#the way bro speaks to the inquisitor

[titvs-androgynous]

after playing a male Lavellan I have one thing to say and it's holy fuck they robbed us of bisexual Solas

[hoboblaidd]

I’ve been listening to old banters to get the rhythm of how Solas talks, and I’m gonna word vomit a little on his relationships with the Inner Circle. Long rambling post so under a cut.

Solas and Cole’s interactions are wonderful. They’re speaking the same language, they don’t need clarifying questions to get what the other is talking about, and with Cole we actually see the wisdom (“Wisdom”??) part of Solas on full blast. And since they’re speaking this weird language, Solas is more Solas than he is with anyone else. I also love how he talks Cole down from a panic attack, it’s a little thing but so wonderful. A big question is does Cole know exactly who Solas was? Possibly debatable, but I like to think he does and just doesn’t see it as something that’s his to reveal like how he kept Blackwall’s secret. That’s why the Solas post-Inquisition mindwipe is both necessary from Solas’ perspective and so incredibly violating (and sort of retconned with Trespasser?? maybe proximity to a full power Solas took the edge off it, or it was only ever a stop gap, or the writers tried to water it down which would suck). Speaking of, no one reacts to the more minor mindwipe Solas does in the post-breakup banter with a romanced Lavellan. This random apostate mage just changes the channel on Cole’s empathic read and no one is like ‘hang the fuck on a minute, he just out-spirited a spirit.’ 

Aside from Cole, Solas and Varric are the friendliest of his interactions, but I like that it’s not all sunshine and roses. Solas has his (frequently racist) viewpoints that he dumps on Varric, but Varric pushes right back without ever becoming antagonistic. It’s a clash of two competing world views and the wisdom that comes with it, built on lived experiences. They’ve both been around the block and come out of it with different ideas, but they can talk about it as mature adults. Some (or all) of this is attributable to Varric’s charisma rather than Solas’. He’s friends with everyone (except maybe Sebastian lol). If anyone was gonna crack Solas’ cold veneer of disinterest, it’d be Varric.

My favorite interactions he has are with Bull and Vivienne. They’re wildly different in tone, but the foundation is similar - both Vivienne and Bull know he’s withholding something, and they dig on it until he deflects (sometimes well, sometimes less so). Solas recognizes Bull’s intelligence and skills at observation, which is nice for a guy who'll be casually racist to a Tal Vashoth inquisitor as a "compliment." They're kind of bros, as much as Solas can be a bro with someone. Plus, the chess game is my favorite thing in Inquisition. But Solas' banter with Vivienne is just the best. He’s soo bitchy and sarcastic, and neither of them back down from their opposing views. Even with a few moments of agreement, they are diametrically opposed and a ton of fun. They're also not at all wrong about each other - could it be that, gasp! both their world views are wrong?? But she clearly reminds him of the Evanuris, which is a nice insight. And as an aside, Solas with his hackles raised, or low approval, gives so much more away about his personality than you can just find in high approval or less antagonistic dialogue. I like the edge to it. I'm realizing my Solas is basically a low approval Solas who is occasionally nice, and I'm cool with it.

His interactions with Dorian are a slightly more one-sided antagonism on Solas’ part. Dorian means well and tries to reach across the aisle, and Solas generally shuts him down. Dorian’s viewpoint makes sense, but so does Solas’. Dorian is beloved and rightfully so, I love him more than I love Solas. But as much as he’s trying to do better, he’s still got a ways to go, and Solas never fully lets him off the hook. I do think Dorian gets there by the end of the game, at least in recognizing that he can't just help with one thing, he needs to go as big as he can until it kills him. And frankly Solas' expectations of him (free all the slaves elven and non in Tevinter) aren't entirely grounded in the reality of a mortal lifespan. But he still should act.

Something that isn’t talked about much is his relationship to Cassandra, which I really like. It’s built on mutual respect, and they both hold their ground on things without getting antagonistic. Cassandra’s occasional “the Maker would give you comfort” rankles me for personal reasons, but he takes it in stride and never dismisses her over it. It’s who she is and it comes from a place of earnestness instead of proselytizing. They’re not friendly, per se, but they don't have to be. It's the best kind of strictly business, coworker relationship you could ask for.

Solas’ relationship with Blackwall is also great, because it starts from a place like ‘two veterans walk into a bar’ sort of camaraderie and ends with ‘this person is a mirror of what i hate that i am’. Solas at least admits that his initial anger re: Blackwall’s lie was wrong, but I think he was more angry that Blackwall ended up being just like him rather than a better version of him. But also how tf did the god of lies etc. not clock Blackwall’s cagey ass before the reveal. Solas is so bad at his job (and yes I know the none of them were gods and all the labels are propaganda and mythologizing but that's less fun than shitting on the god of lies for being shit at lying).

His interactions with Sera are frustrating, but not for what they are, more for the lack of follow up. There’s something odd going on with Sera that seems more than his usual ‘are these elves real elves’ bullshit. But we don’t get anything more than the cryptic stuff he (and Cole) say to her, and some bits sprinkled into her story. Sera’s a frustrating character for me in general because it feels like the writers sort of forgot the seeds they were planting, or figured they’d save it for something that never happened. It might just be me, but I felt like I was waiting for another shoe to drop that never did. I’d like Veilguard to explore it, and maybe it will, but I’m not holding my breath. But, Solas also outlines the entire philosophy and practice of his rebellion when he’s talking to her which is awesome, especially leading into Veilguard where we might get more context.

Those are my deep thoughts. I want to do a deep dive word vomit on his relationship with each evanuris, but a lot of that will be speculation that's likely to be changed by Veilguard so we'll see. We know pretty much jack shit about his feelings on Sylaise and June (aside from my eternal soft spot for June after theshirallen's portrayal).

[ermakeys]

I’ve been tagged! Thank you @jekyllnahyena for the tag! Lots and lots and lots of hugs for youuuuu! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Favorite OC: Aran

MY CHILD!!! 😭💕😭💕😭💕😭💕

I wasn’t feeling great and I created Aran to be someone who would stand up for me. They then became a member of the Bro Squad with Chad, Kit and Purse and I found some wonderful people through them. Love you bros. 💖

Newest OC: Airrue “Rue” Chall

Rue is a new OC I have that I’m writing a story about. It’s a retelling of the clone wars and how Rue’s life gets thrown out of whack because of it. She wanted to go out on adventure, but then she is given responsibilities she hadn’t planned for and now she has to worry a lot. I’m channeling all my anxieties into her. Won’t say much more than that besides that her and he nephew Leld are just 😭💕

Oldest OC: Bes’bev

I’m choosing to show my oldest Star Wars OC because most of those from before I wish I didn’t remember. Bes’bev is a clone trooper commander/captain (can’t decide) who is inspired by orcas! My group at work used to be called the orcas and when they had a star wars phase I colored in a clone trooper with a design reminiscent of an orca pattern. Bes’bev had an injury to the neck where they replaced most of his vocal cords with mechanical parts, so when he speaks he sounds a bit like a droid. He isn’t fond of it, so he signs or whistles with his unit. Bes’bev also plays the bes’bev a Mandalorian flute that you can also stab people with.

Meanest OC: Ephrain

Ephrain was a padawan commander during the clone wars. His master was killed and he was assigned a new master. He was distraught at the loss and clung to his new master who wasn’t the greatest person. He also clung to his clone commander, Vorpan. Though Ephrain struggles to remember the clone names and just calls Vorpan ‘Victor’. It’s easier and they’ll emerge victorious, right? Makes sense to Ephrain. (He’s on the right in the picture where he turns to the dark side. Did I mention he joins the inquisitors? yeah he joins the inquisitors)

Softest OC: Leld Chall

I mentioned Rue above and Leld is her nephew. He’s just so sweet and a total daydreamer. Always thinking about music in some way shape or form.

