#tearstone island

[ede917]

[aves-rook-laidir]

How dare Tearstone Island be so beautiful

[possessiveandobsessive]

The Spirit of Determination

Nyra "Rook" Thorne is somehow responsible for the fate of all of Thedas. If she's going to pull it off, she's going to need a hell of a lot of determination. Lucky for her, she knows a guy and his demon who can help her out with that.

Sooooo I absolutely failed to mention that this Rook is an elf. Oops. She even has Vallaslin. I apologize for failing to include a fairly relevant detail, and I’m putting a picture of Nyra “Rook” Thorne below. (I fixed part 1 so this might be irrelevant for some)

Part 3: The Beginning of the End

Morrigan regarded Rook with her usual neutral expression, before allowing a small smile to grace her features. This she-elf certainly didn’t beat around the bush. Morrigan had to admit, that sarcastic, crossbow-wielding dwarf truly possessed a knack for stumbling upon and recognizing individuals with the potential to be real heroes. The one before her, “Rook” had a special kind of glint to her eyes when she focused in on a target. Morrigan recognized the look well. After all, the witch had spent more than her fair share of time guiding saviors of Thedas to their defining moments. Yes, this one will be able to do it, she thought before opening her mouth to address the woman in front of her.

“You assume I carry ill tidings,” Morrigan paused, “You’d be mostly correct, but it would be more accurate to say I bring a warning and some advice.” She waited a beat, waiting to see if Rook had anything to interject. The warden just watched her with the same steady gaze however, so Morrigan went on. “You are correct that it will be a month before the eclipse the blighted gods need to finish their dagger occurs naturally, but you forget that you are facing beings that do not play by the rules of our natural world.”

Rook’s eyes widened slightly but she remained silent. She wanted to wait until Morrigan was done to react, and she could tell there was more to come.

“We cannot assume that the gods are going to simply wait until the perfect moment arrives, especially since they are now all too aware of the danger you pose.” THAT made Rook’s eyebrows shoot up, and she opened her mouth to argue. She may be good in a fight, and occasionally have some success in the strategy department, but she alone couldn’t truly be a threat to the gods. The Witch of the Wilds held up a hand, indicating that she was not finished. Rook’s jaw snapped shut and she nodded for Morrigan to continue.

“You may not see what you’ve accomplished as a real victory, but you’ve proven yourself to be an adversary that they cannot ignore or take lightly. Not after you killed Ghilan’nain’s archdemon.” Morrigan smirked, “That is an insult they will not forget or forgive.” 

Taking on a more serious tone, her expression darkened, “I can feel something brewing, there is a change in the wind. They’re planning something and you need to be ready. In order to be ready for the final confrontation, you need to decide how you are going to handle The Dread Wolf.”

Rook was confused now. “Solas is locked away in the Fade prison he built, he’s not going to be a problem when we face the gods.”

Morrigan shook her head grimly. “The Dread Wolf has an escape plan, you can be sure of that. It’s doubtful that he will wait until you’ve achieved your victory to act. This is a being who believes only he can save the world. Fen’Harel isn’t going to trust you to do it in his stead, no matter what he has told you or promised. Solas is many things, but the one that has remained the most constant, is that he will lie and deceive anyone if he thinks it necessary to achieve his goal.”

“It’s not as if I trust him”, Rook argued, “But he’s trapped. If he could escape, I imagine he would have done so already. Solas built that prison himself, he made sure a god couldn’t ever leave it.”

“And yet two did.” Morrigan countered, “It’s already been done, there is no evidence to suggest that he can’t find a way out if the right conditions are met. Tread carefully Rook, you mustn’t underestimate him. Do not repeat the actions that have been the downfall of so many before you.” Then Morrigan sighed, “All that is not to say that the Dread Wolf is a lost cause, he isn’t. Not yet at least.” 

