#so it has a very special place in my heart - especially Inquisition -> that game got me into drawing in the first place

[lizzybeeee]

Blessed in that I have only one hyperfixation...cursed because that fixation is Dragon Age.

[the-eldritch-it-gay]

For the completely uninitiated what’s your advice for getting into dragon age as far as order and gameplay (of course optimal advice is probably “don’t” but I like the genre and dark souls looks too hard)

Okay, so order wise, I think you should play them chronologically, which is Dragon Age Origins, then Dragon Age II, then Dragon Age Inquisition. Not only do the games in universe take place in that order, with the events of the previous having some influence, but its also playing them Best to Worst lmao. Nobody should play Inquisition first just because it's the worst game that also takes like 7 billion hours of wandering through the fucking hinterlands aimlessly before getting anywhere.

Gameplay wise, with Origins, it's fun to try out every origin. Orgins is special in that way, bcuz each orgin gives you different information and a different lens to view the world. It's basically the only game where your characters background means fucking anything, in DA2 you don't get a choice, in DA:I ur background only matters when it comes to what slurs the game will call you. With the origins, though, tw for the city elf origin: rape, SA, abduction, esp. if you play as a female city elf.

I personally recommend going in blind to the first two games, or at least Origins. Inquisition is such a convoluted mess that honestly in my first play through I had to pull up guides for like "whats the best way to do this" sometimes, especially fucking Wicked Eyes Wicked Hearts.

While BioWare does hide like, the true endings behind DLC, personally I think the only absolutely neccesary DLC is Trespasser for Inquisition bcuz thats literally the ending for the game. Otherwise I played most of my first playthroughs sans DLC and you can still enjoy the story. Origins' ending is technically Awakening but even though that DLC focuses on so many things that you think would come up again, the only fucking thing that gets mentioned from it is Anders and Justice. DA2 has Legacy which introduces you to an antagonist for DAI but I didn't play that until very recently. Honestly most of the DLC for any dragon age game I'm only just now getting around to, Inquisition is the only one I got with all the DLC included bcuz it was on sale.

But yeah, overall, play the games in order and buckle up for convoluted plot and nonstop Fantasy Racism ñldskañsdfklk

[monday-headache]

Hey Simon! Thank you for the amazing ask <3 Right back at you:

I love that you're writing/arting about characters that have never met in canon (Gaige and Sasha, Fiona and Scarlett). What drew you to writing these characters together? And are there any more that you'd love to explore one day? :D

Hey Sarah, glad it made you smile. I want to have more interaction with the fandom so I’ll try to make this a regular, so please be free to send me questions whenever. I’d love to read your thoughts ;)

And Omg, that’s a fantastic question as well but, be aware, this is gonna be an essay as well.

Mhh where to start, where to start.

So first things first, My headcanon of why I think Gaige and Sasha would be best friends started a pretty long while ago, way before I even got gently pushed towards the Idea of really starting to write about it in the first place. Because you must know, even though Strays is my first longshot, it is also my very first fanfc I’ve ever written in like ever. So no matter how shitty, great or whatever it will turn out to be or how well others will be, Strays has and will always have a special place in my heart. And I’m not gonna rush things either, even when the fandom will die out, my Ideas for it will flow ;)

But yeah how it started. To put it simply Gaige was my first character In Borderlands ever that I played myself. I knew about the Lore of 1 and I’ve played 1 with a friend by the time it came out, but I played 1 myself AFTER I finished 2 So that may be a big reason, why I have such an open spot for Gaige. But also because she is fun, quirky extreme, punky, loves robots and tech... to put it simple a lot of traits I really love about a character. Her backstory with the science fair was so fresh and funny, and it may be one of my favorite spoken dialogue interactions heard over echo cassette’s

Then after Bl2 my love for Borderlands continued, played 1, played TPS and then... There was Tales, and by god do I loved Tales, and I hella still do. You probably know the feeling yourself. And with the love for the game, came a huge love for it’s cast. Like seriously I think besides Tector there isn’t really a character where I was going like, “ugh this one is trash” on the contrary. And besides my obvious love for the main 2 characters, there was a big love for the Deutagonist’s of this masterpiece. Namely Sasha and Loaderbot.

Loaderbot may have officially taken the spot for me as most favorite Robot in video game history ever (and Gortys for the most precious character ever). Like his whole segment of kidnapping them, forcing them to tell the truth, only to show how much he had grieved, how betrayed he felt and that he did all of tha  for his loved ones. Man say what you will about him, but damn he was written perfectly. I was blown away.

Secondly is of course, as you might have guessed it Sasha. I could go lengths for her too, how much I love and admire her character, how real she felt as a sister, a pandoran and last but not least as a human. Sasha felt to me like the most well rounded out character of the 6 (pls don’t hate me for it guys) From the punk rebellious attitude, to learning that she had an anti Hyperion pirate radio, that she used to broadcast bad things that happens in her neighbourhood, to her adapting her morals and learn that even in the most corrupt organisations there are still normal people struggling with their own life, and then progressing from it. And lastly after everything was at loss, the money the plan, she was willing to sacrifice her whole life for a dear friend/s, even on her dying breath putting both Rhys and her Sister at ease and in her last moments. Amazing.

Oooh boy and that was just the prelude to it all XD

After that I noticed a lot of similarities, between characters. Sasha and Loaderbot for instance are both pragmatic, put the lives of their loved ones over their own, love tech, are socially open people while holding back on information and emotion. Not to mention the scenes in 2 and 3 and also 4 and 5 where it is slightly hinted how well Sasha and Loaderbot work together, without sharing much words. So naturally the Idea was born that Sash and LB became quite close.

And the same goes for Sasha and Gaige. I was actually surprised that nobody (not entirely true, I saw one fanart of it) seemed to made that connection before as it was so obvious to me. So basically Sasha is a softer version of Gaige, in many terms. They both have a big heart for tech and especially guns. They both hosted a small radio broadcast that blew up in their region over night. Both are anarchist’s who spread the word for awareness, how fucked up the company war actually is. Both are not really good at their aim. Both call robots as their closes’t friends. Both share a deep hatred for Handsome Jack and his doings. Both fought a giant ass Vault Monster and nearly died in the process of doing so. Both got screwed up big time and now have a huge bounty on their head... So you see the list goes on, and honestly the more I write them, the more similarities I notice, both hc wise and canon wise. So there more I thought about it, and noticed similarites the more I fell in love with the Idea of them becoming close. And from there the Idea was born, that they probably met on a job ( the most likely scenario in the Borderlands universe). It had to be before BL3 of course, and to be after Tales naturally so that only put one timeline in the focus, Commander Lillith.

To be honest, I didn’t expect everything turning out so big. Like seriously I orifinally planed like 8k words or so. Now I’m dangling on the Idea of having 13 chapters and a big ass finally, a neat wrap up of everything and even a possible epilogue XD Yeah, that wasn’t what I expected either but damn do I love doing it.

Like seriously my headcanons only just gotten bigger and bigger. From a whole nebula system in the galaxy, to regions I created in my own mind for it, to even complex backstorys. Like why Sasha wears a headband, why she loves guns so much, what happened to her and Fi’s parents, why she was raised by her aunt, what does Felix have to do with it, Why Gaige has this kicks of both sudden depression and manical behavior. Why she’s so close to her dad, but her mom wasn’t even mentioned once (but teased), why she wanted to become a wedding planer, and why she is so obsessed with robots and margarita mix. I think one day, this thing will turn into a tabletop game or something XD

So estimated 20k words on my answer later and now we are going for my own created ship Scarleona. Don’t worry, as much as I like to gosh about that too, it wont take as long I prommy.

Scarleona was created in a sudden urge while thinking about what happpend to Fiona while Strays happened. And similar to Gaige and Sasha, Scarleona was born from a dynamic. Especially of those from two Ladybosses with Silvertongue and speech 100XD Fiona and Scarlett may have become my favorite Fiona ship (no offense everybody) because of how well they play off each other. Fiona is a con artist, her whole life she was used to swindle, to play it cool and by ear, go with the flow, and expect the unexpected. So here core idea is that she is manupulating people by LYING to them.

Scarlett on the other hand is similar while also the complete opposite to it. She is backstabby, plays with her charm and most importantly she is dead honest while tricking people. In fact even so honest that people don’t even realised that they got tricked even though she told it several times before. And this dynamic is so fascinating to me. You see, Fiona has almost an answer an action for everything prepared, but the idea that her winning honesty, is mind puzzling to Fiona is so perfect. @michellespenscratchz wrote me a drabble several months ago and I think that line describes it just perfect

“So, let me see if I got this straight,” Fiona tilted her head inquisitively at Captain Scarlett. “You needed these Vault Hunters’ help to find this treasure for you. So you…just asked them?”

“That’s right.” Scarlett nodded, inspecting her hook nonchalantly.

“Even though they knew you wanted it for yourself?” Fiona asked.

“Indeed,” Scarlett replied.

“And they…” Fiona blinked, “…knew you planned on fighting them for it once they had it.”

“Of course they did,” Scarlett shrugged. “I told them as much.”

“You told them?”

“Yes.”

“And they helped you anyway?”

“Precisely.” Scarlett turned her hat against the blistering wind. “I fear I don’t quite grasp what about this is so difficult to grasp, Fiona dear.”

“Huh.” Fiona cast her gaze out across the expanse of Pandoran horizon. “I guess I just gotta–I dunno–rethink my whole life right now.”

So yeah, that was basically it. I kinda diagressed and didn’t want to hurt your eyes more looking at the long ass text, but please if you have some more questions to it, pls hit me. I love to gosh about it <3

And thank you so much <3 This was hella fun

[crackinglamb]

You Have Chosen Nydha To Be Your Companion!

Hopping off @little-lightning-lavellan's idea to take a DA:I OC and turn them into a companion, may I present Banal'ras Nydha (from Hope Is a Fragile Thing) and her wiki page.

General

Banal'ras Nydha looks human, although there is something that doesn't seem quite right about her. She has dark hair and skin and startlingly green eyes, and speaks with a low, raspy voice. It is often difficult to find her in a room. Nydha first appears, and is available to recruit, in the Temple of Sacred Ashes before attempting to close the Breach. She offers knowledge and combat tactics against demons. If dismissed, or never spoken to, she will then be spotted in Haven behind Solas's cabin. She will not be available to recruit at that time, although once the Inquisition is relocated to Skyhold, she will make an offer to travel with the Inquisitor. If dismissed again, she will become a non-interactive NPC in the Rotunda, usually found near the mural or atop the scaffolding. If she is never recruited, she will disappear from Skyhold after the final battle with Corypheus.

Nydha is not romanceable by any Inquisitor, but can engage in a relationship with Solas if a female Dalish Inquisitor has not done so. She is friendly and bonds well with most of the other party members, especially Cole, Dorian and, of course, Solas. She prefers diplomacy and tends towards mediation rather than confrontation. If a Dalish Inquisitor has romanced Solas, and has high approval, Nydha will offer comfort and sympathy upon termination of the relationship. If low approval, Nydha has nothing to say.

She has strong opinions on the plight of elves, slaves and mages. She is supportive of any measures that would improve the lives of them. Her early banter with Dorian revolves around debating Tevinter's practices and trying to get him to see a better way. She will also speak with Iron Bull about the shortcomings of the Qun, although never with the same level of disdain as Solas. While she never openly mocks the Chantry or Andrastianism, she isn't a strong supporter or believer and has no opinion on who becomes Divine.

Location

In Haven, Nydha can be found behind Solas's cabin, usually in the darkest corner. Once the Inquisition relocates to Skyhold, she can be found in either the Arcane Library or the Rotunda.

Approval

Nydha's approval level is based upon empathy. An Inquisitor who is helpful, respectful and curious will gain approval. Nydha has no opinion on quests such as Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts or the outcome of Here Lies the Abyss, but approves diplomatic resolutions to judgments. She will greatly approve allying with the Free Mages, and only slightly approve conscripting the Templars. Conscription of the Free Mages or allying with the Templars will result in full disapproval. She will greatly approve Iron Bull becoming Tal-Vashoth and keeping Cole as a spirit. Actions that are ruthless or cruel will lose approval.

A high approval Inquisitor will learn that Nydha was born in another world and 'crossed over' through the Veil when the Breach opened. She will tell the Inquisitor that her name was given to her as a gift from someone she met in the Fade. She does not, however, say that it is Solas (see below for unique Trespasser dialogue). She will say that her name means 'Shadow of Night', according to her translation. A Dalish Inquisitor can have special dialogue to recognize the name as being Elvish and can question how a human came to have it. Nydha will answer that it is because the native language of the Fade is Elvish, a remnant from when elves held all of Thedas before human arrival.

A low approval Inquisitor will not learn this part of her history and she will remain an enigma. If approval falls to zero, she will refuse to speak to the Inquisitor, although she does not leave and is still available as a companion.

Quests

Survivor In the Shadows – the quest for meeting Nydha initially at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. It begins upon speaking with her, and ends with either recruitment or dismissal.

From the Ashes – only available after either In Hushed Whispers or Champions of the Just, but before completion of In Your Heart Shall Burn, Nydha will ask the Herald to accompany her back to the Temple of Sacred Ashes to search for her few belongings. The Herald will find a journal, a bundle of unusual clothes and a single unmarked vial. Nydha will approve completing this quest.

A Better Form – Nydha will ask for help in stabilizing her corporeal body if Dagna is brought into the Inquisition. Resolution of this quest will involve having Dagna create a unique amulet that will act as a permanent grounding source, rather like a lightning rod. Components for this amulet are: 1 blank rune stone, 1 wisp essence, and either 5 dawnstone or 5 volcanic aurum (both imbue constitution bonuses). It will act as an Amulet of Power, granting Nydha an extra skill point. This is the only time such an ability will be available to her. This will also allow her to wear other amulets throughout the remainder of the game. She, and Solas, will greatly approve completing this quest.

Twice-Born – available during the Jaws of Hakkon DLC. Nydha, if in the party, will ask to speak with the Augur of Stone-Bear Hold once relations with the hold have been established. If she is not among the Inquisitor's party, she will be found in the main scout camp near Professor Kenric. What the two speak about will be unknown, but at the end of the quest, Nydha will inform the Inquisitor that she has been given the legend-mark Twice-Born from the hold's 'gods'. Cole will greatly approve completing this quest, regardless of whether or not he is in the party.

Note: This quest is not dependent upon approval, but is the only time she will speak with a zeroed out Inquisitor, should that level of low approval be reached.

Ability Tree/Specialization

Nydha is technically a rogue, and can utilize either a bow or double daggers. She has an autolevel preference for the Subterfuge tree, and has an additional, unique starting skill in Fade Cloak. This does not require further leveling to be active. It is the only skill that cannot be deactivated from her skillset.

She can specialize in either Tempest or Rift Mage, due to her nature as a being from the Fade. She is not otherwise a mage. Her decision on specialization can be influenced, as she will ask the Inquisitor's opinion. If no opinion is given, she will default to taking Tempest.

Combat comments

“Come get some!”

“Catch me if you can!”