Most Aloof / Stand-offish OC: Ari Ermakeys

Ari was my favorite Pathfinder character and the one I named my tumblr after. She was an elven fire wizard with a raven as a familiar. She refused to speak with people that weren’t from her island and instead had a link with her raven, Blueberry, who would speak for her. Blueberry would tack on a condescending swear each time he’d speak. She’d blame Blueberry, but most of the time she’d been thinking it too.

Dumbest OC: Also Aran

They’re smart, but such a dumbass too. Dumb to social situations and appropriate reactions.

Smartest OC: Vorpan

Vorpan is a clone commander who is too smart and empathetic for his own good. His first general was good, but got killed and replaced by a shit general who belittled all clones and his commander didn’t see any of the clones as people except for Vorpan. His commander also called Vorpan ‘Victor’ cause he couldn’t remember and the name ‘Victor’ was a slap to the face to Vorpan because how could he feel victorious when his brothers being slaughtered by the thousands? How was a he a winner if he failed every time one of his brothers under his command was killed? Vorpan knows the system, knows the game and plays it for the sake of his brothers. Helping as many as he can escape and desert the GAR. He wishes he was brave enough to abandon his post and desert. He won’t though because he’s smart enough to realize that if he leaves, someone else who is loyal to the Republic wouldn’t help his brothers. So, Vorpan stays and plays the system. And each day another part of him breaks and dies.

Horniest OC

No :D

OC I’d Bang

No :D

OC I’d Be Besties With IRL: Luhel Zoldand

I wrote an interactive story game where you can play as Luhel. The version of Luhel that I would play as would be my bestie. That’s the nice thing of it being interactive. 😂 So, it’s a story about Luhel finding a jedi crypt and being guided by a pair of force ghosts. It can be found here.

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagging @milf-maul @d3epfriedangels @ct-7567 @pobblebonks​ and anyone else who wants to cause I’m tired and I really should go back to studying instead or procrastinating 🥲

[instabilitysm]

I would like this to be read please.

(I DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH SORRY I USE A TRANSLATOR)

People on the internet exaggerate situations in their own way and take advantage of people who are not very famous or small. The person who says he stole his Jeff the Killer's style and applied it to John Doe : You are literally not the creator of Jeff the Killer, creepypasta born from Photoshop many many years before,you literally combined the "emo 2000 comic" style with the drawing and that's it, mortis didn't steal anything, you don't have anything of your own.

I am a designer with many ocs so I know what it means when something is stolen but this is not the case.

"mortis is fatphobic" bro wtf they husband is literally a fat person and they created Frost bite with Tate,a fat character...plus Fox draws himself thick in +18 drawings with fat characters wtf (I AM NOT INSULTING FAT PEOPLE I USE THE TERM "FAT" TO UNDERSTAND")

"cannibal and Necroo" where what who? How can this be shown? Did you go to they house? Did you see him kill himself or eat a corpse?

"Ped0 and groomer" there is no REAL AND VISIBLE evidence of the chats... moreover with AI it is very easy to recreate fake content!.

If you have an OC, Randall in this case, you can draw it however the fuck you want, it's your character and moreover people often vent by drawing .

If you follow a creator for a long time you know very well his content so don't be surprised if there is a dick or some blood too much...if a person draws gor3 and nude gor3 IT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S A FETISH WTF 😞i don't want to defend anyone, I like Fox's content and I've been following it for a while and if it were true I'd be sorry but do we want to talk about the creator of Mandela Catalogue?People where he created complaints, messages and other FALSE to ruin the creator's life .

And even worse in the case of Inquisitor, a italian boy cosplaying as COD's Ghost who committed suicide after being accused of ped0 FROM TWO MINORS JUST AS A JOKE, EVERYTHING WAS FALSE.

After all, they could be things put in randomly, just to make the situation bigger and throw shit on a small creator. I repeat, I do not justify anything if TRUE evidence is found then I apologize but for now I only see words.

[gumbochristianhorror]

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I would like this to be read please .

(I DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH SORRY I USE A TRANSLATOR)

People on the internet exaggerate situations in their own way and take advantage of people who are not very famous or small.

The person who says he stole his Jeff the Killer's style and applied it to John Doe : You are literally not the creator of Jeff the Killer, creepypasta born from Photoshop many many years before,you literally combined the "emo 2000 comic" style with the drawing and that's it, mortis didn't steal anything, you don't have anything of your own.

I am a designer with many ocs so I know what it means when something is stolen but this is not the case.

"mortis is fatphobic" bro wtf they husband is literally a fat person and they created Frost bite with Tate,a fat character...plus Fox draws himself thick in +18 drawings with fat characters wtf (I AM NOT INSULTING FAT PEOPLE I USE THE TERM "FAT" TO UNDERSTAND")

"cannibal and Necroo" where what who? How can this be shown? Did you go to they house? Did you see him kill himself or eat a corpse?

"Ped0 and groomer" there is no REAL AND VISIBLE evidence of the chats... moreover with AI it is very easy to recreate fake content!.

If you have an OC, Randall in this case, you can draw it however the fuck you want, it's your character and moreover people often vent by drawing .

If you follow a creator for a long time you know very well his content so don't be surprised if there is a dick or some blood too much...if a person draws gor3 and nude gor3 IT DOESN'T MEAN IT'S A FETISH WTF 😞

I don't want to defend anyone, I like Fox's content and I've been following it for a while and if it were true I'd be sorry but do we want to talk about the creator of Mandela Catalogue?

People where he created complaints, messages and other FALSE to ruin the creator's life .

And even worse in the case of Inquisitor, a italian boy cosplaying as COD's Ghost who committed suicide after being accused of ped0 FROM TWO MINORS JUST AS A JOKE, EVERYTHING WAS FALSE.

After all, they could be things put in randomly, just to make the situation bigger and throw shit on a small creator.

I repeat, I do not justify anything if TRUE evidence is found then I apologize but for now I only see words.

@masochistfox @mortis-fox @bileshroom (don't block me )

Really annoying people are bringing up drama regarding Mortisfox from a few months ago despite Mortis debunking it and revealing the person who made the callout post on them was a true sack of shit.

[greypetrel]