Amber eyes looked up and stared meaningfully across the table into green ones. “Do you think he is worth saving? Or has your faith in him completely vanished? This is what you need to decide, Rook. Once the gods take action and plans are set in motion, there won’t be time for hesitation. You need to have a plan to deal with Solas. The choice is yours, but do not make it lightly. Consider all that you have seen, all that you have experienced of the Dread Wolf’s life. The second fragment of Mythal is in your hands now, will you try to use it to save him?”

Rook had no answer to that. He’s an arrogant, deceiving, bastard who thinks he is always right, she grumbled inwardly, but is it right to call anyone irredeemable? She was a Grey Warden. Many of her brothers and sisters had done many dark things in their pasts and they were allowed a second chance. She herself had gotten a second chance. Could she really play judge, jury, and executioner in this situation while knowing that? Rook also considered Lucanis. He carried a demon within him, had killed countless people, but she knew he possessed a gentle soul and a caring heart. Was it fair for her to write Solas off when she didn’t truly know his nature? 

Rook worked her jaw in silent, frustrated thought. As much as she wanted to write the ancient elf off, she couldn’t do so without going against her beliefs. I have to give him a chance if he escapes. Everyone deserves an opportunity to do the right thing, at least one. With a heavy sigh Rook said the words that would seal a part of her fate: “I don’t believe he’s fully evil or a lost cause. If he gets out, I’ll do what Varric would. I’ll give him one last chance to change, evolve into something new, but I won’t allow him to do anymore damage. I’m prepared to kill him if that’s what it takes to make Thedas safe.”

Morrigan nodded her approval. “You’ve steeled your resolve on this issue, I can rest easier now. Trying to make major decisions in the heat of battle is what gets heroes killed. Thank you for setting my mind at ease.” 

Rook gave her a small smile before her face turned serious once more, “So what are the Inquisitor’s plans? Should I expect-”

She was interrupted by a sudden change in the light outside the window and the sounds of horrified screams coming from the docks. Rook and Morrigan stared at each other for a single moment in shock before both women rose quickly to their feet and ran for the exit. Lucanis already stood just outside the door, his typically stoic face raised to the sky with a mix of shock and fear painted across it. Not good, Rook thought before shakily forcing her eyes to take in the state of the sky.

Icy panic exploded in Rook’s chest at the sight. Impossible… That’s not… she couldn’t seem to form a full, coherent thought as she tried to come to terms with what she was seeing. The moon was being dragged to cover the sun. The gods were moving their timeline up rapidly. Their plan was to not even give her a chance to stop them from completing their ritual, and they were quite literally moving the heavens and the earth to do it. 

“No…” Rook heard herself whisper brokenly. “I don’t…” 

How was she supposed to fight beings that could accomplish something like this? Hell, these beings were the ones her people had worshipped. They were so powerful they could claim godhood. Rook was one person, and she was terrified. NO. Her own voice thundered in her mind. You promised yourself, promised the ones you failed that you’d never shrink back from a fight again. You swore you’d never feel that helpless again. That you wouldn’t give up ever again. So pull it together, and MOVE. The gods won’t wait for you to catch up. 

In response to these thoughts, Rook straightened up and squared her shoulders. Two pale hands came up to slap either side of her face in unison. That was better. Lucanis looked away from the sky upon hearing the forceful strike, and gave Rook a concerned look. She would have cherished it under any other circumstance but unfortunately, the world was ending. 

“Right.” Somehow, she managed to speak loudly and with authority. “Lucanis we need to get to the Lighthouse as quickly as possible and get our allies together. We don’t have much time to get to Tearstone Island before those blighted fucks finish their cursed dagger.” Rook started down the stairs but stopped when she reached the bottom. Her shadow still stood at the top of the stairs, gaping at her like a fish. Upon meeting her gaze again however, his face became that of the skilled assassin again. They needed the Demon of Vyrantium right now, not Lucanis Dellamorte. Rook turned before she could watch him begin to follow her and took off at top speed towards the Eluvian. She wasn’t even a hundred percent sure they could make it in time, but that had never stopped her from trying before.