(If specialized in Tempest) “Burn, baby, burn.”

(If specialized in Rift Mage) “Ooh, the stuff of nightmares.”

Kills an enemy

“Another one bites the dust.”

“Cool story, bro.”

“Then perish.”

Low Health

“This was not on my agenda today.”

“A little help?”

Low Health (Companions)

For all general companions: “I have your back.”

If in a romance with Solas: “Take a breather, fenorain.”

Fallen Companions

For all general companions: “I'll make them pay!”

If in a romance with Solas: “NO!”

Location Comments

Ferelden:

Hinterlands: “Why is it so big? Why is everything so big?”

Fallow Mire: “I have mud in unmentionable places. Can we go now?”

Storm Coast: “I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky.”

If companions question her: “It's just from a poem I once read.”

Orlais:

Exalted Plains: “So much death. Can't you feel it?”

Emerald Graves: “This forest is old. Very old.” [laughs] “I always wanted to say that in proper context.”

Emprise du Lion: “Stay away from the bloody lyrium. And wear a hat.”

At Suledin Keep after Imshael, if Solas is in the party: “Ir abelas, lethallin.” (If romanced) Ir abelas, fenorain.”

Solas's reply (only translated if the Inquisitor is Dalish): “Ma serannas. Ea lam'an.” (It is in the past)

At the Pools of the Sun, regarding the trio of dragons: “Can't we just leave them alone? They really won't hurt anyone if we keep our distance.”

Hissing Waste: “You know, if you ignore the endless vista of sand, it's really quite beautiful. In a bleak kind of way.”

Western Approach: “Hot. Hot and blighted. I need a drink.”

Forbidden Oasis, upon reaching the second camp: “That's it, I'm never leaving.”

Arbor Wilds: “Mind your footing. This place is full of secrets.”

In Val Royeaux: “Pretty place.”

Frostback Basin: “I could stay here forever. Even with the varmints.”

The Descent: “Nice and dark, just the way I like it.”

At the Wellspring: “Wow...that's amazing.”

Trespasser: “Now it all ends, my friend.”

If the Inquisitor questions the statement: “You'll see soon enough.”

Companion/Advisor comments

Varric – Gotta watch out for Spooky, there's something about her I can't put my finger on.

Cassandra – She is an able fighter, but I would not trust her out of my sight, which is far too often.

Solas – She is secretive by nature, but I would assure you that she means no harm.

Iron Bull – She's a tricky one. Good fighter, lotta secrets. Good at keeping them too. I don't think I've cracked a single one that she didn't tell me herself.

Dorian – She's fascinating. I am not at liberty to say why, of course, if you don't already know.

Cole – Bright as the sun and scattered as the stars. She wants to help, just like I do.

Vivienne – She seems capable enough, my dear. But I would not dare to trust her. She is an accomplished player of the Game, for all her smiles and good cheer.

Sera – She's as bad as Creepy, although she's better at jokes. She's better at hiding than I am!

Blackwall – She knows something. She knows too many somethings.

Josephine – She keeps to herself and has caused no diplomatic incidents. I wish I could say the same for some of the others gathered here.

Leliana – I find it curious that I cannot find any solid evidence of her existence before the Conclave, but that does not automatically mark her a spy. However, her nature makes me no more inclined to trust her. I would be wary of her.

Cullen – Who? Oh, the...shadowy...person. I hear she can handle herself. I can't say I've spoken with her, so I don't have an opinion.

Trespasser

There is a unique dialogue tree available to the Inquisitor while speaking with Solas if Nydha was recruited as a companion.

“Did you know about Nydha?”

“Yes, I am the one who gave her her name. I found her while I yet slept, and she became corporeal after the Breach.”

(First branch) “Is she one of your agents?”

“No. She has only ever been my friend.”

(Special, if not romanced) “Your friend? It seemed to be more than that.”

“In another world, perhaps.”

(Second branch) “Is she joining you?”

“No, I would not wish her on this path.”

(Third branch) “She knew this whole time. Why didn't she tell me?”

“She had her reasons for not telling you. (If high approval) I hope you will not hold them against her.”

Regardless of approval, Nydha disappears after the Exalted Council. She settles in the Frostback Basin among the Avvar. A high approval Inquisitor will receive correspondence from her from time to time, but she will refuse to come back to the 'civilized' nations of Thedas, preferring privacy and isolation.

Trivia

If in the party during Here Lies the Abyss, the Nightmare demon will speak to her in Elvish. Her reply is a scoff and nothing else.

Nydha can be a third option at the Vir'Abelasan if she is in the party. If she is chosen to drink from the Well, Abelas does not object, although he will still point out that she will be bound as they are. If Nydha drinks, she will summon Flemeth and work with the Inquisitor to tame the dragon for the final confrontation with Corypheus. If she is in the party during Trespasser, she will be able to provide the password to the spirit guards, preventing a fight.

If Morrigan is allowed to attack Abelas, she will attempt to defend him and will argue that the witch is not worthy of the knowledge she seeks if brutality is her only way to get it. If there is a peaceful alliance with the Sentinels and Morrigan is chosen to drink, Nydha will slightly disapprove but hold her tongue on the matter.

If the Inquisitor drank from the Well, and succeeds in finding enough clues to determine that Solas is Fen'Harel, Nydha will appear saddened when the Inquisitor rebuts to the Viddasala that they already know. She will state that this was what she'd been waiting for. The Inquisitor will have the option to accuse her of knowing the whole time. She will answer yes, but she won't explain.

If Nydha is never recruited, and remains an NPC in the Rotunda, one will hear her occasionally speak with Solas. These conversations range in topic from books they are reading to the mural. Never about Inquisition business. There is a slight chance to hear them speaking in Elvish, and their words are not translated, regardless of Inquisitor's race. Solas's replies appear to be noncommittal.

Nydha will remark upon the Inquisitor's romantic choices, usually with something supportive and a hope that they are happy together. She will also comment something generally pleasant about each companion if asked. The exception to this is if Iron Bull remains Ben-Hassrath. Nydha will caution the Inquisitor to be careful of telling him too much since his loyalty is now unknown.

It can be implied from various interactions and from high approval conversation that Nydha was in fact aware of everything that would happen during the course of the game. She never gives a reason for keeping her silence on matters pertaining to what foreknowledge she had, although any input given during the game events is sound and often given in such a way so as not to risk suspicion.

It can also be implied that regardless of what Solas says during Trespasser, Nydha has actually left the Inquisition to join his ranks, or at least does not stand opposed to him. This is not confirmed, however, and according to her epilogue card, she is enjoying a quiet life in the Frostback Basin with no intention of ever interfering with Thedosian politics or events again.

[thewildomega]

Second Chance Ch.11

"mmm this is my new favorite food." 

Glancing down to his son beside him he chuckled. The man was on his fifth piece of the pizza y/n had made. Learning he had liked pineapple y/n had added the fruit to his pizza as a topping which his son had been more than pleased to see. He himself had at first stuck to just bacon and sausage but with a raised brow from the woman and a quick glance to the chopped vegetables he had eventually gave in and added them to his own pizza. Once they were all done he had went outside with Marco while he left y/n and Zella to chat about whatever it was women talked about. Letting out a long sigh he glanced towards the mountain and tapped his foot in thought. 

"Why don't you make it a date?" Marco asked around a bite of pizza. 

Raising his brows he looked down to his son inquisition. "A date? Since when is climbing a mountain considered a date?" 

"When the woman in point enjoys it." he shrugged. Seeing his father needed more convincing he finished off his pizza before sitting up, crossing his legs under him. "You said she liked exploring and adventure which is I guess why she is so eager to climb the mountain in the first place. So you could always turn it into a date."

"Elaborate." He sighed, sitting back and crossing his arms over his chest. He was willing to listen to what his son had in mind, the boy had gotten a wife of his own now so he had to know something about relationships. Besides while he had been with many different women throughout his life he had never had an actual relationship before. 

Humming Marco looked up to the stars, "What about making it a picnic or something, pack a bag with some food and drinks, stuff like that."

Thinking on it he smiled and gave a hum. "Sounds like a plan son. Didn't think you were such a matchmaker." he chuckled in a teasing voice.

"Thank Thatch and his sappy romance novels." he chuckled and heard his father begin laughing. 

.............................

Shrugging the bag up over his shoulder he headed out to find y/n. Quickly spotting her out in the hills playing with Cain, his pet had more or less become hers as he noticed the sphinx would listen to her commands better than it would his own. Getting closer to the two he noticed her just sitting in the grass with Cain laid beside her, his massive head touching her thigh. "Morning darling." he greeted even though it was a little past eleven.

Hearing Ed yo looked up to where he had come up beside you and smiled. "Good morning." Seeing a bag on his back you tilted your head. "Going somewhere?" 

"Yes, actually we both are, if you still want to climb up that mountain that is lass?" It had been a few days since she had said anything about it, he had wanted to make sure her arm healed okay first. He had even checked with Marco to make sure he thought her wounds were healed up enough to make the climb.

Smiling you nodded. "Of course I do. Do I need to go get anything?"

"Nope I got us covered." Seeing her smile he held his hand out for her to take. Starting to tug her up he felt her get pulled back down and looked to see Cain had wrapped his arm around her. "Cain let go." Hearing the creature grumble out a growl he rolled his eyes, "She isn't a toy for you to play with all the time." 

Feeling Cain nuzzle your side you giggled and reached down to rub him. "It's okay Cain, I'll com back later and then I'll finish telling you that story. Deal?" you asked and heard him hum before he sat up and licked at your cheek. 

Hearing her giggle more he smiled and pulled her up into his side as the sphinx released her. Walking away with her he grinned down at her. "And what story is it you are telling the big furball?"

"Oh just a funny story about when I was drunk for the first time." 

Raising his brow he looked down at her. "You tell him stories about your past?"

Humming you nodded and looked down to the ground. "I have always found it easier to talk to animals than I have people. I think it's because you don't have to worry about animals judging you afterwards. They are just happy to see you all the time, they don't care about the things you've done." 

"I understand. Maybe one day you might tell me that story..." he said in a hopeful voice.

Grinning you looked up to him, "Not really much to tell. I drank a whole bottle of strawberry vodka on an empty stomach, puked my guts out before passing out in the middle of the living room floor while dancing to Whitney Houston's 'I want to dance with somebody' on repeat."

"Nice." he chuckled. "Hangover?"

"Nope, I don't get hangovers." 

"Lucky you." he smiled. "How old were you?" 

"Umm eighteen I think. Mel didn't even know I had swiped it until Keith snitched on me." 

"Did you get in trouble?"

"Oh yes. I had to scrub the floors by hand for the next week." 

Laughing he led her to the base of the mountain and looked up to the cliff above their heads. It had a wide enough surface that it would be easier to start the climb there. Seeing her moving to start climbing he scooped her up into his arms. "Hold on." Holding her with one arm under her knees and the other under her mid back with his hands on her thigh and shoulder. 

"Why? What...ahhh!" you screamed out, burying your face into his chest as he jumped from the ground at wha should have been an inhuman speed. 

Feeling her arms wrap around his neck and her face move to hide in his chest made him consider just jumping the whole way up. Smiling he landed on the cliff and glanced down to her. Seeing her peek out at him and then down he gave her a smile. 

"Cheater." you grumbled, hearing him chuckle. When he continued holding you you felt that warmth in your chest and licked your lips, "You going to carry be the whole way up to the peak?"

"I can darling." he told her with a confident smile and a small tilt of his head.

"Then I wouldn't very well be able to say I climbed it now would I?" you asked. 

Humming he sighed. "I suppose not." Gently sitting her down on her feet he let his hands stay on her for a few seconds longer than needed to steady her. She was wearing jeans today but how he wished to have her in shorts just to be able to feel the smoothness of her skin. 

Once he released you you quickly bent down to start unlacing your boots to hide your blush. Taking off one boot and then the other you removed your socks and shoved them inside. 

"Why are you taking off your boots lass?"

"I always climb barefoot. Better grip." you told him standing. 

Humming he nodded. "Careful not to let the rocks cut your feet." Seeing her nod they both began the climb. It wasn't all that steep right now but he was still careful to watch for her, staying close enough he could catch her if she started to fall. After a while of climbing they had started up their game of asking each other questions. "Let's see, have you ever broken a bone? Why did I ask that, of course a clumsy little thing like you has broken a bone."

"Hey, I am not clumsy!" you smiled. 

"I beg to differ darling. I heard you trip again last night." 

"That's your fault, you left your boots right by the end table." 

"Alright I will take blame for that time but I know there is no way you haven't broken a bone so fess up." 

"My leg." 

"Just your leg?"

"Yep... in seven places." 

"Seven places or seven different times?!"

"No all at once."

"Continue." he said with wide eyes.

"I was leaving work one night and the wind caught the door, steps were icy and I slipped. Fell off the top landing and landed wrong, broke my right leg in seven places." you told him as you pulled yourself up onto the next ledge.

"Damn lass."

"Yea not fun. I stayed out there for about four hours until Garth was driving by and saw me. Was out of work for the next month. What about you?"

"Probably close to all of them if I'm being honest, cept' my back... and hip... and skull. Wait no scratch that last one forgot about the time with Rocks."

Now it was your turn to look at him with wide eyes. "And you were picking on me?" 

........................

It took you both close to most of the day to climb the mountain, by the time he was helping you up to the top the sun was on the water's surface. Standing on the top of the large mountain you smiled at the view of the world around you. As it turns out there wasn't any greenery up there and it was only flat for a little ways, enough for the both of you to walk on. The view however was beautiful, especially at sunset. 

Seeing the large smile on her face he looked to the sunset on the water as well and smiled. "I have to admit this is nice." 

Giving him a smile you turned back to the breathtaking view and pulled your phone out of your pocket so you could take a picture. You were truly thankful Marco had been able to rig up your charger to make it charge your phone for you, while you no longer needed it for calls it was nice to have your music and camera. 

Taking the chance while she was snapping pictures on her phone he moved over to the flattest area on the peak and started unpacking the bag. 

Turning around you expected him to be right beside you but he wasn't and you furrowed your brows before catching sight of him and walking over. Rounding the small boulders you gasped a little under your breath when you saw what he had done. There was a blanket laid out along with a pile of wood, a long dish with a top on it and what looked like two large bottles and a thermos of sorts. "Pirates have picnics?" you asked in a soft voice.

Snapping his eyes up he saw her standing there looking down at everything and felt a light blush creep up to his cheeks. Clearing his throat he stood and rubbed the back of his head. "Ah well a little birdie mentioned it and I thought it sounded like a good idea. Thought if we were making the climb up here it'd be nice to make it something special... a date so to speak."

A date?! Like a date date?! With him... and you?!

He could feel his heart beating in his chest and for a split second he felt foolish but then he saw a soft and gentle smile spread across her face. 

"Then a date it is."

Smiling so large his cheeks hurt he held his hand out for her to take. As soon as her small hand was in his own he gently pulled her over to sit down on one of the blankets he had brought. Settling down beside her he finished unpacking the rest of the items, two cups for the tea and chopsticks. 