Lady Inquisitor Cinnamon Roll

Yes, yes, more with Dragon Age, I'm using her to practice style and warming up. . Aisling Lavellan. - 27 years at the start of the Conclave. - Volounteered to go there herself: her Keeper said to want to peacefully retire and let the command of the clan to her, she was ready. She wanted to travel a little on her own, before settling down, see the world, prove herself, and thought a mage was the best person to attend talking on the Mage-Templars war. She got more than she bargained for. - Horse girl. Kind and shy, she feels better around animals, talks to the horses, loves to take care of them, and the hallas back home. A madgirl on her horse, she will learn herself trick riding, just watch her. (and Cullen and Dennet running after her scared she’s gonna break her neck) - Bisexual, her love language is physical touch, very touchy-feely. - Mage, later Knight-Enchanter ("Arcane Warrior!" she'd point out). Got a scare related to healing magic, she could learn Spirit Healing but has a block. Talented herbalist, will use elfroot for everything if she could, won’t stop talking about elfroot. - Has not many artistical talent, but she's a decent singer. Has a terrific memory for lyrics, will got stuck with tunes for days. - Her superpower is being able to nap whenever and WHEREVER she can. The inner circle has an ongoing pool for who can find her napping in the weirdest and most uncomfortable spot. - Varric nicknamed her "Lucky" out of envy for her napping powers: he found her soundly asleep in the Hinterlands, during a quick lunchbreak, snuggled between two rocks in full midday sunlight. - Sweet tooth: she loves desserts, citruses-flavoured ones being her very favourite. Won't refuse anything containing sugar, tho. - Can cook on a campfire. Totally inept at baking and with ovens in general. - Found an old Tevene grammar book accompanying her clan members to Wycome to trade. Bought the book. Had her clan learn the basics "in the worst case scenario". She went on studying on her own when she realised she liked the language. Dorian helped her get her grammar and pronounciation and vocabulary better, they soon started speaking a weird mix of Common Tongue and Tevene, hardly comprehensible to exterior ears. - Hates closed shoes, STRONGLY prefers elven leg-wraps. Wore heels at the Winter Palace because Leliana and Josephine forced her too, considered blackmailing Celene to make heels illegal. - Had one long relationship with a huntress in her clan, Ydun. She was her first love, after three years of pining -on Aisling’s side- they got together and stayed so for 10 years. The relationship was bad for both, Aisling couldn’t say no and Ydun is a tid-bit too assertive. They loved each other to bits, but hurt the other in the process, quarrelled a lot. The Keeper talked down Aisling from thoughts of bonding ceremonies every time. Aisling was the one to break it up, eventually, when she realised all their quarrels ended because she gave in even when she didn’t mean to. - Tried to hit on Cassandra, after the Seeker turned her down, Cullen got in and got the Inquisitor. - She and Dorian are what Hawke will dub the “Science bros”. They work extremely well together, Dorian theorizes and Aisling refines and puts in practice. Will experiment on everything. Solas most often jumps in (or is “involved” more or less against his will) to avoid they kill each other or make something explode. They eventually WILL make something explode. - Made friends with almost everyone, the great exception is Vivienne. Aisling respects her, can see where she comes from... Can’t really excuse the way the Enchanter treats Cole and herself, and the “I’m so envious you walked in the Fade physically” speech after Adamant. - Sided with the Mages, left Stroud in the Fade, saved the Chargers, kept Celene on the throne reuniting her with Briala because she couldn’t find it in her to like Gaspard or trust he wouldn’t have turned against the Marquise, Reabilitated the Wardens, saved the Elves in the Arbor Wilds, let Morrigan drink from the Well, decided to redeem Solas (if possible). She was merciful in judgement, the only person she executed was Erimond. - Disbanded the Inquisition, opened a clinic for ex Templars who wanted to quit lyrium with Cullen. As a covering for her Red Jenny activities.

[mediawhorefics]

Hi just me asking HOW ARE YOU SURVIVING OBI WAN TELL ME ALL UR THOUGHTS WE ONLY HAVE TWO EPISODES LEFT 😭

I WROTE YOU A 1K WORDS ESSAY LAST NIGHT AND TUMBLR CRASHED AND I LOST THE WHOOOOOOLE THING 😭😭😭😭

but YES I AM LIVING AND DYING AT THE SAME TIME!!!! I ASKED FOR PAIN AND THEY ARE GIVING IT TO ME!!!!! ITS AWESOME.

i'm soooo sad there's only two left 😭😭 i've heard rumours of a s2 and damn i hope its true because i'm loving this so much. i want more obi ALWAYS. (i also want more vader/anakin always cos that's my boo, my silly rabbit but that's another discussion lmao)

but yeah i'm really enjoying the show so far, i know there's been some ~discourse online cos star wars fans are the worst but i am having a blast on this bitch rn.

the fact that it focuses so much on anakin & obi-wan's relationship ??? and all the ways they still affect each other ??? all the ways they've loved and hurt each other ??????? the fact that it focuses on obi-wan's grief & guilt & trauma re: what happened with anakin???? soo sexy wow. the fact we're getting such detailed visualisation of the strength and endurance of their force bonds through the years??? it's still strong by the time it hits a new hope ??? they can still sense each other?? HELLO ???? obi-wan's devotion to anakin's children despite everything that anakin has done ?? literally no one touches ME !!!! these two are FAMILY. BONDED FOR LIFE. DRIFT COMPATIBLE. it's no secret i'm not a sequels fan and i've always said if ANYONE in the sw universe deserved to be a fucking force dyad its these two and this show really is saying you are CORRECT to bitch about it. and i love that. i mean obi-wan is HAUNTED the whole show is about love & kindness & grief & trauma and obi-wan being haunted and i absolutely love that. i love that we're taking our time building up to a big fight, that obi is rusty and emotionally wounded and struggling. he has ptsd and its exactly what i wanted to see. its SO satisfying watching him rebuilt his confidence and find himself again. and the fact that it's all motivated by LEIA ??? of all people ??? oh this deepens and enriches a new hope SO much. what a great great great idea. i didn't know i needed uncle obi this badly but FUCK. it hits. every damn time.

speaking of leia she is PERFECT. the writing for her is sooooo good. you can see the ways she's gonna grow into the character we know so well and love so much. and we can see the way the experiences she's having in this show shape the character we know. its all very clever. i'm living for it. @ sw dude bros complaining about the child i'll fucking fight you, you dicks. that little actress is doing SUCH a great job. and god, i know the show's ~leia & padme are similar agenda is strong but as a ANAKIN & LEIA ARE THE SAME believer, i am LIVING for her characterization. she's SUCH a mini anakin in so many ways. ofc anakin & padme are very similar too in that they're stubborn and fierce and passionate etc. but i feel so fucking vindicated. (and sad lbr because in an au where he doesn't fall, anakin would have loved her SO much and she'd have been such a daddy's girl. :((( they'd watch spaceships together and he'd improve her droids for her :((()

i'm also really enjoying tala (an ACTUAL QUEEN) & reva. i think there's work that needs to be done re: reva's backstory & motivation to fully develop her as a character but i'm nowhere near as bothered by it as other people online have been.... like... the only two inquisitors we know that much about are thrilla in jedi fallen order and the grand inquisitors in rebels. and even THEN that fantastic backstory is what ??? he was a jedi temple guard ??? that's...... it ??? we barely know anything about him ??? like... people will bitch and bitch about reva being underdeveloped (even tho the show isn't even FINISHED) but let's be real, a lot of the inquisitors ARE pretty one-dimensional ???? but hey, when it's a woc the character and writing gotta be perfect otherwise........ its so fucking annoying that sw fans are like that -.- . like... i want more from her too, don't get me wrong. mostly because she's badass and super smart and kinda scary and I'm INTRIGUED by her intensity. but I'm not particularly bothered yet.

the weakest part for me was no jokes the guy's grand inquisitor's performance. mostly because jason isaacs is unbeatable in my mind. (its unfair to the new guy i know i can't help it :///) but now with what happened in ep 2 i don't even know if its the same character so *shrug* idk idk. i'm really hoping we get resolution/more info re: that.

another thing is that i 100% want more vader & more hayden specifically. because i'm greedy like that. ALL the vader/anakin stuff we've had so far is PERFECT. no notes. 100000/10. he's SUCH a looming presence on the show and SUCH a strong point in it. but yeah, i want more. i can't wait to see the final showdown. i'm hoping for more heartwrenching dialogue and hopefully an attempt to bring him back from obi ??? might be wishful thinking BUT in rotj vader does say 'obi-wan once thought as you did' and lbr.... we have never seen obi-wan in canon thinking hum! vader can be redeemed! so, yk i am waiting. AND i want to see maybe flashbacks ?!! hayden is RIGHT THERE! it'd be a waste not to, right ??? right ??? so yeah, i really hope that happens. but who knows! i'm just enjoying the ride so far because the ride has been SO good lmao.

like..... they made me scared of VADER ??? i've never in my life found vader scary. he makes me sad very often because anakin is my favourite character and his story is heartbreaking. and he makes me cheer because lbr its very satisfying to see vader being a ruthless bitch and a drama queen and walking in and fucking everyone up while making stupid puns and saying raw as fuck lines (then you will die braver than most ????? i fucking love anakin). but scared ??? shit your pants terrifying???? that was a first and i LOVED it. i think deborah chow is doing SUCH a good job filming him to emphasize how nightmarish he is. it's a combination of the horror film vibes + hayden's (& the stunt doubles) posture/movements + ewan REALLY selling obi-wan's horror and fear and vulnerability that just.... makes him sooooo scary. i fucking LOVE it. it's a highlight of the show for me.

though the star remains ewan givng it his ALL. his fucking eyes........ tell a million things. i'm so glad we got him back in this role <3333

so yeah..... i'm dying and having the best time. i waited 17 years and i honestly still can't believe i get to have this tbh ????????

how about you???? are you enjoying the show ???