   *   *   *   *

Rook and Lucanis practically fell out of the Lighthouse Eluvian in their haste to reach the rest of the team. Rushing up the stairs to the library, they found all 6 other members of the Veilguard (7 if you count Assan, which she did), standing around the table arguing.

“We are completely fucked!” Taash shouted at no one in particular, flames appearing at the corners of their mouth.

“The plan hasn’t changed.” Davrin spoke loudly over Taash’s growls. “We go to the island, kill Ghilan’nain, and take the dagger before Elgar’nan can use it to blight the world.” Assan screeched as if agreeing with his companion.

“Um, I don’t know if you’ve seen the sky Davrin,” Harding cut in, “But I’m pretty sure the gods moving the moon wasn’t part of our original plan.” The small woman was doing her best to hide it, but Rook could hear the anxiety breaking through her light tone.

“Everyone has seen the sky, everyone knows what’s at stake, and everyone here has already promised the same thing.” Rook’s voice filled and dominated the space, and silence quickly fell over the room. She spoke loudly, but didn’t yell. The warden maintained a steady, firm tone as she continued, “We do whatever it takes. I’m going to need all of you in order to stop this madness and save the world. We can’t do that if we’re busy squabbling and panicking.” Rook met each of the team’s eyes, doing her best to silently communicate that everything was under control (it wasn’t, at all).

“You’ve all grown strong and overcome so much already.” She smirked before adding, “The gods have never met the likes of us, and now we are going to make them regret coming out of that prison in the first place.” Making sure that each person’s eyes remained on her, Rook swept her gaze over the people that had become so important to her. She hated that she had to say it. She didn’t want to be the one to give the command, but that was the cost of leading. “Get your gear and do it fast, we leave in five minutes.”

Wordlessly but with more fire in their eyes, the team scattered quickly to gather their armor and weapons. Rook turned to Lucanis, “Get word to the Crows, we will need them.” The assassin nodded at her before taking off towards his pantry. As he exited, Bellara was already re-entering the library, tightening the last straps on her leathers. 

“I sent word to the Veiljumpers, they should be meeting us at the island.” Bellara reported. Rook shot her a grateful look. Thank goodness for Bellara’s quick mind. She heard a thundering sound behind her and turned to see Taash flying down the stairs from their room.

“I just sent word to the Lords, I’m sure Isabella will meet us there.” Taash was practically vibrating, the Rivaini was ready to go now. Any trace of fear had left them as soon as Rook came back and took control of the situation. Rook nodded her approval at Taash before turning to Emmerich who was making his way down the stairs now.

“Have the Mourn Watch been alerted?” She was pretty sure she already knew the answer, but a good leader had to be certain of which pieces were moving where. “We need total control of the board, kid. That’s the only way we are going to get any advantage over Chuckles.” She had learned that lesson from the best. Varric knew what it took to inspire people, and to inspire was to lead. 

“They have indeed, Rook. I just sent Manfred off with a word to Vorgoth. I’m certain my fellow Watchers will join us as soon as they are able.” Emmerich gave her his usual gentle smile, but Rook knew him well enough now to see the worry just behind it. She nodded her thanks as Neve, Harding, Davrin, Assan, and Lucanis re-entered the library together. “The Crows have been notified, I expect Viago will be coming himself with a group of his best.” Lucanis informed Rook in his serious, business-like tone. 

Good, he’s locked in. Rook thought, relieved. She needed him at his best, even if that was selfish. He might be the only one capable of taking down Ghilan’nain, and failure wasn’t an option this time. 

As if reading her mind, Lucanis directed his next words at Rook alone, “I will not fail again. Ghilan’nain dies today, by our hand.” Hearing them speak as one was comforting. Lucanis and Spite’s intentions had aligned at last, and not a moment too soon.

“Perfect.” Rook said, a dark grin spreading slowly across her face. “The gods aren’t going to know what hit them. Let’s go.”