"Anything I can do?" 

Grinning he looked up to her as he continued getting everything ready. "Just keep sitting there looking pretty." Seeing the deep blush come to her cheeks he chuckled lightly and saw her eyes snap back to the setting sun. Woman took compliments horribly. 

A few minutes later he had gotten everything ready, a tray of sushi and two cups of green tea sat between you both. "Thank you." you told him as he held out your chopsticks. "Did you make this?" 

"Ah, no." he admitted. "Sushi has never been something I have been able to get down. Everytime I try it rips all to pieces." 

"I've never had it before."

"Really? Well isn't this a night of firsts. Do you want me to tell you which is which or do you just want to go for it."

"I'll try anything once."

"That's a good concept." One by one he went about telling her which each different one was. "...and this one is eel."

"Revenge time." 

Laughing he smiled and joined her in eating the piece of anago. He loved her sense of humor, enjoyed how they could eaisly make each other laugh or smile. Seeing her make a face he chuckled. "Not a fan of that one?" he asked and saw her shake her head but force it down. 

"That's all you." 

..............................

A while later they had both finished off the sushi and he had made a fire. With the sun going down it both helped them keep warm this high up and give them a little light. "Alright lass time for another first." he spoke pouring her a saucer of sake and handing it over. 

Grinning you carefully took the large saucer looking cup with both hands and looked down to the liquid, giving it a sniff. It smelled fruity and slightly nutty, good. "It smells good." 

Lifting his own he grinned and gave her a nod before they both took a drink. Humming at the taste he had missed so much he quickly watched for her expression. "So?"

"I like it. It's a little sweet but not too sweet. I can see why it's your favorite." Your grinned, taking another sip. 

Smiling at the fact she liked it he finished off his cup. 

"Marco told me that some of your other sons will be here soon." 

Nodding he saw her finish off her own drink and moved to refill both of their cups. "Yes, Izo, Jozu and Vista." 

"What are they like?" you asked, eager to know more about his family.

"Well Izo is a very loyal person, he loves his family, which I suppose all of us are close. You'll like Izo and he'll love you. Jozu is a bit more gruff and quiet but once he gets to know a person he can become rather playful and teasing. As for Vista well he's character, he's modest but in a good way. All of them are their own people but you will like them, and all of them will like you. I wish you could meet all of them but I know that's not possible. Not anymore." 

Seeing him saddened by the thought of never being able to see his whole family again you furrowed your brows and moved your hand to his forearm and gave ita small rub, seeing him look down to you. "Well then I guess you will just have to tell me about all of them yourself." 

Looking down beside him at the smaller woman he sighed softly and grinned at the kindness in her eyes. Thinking of something he looked down to her small hand and placed his own on top of it, stroking the top of her hand with his thumb. "Y/n, darling, you want to listen to my stories, you ask me about my children, my life, me. You know more about me than probably most of my sons but I know so little about your own life, about your past."

"I've told you about when I started working at the bar." you said dropping your eyes down to your cup as you moved it to your lips, taking a long sip. 

"Yes you have and after that but not before, not about your family." 

"It's not the same Ed." 

Hearing how soft her voice was he furrowed his brows. "And why isn't it lass?"

"Because your stories, most of them are nice and they're happy, mine isn't."

"You think my life has been all smiles and rainbows darling? It hasn't, I can assure you."

"I didn't mean it like that I just... I don't want you to see me differently..." you finally admitted in a sigh, closing your eyes and keeping your head down.

Seeing her small frame curl up he knit his brows and curled his finger under her chin to lift her saddened eyes back to his. "I won't. I will never see you as anything but the beautiful, kind, caring woman you are." Feeling her try and turn her head away when he paid her the compliment he clicked his tongue and held her chin still. "One of the things you learn with age darling is that a person's past never defines them." 

Blinking as you saw his two warm yellow eyes looking down at you you let out sigh, "What would you like to know?" 

"Everything." stroking her cheek.

Nodding you looked to yoru glass, "Gonna need more alcohol." 

Chuckling softly he filled her cup, "That I can do darling." 

..........................

Over the next few hours he sat back against the boulders with y/n curled up in his side, the other blanket he had packed wrapped around her to keep her warm along with his own body heat. His arm was wrapped around her, holding her and stroking her upper arm to offer her comfort as she told him about her, putting it bluntly, fucked up childhood. They had already been through one of the bottles of sake and were close to finishing off the second, the alcohol helping the painful memories fall from her lips. She told him how her parents who she couldn't remember had her when they were only sixteen. 

"...My mother's family was higher class than my father's, from what I was always told he was a bad seed that came along and ruined her. Apparently they had ran away when she got pregnant but when I was born I guess they found out it raising a kids meant growing up and they weren't ready for that so they dropped me off at my grandparents and took off. My grandparents didn't want the proof of how their perfect daughter had fell though, they kept me for a few months and then gave me to my dad's grandparents. I lived with them until I was five, they were really nice, closest thing to a family I ever got but they were old and once they passed I was sent away again. My mom's parents didn't really have much of a choice but to take me back in but they made sure I knew I wasn't wanted there. My granddad refused to even talk to me and my grandmother just told me over and over about how I was the reason their family line would never be the same..."

"Well doesn't she sound like a peach." he grunted through clenched teeth. 

Humming you took another sip of the sake. "Yea, tell me about it. She told me once that she wished I would have been a stillborn." 

"Are they dead?" 

"I don't think so why?"

"I wish them both a slow death." 

"Ed don't drop to their level." you said and heard him only grunt. 

"So what happened then?"

One by one, her family had passed her along, like some unwanted family heirloom. Along the family she went, to uncles and aunts and then cousins until soon she was handed off to a family friend. Everyone she had been left in the custody of treated her horribly, she told him only a little bit but he knew there was more. The family friend that she had lived with had made her sleep in the in the laundry room that she had described as cold and damp. 

"I stayed sick all winter." 

When she had stopped for a moment, drinking down her sake rather quickly he knit his brows. Goug to ask her if she was alright she started again, this time her voice softer, shakier. She spoke of the woman's oldest son, who was almost old enough to be considered a man, she told him how the boy had began to get 'handsy', telling him how he wouldn't take no for an answer. Although she had went no further into it than that he got the feeling something else had happened and it made the vein in his forehead pop out. 

"When I went to her and her husband they told me I was lying and locked me in my room. A few days later Chris tried again but this time I hit him in the head with the iron and busted it open. If I thought they hated me before I had been wrong, the dad rushed him to the hospital and the mom beat the living shit out of me." Chugging down the rest of the sake you stared into the fire. "Two days later she told me to go get in the car, said we were going to the park. I didn't think anything of it because she usually took the little kids their once a week to play but this time she didn't go to the normal park. We went to this park that had to be at least three hours away. She bought all of us lunch and then we went to the park." taking a deep breath you bit your lip. "I was on the swing when she came over. Sh etold me that she was taking the kids to the bathroom and that they would be back. They never came back." you shrugged. 

They had just left her there. She had been thirteen. A child. She had been a child and they had just left her there with no money, no food, no clothes, no nothing. Next she had told him about how she had spent the next two years living on the streets. She scronged around for food, she slept where ever she could.

"I remember always being cold."

Her voice was nothing but a whisper, she was ashamed, ashamed of the things she had to do just to survive. When she had turned to stealing things he could tell she considered that one of her lowest moments. "You did what you had to do darling." he told her. 

"Still doesn't make it right." 

"You stole things you needed to get by not things for joy." 

Grinning the tiniest amount you held up your cup for him to fill. 

Topping off their cups with the rest of the sake he moved his arm to pull her back into his side. "So when did Garth find you?"

Swallowing the sake in your mouth you pulled your knees up to your chest and leaned more into his side. You didn't know whether it was the alcohol or the fact he was offering you comfort while you told your life story but you just wanted to be as close to him as possible. He didn't seem like he minded. "I had been running from these guys for a few weeks, really bad people that had been trying to get their hands on me..."

"Why? What did they want from you?" he asked, not liking where this was going.

"I don't know exactly but I'm pretty sure they were trafficking women and kids. I saw them around other women and young girls before." 

Clenching his teeth he took a deep breath to calm his temper. 

"But I was running for them and I was scared. I ran through the woods, I went on for days until I was in this place I didn't know. Winter set in quick and I had no place to stay, no where to get food. I was starving and freezing and just over it." 

Watching out of the corner of his eye as she downed the remaining sake he furrowed his brows. He didn't like where this was going. "Go on." 

Hearing his deep, low voice you closed your eyes. "I didn't want to go on anymore... I didn't want to hurt anymore." There was a lump forming in your throat now and you tired to focus on his heartbeat, the soothing thumping. 

Swallowing hard he looked up to the stars shining high in the sky. "What did you do lass?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion. 

"I... I climbed up onto the bridge. I stood there, looking down at the valley for a while, wondering why the hell I was ever born, what the point of my existence was if no one was ever going to want me...." Feeling a tear fall to your cheek you quickly reached up to brush it away. "I had moved to take that step when I was snatched down to the asphalt." you told him and let out a sad chuckle. "Garth had snuck up on me and pulled me down. God I gave that man hell. I hit him, kicked him, bit him, did anything I could to make him let me go. I begged him to just let me die but he wouldn't do it. He held me until I calmed down and then put me in his car and drove me to the hospital. I was so damn pissed at him. Refused to talk for a week, wouldn't even tell anyone my name. He never said anything bad though, he just kept coming, bringing me food and stuff, sitting with me and watching TV. Sooner or later I broke down and told him enough. He tried putting me into foster care three times but I just kept running away. Finally he gave up and the rest you know." 

Taking a deep breath he kept his eyes up on the stars, silently thanking whatever higher power that was up there for keeping her alive, keeping his soulmate alive. It hurt his heart to know that the woman he loved had been through so much, that she had felt so alone. She thought there was no one that wanted her, no one that loved her. "I'm sorry that you had to endure all of that lass. That you were alone for so long." Looking down at her he saw her eyes looking up at him, her lashes still a bit wet. 

"Thank you Ed, for listening." 

"Of course darling."  

Licking your lips you gave a sheepish grin, "Sorry for making the date so depressing." 

"Don't be, this has been a perfect date." 

"You must've had some really bad conversations on dates then." you said with a cuckle. 

Tilting his head some he leaned back some, "Well actually darling this is my first real date." 

"No it isn't." you said, looking up at him sideways. 

"It is." Seeing her looking at him in disbelief he chuckled. "Is it so hard to believe that some people don't go on dates." 

"No, I've never been on a date but that's because I'm an antisociable loser." you giggled and heard him snort out a laugh. "I just find it hard to believe that you have never been on a date."

"Well lass there isn't exactly a high population of women that are either my height or willing to go on dates with men four times their height." 

"I thought you said that woman you were on Rock's crew with was around the same height as you."

"LINLIN?!" he gawked. Feeling his lip lift into a snarl he shook his head. "No way in hell." 

"What?" You laughed. "Didn't you say she had like a ton of kids?"

"I think she is at 85." 

"How is that even possible?" 

"I don't know, I don't even want to think about it." he said and shivered. "Let's not talk about it."

Giggling you leaned more against his chest. "Well I'm honored to be your first date then." 

"As I am yours darling."  

.........................

Waking up to the sun hitting his face he knit brows, his eyes still not opened yet. He was laying on something hard, sure as hell wasn't his bed. Then there was the pressure on his side and chest, not a heavy pressure but a notable one. It was warm as well. Cracking one eye open he looked down to see the face of an angel. She was sleeping, her head was on his bare chest, along with her hand which was laying over his right pectoral. The blanket was covering her body below her shoulders and some of his lower half but he could feel what he guessed was one of her legs thrown over his thigh.  Letting his eyes scan her face he saw her lids and lashes fluttering as she dreamed. Her lips were slightly parted and he couldn't help but wonder how they would feel against his own. As the sun rose higher into the sky and onto her face he saw her brow twitch, a small hum coming from her. Watching her eyes open some, attempting to blink away the sleep he smiled and chuckled softly at how cute he thought she looked. 

Opening your eyes and seeing two warm yellow ones looking at you felt a light blush warm your cheeks. "Hi." 

"Hi lass." he spoke his voice still deep and husky with sleep. 

"I guess we should climb down now huh?" 

Humming he grinned. "Well actually I have one more thing in mind?" Seeing her tilt her head he grinned. Sitting them up he started packing up their things, seeing her help as well. Once everything was up he walked to the edge of the mountain and looked down to where his village was. Seeing a black dot down there he grinned and gave a loud whistle. 

Watching with wide eyes as Cain flew the whole way up here and landed ont he rocks by you both you opened and closed your mouth before looking to Ed. "You didn't tell me they could fly too."

"I thought you knew." he chuckled. 

"So what is Cain going to give us a ride down?" you asked, rubbing Cain's back. 

"Sorta." he smiled. Walking over to his pet he leaned in close.

Seeing Ed whisper something to the large creature while smirking at you you narrowed your eyes. "What are you up to?" 

"A pirate never tells darling." he smirked. Walking over to her he placed his hands on her hips and lifted her up onto Cain's back. "Now you hold on tight and I'll meet you down at the bottom." 

"Wait your not coming?" 

"No lass, I'm a bit too big. Besides this is one of your dreams not mine." Seeing her confused he smiled and looked up to the clouds. When it seemed to click he chuckled and patted Cain's head. "You be careful with my lass now Cain." 

"Wait Ed..."

"Have fun darling." he said and watched as Cain ran from the edge of the mountain. 

Tensing up a bit at first you finally opened your eyes and looked around you to see the ground far bellow. You could even still see Ed standing on the top of the mountain watching you. Up and up Cain flew until the island itself looked like nothing more than a speck of green in a vast blue ocean. Raising your head to look in front of you you saw white puffy clouds and smiled. Going up just a few more feet and you were soon flying through the clouds. Holding onto Cain with one hand you lifted the other to watch your hand fly through the clouds. Of course you couldn't feel anything but it was still amazing. Knowing Ed had remembered one of your bucket list items and done this for you made you feel that warmth in your chest, your heart feeling like it was going to burst. Before long the both of you started back towards the ground, Ed somehow already down there. 

Standing there with the bag by his feet and his arms crossed over his chest he smiled at the sight of how happy she looked. Seeing Cain land by him he reached up to help her down and was surprised when she wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him. Humming he hugged her back, listening to her thank him over and over. "You're welcome lass." he smiled. 

[hawkeish]

Fairly new follower here! I was curious which game in the DA series is your favorite? What race and class is your favorite to play as? Favorite romance options? Favorite characters?

hey non! ooh these are fun questions, thanks so much for asking - I'll probably put some of it under a cut as it might get long. but here we go, hopefully sans spoilers just in case: 

favourite DA game? 

definitely 2! da2 is the game of my heart and the one I've played the most. I really enjoyed Inquisition too, but da2 has everything I love: a delicious, very tragic narrative, a setting that feels really alive/develops with the story (even with the repeated maps! my brain is too small for open worlds), and companions who are very flawed and have interesting conflict.

