted Aelin, sweating cold all of a sudden.

“The mayor would like to speak with you. He met Thomas already. Now it’s your turn.”

“I am not speaking to the mayor.”

“Aelin… this is an order from your superior.”

The woman growled back “Oh, so pulling rank, now?”

“Come,” he repeated.

Aelin turned to Lysandra and Elide “if I don’t come back soon, please come and get me. I love you both.”

Dorian rolled his eyes and he started walking and Aelin followed behind.

Eventually they arrived where the mayor was entertaining some guest and Aelin wanted to turn away, but Dorian sensed her intentions and placed a hand on her lower back in warning.

“Ah, Dorian, I see you have captain Galathynius with you. Wonderful.”

Aelin leaned on one crutch and extended her hand to the man “please to meet you sir.”

“The honour is mine captain. And thank you for coming even in your conditions.”

As if I had a choice and she looked at Dorian glaring at him.

“I just wanted to offer my thank you in person for what you do in the community and what you did the night of the embankment accident.”

“The community comes first.” She commented and Dorian gently nudged her sides at her comment.

“You are absolutely correct, captain. I am aware that you will be getting a second engine at east station, I hope this is a welcomed news.”

Aelin smiled “Very much sir. It has been a long time coming and we are very excited.”

“This is my email,” he gave her a business card “email me. Any idea, concerns or anything else related to your job. I will do my best to make it happen.”

Aelin took the card and was speechless. 

“Now unfortunately being the host forces me to go around and be pleasant with all these strangers. I don’t think there is alcohol enough to survive such an evening.”

He gave her a huge grin, waved at Dorian and walked away.

“Are we sure that was the mayor?”

Dorian nodded dumbfounded.

“Do you think he was drunk?”

Dorian shrugged, just as confused as her “Just don’t loose that card.” The man then left her and she had a moment alone to look around and enjoy the music. She hadn’t been at a classical concert in a lifetime and missed it. Or at the opera. She wanted to go to the opera again.

She had her eyes closed when she perceived a figure at her side. She opened her eyes again and noticed it was Thomas, looking at her in a curious way “Hey you.”

She looked at him and froze. The man in front of her was gorgeous. She was used to see him in his everyday uniform or the fire gear, and his hair tied and under an helmet. She almost did not recognise him. He had his dress mess uniform on, and his hair was free and she discovered it reached his shoulders. 

“I almost did not recognise you there.”

He grinned “I know, without soot and dirt on me it must be a challenge.”

She smiled back at him.

“How is your night going?” He asked, moving closer to her.

“Counting the minutes until Dorian tells me it’s okay to go home.”

She shuffled in her position and he placed a hand on her back “you should sit down.”

“Does this place have a balcony?”

Thomas grinned “Follow me, m’lady.”

“Did you meet the mayor?” She asked as they started walking.

“I did.”

“And?”

“He gave me his business card and told me to tell me if there was anything we needed.” He made his way through the crowd.

“Me too. I am going to email him and ask a bucket load of expensive equipment.”

“I have my wish-list ready.” Thomas commented smiling wickedly.

They arrived at the balcony and once there Aelin leaned heavily against the wall.

“Are you okay?” Suddenly Aelin noticed their proximity. Thomas was right in front of her.

“I am fine.”

“Want something to drink?”

“Please. Wine if they have it.”

He smiled and she noticed his dimples appear “I’ll be right back.” And she felt her face flush hot.

What was happening to her? Why all of a sudden she was attracted to him?

She saw Lys walking by and waved at her.

“What are doing here?”

“Hiding.” She said hurriedly “I have a problem.”

“What did you do?”

“I want to do something stupid.”

“As in?”

“Thomas.” She explained.

Lysandra looked at her friend with a puzzled face.

“As in he is the one one I want to … do”

“Holy fuck,” she exclaimed almost spilling all her wine on her uniform.

“How?”

Aelin looked up “I don’t know. He was here, he was nice, he smiled and I just… have you seen him tonight?”

“No I was with Aedion and the guys.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t do… anything.” Then she moved away “he is coming back.”

Thomas came back with the drinks and placed them on the ledge beside them.

She had known and worked with the other captain for a very long time. They had gone through the academy together. And never, not once she had ever felt a smidge of attraction for him.

He leaned against the wall just beside her, shoulders brushing gently “is your team ready for the performance review?”

Aelin nodded “Yes, Aedion and I are going through as many different scenarios as possible. They are ready. But I hate that I will have to stare from the sidelines.” She told him “How did yours go?”

Thomas drank some wine “We had a few bad moments. My newbie fucked up a couple of things and threw the whole team off track for a moment but they did recover splendidly. Manon was the best in our individual challenge.”