With that, Rook led her team through the Eluvian and across the Crossroads to Tearstone Island. She moved with the confidence of an army general that had never lost a war, but inside she was filled with self-doubt. The team trusted her with their lives, and now she had no choice but to put them all on the line. Maybe it was her time as a Grey Warden, but Rook had a good sense for if a fight was going to cost lives. She felt sick when she noticed the familiar tug in her gut. One of us isn’t going to make it back….Rook did her best to shrug off the thought. It didn’t help anyone to get lost in doom-filled thoughts. 

One by one the Veilguard stepped through the Eluvian onto the soil of Tearstone Island. They stood in a line as they all took a moment to stare at the sky. The sun was nearly entirely covered by the moon now. Rook swallowed hard, her throat incredibly dry all of the sudden. “Let’s move.” she forced the words out, strain evident in her voice. If the team noticed, they gave no indication of it. She was glad for that.

They quickly got to the location where they needed to split up. One would need to lead a small team around the island in the opposite direction in order to keep eyes off of Rook and the rest of her team. Both Davrin and Harding volunteered themselves right away. 

“ I have experience leading people into battle, and you know fighting Darkspawn is what we are made to do.” Davrin argued in favor of himself.

“I’m the scout!” Harding pointed out, “It should be me, I know how to move quickly and efficiently, and am great at navigating unfamiliar landscapes!”

Rook looked between the two of them. How was she supposed to choose? They were both clearly willing, but she knew that whoever she chose was going to be in much more danger than the rest of them. Harding was staring at her intensely, and when Rook turned to fully meet her gaze, she had her answer. The scout’s eyes communicated one simple thing: “Let me make it right.” Harding had the same chip on her shoulder that Rook did, she couldn’t deny her a shot at the redemption they both so desperately craved.

“Harding will lead the small group. Taash, go with her.” Taash looked at her gratefully and nodded. Rook knew Taash wouldn’t have their head on straight if they spent the whole time worrying over Harding, so it was better to just have the two stick together for now. Everyone else comes with. Lucanis, Davrin, you guys are running point with me on this.” The two men nodded and stepped up to her sides. 

“Everyone knows the plan.” Rook said, addressing the whole team. “If we fail, the world as we know it is over.” She swept her eyes over each Veilguard member’s determined face, “So we won’t fail. Protect each other, and stay alert. Now go, we're already out of time.”

Harding, Taash, and their small group started off at a run to the other side of the island. Rook took a deep steadying breath, That’s not going to be the only tough decision you have to make today. She grimaced at the thought, but forced her body to continue moving forward. Rook managed to get her legs to run after a few steps, and they were off. 

*   *   *   *  

Lucanis stared at Rook’s back as they ran further inland. Here he was, following her as she plunged into danger once again. It probably should have bothered him but being at her side at all was enough right now. At least it meant he could protect her if need be.He was a fool for not making his feelings known sooner. The fear of hurting her, of not knowing what kind of man he could be for her, had held him back. He had wasted so much time. I have to tell her. When this is all over, I’ll tell her how much she means to me, and beg to stay at her side. 

Rook could feel his eyes on her back as she followed the small footpath that would take her to the gods. She wanted badly to turn around and hug him. Just once, she wanted to know what it felt like to be held in Lucanis’s firm, but gentle grasp. Rook crushed the thought immediately. She had a mission, a job to do, and it was far too important to make a mistake because she was distracted. Maybe afterwards though… When we finish the job, I’ll go to him. I’ll tell him what’s been true for a long time now: I love him as he is, demon and all. I’ve never really belonged anywhere, but I want to belong with him. 

Only, things had never gone the way Rook planned. It was stupid to think that would suddenly change now.

Part 4 here

Part 2 here

Part 1 here

DATV Masterlist here

[sunsetwaltz]

Isle of the Gods

[rookinthecrownest]

A moment's peace

featuring Tiny!Spite (courtesy of @/psin314), pose from @/mellon-soup

Spite waited his turn for Rook's attention patiently!! They've been asleep for 14 hrs

[valka-arialitan]

Everyone talks about the ''Rook's talon'' relationship stage.