I'm only 10 hours or so into Origins so I'm not really counting it, but that's been a lot of fun too.

favourite race and class? 

da2 - definitely a mage. I love da2's combat and the mage combat abilities are *chef kiss*. for me it's also the most narratively/thematically significant class to play, and I do love me some narrative significance.

da:i - probably an elven archer! I'm a slut for mages, but archery in DAI is actually really fun. some of the warrior abilities are fun too - I need to do a full warrior playthrough at some point.

favourite romance options?

da2 - did someone say Anders? I've actually done all the romances apart from Merrill (which I need to do) and loved them all, but the Anders romance has a special place in my heart because I love to suffer. it also deeply pisses me off for many reasons, but this is why we write fanfic.

da:i - Blackwall. give me high drama & a beard and I’m sold. I’ve also romanced Cullen & Sera and liked them a lot, although both narratives have their issues.

favourite characters?

the entire da2 cast. kisses for them all. I don’t discriminate. (but Carver, Merrill, Bela and Anders especially).

in da:i, probably Vivienne, Sera, Dorian and Blackwall! as for Origins, they’re all lovely but Sten and Morrigan have made me laugh the most so far, so those two.

[oracleofkairos]

30 Questions For Your Guardian

These questions are taken from the post here by @fem-birb-woman, seemed like a good way to kick this off! 1.) What is your guardian’s name? What does it mean? What inspired you to choose that name for them? "The Oracle Of Kairos. I didn't choose it, but it was given to me by the followers of Osiris, after my frequent excursions into the Infinite Forest."

2.) What did your guardian name their ghost? What does it mean? What inspired them to choose that name?

"This here is Custode, means Guardian in a pre-collapse tongue. Little bit of a joke, but this little guy has seen me through many trials, and I'll know he always has my back."

3.) What is your guardians favorite weapon of choice? What mod do they use for it? Do they have a masterwork on it and if so, how many enemies have they killed with that weapon?

"The IKELOS_HC_V1.0.2 , a gift from Rasputin. I've tuned it to handle rank and file opponents, I have had the aid of others to bring it up to a masterwork of engineering, and frankly, I've lost count of how many this pistol has killed."

4.) Do they participate in the Crucible often or do they just go to complete the daily challenges? "I hate the crucible. I understand it's purpose, both for morale and training, but I still can't bring myself to enjoy getting curbstomped by other guardians."

5.) If your guardian had to choose to be another class, what class would they pick? Or would they stay the same? "I think I'd prefer to stay a Warlock, but I could see myself as a half-decent titan, but I'd be much more of a strategist than an unstoppable battering ram."

6.) What is their favorite subclass within their own class? "Stormcaller. I've always felt a more tangible tie to Arc energies, and since the reawakening of my light, that has only strengthened."

7.) What is their favorite subclass in a different class?

"Sentinel titans will always have my respect, they put themselves on the line to shield allies from harm, and they're very good at it."

8.) Would they rather receive a titan kiss ( a hard ass headbutt that mostly results in death ), asking a warlock a question that might result in a long explanation, or deciding to play the knife game with hunter and bet at high stakes? "Ask the question of a Warlock. I'd much rather have an interesting conversation than risk losing a body part, no matter how briefly."

9.) Would they prank other guardians or just their close friends? What kind of pranks would they pull?

"The Hijinks of the Drifter and Cayde always made me... Afraid, of pranks. I don't think I could bring myself to engage in such things."

10.) Which vanguard member to they like to hang out with the most? "I'm on good terms with both Ikora and Zavala, but I more often find myself discussing theories or new intrigues with Ikora whenever I stop by the tower. She's been a fine mentor and a better friend."

11.) Who would they fmk out of Skolas, Ghaul, and Calus? "Frankly, I hate everything about this question, but in the interest of honesty; Fuck Skolas, Marry Calus, and Kill Ghaul."

12.) What kind of hobbies do they do in their free time? Are there any particular skills they have that help them with this hobby(s)? "I've always found an interest in etchings and engravings, I've got a good hand from many hours with a pen, and that serves me to handle the tools when making carvings."

13.) What is their favorite armor set and what shader do they use for it? "Oddly, I've always been attached to the Exodus Down armor provided by Failsafe... It's always just... Fit me, in a way. Almost all our armor is perfectly tailored, but this runs deeper than that. And, in honor of the Followers of Osiris, I wear Kairos Bronze."

14.) Do they prefer silence or are they unbothered in loud areas? "Depends on what I'm doing, when studying or researching, I require quiet, but I do enjoy the bustle of the Tower when I need to relax."

15.) Are they afraid of storms? If so, is there a specific reason why? "To the contrary, I love storms. There's nothing better than wandering and just taking in the energy radiating from those electric clouds."

16.) Who were they before their ghost revived them? Do they know about this and if so how or what did they use to learn about themselves? "I know looking into such things is... Frowned on, but I have done some research into it. Between my own strange clicks, and the fact I was first revived on Nessus, I believe I may have been one of the crew or colonists aboard the Exodus Black."

17.) How close are your guardian and their ghost? If they are not close, would your guardian kill their ghost and choose to answer the darkness’ calls? "I love Custode. If anything were to happen to him, I'm not sure I could, or would want, to survive the experience."

18.) Would your guardian engage in a romantic relationship with Fallen, Cabal, Hive, etc? If so, what do they find attractive about the species? "This... Is an odd question, I suppose I couldn't deny the possibility of finding myself with a sentient member of any of those species. I wonder what a relationship with the hive would even be like..."

19.) Who is their favorite lore hero? Example, Jolder, Saint-14, Andal Brask, etc. Why is this person their favorite and in what ways do they inspire your guardian? What would your guardian say if they were face to face with them? "Osiris and Toland The Shattered. I could not hold them to the title of Hero, but I look to their works as examples on how to push the limits of Guardian knowledge, but also how to be mindful of the edges of madness."

20.) Does your guardian like plants? If so, what kinds? Do they prefer flowers or trees or shrubs? Would they start a garden?

"I do enjoy plants, and I actually have a small terrarium containing a blueberry bush inside my orbiter."

21.) If your guardian became obsessed with something, what would it be? "The infinite forest... I was... Unable, to resist the temptations of the possibilities within, and found myself lost for a long few years... I've only recently re-emerged, only to find Cayde dead, Osiris hostage, Mara, Saint, and others returned, and some mad scheme about swearing guardians to the darkness. It was... A difficult adjustment."

22.) Do they like reading books or watching movies or both? What genres are their favorites? Does their fireteam have the same taste? "I've always enjoyed both books and cinema, whenever I was invited to showing by other guardians. Historical fiction and high fantasy hold a special place in my heart, as they speak to our capacity for imagination."

23.) What kind of music do they like? Do they dance around anybody in any situation or in the privacy of their quarters? What would their favorite song from the Golden Age be? "I've always enjoyed Golden Age Classical, since I first heard it among Rasputin's broadcasts. And while I don't often dance, I do enjoy the occasional slow dance with a partner during The Dawning, or other festivals."

24.) What does their living space look like? Are there a bunch of pictures around or do Knick knacks cover the shelves? Do they enjoy bright, neutral, or dark colors? Would they purchase a fur rug? "I do my best to keep organized, but there's many, many little momentos of my travels, and it makes it difficult to keep things tidy. I prefer cooler colors, and I do have a fur rug I pinched from Clovis Bray's facilities. Bear, I think."

25.) Do they travel around the city often? If so, what are their favorite places to go and who do they go with? Are the civilians ever excited to see them or do they give them a look because of precious mishaps that resulted in property damage? "I often travel within the city, whether I'm visiting friends in the New Monarchy, or going to the various scrappers and book-vendors. I have a few good friends, and I do my best to be polite and respectful to all others."

26.) Are they good with kids? If not, how do they react when a child tries to talk to them? If they are good with kids, what kind of things do they do to entertain them? "I'm... Not amazing, with children. I enjoy their inquisitive nature, but I sometimes get too wrapped up in my explanations, and either scare them with things they didn't need to know, or leave them with more questions than they started with."

27.) Are they in love with Shaxx?

"No. In the words of a man with wisdom beyond his years; 'Every minute I spend in the crucible makes me wish I stayed dead.' "

28.) When your guardian sleeps, are they stiff and stay in one spot or wild and kick off the sheets? Do they have nightmares often and if so, about what? How often do they sleep? "Custode does his best to remind me to get a full nights sleep, and tells me he sometimes has to verify I'm still alive, given that I'm almost perfectly still. As for nightmares... They happen, especially after everything on the Moon."

29.) Do they enjoy coffee, tea, soda, or water? Would they mix all of these together and drink the liquid on a dare? "I'm partial to both Coffee and Tea, particularly one kind Eris was kind enough to make for me during our stay on Luna... And absolutely not."

30.) What about their personality attracts other guardians to them? What is it about other guardians that attracts your guardian to them?

"I enjoy other guardians with a passion for discovery and a desire for knowledge, and I often find others who seek me out for the same. Though there have been cases other guardians or fireteams have sought my guidance after my years in the Infinite Forest, hoping I have insight into future events."

[pathcrier]

This ask game has alot of good questions!! But 💖 and 😊 for all the ocs in your tags!

THIS IS VERY LONG IM SORRY HAHA

💖 Has your OC ever been in love, be it romantic or platonic or otherwise? Who with and did they ever express their feelings or keep it private? How long did these feelings persist / do they still feel this way?

Dahlia Shepard: romantically, she had been in love exactly three times. First time was with a girl back during Alliance training, Catalina. She was head over heels but never really told her, just because she felt it wouldn't work out in the end and let her doubts overcome her. Lasted for nearly a year, and no, she's completely over her (and actually attended her wedding and felt nothing but happiness for her.) Second was Aria T'loak, back when she was undercover on Omega. They had worked closely for months (trying to catch a cerberus cell leader) and had been seeing each other- but Dahlia presumed it was just a casual fling and would be over once she was finished. Dahlia knew once she was back in Alliance space, it wouldn't work out, and left it at that. Took a bit longer for her to get over this time, but she eventually did after focusing solely on her military career. Finally the woman she would easily rescue a galaxy for, Liara. For the first time, Dahlia allowed herself to be selfish and to want to be in a longstanding relationship. For the first time she sees herself willing to sacrifice everything for the one she loves, she is beyond head over heels for Liara. She platonically falls in love with every one of her friends, even if she's the worst at showing it. She loves these people more than life itself.

Nicola Amell: growing up in the Circle, with templars looming over your shoulders every second of the day- she never really bothered to invest any time in crushes, never giving them the chance to grow into something more. She devoted all her time to her studies and squashed any crush at the start. She didn't actually let herself fall in love until she felt her life was on the line, until she met Leliana. It was the first time she ever truly loved another person in a romantic sense, and she was going to live in every moment as if it were her last. Even by the time of the events of Trespasser, Nicola still takes the time and effort to send love letters and gifts to the now Divine Victoria. No amount of blights, ancient tevinters, nor elvish gods will ever keep the Warden Commander from her love.

Delaney Hawke: well, being a half elf mage apostate constantly living on the run for a majority of her life- she never really had time to actively meet people long enough to develop an emotional connection. Most of her crushes were as short lived as their homes. 

Until moving to Kirkwall, that was. Having a crazy band of misfits that constantly follow you around, it's hard not to form attachments. Platonic or romantic. And when she fell for Isabela, she fell hard. I'm talking about head in the clouds, only able to think of one name. She's never experienced a crush like that and it freaked her out. Instead of telling Isabela about her feelings, she ran to Varric. Almost immediately. Delaney unsure of how to handle love in a romantic way, and Isabela shutting love out- it took quite some time for those two to establish themselves in a relationship. But even in those standstills, Delaney had almost expected her heart to move on, but it did the exact opposite- caused her love to grow stronger. Even now in Inquisition time, it took all of Delaney's strength to leave the comfort of Isabela's ship to go aid Varric. Not wanting to be separated for long, but not wanting to leave her best friend high and dry (who she loves very very much.

Gryff Hawke: like his twin sister, Delaney, he never had the time (nor desire really) to search for any love. At the time, the love of his 3 siblings and his parents was enough for him. He was happy and content. He knew he didn't need a relationship to be happy and content, so he never actively searched for one. Hell, even in Kirkwall, he was too busy keeping him and his sister out of Meredith's grasp and keeping the qunari at bay. But he did quite literally stumble into thoughts of a certain glowing elf, and never realized just how far he had fallen for him. Despite their differences they saw on magic, Gryff knew Fenris was the one he wanted to be with. For the first time ever, Gryff was actively seeking out affection for another person romantically. He will never admit it, but it was the best feeling he ever had. His love language is traipsing across thedas taking out slavers with his badass boyfriend.

Kiri Lavellan: Kiri LOVES being in love, adores the feelings of warmth and security a partner brings. She has had a few partners of course, but none ever lasted too long, especially amongst her Dalish clan, where everyone knows everyone's business. That being said though, she doesn't jump right into anything. When she loves someone it's very slowly and then all at once, pouring her heart and soul into her partners. Which was fairly difficult when it came to Sera, given her stance on the dalish, magic, and dalish magic. That didn't deter her though, she was understanding and patient and more than happy to move at Sera's pace. Despite their difficulties and differences, there's never been a stronger bond between pairings- Sera was so devoted to her inky, even as far as post Exalted Council, following Kiri back to her clan and being introduced to Kiri's friends and family.

Niamh Valyn: here's another one who just claims she never has time for a relationship. Not saying she will actively deter them, she just- doesn't expect anyone to want to put up with extensive time apart due to her place with the Rangers. She's fallen in love platonically more than romantically, and she's not going to complain. She loves her friends very dearly, they're her whole world, even if they're miles apart. But when it comes to romance, she finds it to be more difficult to keep a relationship going, finds it more emotionally taxing at times and just hasn't really put any thought into seeking someone out. She's content with where she is, if someone comes along who willingly wants to deal with distance- she will happily accept. 

Ezra Marlowe (because I forgot to tag her and she's my baby): twice. She's fallen in love twice, and the first time damn near killed her. She let herself love so wholly and blindly, she never anticipated being hurt (quite literally.)

After that she felt very scared of any romantic advances, even if she was the one to initiate- she'd eventually run off if her overwhelming fear of being hurt overcame her.

After a while, the second time- it was a very slow, unsure path she took. But this man, the love of her life, Bashir, had proven just how much Ezra means to him. Through patience and care and understanding. Ezra once again allowed herself to love wholeheartedly, and for once, she's not scared.

Roux Lux: now here is someone who falls in love with the world anytime the sun sets or rises. She loves virtually everyone she meets. She falls head over heels for all her friends, in the most platonic way possible. She gives everyone the same special treatment, affection, and adoration as she does with a romantic partner. Though, Beetle may receive extra special treatment for being her amour. When she was ready to tell Beetle how she felt about him, she did so in the cutest puppet show..which she spent days hand crafting her props and painting new marionettes 😭

😊 What can make your OC smile even when they’re feeling down? What cheers them up and makes everything feel better for them? Is your OC generally a happy person and do they enjoy making others smile? What about your OC makes others happy?