[junkworldusa]

belated book asks, thank you for indulging me!

1- What book are you currently reading? bros karamazov, 2/3s through atm.

i hate that i’m thinking about pathologic (video game) the entire time but i can't help it. the way characters are constantly bursting into people's houses & going "you’re an angel, you're the best person i've ever met, you're a saint" to someone they just met 5 minutes ago is so. distinct. i joked on twitter that the first half of the book is just alyosha running around completing sidequests, which i still think is true, but once i got to the grand inquisitor part i was like "Okay mr dostoevsky, you’ve got me."

2- What book did you recently finish? "selections from science & sanity" by alfred korzybski, recently featured in the gumby quotes. a while back i listened to a 6 hour long interview with robert anton wilson where he talks about korzybski & general semantics so i gave it a shot. it's an abridged version of a 900 page book & i definitely plan on reading the full work at some point, it's wild. if you’re interested in language, consciousness, the gap between words & meaning, and/or hacking your brain i would recommend it. he repeats himself a lot but that's a side effect of his pedagogy, the goal of which is the eventual re-wiring of your entire nervous system in order to achieve a more rational worldview/healthier reactions to things. (so repetition via words/sounds/actions is necessary 2 engage the organism-as-a-whole.) the most important takeaway for me is that everything & everyone you interact with is a completely unique object, and this necessarily extends to temporality-- Bob in 1999 is NOT the same person as Bob in 2010, and treating them as though they were is a harmful mistake. interestingly enough, im taking a class with J.F. martel (weird studies podcast, author of "reclaiming art in the age of artifice") & last night he said what amounts to exactly the same thing, except he was arguing for like, a soft animism (i-thou vs. i- it) & korzybski was arguing for a more "rational" & secular world. so fascinating.

3- What’s a book that’s been on your to-read list for a long time? ulysses. i know. i know. i have a copy but keep bouncing off of it. idk why, i liked portrait of the artist as a young man. i think i’m worried i’ll turn into this person:

4- What’s the next book you’re hoping to read? i just got "speech play: research & resources for the study of linguistic creativity" in the mail so probably that. i'm on a childlore kick rn & this is like... horizontally related 5- Is there a book you own, but aren’t planning on reading?

around 2 years ago i was walking home after a show high on E & i ran into a guy i had met at work a couple times. went over to his apartment because MDMA is like, "everything is SO meaningful and SO much fun." i barely remember our conversation but he ended up being like "you would like this book, here take it, i have 3 copies." so i now own a copy of "the eater of darkness" by robert m coates. i still haven't read it. the moral of this story is [???]

6- What was your favorite series as a kid? Would you still read it now? so many of you asked this question :P

THE TRUTH: i was obsessed with lotr from age 8 to 13 with a level of dedication that i've never known since. yes, i would still read it now. i reread the silmarillion last year & it was naturally a way more rewarding experience than when i was a kid! 8- Fantasy or sci-fi? i like & have read a lot of older sf/f (le guin asimov pkd etc etc) but im not actively into either nowadays. i read whatever reaches me from the queer sf/f twitter pipeline (like whatever's on wizards vs lesbians) but otherwise dont pay much attention. so the answer is "idk!!!”

12- Have you ever read a celebrity memoir? If so, whose was it? the only memoir i've read in recent years has been "memories, dreams, reflections" so if jung counts as a celebrity, there you go 14- Fiction or non-fiction? non-fiction in both quantity of books owned & what i prefer reading. i almost view them as 2 separate activities bc the motivation for & experience of reading them are so wildly different 15- Favorite fiction genre? i know i said im not "actively into" sci fi but 16- Favorite non-fiction genre? "philosophy" i guess. i also really love any phenomenological/experience-based studies of paranormal stuff, like "the terror that comes in the night" by david hufford or anything by jacques vallée. basically books that both a) take strange experiences seriously & b) examine/catalogue them scientifically (to whatever degree). 

22- How do you organize your books? “poorly” 26- What’s your favorite book? fav non-fiction book: “time loops” by eric wargo. what if freud's career-making "irma dream" was a premonitory dream about the oral cancer that would severely impede his quality of life in his old age? (fantastic blog entry by the author, serves as a kind of intro to this topic: http://thenightshirt.com/?p=4326 )

when i read “time loops” it felt like everything i had ever read (& will ever read future tense) was for the sole purpose of understanding it. “time loops” picks up where J.W. dunne's 1927 "an experiment with time" left off. i won't say too much more about it but everyone should read it. it's so smart & engaging & will totally blow your miiiind, maaaan speaking of "an experiment with time," in 1964 a guy named vladimir nabokov began an experiment of his own following the directions dunne laid out in his book. dunne encouraged readers to write down their dreams in order to test the theory that a later event could generate an earlier dream.

nabokov’s experiment with dreams & time strongly influenced “ada or ardor: a family chronicle” which happens to be my favorite novel. i first read it when i was 18, and i've reread it 3 times since then (with the help of ada online, my beloved http://www.ada.auckland.ac.nz/ ) i would not recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t already like nabokov & know what he’s about. it’s fucked up & self indulgent & i love it so much

30- What character do you connect with the most? when jung said he was bad at math? i felt that

[is-there-an-echo-in-here]

Part 6 of my Kenobi Breakdown - Spoilers under the cut!

I genuinely think this episode is a masterpiece. This show is the a fantastic mix of the original and prequel trilogies, and the darker, modern Star Wars TV shows we have come to love.

God I never talk about the title screen but it invokes some serious emotion in me

Fuck HIM UP REVA

Don’t fuck HIM up Reva

The swishy cape I’ll never shut up about the swishy cape

General brain is kicking in yet again - I missed General Kenobi so much

Leia is so wonderful as always, always looking out for people

LUKE!!!

I love Obi-Wan so so much I don’t talk about him enough in his own show. He is everything the Jedi should be

Oho Beru is not taking shit what a woman

THEYRE GONNA FIGHT OHMY GOD

Haja my love

Responsible Uncle Obi-Wan followed instantly by Realistic Uncle Obi-Wan. We love to see it

Ewan McGregor stop that right now (I’m kidding, don’t ever stop, you’re a damn treasure)

“It’s about you and him” isn’t it always

Shut your bitch ass up inquisitor egghead

“I’m not afraid” okay bby but I am

Aww man he has Lola - and his smile… gets me every time

Ohoho the mist, the breathing, the wind, THE WIDE SHOTS

He will do what he must, fucking… FUCK WHAT “THEN YOU WILL DIE” THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEYRE DOING TO US

God the sound the of the lightsaber growing more intense as the camera moves forward god that’s… there are literal pieces of art in this show

And then there’s this chaos

Owen has cat energy, no I don’t take criticism

The blue and red lighting on his helmet my god

OH NO HE HAS THE HIGH GROUND

Well fuck

God everything he says is so Anakin I’m

He doesn’t want to kill him why wouldn’t he check to see if he’s really dead he doesn’t really want this

“HE IS MY OWN” OWEN LARS WHAT A MAN

BERU

God bby Luke and Leia go through some shit

Not the memories again no thank you!!