BUT NO ONE TALKS ABOUT

''SLEEPING DEMON'' ??? 😭💖

[emmavakarian-theirin]

in todays "it's probably not that deep but--" lucanis post:

i'm gonna start this with a bold statement:

lucanis doesn't think about rook (much).

hear me out. in inner demons, when you are in his mind, we see these ideas of how he thinks he's perceived by everyone, and how he perceives people; family, contracts, enemies. all these people are conjured in his mind, in this prison he's yet to escape. his own mind is as dangerous as he is.

when you find him, he immediately asks "what are you doing here, rook?"

he immediately knows it's you. it's not an idea of you, not a trick or the mind, it's you. "rook can't be here." and with romance specific dialogue, he says "you should go. it's better i stay here than risk losing you."

so does he want rook out of his head to stop himself from coming up with reasons to keep rook away from him entirely? is he afraid the longer rook stays and learns his mind, the more rook will fear/distrust him?

and with that, does he then do his absolute best to just not think about rook when they're not around? not just because of the demon inside him, but himself? the culmination of the training and contracts and backstabbing and torture he's endured, leaving him to think he's too broken and messy and professional for friends or anything more? as a man that has little left to lose and is afraid to do so, he's just as - if not more - afraid to gain?

that rook is the one solid and neutral ground he has and therefore doesn't want them involved in a tortured mind? and that, if romanced, that's half the reason why there's an almost kiss because he panics, "i need to clear my head"?

and then tearstone island happens, and rook is gone for weeks. they're not around anymore. the only way to see rook is to imagine them, think about them. and all lucanis can think about is how he'll never see rook again. rook's lost despite his efforts.

at that point, what's left to lose but himself?

[tanzani-coil]

[galedekarios]

why do people insist that the companions don't care about rook? i see that a lot and genuinely seems like such a weird and unfounded take to me.

[veatomis]

Filling out every rook questionnaire i come across because another thing i hate is not necessarily how bland rook is but just how they're disconnected to their setting. I remember in inquisition when after hitting an approval threshold with a companion u would get to discuss your friendship with them and they would talk abt you or they would react to things you did while remembering YOU did them while in veilguard i maxxed out pretty much everybody's relationship and yet i only got to talk to the companions about THEIR issues and never what rook might be feeling or thinking while going thru all of that.

[impossible-rat-babies]

I do gotta applaud datv for putting rook in situations in the animations department. like ghil’nain grabbing them by the ankle and dangling them. the whole animated sequence of them ending up in the regret prison. when they heave up one of those ballista to shoot ghil’nain. even the beginning when they get smacked against the wall.

glad they kinda tossed them around like a rag doll

[magebutts]

wait no im actually going to need to know in EXCRUUUUCIATING detail how the veilguard were able to rescue rook from the fade. quickly now bioware, quickly quickly!!!!

[lcgacyofages]

16 for fun~

Rook Codex Writing Prompts - Letter from Rook to their love interest

A letter lay on the table in Ogden's quarters, deliberately placed where it could be seen from the door. As if he had been preparing for the worst. Which, as a warden, was no surprise. They were always prepared for tomorrow not to come, after all.

The handwriting, while similar to his, was more deliberate, slower than his typical scratching of notes for himself. The care was put into this letter, waiting to be opened. Cold, stark black letters lay in contrast against the warm, brighter color of the paper.

Lucanis

The folds were gentle, delicately done, as if the piece of paper were some holy script waiting to be discovered. The invitation to gently open those folds was thick in the air, especially after the recent events.