Dahlia Shepard: it's hard for her to always feel happy when there's an impending invasion on their doorsteps, but one surefire way to cheer her up is a quick call to her son, Otikk, a little salarian boy. He is such a lively, happy go lucky boy, and always eager to cheer his mama up. Dahlia comes off very brash and intimidating, but she very much loves pulling her friends out of the dark- whether through inspiring words, or distracting them with their favorite hobbies.

Nicola Amell: even with the blight raging, she always looked for the little things to cheer her up. To be honest, just having her closest friends at her back was more than enough. Knowing that she will always have people to pick her back up if she falls was the greatest comfort and a thought that always lingered when she felt low. Making other people happy is what being a hero is all about in her mind. When others around her feel safe and are smiling, that fills her with so much pride and joy.

Delaney Hawke: ah yes, the one who finds any reason to crack a joke- ill timed or not. To be honest whenever she's in a low spot, just curling up in bed with her mabari, Junji, is enough. Though sometimes having Isabela sprawled across next to her, having her tell tales of her life at sea, watching her put on an exaggerated reenactment of exciting fights is just what she needs too. Or sitting around a table with everyone, letting Varric make up stories on the spot, everyone happily buzzed…. Never fails to bring a smile to her face. She's generally very chipper and easy going, so everyone assumes by the amount of quips and playful teasing. Deep below, she's miserable, and full of guilt and self doubt. She doesn't like letting her friends know that, so she puts up this front and goes to any extent to make sure no one else feels how she does.

Gryff Hawke: raging ball of anger who has a hard time letting himself be happy- especially trying to keep himself and his twin alive and out of the Gallows. It's hard to feel happy when everything you do backfires and bites you in the ass, even when you know you did everything you could. Even with this rowdy band of misfits at your back, sometimes it just feels like you're drowning. But sometimes there's a hand to pull you up, bring life and air into your lungs. Having Fenris curled up beside him, quietly and slowly reading through a particularly difficult chapter, pausing to ask you what a word says- it reminds Gryff that there are things worth smiling about, and oftentimes they're the ones to pull you out of the dark.

Kiri Lavellan: being dragged into a humans holy war and being propped up as their god's herald- it takes a lot out of you, and Kiri always fears she is about to get uprooted from her dalish heritage at any moment. So in the quiet rests, she finds herself reciting stories in private that the keeper once told her. Anything that reminds her of her roots, where she comes from. She tries very hard to keep a brave face, a beaming smile, one that would inspire hope amongst her men. She wants others to believe she can do this, that she's not scared, anything to instill security in those around her.

Niamh Valyn: when she's feeling lost or homesick, no matter where she is, she carries a leather-bound journal filled with bedtime stories her mother and father read to her as a child. Cuddled up with her wolf companion, Zarola, and her pipe- it's like all her worries just melt away. Even if she looks stoic and imposing like a stormy mountain, she's a very happy person. She's content with where she is, and easily makes those close to her at ease with her playfulness and cheekiness.

Ezra Marlowe: to her, all her happiness she keeps is heavily guarded and protected, not willing to let it go, risking getting hurt. She has no issues pushing people away and hurting them to protect herself. But that being said, those who truly know her, they know she can be enjoyable to have around...in an annoying sibling kind of way. Always looking to push buttons for a laugh. But on her darkest days, she finds the most comfort in the arms of Bashir. He's one of the fre who can easily calm her nerves, bring her back to reality and truly make her feel safe.

Roux Lux: a walking ray of sunshine, this one. Wherever she goes, she leaves a trail of smiles and mirth in her wake. She love love loves creating smiles and making people laugh and feel good. Its why she joined the circus to begin with, her puppet shows have brought nothing but joyful squeals and it's the greatest feeling in the world to the changeling. She's always in the happiest of moods, rarely is she seen without a smile. Yet on those rare days when she feels small and insignificant- curling up in Beetle's lap and listening to him hum soft appraisal to her is all she needs to bounce back to her original self.

[bellaciaofallout]

Alright here come a lot of questions! 3 & 18 for your V, 8 & 33 for Roselise and 19 & 35 for Phoenix? :)

So many questions, thank you ♥ I took my time to answer, try to make correct answers in English xD Sorry for any mistakes! Attention, long answer!

VANESSA (V)

3. Orientation and Relationship status (single, taken (by who?), crush (on who?))

I don't see Vanessa (V) in love. As a street kid in the Glen, she knows life is difficult and doesn't want to get attached to someone, the notion of loyalty no longer seems to exist and you never know when you may die. Her mother was married to a Valentino and always told her children never to get married, it was too much trouble! The three listened to his advice! She prefers to flirt, to have long but free relationships, without ties. She can be tender, but V never fell in love.

She lives two relationships in parallel, completely different.

One with River Ward, a rather tender relationship, close to the couple, to go out together, spend the night at his place and of course, put on his t-shirts that are way too big for her.

The other is with Valentin, also alias V (OC made by my spouse), real friends with benefits, they work together, sleep together, go out to party, he takes her in his beautiful car. They agree not to get attached, it suits them perfectly.

For now, she is living very well like this and does not intend to change, but who knows what the future holds !

(In the game, I chose the romance with River Ward. I like this honest cop side in a corrupt city, I always have a soft spot with the big tough ones with the soft heart. To my vision of the game, this was the best choice.)

18. Have any special keepsakes?

(As a non-English speaker, I didn't know this word xD I hope to answer)

Two objects are particularly close to her heart.

The first is a brooch in the shape of a flower, made of colored glass. A gift from Jackie when she turned 16 that she broke a few months before her 20th birthday, it broke her heart. So he offered her a second, she promised to keep it preciously, which she did. At Jackie's funeral, she posed the first for the ofrenda and wore the second, this is the last time she wore it.

The second is a photo frame surrounded by a chaplet. Vanessa can be seen naturally next to her mother in their apartment. They laugh with a complicit gaze. Her mother kept this photo and always put her rosary nearby, to protect her daughter. She keeps this photo at home, in memory of her mother, now deceased.

ROSELISE

8. Weapon of Choice(?)

She is an archer, she knows how to use daggers but prefers to fight from afar. She has a collection, gifts or finds, but her favorite is Longshot !

33. How have they changed over time?

She has changed so much !

Before, Roselise liked to travel with her brother, with no ambition other than to discover the world and enjoy life. She never liked to put herself forward, nor did she think she was capable of making big decisions. The mark and becoming the Inquisitor changed her life and her outlook. She began to appreciate the work, the strategy, the reflection on the attitudes to adopt, to seek to make the Inquisition stronger too.

She wasn't thinking of love too, let alone marriage. Her older sister had the right to a convention marriage (fortunately succeeded), Roselise had the choice to lead her life, no man for her. This adventure and the Inquisition put Cullen in her path, with this beautiful love story !

PHOENIX

19. Hobbies

As a former architect, she has always had a passion for drawing up plans and building. As a general, she created a section to build settlements that is practical, defensible and also enjoyable. The lack of materials and machinery allowed her to develop her creativity and she is proud of what she is accomplishing today in the Commonwealth.

She also likes to read, loves to find old books and immerse herself in them. It is a luxury in the Commonwealth to own a library, but Phoenix cannot see itself living without a book.

She likes to dance, especially in pairs, like ballroom dances. She sometimes dances with Nick like "in the good old days", learned to Dance (with mixed success but he tries) and others, like Curie.

35. What are they like as a friend?

Loyal, faithful and attentive, Phoenix is a friend always there for those who need them. Her friends can confide in her with an open heart, she does not judge, tries to understand certain motivations and if she says a hurtful word, it is never voluntary and she blames herself deeply. Her friends know they can count on her when the going gets tough.

[sratsome-jack]

BTV WIP Wednesday

Pinglist: @kita-lavellan​| @mrstethras​ | @silvanils​ | @noire-pandora​ | @jarakrisafis​ | @cheapertevinterglam​ | @followingthewolf​ | @moonlightheretic​

Oh wow guess what, this week y’all get an entire draft chapter cause I love this one so much! Here is the promised Chapter 19 that I teased on Sunday!

Chapter 19: Long Nights and Painful Shoes

Rhiannon was a ball of nerves as she sat in her suite at the Winter Palace having that horribly uncomfortable dress put on her. Being an elf at the Orlesian court was already going to put her at a disadvantage, and now she had to somehow impress them all while looking for assassins. At least maybe Cullen would ask her to dance and make this somewhat worth it.

Once she was fully in the dress, Josephine pulled out a chair for her.

“Allow me to fix your hair for you,” she said, gesturing for Rhiannon to sit down.

Rhiannon sighed. “Please don’t give me something that’s going to hurt and threaten to fall out every five minutes.”

“I promise that it won’t hurt at all. You’ll look lovely and you won’t feel a thing,” Josephine assured her as she began to braid Rhiannon’s hair.

Rhiannon sat idly as Josephine began to pin the braids in various places, using the volume of her already thick, curly hair to create quite a large exquisite updo. Rhiannon had to admit that it was kind of fun being made up to look this beautiful. If only the dress wasn’t so uncomfortable.

As Josephine was just finishing up, Rhiannon heard the door open. She spun around to see Cullen standing there, dressed in his formalwear. She could feel her face become flush as she admired him. He looked quite handsome all dressed up like that.

She stood up to reveal her gown. Cullen didn’t say a word, he just stood there, looking almost as though he was in awe of her.

“I…I came to escort the both of you down to the ball,” he stammered.

He held out an arm to Rhiannon.

Rhiannon smiled, and went to take it. It was both a romantic gesture as well as the thing that would keep her from tumbling down all those stairs in that outfit.

When they arrived at the ball, Rhiannon found that the atmosphere at the Winter Palace was more than overwhelming. No amount of preparation could have readied her for this. It felt as though one small slip up could ruin everything. And as if trying to maintain basic social etiquette wasn’t enough, Rhiannon had been thrown headfirst into ‘the game’.

The dress and the shoes were not helping one bit. Rhiannon still had some blisters from her dancing lessons a few days ago and it was somewhat of a struggle to even walk straight.

Walking into the ballroom, she felt unbelievably out of place. As she was being introduced to the Empress Celine, she felt strange walking across the floor. It crossed her mind that only a few short months ago, everyone in this room would not have held her in such high regard. She felt as though she was a different person. She had never pictured herself as someone who would be clad in a silver ballgown made of satin and lace that felt like it was almost as wide as she was tall while wearing shoes that hurt her feet.

Once the introductions were complete, she found herself feeling lost. She searched around for her companions and advisors, or someone to throw her a lifeline. As she was making the rounds, she spotted Cullen who had captured the attention of many of the Orlesian nobles. She could hear him rejecting multiple offers to dance. She smiled as she approached him.

“Enjoying the party?” she asked, teasingly.

Cullen sighed. “Rhiannon, thank the maker you’re here.”

“I don’t suppose you’d save a dance for me,” she said, eagerly.

“No, thank you,” Cullen said.

Rhiannon felt her heart sink. “Oh,” she said, looking down at the ground sullenly.

She was going to have to remember to kill Varric and Dorian later. Especially Varric for convincing her that Cullen would ask her to dance.

“No, I didn’t mean to…” Cullen stammered, backtracking a little, “maker’s breath I’ve answered that question so many times, I’m rejecting it automatically.”

Rhiannon perked up a bit.

“I’m not one for dancing,” he continued. “templars never attended balls.”

Now she was definitely going to have to kill Varric and call him on his wager that Cullen would ask her for a dance by the end of the night. At least he was rejecting everyone for a dance.

“You’ve attracted a following,” she commented, noticing all of the Orlesian admirers who had gathered around him intently, “who are all these people?”

“I don’t know,” Cullen responded, “they won’t leave me alone.”

The thought of a frustrated Cullen being surrounded by relentless suitors almost made Rhiannon giggle but she managed to maintain her decorum.

“Not enjoying the attention then?” she quipped.

“Hardly,” Cullen replied, “anyway, yours is the only attention worth having.”

Rhiannon blushed a little. Even if he wasn’t going to dance with her, he still knew how to make her feel special.

After she had finished talking to her beau, Rhiannon continued her tour around the ballroom and the guest wing, searching for things that could help her with her task but also keeping an eye out for Varric and Dorian. She found them mingling in the garden and practically stomped over towards them, or well, whatever the equivalent of stomping in those shoes was.

“You two owe me,” she said, a snarky undertone in her voice. “Especially you, Varric. 5 sovereigns I think you said.”

“The night is still young, Rosy,” Varric commented, “although I realize it may not seem like it.”

“You can forget about Cullen asking me to dance,” she said, “I asked him to dance and he told me that he doesn’t dance at all.”

Varric laughed. “I’m not giving you a copper until the night is over. You never know what could happen.”

“All those hours in the tavern, struggling to learn those fancy human dances, nearly making my feet bleed, for what?” Rhiannon mused, “I can’t believe I let myself be talked into it all.”

“My dear, if you’re so torn up about the Commander scorning you, I promise I’ll save you a dance and we’ll make him horribly jealous,” Dorian said, “but you really must focus on the task at hand. The fate of a nation rests on you and we can’t have you distracted by silly little things like being left without a dance partner.”

“As much as I really don’t want to try to run around in this damn thing, you’re right,” Rhiannon huffed, “but when we get out of here don’t think I won’t get you both back for this.”

The whole night Rhiannon exerted herself harder than she ever had before. It was one thing to be trying to impress a bunch of fancy nobles but it was another to try and do that while uncovering secrets about various potential rulers of Orlais and manipulate members of the court and worry about fighting off Venatori.

The dancing lessons did prove useful when the Grand Duchess asked her to dance. She probably would not have been able to make it through the exchange and gain valuable information had she not learned the proper steps. Maybe she wouldn’t have to kill Varric but she was still planning to get some kind of payback and collect her 5 royals.

As it turned out, her dance partner was in cahoots with the Venatori the whole time and Rhiannon had to use her new found influence with the court to call her on it, displacing her. For someone who was so new to the game, even Josephine was impressed by how well Rhiannon had managed to navigate it.

After all was said and done, Rhiannon had not only displaced a Grand Duchess but she had also helped the Empress reconcile with her elven lover, exposed Grand Duke Gaspard for plotting to overthrow the Empress, and convinced Morrigan, the Empress’s arcane advisor to join the inquisition. Finally, she had time to relax and enjoy the party but she was almost too tired to do so.

After her conversation with Morrigan, she remained parked on the balcony, leaning against it to take some pressure off of her aching feet. It was not long before she heard footsteps approaching from behind.

“There you are.” It was Cullen. “Everyone’s been looking for you.”

He came up beside her, leaning over on the railing next to her.

“Things have calmed down for the moment,” Cullen assured her, “are you alright?”

“I’m just worn out,” Rhiannon explained, “tonight has been very long and my feet are killing me.”

“It’s been a long night for all of us,” Cullen commented, “I’m glad it’s over.”

Cullen placed his hand on the small of her back. “I know it’s foolish but I was worried for you tonight,” he said.

The music stopped briefly, and Cullen’s expression changed.