LEIA AND LUKE ARE HIS STRENGTH OH

There goes the SCORE

Obi-Wan going BEAST MODE OKAY I DIG IT

Oh no THERE goes the score

Fuck it’s so tragic oh my god

OH NOOO NOT THE AHSOKA HELMET SLASH OBIWAN YOU DONT WANT TO SEE THIS

Told ya

“Anakin…”

Oh

Oh no

Fuck this

God the transition from blue lighting to red over their faces oh man

You can’t do the kenobi maul scream man don’t try it

God he gave it a good shot tho damn

She won’t do it man she can’t become everything she’s been fighting against

Once again Star Wars shows us that revenge is not worth all you lose in pursuit of it

Yes give Reva the redemption arc she deserves please and thank you

Again I will be singing Moses Ingrams praises

I love how Star Wars puts such weight on the importance of choices - we decide who we become, we don’t have to be ruled by our past

Shit man we’re back in it okay

Does he just have like… a bunch of spare helmets lying around?

Oh wow palps looks weird

OOH THE VADER THEME HELLO

Alderaan, my love

The blaster holster oh

The LEIA OUTFIT

SUPPORTIVE MUM YES WE LOVE TO SEE IT

BAIL ILY

Ahah she goes straight for Lola

BAIL AND OBI-WAN HUG YES BEST BROS

His LAUGH god yes please go to bed you’ve earned it

The way he speaks about Anakin and Padmé

Yes you will see him again… briefly

No one knows how to respond to “may the force be with you” what do you even say to that man

Give him the toy dude Owen’s chilled out a bit now

Where’s he going though why’s he packing up like that

LUKE come meet your other uncle!!

Yeah he gets to be a boy ‘til he’s nineteen and then it all goes to shit

YES HE WANTS TO MEET HIM LOOK AT HOS SOFT LIL FACE

“HELLO THERE” IM DEAD

God look at him on his space camel wheres he off to huh

UH HI QUIGON YOU TOOK YOUR TIME

it took YOU long enough man

So he’s just… gonna be vibing around obi-wan forever??

Wait is this the finale

[khaleesiofalicante]

“Ban me?”

Oh. My. Gosh. I. Cried.

Honestly I laughed out loud that is such a perfect Easter egg like I swear people will read this fic years into the future and they’ll read it all in one go 😠 - never knowing our pain - and they’ll be like what?? What does that mean?? But us… oh we shall know… we shall know forever I declare ahahahaa

🖕apple

Yeah Dani I think this is why they banned Alec’s tag - tho tbf if Alec’s going down then magnus better go down with him if u get what I’m saying?

Haha Alec of course your son was having sex what were you doing at 18/19 with a hot sexy boyfriend hmm?

“You can do me later”

Magnus at his finest I thank you

Nah nah nah this boy can cook??? And like??? Well???? Damn max you pulled my guy you got a gudden (no idea if this is British slang or what my speech/typing is so strange don’t @ me)

yes ALEXANDER WHY ARENT YOU MORE LIKE DAVID

I swear we all need a David

wHeRe Is My DaVid DaNi WhErE

No I SWEAR my parents are like malec

(He’s not my boyfriend) but my friend came round today and te whole time he’s here and after he’s gone they rave about how much they like him and the last time he was here he sat in the kitchen and talked to my dad abt war and planes for 20 minutes like they like him more than me 😭

Tho tbf if I was malec I’d like David more than max he’s way less problematic

I have that a lot acc, cos I’m the least problematic person so my friends parents always love me cos im a good influence 😂 not that it ever ends well for me tho

Alec and David 😂 constantly looking out for max😂

Max is the ultimate drama queen tho, I can just imagine him asking for a pet dinosaur and then when they tell him no he storms off to his room in a huff and doesn’t speak to anyone for hours

FUCK THE CLAVE 😂😂😂

The banter 😭😭😭 Rafael max and David it’s so cute I die

These boys are crazy I’m laughing out loud rn oh rhis is just the tension relief I need after a very people oriented day -

Just realised the italics for WhatsApp dotn work in tumblr 😭

😂😂😂 this banter is killing me ohhh the fluffiness is so beautiful please don’t let there be angst please don’t let there be angst

ANJALI MY BADASS REBEL YAAASS MY GIRL ILYSM GO DO DEMON DESTROYING SHIT GO BEAT ALL THEM BOYS

Rafael borrowing Magnus shitts and then anjali stealing them from Rafe is domestic cuteness my love

Hmm

So Alec is stepping down as consul

What will that mean for their family?

But good on u bro U deserve it you did ur time

“NORMALISE DYING FOR MAGNUS BANE”

PREACH GIRL YOU GOT IT OKAY

Aww the catty cuteness I love it I love them #mavidforlife

Interesting side note Regarding apple’s ban, my WhatsApp bio used to be #donthateonalec and I feel like they didn’t listen to me and that makes me very angry 😡

So dani, is it problematic for Rafael and Anjali to be together if they are the consul and inquisitor? Could that be considered a conflict of interest?

Oh

Magnus and max haven’t figured it out yet

But yeah these things take time right? They’ll work it out eventually

Okay now I’m actually pissed - nothing to do with Lbaf - honestly my brother is such a pain he always knocks, either doesn’t wait for a response or walks in regardless and it’s so irritating because I am not a oeople person and I want alone time and HE JUST WALKS IN ITS SO ANNOYING CAN HE JUST LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE

I honestly can’t wait till I live alone - or when my dad finally puts a bolt on my door

Is this the angst coming in?

Hmm is Alec the type to know what victim blaming is?

“It’s a warning”

Yes. Warn them max. Let them know what they’re facing if they turn on you. Oh yes.

Awww the beach

They wanna go to the beach

OH WAIT

you made a post earlier and it just said THE BEACH

Is this what that was about?

YAAS RAFAEL MY BOY I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR THE SCREAMING AND CHEERING WE WILL TEAR DOWN THE ROOF FOR THIS BOY AND WE WILL MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH FOR HIM YOU TOOK HIM FROM US ONCE AND NOW HES BACK AND WE WONT LET HIM GO HE IS THE CONSUL I WILL NOT ACCEPT IT ANY OTHER WAY WE WILL GO WITH HIm. To the very end

Sorry my phone is going all wobbly

I’m liking this free WiFi

Ah of course, Sizzy, making out in the corner

♥️💥

Well dani this chapter was beautiful

Considerably less angsty than the last and for that I thank you I didn’t need angst right now

It was beautiful. You are a beautiful writer. You deserve the world. So take your own advice and remember to take a break.

Thank you

AH THANK YOU.

I had to sneak in the reference about the banning lmao. I had to.

And yes we all do be looking for a David. WHERE ARE THEY???

Rafael and Anjali both in positions of power might not create a conflict of interest (but I assume it can be too much for them sometimes) but there is definitely a monopoly of power at play (which is something we will discuss in chapter 5)

If y'all hate your brothers, ship them to me. I always wanted a brother :((((

And thank you sooooo much. I'm currently on vacation and broke up with a toxic man and am living my best life. So, it's all good <3

[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.

[shutupaboutandraste]

helloooo i know nothing abt ur ocs so go ahead and tell me everything u want ppl to know abt them! also, what’s are their favorite colors?

🤩

Ahhhh thank you for the ask!! I'm gonna go for the ones I have the most fleshed out bc I have... way more than I should.

Got really long so, under the cut!

Wardens

Isadora Cousland - 7ft. Tall Warden-Queen. Alistair romance. Relies heavily on intimidation, especially with people she doesn't like, but is overall a good person. Once broke Thomas Howe's nose for calling her "Her father's half-qun bastard"-- proceeded to become fascinated with the Qunari and solidified her becoming a warrior. Tends to rush into things without a plan. Radically pro-elf and pro-mage. I made up a whole religion based on what we know of Avaar's religion and some irl Celtic inspired mythos for her bc I couldn't see her being fully agnostic but she can't stand the Chantry. Oghren taught her how to be a berserker. Sten and her are platonic kadans. Her favorite color is dark blue!