“Ohh I like her. Can I please get her and Asterin for my new engine?”

“We’ll see.” The man gave her a wide smile that made his dimples come back.

She pinched his side and he grabbed her hands to block her. She stopped and stared at him for a moment and then they both moved at the same time. Their lips met and he pushed her against the wall and she left her crutches fall on the ground. His hand behind her back to hold her up. The kiss deepened and Aelin opened for him and a small moan escaped her.

“Oh shit.” Said a voice at her side and Aelin recognised Lysandra and Aedion at her side.

She and Thomas broke apart quickly. Thomas coughed embarrassed, looked at Aelin and excused himself.

“What the fuck was that?”

Aelin’s hand went to her mouth, her lips still swollen by the kiss.

Aedion kneeled to pick up her crutches and passed them to her.

In that instant the rest of the team arrived.

“Why is everyone out here? It’s cold.”

“Aedion and I just discovered Aelin making out with Thomas.”

“Do you mean captain Hamilton?” Asked Brullo.

“I thought you liked the silver haired fox.” Added Ansel.

“Are you and Thomas a thing now?” This time it was Ren.

“I don’t know okay?” Aelin shouted, frustration rising “It happened.”

“You… happened to trip on his lips?” Nox gave her a smug smile and Aelin would have stormed out if she hadn’t been on crutches.

Aelin placed the glass back on the ledge and started to walk away. Lysandra caught up with her “I am sorry. It just came out.”

“Lys, I don’t care.”

The woman grabbed her arm “Aelin, please…”

“What? I don’t know what I was doing okay? We kissed. And I don’t understand my feelings anymore.” She leaned against the wall, her knee throbbing with pain “I haven’t known my feelings since Sam died.” She sniffled “I work. I throw myself into work because that it’s when I do not think that he is gone from my life.” She closed her eyes and tried to put all her pain back “it just felt nice for a moment to have that again. And I know I am sounding like a pathetic mess… I don’t know why I did it.” Aelin sobbed “I am so tired of hurting.” A tear appeared at the corner of her eyes “you have Aedion. I don’t have anyone.”

Lysandra hugged her friend “I am so sorry.”

Aelin leaned into her friend “we are fine.” She pulled back “but I am going home. I am in a ton of pain and I really want to lie down.”

“I’ll tell Dorian if he starts looking for you.”

“We are off tomorrow. Fancy a girls day? We can invite Elide and Ansel.”

“Yeah. Yeah, please.”

“Good,” Lys patted her shoulder “now go home and relax.”

She was outside ready to call a taxi when she heard a voice calling her. She turned and saw Thomas running to her.

“Aelin,” he stopped in front of her “I am sorry. I have no idea what got into me. I was there and all of a sudden I wanted to kiss you.”

She turned to him and moved closer enough to kiss him. His hand slipped to her waist and pulled her closer. She melted in his arms and felt his hand caressing her back.

“I was going home.” She said against his lips.

“I can’t let you piss off Havilliard on your own.”

She kissed him again and then detached so he could call a taxi.

Their ride home arrived not long after and the journey to Aelin’s flat was not too long. 

They made it to her flat and he lifted her in his arms and walked to the bedroom. He dropped her on the bed and leaned on top of her and kissed her deeply, his hands trailing on the sides of her body and Aelin leaned into the touch. Her hand trailed up to his face and then fisted into his golden hair and pulled him down for another kiss. Maybe it was a mistake but she could not care.

Slowly he started to unbutton her shirt and Aelin did the same for him and not long after they were both naked and Aelin stared at his body and realised the man was so incredibly well built. 

“You will have to lead the dances, captain.” He lowered himself again over her and kissed her in a way that made her forget all the pain and hurt.

It was later, after their adventure in bed. 

Aelin smiled at him satisfied. The man had skills and for a while he made her forget the real reason why that night she had searched for comfort in him.

They were now sitting in bed, their back against the headboard and the blanket covering them up.

“Did we just mess up our friendship?” He asked turning to her “I am not complaining I just…”

She sighed at his side “I think we did it for the wrong reasons.”

He agreed “Epically awesome rebound sex?”

Aelin nodded and Thomas turned to her “you are stunning though, and if the captain can’t see it, well, it’s his loss.”

“You are a sweet man” and she caressed his face “and your ex is a bitch.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him down, “fancy watching stupid movies? We can also order in. There’s a place round the corner that stays open till late. I had no food at that stupid party.”

“I’ll get the beers.” He said getting off the bed and putting his briefs back on. 

Aelin grabbed a discarded t-shirt “I’ll order the food.”

He came back with the beers and offered one to her “to our own party.”

They clinked the bottles and went to camp on the sofa.