“I may never have a chance like this so I must ask…” Cullen came around and offered his hand to her. “May I have this dance, my lady.”

Rhiannon’s eyes lit up. Her feet may have been killing her but this was the one thing she had actually been looking forward to for tonight and she was not about to give that up. Blistered feet or no.

“Of course,” she exclaimed, grabbing his hand, “I thought you didn’t dance.”

Cullen pulled her closer, placing his hand on her back and drawing her in. It wasn’t the perfect frame that Josephine and Dorian had taught her, but it was good enough.

“For you, I’ll try.”

The two of them began to dance on the balcony together. Rhiannon knew that it wasn’t technically proper form to look into Cullen’s eyes as he led her but she couldn’t help it.  

“I never had the chance to tell you, but you look beautiful tonight,” Cullen commented. “Josephine spared no expense, did she.”

“Maybe standing through all those fittings was worth it after all,” Rhiannon replied.

Cullen chuckled. “It was that bad?”

“Let’s just say that you should get your fill now because I will not be wearing this dress or anything like it anytime soon,” Rhiannon told him in no uncertain terms.

“I won’t waste a second then,” Cullen said softly, staring into her eyes.

“You know, I spent a whole day learning to dance for this moment,” Rhiannon confessed, “Varric talked me into spending a day in this dress and these shoes in the tavern while Josephine and Dorian taught me how.”

Cullen smiled. “All this for me?” he asked, “I’m sorry I’m not better at this.”

Just then, Cullen tripped over himself a bit and ended up stepping on Rhiannon’s foot. She winced slightly as Cullen turned bright red.

“As I was saying…” Cullen said, sheepishly.

He tried to go back to leading her but she quickly found herself bumping into the wall behind her.

Cullen became flustered. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“Why don’t I try leading,” Rhiannon suggested, “I think I picked up enough to remember how.”

“Alright,” Cullen said, “let’s see if you can do any better.”

The two switched their arm positions. Rhiannon squared her shoulders and counted herself in. Almost immediately she found herself tripping over Cullen’s feet. She had forgotten that when leading you were supposed to start on the opposite foot.

“I swear I can do this,” she said, looking down at her feet and trying to position herself properly. “Alright, let’s try this again.”

Rhiannon took one step forward and found herself tripping once again, this time over herself. Her feet were in too much pain to be coordinated in any way, shape or form and she found herself falling right into Cullen’s arms.

She looked up at him from her weakened stance. “I tried,” she said.

Cullen couldn’t help but laugh. “A valiant effort, my lady,” he chuckled. “though it seems your feet have given up on you.”

Rhiannon nodded as Cullen helped her up to stand on her own again.

“I promise I’ll come better prepared next time,” Cullen said, wrapping his arms around her.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Rhiannon replied, leaning in to kiss him.

[worldevoured]

ANORA MAC TIR  B. 9:02 DRAGON || INQUISITOR

STATISTICS

FULL NAME Anora Mac Tir.

DATE OF BIRTH 9:02 Dragon.

PLACE OF BIRTH Gwaren.

RACE Human.

GENDER Cisgender woman.

PRONOUNS She/her/hers.

SEXUALITY Bisexual.

NATIONALITY Fereldan.

RELIGION Andrastean.

POSITIVE TRAITS Ambitious, intelligent, logical, serious.

NEGATIVE TRAITS Cold, deceitful, opportunistic, secretive.

PHOBIAS None.

MENTAL HEALTH Healthy.

AFFILIATION Fereldan Court ( formerly ), Inquisition.

TITLES Queen ( formerly ), Herald of Andraste, Inquisitor.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

CLASS Warrior.

SPECIALIZATION Templar.

WEAPON Greatsword.

DECISIONS

EXPLORING THEDAS Redcliffe — Inner Sanctum reached, Crossroads secured, gained cultists’ allegiance; Crestwood — Closed lake’s rift, captured Caer Bronach; Western Approach — Claimed Griffon Wing’s Keep; Hissing Wastes — Explored Dwarven ruins; Fallow Mire — troops rescued from the Avvar; Emerald Graves — Fairbanks revealed to be noble, Fairbanks defeated the Freeman; Emprise du Lion — Imshael killed, captured Suledin Keep.

THE WRATH OF HEAVEN Accepts being chosen by Andraste.

CHAMPIONS OF THE JUST Went to Theirinfal Redoubt, allied with templars; Ser Barris made Knight Commander.

IN YOUR HEART SHALL BURN Declared for faith.

HERE LIES THE ABYSS Grey Wardens banished, Warden Contact left in Fade.

WICKED EYES AND WICKED HEARTS Celene rules alone, Gaspard executed. Grand Duchess Florianne killed.

WHAT PRIDE HAD WROUGHT Skipped elven rituals and fought guards, Morrigan drank from the Well of Sorrows.

DOOM UPON ALL THE WORLD Cassandra made Divine.

JUDGMENTS AT SKYHOLD A hanging judge.

JAWS OF HAKKON Discovered and met Ameridan, did not share the truth about Ameridan, hunted down the Nox Morta, the dragon was slain.

COMPANIONS

Blackwall recruited and stayed, left prison as false Grey Warden;

Cassandra received and read Tome, rebuilt Seeker order;

Cole recruited and stayed, made more human;

Dorian recruited and stayed, met and did not reconcile with father;

Iron Bull recruited, Chargers not saved;

Sera recruited, killed Harmond on her own and left;

Solas freed his friend;

Varric tracked red lyrium source;

Vivienne recruited, given snowy wyvern heart;

Cullen encouraged to not use lyrium;

Josephine supported to do favors for the Du Paraquettes;

Leliana steeled.

CONNECTIONS

FAMILY Loghain ( father ), Celia ( mother, deceased ), Cailan ( husband, deceased ).

WANTED SHIPS Anora/Cailan, Anora/Fergus, Anora/Sebastian, Anora/Warden.

NOTES

ON MORALITY Anora is a phenomenal politician, but a questionable person in terms of her morality. I love her character and find her fascinating, but I won’t skim over that. Anora also is, objectively, not a particularly good queen during the Origins timeline – she does nothing to try and curb her father’s power, or Rendon Howe’s, and either doesn’t know that a foreign power is in Denerim and involved in an illegal slave trade, or doesn’t care. This will be addressed. 

I also think it’s important not to shy away from the fact that Anora is ambitious, and ruthless. Whether it’s because she believes that only she can rule Ferelden effectively or it’s because she just likes power, these are important parts of her character. I don’t think it’s fair to judge Anora harshly for the things we celebrate in male characters, but I don’t think it’s fair, either, to absolve her of her faults or even potential cruelty in an attempt to correct the misogyny in fandom.

It’s also important to acknowledge that Anora has canonically shown prejudice against elves, shown primarily through her indifference towards elves, even though she would likely deny any prejudice if asked. This is another thing I won’t ignore or skim over. Anora is not a feminist character.

SHIPPING Because of Anora’s role, direct or otherwise, in the capture and sale of elves as Tevinter slaves, I am very uncomfortable shipping Anora with elves.

CANON COMPLIANCE

WORLDSTATE After she is overthrown by Alistair and the Warden, Anora is imprisoned, until she is exiled. Anora leaves for the Free Marches, where she is taken in by friends of the family ( by default, the Trevelyans ); while there, she enjoys some of the social privileges of nobility, alongside the shame of being removed from her throne. She swears to retake her country, certain that only she can lead with the strength and power that Ferelden needs. When her hosts are invited to take part in the Conclave, Anora attends with them, hoping to impress upon the Divine the need to remove Alistair from Ferelden’s throne in the wake of the violence and turmoil wracking the nation. She is the sole survivor from the explosion. She believes herself to be chosen by Andraste, fashioning herself almost as a second coming. For this main verse, Alistair must be king.

QUEEN OF FERELDEN I will also happily write Anora having remained the Queen of Ferelden; however, this verse will only be available on request, and will require some plotting. My main verse for Anora involves her becoming Inquisitor.

ON CAILAN The idea that Cailan would secretly arrange for a marriage with the leader of a foreign nation, particularly of a nation that once colonized Fereldan, and cast aside a well-beloved queen who is also the daughter of a national hero, and could and would do this without anyone being the wiser, just doesn’t work for me, so I ignore it. It wasn’t in the game, and I don’t super trust Gaider anyway, so I’m happy to assume it isn’t there.

PLEASE READ!

It’s totally okay if this isn’t your scene! I won’t be offended if you’re not interested in my portrayal of Anora, and I encourage you to blacklist her tags if you don’t like what I’m doing with her. I also encourage anyone who wants to have a discussion on this topic to reach out to me; I love talking about my inspiration for Anora, how I develop her, and the historical analysis and theory I use for the character’s backbone. To me, the most interesting things about Anora are her many faults, and how she weaponizes the very things for which people dismiss her, especially her womanhood. That means examining, as honestly and critically as I can, the manner by which Anora takes part in oppressing the elves of Ferelden, all of which is supported by canon material. I have studied medieval and early modern queenship extensively, and am drawing from not only canon, but from the historical influences from which canon drew. Please be an adult about this; nonstop vagueing and accusing me of misogyny when I point out Anora’s canonical racism isn’t the gotcha anyone thinks it is. 

[meticulousfragments]

Inquisitor as a Companion

Lanyla Lavellan

I saw @dextronoms​ awesome template going around, and I’m trying to get back in the DA headspace to try and write some fic again. (EDIT: turns out I did this for her a million years ago on my old blog? I’m using some of my answers from them, with some tweaks to better fit how I think of her now)

Inquisitor’s Name: Lanyla Lavellan

Alternate Name?: I guess she’d potentially have a different clan name if the Inquisitor was Dalish so that they’re not arriving together, but honestly I chose her name in part because I like how it sounds with Lavellan so I’m not sure what her alternate name would be.

Race, Class, & Specialization: Dalish Elf, mage, knight-enchanter

Varric’s Nickname for them: Goldie (because of the eyes and tattoos) or Neels (which is her nickname with family).

Default Tarot Card: Page of Swords (New ideas, curiosity, thirst for knowledge, new ways of communicating)   When Lanyla joins the Inquisition, she is very much in the headspace of wanting to explore and learn and grow, and wanting to make connections with the world beyond her clan.

How they are recruited: Lanyla would have had a camp in the woods near Haven. She approaches the Inquisition early on, wanting to know what they’re doing. Her reasons are a combination of curiosity about the Rift and this rising power, and wanting to make sure her people have the knowledge they need to stay safe.

Where they are in Skyhold: The little arcane library near the kitchen. Once Skyhold is fully “moved in,” it gets a bit cleaned up and there are more plants and light.

Things they Generally Approve of: Helping people, preserving knowledge, opposing Chantry/Templar interests

Things they Generally Disapprove of: Siding with Chantry or Orlesian interests, being reckless with innocent lives

Mages, Templars, Other?: Mages. She does not approve of the Circle system, and even though she’s concerned about the people caught in the conflict, she also thinks that the rebellion is an understandable and even inevitable result of how they were treated.

Friends in the Inquisition: Like in her playthrough, she gets along alright with all of the companions, but a few relationships would stick out.

She has a lot of respect for Vivienne as a mage and a leader. If the Inquisitor specializes in Knight Enchanter, going for the book on it Vivienne has would trigger a small cutscene where Lanyla is returning that same book. There’d be some ambient dialogue about comparing some of the ways they were trained; she may not like the Circles, but she’s curious about how magic use differs across cultures and disciplines.

She and Bull get along great, and like to bounce increasingly-ridiculous ideas off each other during banter. (Similar vibe to some of Sera/Bull dialogue). (shameless plug for the fic I once wrote about this)

She starts out somewhat distrustful of Dorian, but they eventually get closer and closer. They mostly bond over research and being homesick for a place that’s less cold. 

Romanceable?: Lanyla would be a romance option for Inquisitors of all races and genders. Romancing her would involve asking questions about her family and her home, showing interest in her research and not being dismissive or cruel when she expresses homesickness.

Her Important conversation would involve her expressing that she misses home, but that what she thought she wanted in life seems to be changing as she sees and learns more. The player would have the option to either dismiss her wanting to go out and research more (disapproval), reassuring that wanting to go out and explore doesn’t mean she can’t love her home too (friendship), or asking if those new plans involve anyone else (triggers romance).

Later in game, player would go to their room and find her (kind of like with Bull) already there. Unlike Bull, she was trying to get in and out unseen; the Inquisitor finds her leaving a packet of tea and a note on their desk. She made it using her knowledge of herbs, specifically because she wanted them to have something soothing given all their responsibilities.

And because they were my first DA pairing (I played the games in reverse order the first time around) and have a special place in my heart, if Cullen is unromanced they still end up together.

Small side mission: Collecting Elvhen writing/artifacts in the Exhalted Plains. Once completed, would unlock some dialogue about her mother. She reveals that her clan once crossed that part of Orlais when Lanyla was very small, and that that was where her mother died. It was due to a lingering illness, but for a tiny Lanyla it seemed to come out of nowhere. Her mother was buried at Var Bellanaris (and desecrating that site causes her to Greatly Disapprove) and Lanyla felt closer to her by learning more about the site and the region.

Companion quest: 

Would essentially be an expansion of one of the parts of the Clan Lavellan War Table operations. (Because I’m mad that they’re only War Table Operations) Inquisitor would have to do a few of the operations usually only done if you play Lavellan, like getting in contact with them and sending an agent to Wycome. The playable part would be based on these two missions, where choices are basically the same, but name and details vary depending on the chain to get there. For simplicity, assume this one is kind of combined in there.

Option 1: Sneak into the city with the Dalish and assist the elven rebels in destroying the red lyrium. Result: The elves are lauded as heroes and become allied with the city. Clan Lavellan’s new reputation and Inquisition support means a change in how they will interact with the Free Marches in future. Lanyla is praised as the one who made this possible, and is set up to be an influential and capable Keeper when her time comes.

Option 2: Tell the Dalish to stay back and attack the city head-on. Result: The red lyrium is destroyed, but so is much of the city. Clan Lavellan is essentially wiped out. Lanyla is left on her own, angry, grief-stricken, and somewhat lost as to what to do with her life. Though she stays with the Inquisition, it’s more out of having no where else to go than because she’s really committed. She has no idea what she will do once their goal is reached, since what she spent a lifetime preparing for has been destroyed.

Tarot card change (I like the idea of them being related, especially because the results of the personal quest can be SO different)

Option 1: The Tower, reversed (Personal transformation, fear of change, averting disaster). Tragedy was averted, but her clan’s changing role and home also means that what she’d planned out for her own life has to change too. In the long run, though, that’s a good thing.

Option 2: The Tower, upright. (Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation) Everything she was working for and planning to go back to is gone. She is lost and doesn’t know what to do.

[fenharel-babe]

The Ridiculously Detailed Inquisitor Questionnaire for Bloom!

I’ve been bored and decided to do an Inquisitor questionnare! I’ve been thinking of my inquisitors and wanting to describe them so here we go >:)). And it’s very detailed and I got this from @customhawke

There is no read more bc I am on mobile and there isn’t a read more thing for mobile, so sorry if you don’t want to see this and have to do a lot of scrolling😔.