Michai Surana- As feral as Isadora, but keeps it more or less contained-- very good at The Game and knowing when to speak to his advantage. Incredibly intelligent and gets frustrated if he's outsmarted. Did call Cailin a shem to his face though. Alistair romance (he was my first bi mod) and helps his dear King in court. I have a whole tragic backstory about his first romantic relationship with Cullen that ended in tragedy (bc of the Kinloch stuff). In response, he decided to become everything Cullen would hate-- he outsmarts the desire demon and becomes a blood mage and then studies as an arcane warrior. Extremely close with Anders. Kieran is his son and he and Morrigan are actually very good friends who judge people together. His favorite color is goldenrod.

Jacobi Amell - Extremely shy and soft spoken spirit healer. Considers himself Wynne's apprentice. Immensely kind and empathic, cries easily when something is emotionally moving. Alistair and him are platonic soul mates. They are every bro meme. They are ride or die. Zevran marries Jacobi and basically gets Alistair as an eternal third wheel. Keeps Alistair a Warden and chooses to trust Anora. His favorite color is purple.

Hawkes

Garrett Hawke - Is Garrett really an OC? I feel like the standard purple mage Hawke is kind of his own character but he is a Fenris-mancer Force mage. Carver becomes a Grey Warden (and Isadora's right hand man!) and, while he sends Anders away, he spares him. Grows to regret that as Anders was part of his found family. His favorite color is also purple, based on his personality!

Ash Hawke - Oh Ash. Ash is non-binary mage who is starts purple but has an easy to switch to red temper. They are a force mage mainly. They were super close with Carver growing up and is fiercely protective of him. After they encounter Corypheous, they decide to leave Carver behind when they go to the Deeproads. Rivals Aveline as they blame her for Carver signing up with the Templars bc of her actions that barred him from the guard. Romances Fenris at first, but doesn't wait for him as they're not that kind of person. Ends up romancing Anders and approves of the Chantry explosion. Later, Fenhanders gets together around Post-Inquistion Era. Their favorite color is red.

Aurora Hawke - So. I tend to favor purple mage Hawke and Aurora is no different. Aurora is very good at pretending to be a proper lady like Leandra wants, but she's extremely raunchy and loud with her friends. Somehow, Sebastian falls for this-- though, they are a rivalmance that gets broken when Aurora spares Anders. Another Templar Carver timeline and you can see this and her featured in my fic Winter Rains if you like Canders. She does get left in the Fade. Her favorite color is a fiery orange.

Aingheal Hawke - I'm including her bc while she's less fleshed out, she's my warrior Hawke. Fiercely protective of her sister Bethany who ends up in the circle as well as her wife Merrill. While she sides with the mages, she kills Anders in an effort to keep them safe which... like none of my other Hawkes do. Her favorite color is black.

Inquisitors

Shiva Cadash - From hardened killer to long suffering mom friend. Dwarf dual-wielding rogue. Shiva was trained to be an assassin from birth and doesn't know how to really relate to people at first. Varric especially helps her learn to be a person. She grows close with Cole, Dorian, Varric, and Bull but Vivienne becomes like a sister to her, with Vivienne buying Shiva her first dress something she never had before. Vivienne does end up becoming Divine. At first she has a strange relationship with Solas who isn't interested in her that way and eventually she pulls away as she catches on to his "even though you're a dwarf" attitude towards her. To both her surprise and his, she and Blackwall fall in love. Her favorite color is emerald green.

Asaara Adaar - Asaara lies about his origin, honestly. While he is Tal-Voshoth, his Tamarassan discovered he was a sarebaas at a very young age. She steals him and another imekari who was always protective of him away and names them Asaara and Arug (Arug is actually my friend's Inquisitor!). She marries another Tal-Voshoth who becomes their father. Is smart and hates being considered stupid and will verbally rip people a new one. Everything about Asaara's story tends to be about first impressions vs reality. On principle, he likes Solas and despises Cullen when they first meet. Iron Bull and him don't exactly get along at first. Dorian and him get off on a rocky start being a Qunari and a Tevinter. So on and so forth. But as he gets to know everyone and see their true colors, his opinions change and he even falls in love with Dorian. His favorite colors are turquoise and mauve.

[tearlessrain]

Wrote a little blurb/mini character study thing for my Inquisitor and Warrior, it’s not long or complete enough to bother putting it up on ao3 and I probably won’t do anything else with it, but I kinda like it, so I’m just gonna stick it here because it’s 2020 and I guess I write prose now.

Totally SFW and not even shippy, just a couple lightside Sith being bros.

“There is no emotion, there is peace,” Valdrynn breathed to the deserted training grounds. It was a Jedi mantra, not one he would ever have learned at the Sith Academy. The words felt unnatural and trite in his mouth, but he needed the sentiment behind them. He needed emptiness, even if it was temporary. He had never been taught how to meditate, at least not the way Jedi did, but he could think of no other way to contain the creeping darkness that he was never fully able to purge from himself. So he tried.

“There is no emotion,” he repeated, “there is peace.”

It was a lie. His mind refused to stay quiet. The sense of unease that never seemed to leave him anymore only grew in the thrumming silence, overlapping with his frustration at himself for feeling it until the empty space felt crowded with his own twisting, misshapen thoughts. 

“There is no emotion…”

It was too late for him. If the Jedi had found him as a child, maybe he would have become something worthwhile, or at least not destructive, but back then he’d still been one of a thousand faceless slaves in the Empire – not faceless enough, in the end – and a Sith after that, and now he was neither. He’d fallen out of the carbonite that should have been his tomb, and thousands of people expected him to know how to lead them and fight an impossible war. His gut twisted, unease flaring into aimless fear like a spark catching on dead underbrush.

“... There is peace.”

He’d thought that he might finally feel free, out of the Empire’s reach with no one left to command him, but he only felt lost, and tired, and immeasurably older than his years with none of the wisdom or experience to show for it. He wished he could tear every circular, useless thought out of his head. If only he could stop feeling everything.

“There is no emotion –”

“Liar.”

Valdrynn started, his eyes flying open. The former Emperor’s Wrath – he had introduced himself once as Kalarros, but no one seemed to want to be the first to call him that – stood at the entrance to the training grounds, watching. He spoke softly, but his voice was the kind that resonated and filled any space it was in. Valdrynn ducked his head, feeling immediately foolish and wondering how long he’d been standing there.

“Lord Wrath,” he said automatically. 

“Kalarros, please. You do outrank me now, you know.”

“I still don’t understand why. You could have taken command, no one would have questioned you. You were born for this.”

“And that is precisely why I should not have it, but more to the point, I couldn’t help but notice that you’re meditating yourself into a state of uncontrolled panic. I’ll admit I’m no expert on Jedi philosophy, but...”

“I know, I just… I thought it might do something.”

“Would you like to know what I think your real problem is? The reason this entire exercise is a waste of your time?”

“Will saying no stop you from telling me?”

“No.”

“Go on, then.”

“Your problem – one of them – is that you were never taught to properly harness your emotions. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn, of course, but right now it makes you a liability to yourself and everyone around you.”

Valdrynn flinched away as if Kalarros had struck at him.  

“You’re not turning me into one of you,” he said, more harshly than he thought he would ever have dared to speak to the Wrath, “I saw what I was becoming on that path. I won’t go back.”

Kalarros met his stare evenly.

“A Sith should be the master of his emotions, not the other way around, whatever the Academy or the Jedi might have to say about it. I can feel the anger in you, and I can feel how much you fear it, how you hold it trapped inside you. What happens when the dam finally breaks? It’s happened before, hasn’t it?”

Valdrynn didn’t respond. Kalarros looked like he already knew the answer.

“If you go on as you are now,” he continued, “you’ll turn into the very monster you’re so desperately afraid of. You’ve done nothing but trade one set of chains for another.”

“And your way is better, is it?”