You didn't let me tell you this, not in person. But I couldn't let it stay unsaid, especially if something were to go wrong. You need to know the depths of what I feel for you and what you are to me. I heard you tell Emmrich you weren't sure what I see in you. Would you like to know? I see a man who smiles softly when he thinks no one would notice. A man who cares deeply for others and what their needs are. A man who fears showing too much of this, but still braves showing a bit of his heart, even if merely in cooking for others. I see a man raised in a world bent on breaking him, shaping him into what they want. But parts of him refusing to allow that to happen. Who still enjoys his cups of coffee and his peaceful moments in the evening. A man who, when push comes to shove, will put his foot down and find a way out of a situation, even if he isn't sure he can believe in himself to do so. I believe he can. This is the man I see. This is the man I love with every piece of my being. Yes, I love you. I've loved you a while. Not quite sure when it started but it felt gradual and natural to fall in love with you. You fit together with me like a piece of soul was missing and I found it in you. If I'm gone, don't weep for me much. My end was coming one way or another, either by the gods or from the Calling. I want you to live, Lucanis. I want you to find what you want in your life and seize it with both hands and never let go. No matter what anyone else wants of you. You deserve to create your own happiness. Forever Yours Ogden

[pentaghast]

i am literally sitting at the window gazing forlornly about veilguard rn

[transmasc-tabris]

Oh man.

[wildxtreasures]

the prison

Rating: Gen

Relationship: Lace Harding & Rook

WC: 677

on AO3, if you prefer: the prison

the moments after solas sends you into his prison

You enter the prison that you opened and find you do not have the key anymore. It is locked behind you. You find it silent, suffocating, but still words of its most recent denizen echo in your mind. 

The echo is louder in this prison. But you still cannot make out the words. He was calculating, vengeful, and sorrowful. And that makes you so angry. 

So, you have your victory. You live. 

You fall to your knees. You replay those moments.

Arrows distract that monstrous goddess. You dangle helplessly, your weapons scattered on the ground below where you are held. Your dear friend, your Scout, your partner in crime for more than a year, looks at you. 

She has determination in her eyes. But you also know that she is scared. She is remembering her ma, praying to her god that she will be okay. She is hoping that her last letters made it to her friends all over the world. She is recalling her last kiss with her burgeoning qunari love. 

She is doing what you were ready to do. 

And it breaks you. 

You watch her take the brutal attacks of a god on the edge of death. You track her fall, lose sight of her. The moments after are a blur as your Crow completes his contract.

The remaining god retreats, you pull this veil-tearing dagger from the dead goddess.  

Are you not proud to have finally reached this moment? 

You want to dive after your Scout, find her body, push her to survive. She is a part of the Stone. She must be immune to the Blight. Those wounds would not be the end of her. 

But then your Crow's body lays before you. Another dead. How? You did not see him take a hit. You only saw his victory, his miss made right - even though he had already made the god bleed. 

Or did you think you'd win the day without some painful sacrifice? 

Did this god of trickery not know? Did he not see your Scout, his old friend, willingly lay down her life? Did he not see what had already been wrought? In these moments, you want to scream. Because it wasn't just her - your Detective too! She was taken. Another friend from the beginning. A woman who was needed in her city, who lost everything but was still so determined to see justice for her people. You do not know what is awaiting her from the remaining god. You wanted to find her, you had planned to rescue her. But it seemed that she was also sacrificed on that fucking Isle of the Gods. 

To add her Crow, bring this tally to three - it was cruelty behind measure. This was not just a trick, this was revenge. This god of trickery held shades of the others; he did not like to lose.  

And you fall, battered and bruised, into his prison. 

Your grief radiates in this empty place. It morphs into different forms. You are sad, your heart broken. You are rage-filled, for your gods, even the one helping you, are not benevolent. You are relieved because the goddess of monsters is dead. You are guilty, for your friend is dead but your love is not. You know that your Grey Warden would've stepped up. He would've done whatever it took. 

Your tears splatter the ground. You will never see her again. You will never get to visit her home with her in the south. You will have to tell everyone that holds her dear what happened. You will have to tell the leader of the south that under your watch, one of her closest friends is dead.

Your Scout does not get to see the world win. She does not get to be praised for the past decade that she put into this cause. 

The dwarves have lost a guiding light. A chosen so bright, so willing to share with the ones around her. She was the most selfless of them all. 

She is now just a story.