First up is, Bloom!

Name: Bloom

Age: 23

Race: Elf

Gender/preferred pronouns: Female. She/Her

Class (warrior/rogue/mage): Mage

Specialization: Rift Mage

Romance: Solas

Bloom is a kind woman. She likes to show compassion when it is needed, but when it isn’t, she is a little...harsh. She doesn’t mean to be, but she is. Giving curt replies, not smiling, seeming to serious (Varric would make fun of her sometimes), her voice sometimes sounding irritated, and many soldiers fear her even if she doesn’t understand why. But yeah, when judging people or getting certain quests, she would usually give them a second chance if she could see why, since she knows what it’s like to be judged. For being an elf and a mage. It’s a little rough, so she does try to spread happiness and kindness if she can.

*Describe what your Inquisitor is like before the game’s events–preferably, choose three words that describe best. Then explain why those adjectives are appropriate descriptors.

She is a woman who is very out there. Three words to describe her are Snappy, Loud, and Kind. She is a little sassy in her replies or how she acts towards certain people. Maybe having a little attitude towards the Templar’s, being a little harsh to people (sometimes on accident). She laughs LOUD. She tries to tone it down when she’s in the inquisition believing she should be serious and not too loud, but she fails sometimes. Especially when Varric invited her to a game of Wicked Grace with the whole crew. She had so many loud laughs and brought back the old Bloom, but not all of her... She is kind towards everyone if she can. She may be snappy towards the Templars but she truly means no harm towards them and would help them if they ever needed help from her (as a kid if she ever saw them and in the inquisition).

Does your Inquisitor change over the course of the game’s events? If so, how? What events affected their character arc the most?

YES! She learns how to accept herself and her magic. She didn’t hate her magic, but she didn’t necessarily love it either. She hated how she was given looks wherever she went, hated the whispers of how she couldn’t be trusted as the inquisition, and felt a little bad when she had time to think of everything. However, as she saw what she could do—and what she DID do—she began to love herself. And after being with Solas and hearing him call her his heart,,and comfort her,,she loves herself slowly more and more.

What is their combat skill level before the events of the game? Are they already skilled fighters, or can they barely hold their weapon of choice properly?

Hmm,,,it’s hard to describe it. She wasn’t good or bad. She knew how to protect herself, but not fight demons. When she first fought a demon, she was terrified. Her heart was racing so fast, her hand was shaking, she almost dropped her staff, but she let out a small sigh when she finally beat it. She did it. She defeated something that was very dangerous. She was excited to learn more and how to protect others (not just herself).

How well do they improve after becoming the Herald/Inquisitor?

She becomes stronger and learns how to be a little more comfortable being her. Being Bloom and not being just a regular mage out there.

Does the Inquisitor have family they left behind? Friends?

She didn’t have many close friends. She was pretty much a loner. She had a few friends, but she wasn’t close enough to feel like she would miss them. However, she does miss her mother and father. Her mother and father basically were her best friends. They encouraged her magic and made her see the bright side of life. Basically where she got her kindness was from her parents, and how she experienced life.

How does the Inquisitor react to the Anchor and the idea of closing the Breach–do they want to do the right thing, are they only along because they are a prisoner, or something else?

She is a little scared of the Anchor. She’s never been a part of a serious and dangerous situation. It scares her but after awhile she understands why it is important. She does want to do what the right thing is. It’s always what she tries to do. She wasn’t treated the best and it’s why she wants to treat others with what she wasnt treated with...

Do they take the mountain pass with the scouts to the Temple or do they charge with the soldiers?

She takes the mountain path. Mainly because she hopes that those soldiers are alive and knows it won’t risk too many other lives. She knows it’s dangerous but she needs to try and see if those soldiers alive. Many people would die by the end of this war, but if she could save anyone, then she’d take the risk.

How does the Inquisitor react to being called the Herald of Andraste?

She is a little uncomfortable. She isn’t used to being worshiped or bowed to, so it makes her a little bit worried and uncomfortable. But after awhile she felt a little happy at the praise. Not too cocky about it, but she liked the attention. Especially from a certain egg👀.

Do they believe it themselves?

No. She believed it was an accident and was like, “No. I’m just an accident. That’s it,” and more hateful words towards herself. And when she learned it was technically an accident, then she felt worse and tried not to think about it.

How do they react to being thrown a year into the future? Do they believe they can get back? Are they focused on their goal, gathering information? Or are they just freaking out?

If she was a little younger, then yeah she’d be FREAKING OUT. She wasn’t used to using her magic too much and so being thrown into the future??? That would put her into a panic attack. But when she was thrown into the future, she had a little bit of a spiral. She was scared of everything that happened. She was worried that she already failed everyone and whatever she could do would be worthless. However, Dorian acted like an older brother and comforted her for a second. She put herself together and went forward with their plan.

Does the Inquisitor help Harrit and save all possible citizens of Haven? Why?

YES. She tries her hardest to save everyone. She has to. She will not let innocent people die if she can help it. She’s panicking for them, running around Haven as fast as she can and manages to save the possible citizens of Haven. However, she still regrets that she couldn’t save more...

How does the Inquisitor feel about being a distraction for Corypheus while Haven flees? Are they resigned to their fate? Resentful? Determined to defeat the enemy/survive?

She knows it’s selfish, but wishes it didn’t have to be this way. She wanted to live and grow as a person, but if fate wasn’t pushing her that way, then she’d accept it. Because of her own small, selfish desires, she was determined and did her hardest in distracting Corypheus.

Does the encounter with Corypheus change their opinion of being Herald? Does it make them believe they are the Herald, lose faith, or affirm to their previous belief?

It makes her scared. Terrified even. She hides it behind her mask and deals with it in private, and she loses her faith a little bit. However, she eventually starts to believe in herself again and knows she can do this. She will defeat Corypheus.

How do they feel about being chosen for Inquisitor?

Bloom feels a little surprised. She’s a mage and an elf, she didn’t expect to get such an important title. She expected Cassandra to be the inquisitor, but she’s really happy she is the inquisitor. She gets to help people and it’s all she’s wanted.

How does the Inquisitor react to being in the Fade?

She finds it interesting. After falling in love with Solas and hearing his stories, she wants to see more of it. However, she keeps her mind set on what she needs to do and she does it. She does want to go back to the Fade one day and see what its like.

Do they ever believe the spirit is actually of Divine Justinia?

She’s conflicted. She tries to believe it is Divine Justinia, but most of her believes it wasn’t. Just a spirit that wants to help and trying to earn their trust.

How do they react to learning it was the Divine behind them in the Fade, not Andraste?

Her confidence drops. She started to believe she was meant for this, but now to learn it was an accident? It cut her confidence down by a lot. However, after encouraging words and taking time to herself, she knows she was meant for this. She feels it.

What is their opinion on attending the ball in the first place? Do they think it’s a waste of time, a necessary duty, or something exciting?

She feels like its necessary and she does it. She does it, surprisingly, well. She almost loses it on the 10th person who whispers “knife ear” behind her back, but she holds it in. It’s the longest she’s ever gone without talking to people.

Does the Inquisitor fight Grand Duchess Florianne, or expose her?

She exposes her >:). Bloom was never one for too much drama or gossip, but to see the panic on the Duchess’s face and the way she (as in Bloom) was winning. For the first time during that night, she had a smile on her face.

How does the Inquisitor get along with Morrigan?

She doesn’t trust her too much. She is interested in the well of sorrows, but she can’t help but not trust Morrigan. The way Morrigan seemed to excited to get her hands on the well, the way she seemed...hungry. It threw Bloom off and made her uncomfortable. However, she let Morrigan drink from the well and found Morrigan a bit funnier when she was laughing and talking about Elven lore. Bloom let her drink from the well because she was a little anxious. Bloom was not going to take a risk and lose everything she worked for if something went wrong. She needed to be there for people and promised she would.

How does the Inquisitor feel about facing Corypheus for the last time? Do they feel confident? Do they believe they will survive the encounter? How do they cope with the possibility of failure?

She is panicking the night before. She is worried. Scared. Petrified. Thoughts keep filling her head of Corypheus killing her or killing her now family, or destroying the world. It scared her and she didn’t know how to hide it. Since she felt like she was going to break down, she went and found Solas and talked to him. He told her some nice stories to calm her down and how he believes in her. Hearing him tell her that he believes in her, helped her calm down and realize she’s got this. She can do this. She will kill Corypheus.

How do they react to Solas’ disappearance?

Since she loves Solas, she feels worry. She worries that she did something wrong or that he got hurt or he’s going to be hurt. She doesn’t know and panics a bit. She takes time to herself and goes through a breathing exercise. She dedicates her time to trying to find him. She loves him and won’t give up on him.

Now onto the people >:)))).

Who does the Inquisitor prefer to have in their party? Why?

Solas. Because she loves him but also because she trusts him. She trusts everyone else as well, but she likes his presence. If you want away from romance, it’s Varric because when he talks about his stories, she gets interested and she likes listening to stories.

What is the Inquisitor’s first impression of Leliana?

Bloom didn’t trust her at first. She felt a little uncomfortable around her, a little paranoid too. However, when she found out that Leliana supports the mages, she felt a little safer around her. Over time she began to trust her and liked talking to her.

What is the Inquisitor’s first impression of Cullen?

She likes him. She knows he is an ex-Templar, and that does cause some tension, but by how he refuses to accept the title and does his hardest to treat everyone fairly, she likes him. Plus, he compliments her sometimes and it makes her feel nice. And Cullen likes her too (not romance wise). She’s kind to him and doesn’t fear him. He likes that.

What is the Inquisitor’s first impression of Josephine?

She likes her a lot. She’s never been too friendly, but seeing Josephine care about her (like when she asks if people are being rude to her for being an Elf in Haven) and want her to be safe, she warms up to her. Plus, she loves Josephines giggles. Makes her giggle in return. Josephine is a little hard to read since I think she isn’t too easy to get close to. However, she almost instantly likes Bloom.

What is the Inquisitor’s first impression of Cassandra?

Cassandra is hostile at first, so Bloom feels anger. She doesn’t like being accused and hates being blamed for something she didn’t do, but when she notices Cassandra feels worry for Bloom, then she feels a little calmer around her. She was surprised when Cassandra told Bloom that she was her friend, and she was so happy. Cassandra, obviously, first thought of Bloom as terrible because she blamed her, but overtime she realized that Bloom is a very compassionate person and knows right from wrong.

Okay the same thing is for everyone, they think she is a good person who knows right from wrong :))).

That’s it for Bloom. Gonna do Elle next (the precious bby)! And if there’s more questions you want about Bloom or any of my inquisitors, ask >:))). Or I’ll find another question thing idk.

[jackdawyt]

For this episode, I'm delving into the most realistic and potential character concept for Dragon Age 4's main character, and that is the role of a spy.

Playing as a spy is most likely going to be the next player character because according to Kotaku's report on the previous iteration of Dragon Age 4 - known as Project Joplin - we were initially playing as a group of spies in Tevinter, with a large chunk of the game centring on heists.

[You’d play as a group of spies in Tevinter Imperium, a wizard-ruled country on the north end of Dragon Age’s main continent, Thedas].

[A large chunk of Joplin would centre on heists].

That's right, we were originally going to embark on heist missions throughout the Tevinter Imperium! With systemic gameplay built around many choices like persuading or extorting guards.

[The developers talked about building systemic narrative mechanics, allowing the player to perform actions like persuading or extorting guards without the writers having to hand-craft every scene].

There was an emphasis on “repeat play,” creating the world to be as reactive as possible to major aspects of the game like the passing of time and mission progress. Giving the player the incentive to revisit old areas, experiencing new and interesting things based on your decisions.

[There was an emphasis on “repeat play,” one developer said, noting that they wanted to make areas that changed over time and missions that branched in interesting ways based on your decisions, to the point where you could even get “non-standard game overs” if you followed certain paths].

We don't know how much of Project Joplin has been scrapped, and we've been told that plenty of the previous work will pass on into Dragon Age 4's next iteration - Project Morrison. So, we could still be playing as a spy in Dragon Age 4 based on the very initial concepts and prototypes of this game.

With that, I need to preface that this video has been made with the assumption that our protagonist is a spy based on Joplin's initial work. The next Dragon Age project may be very different from Joplin's concept. However, this video was made to speculate at anything the future of Dragon Age may convey based on that previous work (because that's all we've got so far).

Even still, we're at least talking about content that was originally going to be in Dragon Age 4, and it still could be! So there's hope right there!

Anyhow... let's delve into the dynamics of what it would mean to play as a spy protagonist in Dragon Age 4 and how heist missions would take the narrative into an interesting direction!

The first question that arises is why a spy, in particular?

The pinnacle reason Dragon Age 4 is set in the Tevinter Imperium is based on the Inquisitor's final mission - to get help from someone Solas doesn't know. We already knew that we would be somehow connected to the Inquisition or the Inquisitor because operating in secret is required in order to avoid getting infiltrated by Solas' spies again.

The natural direction to go from the remnants of the Inquisition army is into a small covert group of spies. Someone who can get the job done unnoticed, without any hassle. Basically a nobody.

Secondly then, what would our purpose as a spy be?

Essentially, we'll be tracking down influence, power and information about Solas in Tevinter. As a spy with no knowledge, understanding or experience with Solas, we'll be the best person in Thedas for this task.

The title 'spy' implies a handler, someone who is in-charge and has given us the task of infiltrating and instigating an enemy for their bidding or personal gain. The question is, who's in charge of us then?

Could our spy relate directly to the Inquisitor? Or are they among a new covert operation in Thedas, with a new leader?

Dragon Age has absorbed itself in the world of spies lately with the number of shady organisations in Thedas. It'd be a likely avenue that our new group of spies would come from the ashes of the Inquisition, however, it also may not.

We could simply be a contracted agent in an unknown Tevinter group with the mission of tracking down information on an Elven God or stealing magical artefacts by organizing strategic heists, and that's all we'll ever know until the narrative kicks in and we either have a new purpose or a new role.

What I love about Dragon Age is that in each game, you personally earn your title by completing a series of events that define your character. You're not just given your title, you have to gain it through proving yourself and only then you can become the Inquisitor, the Champion or the Hero of Ferelden.

So, perhaps in Dragon Age 4, we'll start as a small spy, until the narrative opens up and then through trials and triumph we become the defining hero of this game.

Next question, what do 'heists' in Dragon Age look like?

A key element of this game involves setting up heists in the Tevinter Imperium, which in my opinion sounds epic! But I've seen some hesitation online as to what "heists" specifically mean for Dragon Age. I feel like "heists" are a negative buzzword for Dragon Age because you instantly think about robbing a bank or mugging old ladies like in a Rockstar Game.

In actuality though, I see heists in Dragon Age as set-piece quests very much like Wicked Hearts And Wicked Eyes in Dragon Age: Inquisition with its strategic quest design and key choices that set up a completely unique experience based on player actions.