“It could not be clearer to me that you have no idea what my way is, because you were trained by people who wanted weapons to unleash at their enemies and dispose of, rather than stable and capable Sith who might one day replace them. They were fools, and it weakened the Order to the breaking point long before you or I were part of it, but I suppose it served those few well before they were buried under their own incompetence. Tell me, is it anger you sense in me now? Am I a beast incapable of anything but rage and destruction?”

Valdrynn looked at him for a long moment, then reached out, cautiously, past the loud clashing of his own mind. He was used to the imposing weight of Kalarros’s presence by now, but had never examined it more closely, and he was caught off guard by the impossibly deep well of power within it. He had seen that power unleashed before, and had felt the overwhelming fury that Kalarros called into himself in battle, but where he had expected a coiled spring barely restrained from lashing out, or some waiting, hidden monstrosity, he found only stillness. He stared at Kalarros, brows pulling together uneasily.

“I’ve seen you call lightning from the Force,” said Kalarros, “You’re skilled at it, in fact. But you don’t hold it in your fist. Certainly doing so would make you a formiddable opponent, but it would destroy your body in the process. You had to learn to channel it. And now, even if lightning struck you from the sky, you would know how to let it pass through you and into the ground without harming you. 

“Fear, hatred, the Dark Side of the Force… it is a tool that serves a purpose. I can call it to me when needed, but I do not hold it inside me, nor allow it to rule me. Lashing out in a fit of rage is easy and reckless, but allowing yourself to feel and understand, letting it flow through you and strike at your target without being burned yourself, that is an art form in which even Sith rarely achieve true mastery.” 

“I didn’t expect to hear something so like Jedi teachings from the Emperor’s Wrath.”

Kalarros didn’t smile, but Valdrynn saw a glint of amusement in his eyes. He stood and considered the row of mannequins in their battered Skytrooper chassis across the room, and lifted his hand. Something changed in his aura, barely perceptible at first, like water threatening to boil, then spilled over in a roiling mass of malevolent energy that Valdrynn felt break over him like a wave, even though he could tell that the brunt of it was directed entirely away from him. One of the mannequins imploded violently, shards of wood and metal flying out so forcefully that some of them lodged themselves in the walls, the smell of char and overheated metal filling the room from the crumpled mess of twisted metal that was left of it. Kalarros turned back to him, something ravenous and inhuman staring out from behind his too-bright eyes. Valdrynn was seized by the overpowering impulse to flee from him, but before he could move the feeling had faded, and when he looked back Kalarros was himself again.

“My first and last apprentice was a Jedi Padawan before she came to me,” he said, “She taught me as much as I taught her. But I am no Jedi. And neither are you.”

[smokeybrand]

I Am No Jedi

With season two of Mando over and the entire series in the can, for now, i was still on a pretty high Star Wars kick. Since i have Disney+, and time before WandaVision starts, i figure I'd ride this wave right into another Star Wars show i didn’t have the opportunity to actually get into deep; Star Wars: Rebels. Now, i have REALLY mixed feeling about this show. It’s an odd watch for me because of the conflict between the parts that are clone wars-y and the original content being presented. I kind of hate it when Ahsoka, Vader, Maul, or Thrawn aren’t onscreen but, at the same time, there are some really standout episodes. The Honorable Ones and The Forgotten Droid immediately come to mind. Unlike Clone Wars, however, which is a whole ass masterpiece of storytelling and character development, Rebels feels incredibly flaccid, overall. Still, i did like some things therein. Others, not so much...

The Things I liked

This show is gorgeous, man. The character models are lovely, this soundtrack is one of the best in the entire franchise, and the animation is head-and-shoulders above the first last season of Clone Wars. By that i mean season six. This thing ain’t got sh*t on season seven. Not even a little bit. Even so, this how is f*cking stunning to see. Everything about this aesthetic is just chef kiss levels of kino, as the kids would say.

All things Ahsoka. Look, its no secret i adore Ms. Tano but she really comes into her own with Rebels. You get to see that wisdom she gleaned during the Clone Wars on full display, even if she isn’t a proper Jedi anymore. Watching her reunite with Rex was wonderful but watching her fight Vader? That was hard. That was really hard. That episode, Twilight of the Apprentice, is easily some of the finest Disney Star Wars produced to date. It’s up there with Mando and the seventh season of the Clone Wars, for sure, and is the best episode of Rebels, itself, hands down.

Vader.

Maul in Rebels was exceptional. I enjoyed his turn in Clone Wars, of course, but his relationship with Ezra and his growth over the course of this series was exquisite. I was stunned by how much i liked Maul because, admittedly, i didn’t see the allure. I came to Clone Wars late so watching Maul blossom was a surprise. Seeing that continued evolution through Rebels was a real treat. That last duel with Obi-Wan? F*cking tragic. Beautifully tragic.

The Inquisitors. I like the whole concept of the Inquisitors but, specifically, The Grand Inquisitor and the Seventh Sister are decidedly the superior of the lot. I really enjoyed Grand and felt like his character was a little short-changed but Seventh Sister came along and picked up that slack only a few episodes later. Thanks to Rebels, i got other amazing characters like Second Sister in Jedi Fallen Order, The High Inquisitors in

F*cking Thrawn, man. I knew this dude was the dude from the Thrawn trilogy sequel books and never expected him to actually be canonized. Seeing my favorite blue sociopath show up in season four was a real gas, giving him proper credence as a threat going forward in the canon Disney mythos. The revelation that Ahsoka’s whole mission in her Mando appearance, was just to find a lead on this dude, was one of the biggest geek-outs i ever had for Disney Star Wars and it was Rebels that set all of it up.

Speaking of canonization, Rebels mad Darth Bane a thing and i will forever be grateful of that fact. Darth Bane is a huge deal in the canon and Filoni sneaking his legitimacy into the new lore, right under Kathleen Kennedy’s hating ass sabotage, was genius. I heard that he wanted to do the same for Darth Nihilus, Darth Traya, and Darth Scion, but that script was rejected. I imagine Darth Kennedy didn’t care for the Bane slip and put the kibosh on all other lore.

I actually like a lot of the additional lore. The Bendu, those temples, the mega-weapon on Malachor, The Veil; All of it enriches and expands upon the new canon. It gives it more life, more potential. and i love potential in storytelling. Makes for a ton of different, wonderful, possibilities.

Look, i just really like the Bendu. That motherf*cker is hilarious.

I really did enjoy Hera and Sabine. Those two ladies were a delight. I’ glad they were added t the lore because, particularly Sabine, there is a wealth of potential for them going forward. Hell, we’ve already seen the return of Hera in Star Wars: Squadrons and, with Mando going full anthology, i would be hard pressed not to think that Sabine will have her turn as the titular Mandalorian in a few seasons.

Not going to lie, seeing Zeb in this show was pretty dope. As a Star Wars geek, i knew that the Lasat were basically prototype Wookies that were cast aside. It’s dope seeing that design getting a second wind onscreen and a prominent role in the main cast. Plus, i mean, Zeb is actually a pretty chill character, himself.

The Things I didn’t

What the f*ck are these lightsabers, man? They're supposed to reflect the original concept of the weapons from one of the first Star Wars draft scripts, which is cool in a geek sense, but corny as sh*t in practice. These things look anemic, as f*ck, man.

It’s ridiculous to me that the crew of the Ghost are so goddamn pivotal to the fledgling Rebellion. These assholes cannot be this important, even with all of the plot armor. Like, seriously, I'm supposed to believe that they were the ones who retrieved the B-Wing, founded the first Rebel base, and stole Phoenix Nest from the Empire? Word?

There no stakes to this show. Like, i get that our principals had a lot of plot armor in Clone Wars, i never once felt like Ahsoka, Kenobi, or Anakin were ever in real danger, but there were certain episodes where i thought, for sure, their characters would be totally crippled somehow. Not with Rebels. I don’t expect any of these motherf*ckers to have even a semblance of lasting bruises. Kanan literally dies and nothing of importance was lost. Like, i know this is Ezra’s show but goddamn.