TAGs: 

@rowaelinismyotp

@swankii-art-teacher​

@courtofjurdan

[writtenjewels]

Werelion part 3

Part One, Part Two

Despite having the promise that he would see Cullen transform that night, Dorian was determined not to lose sight of the man. So the two traveled together to the town of Redcliffe where they ate and resupplied. They found a place in the tavern where they could discuss the upcoming night without risk of being overheard.

“I always make sure I'm alone before I start to change,” Cullen told him. “So if you're going to watch, we need to take precautions so you aren't hurt.”

“I could put you in a magical trap again,” Dorian suggested, “except that you rammed yourself against it in lion form last time. I have a theory about that: I think you sensed you were about to change back and you were trying to get away before I could see you.”

“Hmm.” Cullen mulled this over while chewing on his hunk of bread. Dorian had noted that the man's appetite was just like any other human's. In fact, if he hadn't seen it himself he wouldn't know Cullen was anything more than an ordinary person. Well, perhaps not completely ordinary, as he did carry himself in a way a trained knight would and he kept his sword secured at his side. “I'll take your word on it, as I don't remember how I was feeling at the time.”

“That must be a very odd sensation,” Dorian remarked. Cullen said nothing, but his face clouded in a dark shadow. “I'll do everything I can to help you,” Dorian promised him.

“Why?”

“Oh, you mean because I'm a mage, or because I'm a Tevinter mage, it naturally means that I wouldn't want to do something that could be helpful?”

“That's...” Cullen's eyebrows twitched. “You're right: for a long time I had a very negative view of mages, and it was unworthy of me. I'm seeking to do better. But that isn't what I meant. I only wonder why you are going out of your way like this. As you said, you're from Tevinter. Why involve yourself in the concerns of a Ferelden man?”

“Because it's fascinating! I've never seen anything like it before! Call it a researcher's curiosity if that helps you. I want to understand how you transform, study your behavior while you're in lion form, see what could have caused this. And yes, find a way to reverse it if I can.”

“Not with blood magic,” Cullen said.

“Certainly not.” Dorian recoiled at the very idea. “I would never resort to that.” Cullen raised an eyebrow at that but said nothing, resuming his meal. Dorian did the same and they fell into silence. The two of them cut an unusual pair and were getting a few curious glances from the other tavern patrons. Hopefully they wouldn't be dubbed too interesting, as this whole excursion would be ruined if anyone else decided to join in.

After their meal the two set out on their horses again with Cullen leading the way. Trekking across the Hinterlands again was the last thing Dorian wanted to do, but he couldn't deny there was a lot of open space with no people. Perfect for a lion to roam around in.

“Do you always choose the Hinterlands for, ah, your hunting ground?” Dorian wondered.

“I've been to the Emerald Graves a few times, and a few times on the Storm Coast. But yes, I prefer being here.” Dorian didn't ask why Cullen didn't try any other places-- either distance or terrain were likely undesirable. “Let's stop here,” Cullen said, pulling the reins on his horse. “I'm going to need to hunt, so don't make the trap area too small.”

“Couldn't you just eat something before you change?”

“Tried that,” Cullen argued with a shake of his head. “I don't know if the change alters my metabolism or uses a lot of energy or I just have a different stomach as a lion.”

“All right.” Maybe he could just lure a bear into the trap area. For the moment he and Cullen negotiated on the space needed until they reached a size both were reasonably happy with. Dorian might have to do some riding to keep Cullen in sight once the man changed, but the space they chose was open enough that he would always be visible.

“I should get in the trap before it gets dark,” Cullen decided, and knelt down to take off his boots. He had both off and was reaching for his belt before Dorian realized what he was doing.

“Should I give you some privacy?”

“If you feel it necessary. But there's no avoiding seeing me naked if you're going to watch me transform.”

“Ah, that's true. Well then, far be it from me to miss a handsome man stripping in front of me.” Cullen's back was to him so he missed the blonde's reaction to that comment. He waited, trying to make sure his eyes didn't linger too long on the firm ass or the toned back as Cullen removed his clothing. It was almost annoying that the man was attractive. Dorian kept his mind off it by noting with amusement that Cullen folded all his clothing with military precision.

“Learned that in Templar training, I suppose,” Dorian teased.

“My training also taught me to ignore annoying mages,” Cullen retorted. He set his clothing just outside the trap area, and Dorian had to quickly dart his eyes away so he wouldn't see anything below Cullen's waist. “And now we wait.”

“For how long?”

“I'm not really sure. It could happen any time after sunset.”

“Oh, wonderful, that's very clear,” Dorian sighed with a roll of his eyes. “How do you propose we pass the times as we wait?” Cullen thought this over for a few moments.

“Do you like chess?”