A heist doesn't necessarily have to be a standard bank robbery, if you look at Mass Effect 2's suicide mission, to some extent I'd call that a heist - as a team, you're each embarking on a mission that will most likely end in your demise, with a slim chance of success. However, as you make choices and the squad works together, you pull off one of the galaxies most renowned missions - to end the Collectors. So, think to this scale of a heist for Dragon Age 4.

In a similar fashion, Mass Effect Andromeda had vaults that were essential to the narrative, these dungeon-like set-piece levels that invoked a high risk, but a worthy reward. Again, another example of a BioWare heist. Even though it'd fun to rob old orlesain ladies, there's a greater aspect to heist-missions as BioWare have showcased in the past.

And judging the initial brief 'Joplin' followed, it seems BioWare were originally going for epic choice-driven, set-piece moments.

So, ideally, for Dragon Age 4, we'll be following a plot that centres on pulling off high risk and heavy choice based missions. Not just robbing a bank, or committing causal thievery, but operating heists with a greater incentive at mind - to stop Solas from tearing down the veil.

With that, what is the purpose of heists for Dragon Age 4?

The Tevinter Imperium exists largely on parts of the old elven empire and has many of its magical artefacts and relics. Potentially we're searching and raiding said artefacts, and that'll take the narrative's centre stage. As we know from Solas, each of the Elven Gods have their own foci's, like Solas had the Orb of Destruction, perhaps our new protagonist is on a race against Solas to reach these artefacts first.

The Orb of Destruction was supposed to destroy the veil once unlocked, however, since it was destroyed after the defeat of Corypheus, Solas will need another way to destroy the veil. Could he need another McGuffin item, like the Red Lyrium Idol or an Elven God's foci? Is this the purpose of completing heists, to get to the weapon before Solas does?

It seems pretty likely, again especially with the fact that Tevinter was founded on the ruins of the Elven kingdom. It'll be a hot spot for anything pre-veil, so the perfect place for both Solas and our spy protagonist to chase after ancient relics. Like I said before, it seems like Dragon Age 4's plot could be a race against time.

The narrative going forward is all about The Dread Wolf Rising, it's super exciting to see this original concept on how we'd stop Solas by taking on heists throughout Tevinter. I don't think this will be canned, it sounds way too vital to the main narrative, so I hope we can still have this dynamic as a huge element in Dragon Age 4.

Attempting to wrap up. The Dragon Age games have always thrown us into the shoes of a new protagonist with a very specific role or characteristic that sets them apart from the other heroes. Each character has a somewhat distinctive quality about them. One of my worries with fulfilling the role as a spy is just that - what exactly would be strictly unique to our character?

That's when I start to think about abilities, powers and other attributes that have more influence in the world. For instance, our Herald was "The Inquisitor" but also had the "Mark" which gave them special abilities, perhaps we'll have something new for our spy? I think being a "Dreamer" would be pretty cool, and could play a vital part in the narrative...

Even if elements of Joplin are sacked for Dragon Age 4, there's still a huge emphasis on spies and a future narrative involving them. The Dragon Age comics are giving me a sense that the narrative is building up a plot for a spy protagonist.

Currently, the comics characters are looking for red lyrium that has been imbued into a weapon. They're heading on their own heist to Castellum Tenebris, a fortress of House Danarius in Tevinter for a further investigation. So, we're just going to have to keep our eyes out on what the comics foreshadow for the future of Dragon Age's narrative!

[trashwarden]

I’ve commissioned my wonderful @jessicapendragon for some dorxus food and as always she made such a wonderful job! I love you, Jess! And

Go commish her! 

---

Someone seems to be trying to woo him, although Dorian spends a great deal of time denying it all at first. 

It is easy to pretend the vase of purple and blue flowers set out on his desk is just a bit of added flair put there by the cleaning staff. The new leather satchel found draped across his chair is simply a replacement from the requisitions officer for the one he lost in the Emerald Graves. He waves away the fact that his initials are engraved on it. Merely a coincidence. The bundle of rare books wrapped up with a blue bow a week later are of course useful to his work with the Inquisition, nevermind they have poems of love and beauty tucked between the pages. Surely they were left there by the previous owner and went unnoticed by Skyhold’s studious librarian. 

Denial is much harder to cling to as the gifts keep coming. A box of chocolates and dates appear nestled on the shelves of his alcove, delicacies he has often lamented not being fed in the backs of carriages and dark places anymore. The next box he eyes warily, and then even more so when he sees the attached note - it is a box of delicate teas, something he stays away from with his dreaded stripweed allergy, but these are all safe, says someone in a handwriting he doesn’t recognize. 

Someone has been listening to him very carefully, and everyone should hang on his every word, it’s true, but this is...this is something new. 

As a man of academia, he decides to test this theory. For a day and a half he waxes lyrical all across Skyhold about a special liquor popular with the Orlesians. Carnal, 8:69 Blessed. There’s said to be something scandalous at the bottom, something in the potent ingredients that enhances sensation. He’s sure to say this to everyone with a waggle of his eyebrows for effect. Despite its supposedly secret nature, like most such whispered things, it is easy enough to find in Orlais, which is why he chose it amongst the hundreds of better brands. 

Sure enough, it appears on the nightstand in Dorian’s room within a week. Now comes the real question: Who? Who is leaving him these gifts with no name, for a purpose he can hardly fathom? It is difficult to surmise when he refuses to bring it up in any circles. Admitting he has received them seems like it might end in a cruel joke, like this is some test that he could fail. That mentioning it all is akin to enjoying it, and like all things he enjoys, it will be taken from him. 

Because he does enjoy it. The held, excited breath before climbing the last step, the leap of his heart when something awaits. Wondering in the quiet of night what might appear next, or who might be this unknown admirer, the wonder he feels in knowing someone has spent such time and effort on him. No one has ever tried to court him in such a manner, although his paramour seems to be just as unsure about it as he is, what with the hidden identity and all.

Part of him doesn’t want to find out, because deep down...he knows who he wishes it was. When he wonders about someone leaving these gifts in the dead of night, or looking around corners during the day to make sure he isn’t there, he pictures a certain earnest and utterly vexing man, with kind eyes and a smile that makes Dorian feel as if he’s taken an invigorating draught laced with lightning. Vaxus Trevelyan. The Inquisitor from the Free Marches, with his heavy shield and unguarded heart, has wanted something from Dorian he has never expected: nothing. Nothing, it seems, but the pleasure of his company and to be at his side. Well, perhaps a little more. Perhaps a great deal, in fact, and Dorian finds himself, for the first time in a long time, hoping for the chance to give something back. 

But what if it isn’t Vaxus?

...What if it is?

He must find out. If his time in the South has done anything, it has made him braver, so he plans to catch this gifting fiend. The last few items have been placed in his room, which means someone is also sneaking into said room, a criticism on the lax security he is sure to bring up with Cullen one evening, but it also brings about opportunity. So he puts another plan into motion, and waits.

It takes much longer for his machinations to bear fruit for this second round of experiments, much too long for his tastes, even if it is partly his doing. The items he oh so very casually requested all across Skyhold a second time are rarer than the last, and he also needed to research specific spells for the rest of his plans, but it doesn’t mean he has to enjoy the circumstances. The longer he must wait, the more his thoughts turn to the realm of unassured. That there are no gifts in the interim only increases his unease. Perhaps he has asked for too much. Perhaps he is a game no longer worth pursuing, perhaps he should’ve shown more public interest, perhaps he shouldn’t have asked for things, for anything, perhaps-

Walking across the courtyard on the last day he swears he’ll care about this whole endeavor, ignoring he said this the day before, he finally feels the magic trap he laid snap. With an excited jolt he steps quickly over the short grass and up to the stone steps, across the ancient hall and growing gardens to the apartments of the Inner Circle. 

When he reaches his door he comes to a halt, hand hovering over the handle, suddenly feeling the needles of nerves. Someone is behind this door. It would be an easier thing to simply turn around, let his spell die and release them, play this game for another day or another month. If he opens this door, it will be real.

Dorian takes a breath, and forges inside.

Inside is a man dangling upside down in the center of the room, held there by bands of purple static like strange lightning wrapped around his legs and feet. A symbol glows on the floor beneath him, pieces of bread from a nearby overturned basket he must have dropped punctuating the spell Dorian wove into the floor. A spell that works mighty well, apparently, as the man slowly spins around to reveal at long last who this courting culprit is.

Vaxus Trevelyan gives a sheepish smile and a small wave, the blush filling his face likely due to more than just the downward position he finds himself in currently. “Oh...hello Dorian. Seems I got caught on something.”

“Caught up to something, you mean. Literally. I suppose you’re the one that’s been leaving me these, how should I put it, offerings?” Dorian asks, gesturing to the table laden with food. Not his favorite, but the traditional Antivan meal of rice and beans and sausage has more flavor than any boiled stew of the south and Dorian has missed the concept of spices very much. “Care to explain yourself?”

Vaxus winces a little. “Yes, I can explain but...do you mind letting me down first?”

“Very well.” It all comes out harsher than he intends, the swirl of feelings and possibilities and possible disappointments inside him making him turn to the defense he knows best. Dorian touches the right symbols on the glyph and Vaxus swings right side up and lands gently on his feet. 

He takes a moment to right his clothing and perhaps to organize his thoughts before explaining. “I know I haven’t been doing it right, the whole courting thing. But I didn’t want to force anything on you, especially after…”

“After what?”

“I’ve wanted to announce it like you’re supposed to, and take you on outings and-if you agreed! If you wanted to. But when I found your family amulet, you weren’t very happy with me. I thought, maybe, if there wasn’t any pressure, you might...come around to the idea.” There’s still of blush of Vaxus’ face as he ducks his head down. “I hope you’re not too disappointed it turned out to be me.”

Dorian stands there for a moment, considering. Or pretending to consider, for he mostly needs some time to settle the flurry of wings brushing against his ribcage, to steady the sudden weakness felt in his knees. And then he heads towards the table without a word at first and sits down, neatly unfolding the napkin and placing it across his lap.

“Oh good, you remembered to include the orange slices. If not I might have stormed out. Well, are you going to join me? I agree I’m something to behold, but if we’re to have a proper evening, I believe your participation is required.” It’s easier than allowing himself to speak the truth bubbling up gleefully in his throat, in his heart. I’d hoped it would be you.

Vaxus smiles again, sliding into his seat with an enthusiasm that makes Dorian believe even more in the possibility that this could be something more. “I’d love to.”

[masterskywalkers]

Dragon Age!!!!!!

My opinions are likely unpopular with areas of fandom but did we expect any different? Of course not!

The first character I first fell in love with:

Very easily it was Alistair.

I just loved his entire character and felt he was a breath of fresh air in terms of how male characters were presented. I loved how he was written, and just how good he was. Despite what he’d been through he didn’t brood and he wasn’t played off as the comic relief, but rather was a healthy blend of what a character should be. He was allowed to be emotional and hurt but also to smile and laugh and (potentially) fall in love. I really appreciated that at the time and still do to this day, which is why Alistair remains special too me.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now:

There’s a few, most notably Anora and Fenris.

Anora is a character that grew on me a lot more as I got older, and I really appreciate her character more now than I did when I first played the game. She’s unfairly disliked by a majority of the fandom, but I’ll speak more on that later.

Fenris was simply a case of needing a second playthrough to really resonate with his character properly - and that’s solely just because of how I was playing at the time. The second time I'd built more for him headcanon wise and spent more time with him in the party, and I really just came to like the character more because of that. Now he's sort of a necessity for my party lineup if I play Dragon Age 2.

The character everyone else loves that I don’t:

Iron Bull. I’ve never made it a secret that I dislike Bull, but I rarely talk about why. It's honestly for a lot of reasons - many which I won’t go into too much detail with unless people ask for it. But basically I don’t like how he’s written in certain instances to the point that I’m really uncomfortable with some of the dialogue choices used for his romance options. I also strongly dislike how his relationship with Dorian is pushed to be almost canon by the writers (not negating the fact that I find the romance itself problematic at best).

I also don’t really like Corypheus (within Inquisition at least) but that’s because I feel he was a weak villain overall as well as being a filler one. But I've made me opinion on how Inquisition's story was delivered very clear before now, so we won’t open that box unless someone asks.

The character I love that everyone else hates:

Anora, for one. She’s not perfect, don’t get me wrong. But she’s not evil, and she’s a damn sight better suited for the throne than Alistair is. I feel like her ambition targets her for a lot of hate, but there’s nothing wrong with a female character being ambitious. Especially given the situation the game puts her in.

Sebastian. A lot of people don’t like him, but I’ve always been really interested in his character. I’ve even thought about doing a playthrough with a romanced Hawke for him. He’s just so different compared to the rest of the party, and I don’t know if it’s because he’s a DLC character or because of his heavy religious background that so many people are put off by him.

I’d also like to add Vivienne, who suffers again from the ambitious female character problem this fandom has. She’s a powerful lady who makes no secret of what she wishes or desires, and that along with her honest attitude towards members of the party makes her a target for hate. But I love her, and she has a caring side underneath her layers, and I wish more people saw what her character was and how strong she is.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer:

I can't really think of anyone, honestly. I could say Anders a little bit because I think both him and Justice were written better in Awakening than what they were in 2, but that's me being picky. He's still a character I really like.

The character I’d want to be like:

Probably Inquisition!era Leliana. I always liked her role and how secretive a spy master she really was.

The character I’d slap:

Anders, because of the whole 'blowing up the chantry' deal. But also Solas for being the bad egg.

A pairing that I love:

Buckle in fellow followers, because it's a ride!

Of course my main OTP's include Alistair/Female!Warden, Hawke/Fenris and Hawke/Anders, and Dorian/Male!Inquisitor. But I'm also fond of seeing ...

Morrigan/Male!Warden - I really want to play a world state where Kieran is Male!Warden's son. The idea of that relationship just seems so different and fun from my usual games.

Zevran/Mahariel!Warden - my very first character in Dragon Age (although not my canon) was a female Mahariel who ended up romancing Zevran after Alistair became King and dumped her, so it has a special place in my heart. Another pairing that deserves its own investigating one day.

Sebastian/Female!Hawke - for reasons specified above.

Josephine/Female!Inquisitor - now don't get me wrong! I love this ship with a male Inquisitor too, but I've always wanted to make a female qunari and romance Josephine with her.

Cassandra/Male!Inquisitor, Cullen/Inquisitor, Sera/Dagna, Lavellan!Inquisitor/Abelas, Ameridan/Telana. I'm also rather fond of Nathaniel/Cousland, although that always makes me miss Awakening.

A pairing that I despise:

Iron Bull/Dorian is the big one, as well as Iron Bull/Inquisitor.

Blackwall/Inquisitor too, because Blackwall is not an overly memorable character to me honestly? I also don't particularly feel comfortable with him lying about his identity to someone he loves - and yeah, I know, Solas does the same but at least Solas isn't borrowing another persons persona.

Also? Not a big fan of Alistair/Anora. It's a marriage of convenience, and I don't see any happiness in it - and one thing all my boys have is the desire for me to want to give them some kind of happy ending with their love interests.

Send in a fandom!