Speaking of Ezra, i hate this kid. I don’t know if that’s by design, like Filoni did with Ahsoka in the first few seasons of Clone Wars, but i grew to love her. She’s literally my second favorite character in the entire mythos, after Vader. Ezra did not grow on me. At all. I hate that so many lore altering events surrounded this dipsh*t. Kid ain’t even all that powerful in the force. I’m pretty certain that Ahsoka is stronger than Ezra is but he gets to be the one to “discover” the Veil of the Force. Like, bro, for real? You telling me Anakin, Yoda, or even f*cking Luke missed out on this sh*t? Word?

This show feels a lot like Avatar The Last Air Bender but worse. I had a whole ass emotional connection to the characters in that show. It broke my heart to see Azula having that meltdown. I did feel that same agony in Rebels, but it was for Ahsoka. When Vader looked up and you heard Anakin’s voice through the filter? “Ahsoka.” F*ck, that broke me. It was like watching Spider-Man getting dusted in Infinity War. I never felt that way about any of the ghost crew. Never. Not when Kanan died. Not when Ezra disappeared. Never.

The best parts of this show, of the actual, Rebels, canon, is either leftovers from Clone Wars or Legends content. Bane, Thrawn, Ahsoka, Rex, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Vader, the Emperor, even f*cking Hondo; All characters that existed before Rebels. Outside of the Inquisitors, Rebels added nothing of worth to the canon. It’s effectively a non-show. I mean, The Veil might be a thing eventually. We’ll see. That motherf*cker is a whole ass retconning mcguffin if I've ever seen one.

It’s weird to say, but nothing about this show feels of consequence. I know, for a fact, there are certain aspects Rebels added to the lore that will be vital to the overall canon but it doesn’t feel like that, you know? It feels like this was a detour, a frolic of, like, three or four episodes but holds no bearing to the grander scheme playing out. Sh*t’s ridiculous because Clone Wars felt like a whole ass problem, Rogue One gave us a legit catharsis, and Mando outdid everything Disney ever made while setting up an entire new age. F*ck, man, even the sequel trilogy gave us Kylo Ren. Rebels feels like Star Wars: The Filler Show and i kind of hate it.

[blarrghe]

Lavellan Bros pt. 2

The other side of the Lavellan Bros au, where Theo  ( @serphena ) is the Inquisitor and Taren has remained First of their clan. The two grew up together, but drifted apart as Theo's work took him away from the clan for long stretches. Now, he's supposed to lead an army and save the world, and it's a lot to handle. A visit from an old friend helps, a little.

AO3 Link or read more under the cut!

Theo sat perched on a high branch over the soldiers’ encampment, just outside the great gate that marked the entrance of the village of Haven. He shuddered, hearing the familiar clash of steel on steel, but he remained in his hidden spot, watching. He was supposed to trust these “former” Templars with his life, now, and he wasn’t about to do that without at least watching how they trained.

Because of his unusual choice of vantage point, it took the messenger who ran from the Chantry at Josephine’s order some time to find him, and when she did, calling up to him with hesitant deference, he scowled at her. But, Theo obliged the request, nimbly hopping down to a lower branch and then hanging from that, his tall frame closing the distance between the lower branch and the ground so that he had only to let go, and drop the remaining few inches onto the ground.

He did not enjoy spending time in Josephine’s office, and attempted to do so as little as was possible. It wasn't her fault, of course, but it still made his skin crawl to be around her, and anyway, whatever she wanted him for probably had something to do with appeasing snotty shems. So, he took the long way around Haven before arriving at the Chantry, putting at least twenty minutes worth of time between receiving the message and actually walking through her door - not to mention however much time the messenger had wasted looking high and low for him, before that. For this reason, when Theo did finally discover the reason for his being summoned, he was suddenly filled with a palpable sense of guilt. For there, sitting straight and proper across from the ambassador, holding a tiny porcelain teacup and laughing with a light, jingling, laugh, was Taren Lavellan: First of his clan.

 Shit.

“Taren?” He balked at the way Taren seemed to have made himself eminently comfortable in the small, dim office, carrying on in easy conversation with the Inquisition’s ambassador. “What are you doing here?” 

“Aneth ara, da’len.”

It was funny, Taren still calling him da’len, he had long since outgrown the other elf, and he was far from a child. It being funny was the reason Taren had never ceased using the term. That, and endearment. And right now, he was in desperate need of both the love and humour that came with an old friend. He just wasn’t about to show it. 

“Keeper Deshanna sent me,” he explained, taking Theo into a quick embrace before continuing, “she thought someone should check on you.” 

Taren smiled, rising from the chair and placing his teacup delicately on Josephine’s desk with a grateful little bow, and jumped into the quick speech of his people - another welcome sound. 

Theo looked away, cheeks flushing slightly. Of course. “Don’t you have better things to do than come all the way out here, First.” 

Taren shrugged, ignoring his mood, “couldn’t think of any. So, are you going to give me a tour?”

They exited the office into the body of the small chantry building, now converted to house dining tables and crates of supplies for the villagers and Inquisition forces. Taren thanked the ambassador as they did, turning to offer her words of gratitude in formal human speech, as she attempted poorly to return the gesture with broken Elvhen. Theo tried not to roll his eyes. 

“I like her.” Taren commented as they walked out of earshot, and this time Theo really did roll his eyes at him. Of course he did, Taren liked everybody. 

“Why did Deshanna really ask you to come? Don’t tell me you’re here to take over.” He said it with a bitter pride that he hoped sounded confident, but secretly some part of him hoped that he was here to steal away the position. Taren had leadership experience and patience, two things that Theo always felt himself distinctly lacking when he tried to tend to his duties.

“No,” Taren replied, frowning, “I’m only here to help. I can’t… I can’t stay very long.” 

Theo tried not to show any disappointment at that, he was still pretending to be annoyed at him, after all. He crossed his arms and kept walking, silently leading them out of the Chantry and stopping to look over the village from its steps. “Well, this is Haven.” Beside him, Taren sighed. 

“First we hear that you’re their prisoner, and something about being responsible for...that.” Taren gestured at the gaping hole in the sky, swirling with green energy and terrifying blackness. The rift was not a pretty thing to look at, and Theo did not follow his gaze. “Then, you’re the herald for their goddess,” 

“Prophet.” Theo corrected, grimacing. 

Taren continued, “and apparently you’re doing magic now.”

Theo shook his head, and held out his marked hand. “This thing’s magic, not me.” He muttered.

Taren took a long look at it, deep lines of concern nestling between his brows. “Either way,” he said finally, “the Keeper - I - was worried about you.” 

He couldn’t help but finally soften a little at that. He hated to admit it, but it was nice to be cared about. “You should meet Varric.” He offered, gesturing to the spot down the stairs a ways where Varric stood chatting amiably with some villagers. Varric was by far the friendliest of his new companions, and that seemed a good place to start.

Varric was more than happy to answer Taren’s many questions, and Taren was beyond enthralled by tales of the dwarf’s personal relationship with the Champion of Kirkwall, but soon he was looking curiously out toward the other buildings in Haven, and asking, in quick Elvhen, if there weren’t any other of their own people around. 

Theo decided to introduce him to Solas, and almost immediately he regretted it. He had to all but tear Taren away from the mage, as their intellectual conversation on topics of various arcane arts shifted toward the subject of Dalish traditions, and threatened to grow tense. 

“Well, he’s…” Taren reached searchingly for a word as Theo led him away. 

“Smart?” Theo offered, Solas struck him as impossibly wordy, but interesting enough. 

“Yes,” Taren agreed, genteel, “but also… sort of arrogant.” It was as close to an insult as Theo had ever heard from him, and he almost laughed. 

That was about as much of a tour as Theo felt like giving, he didn’t particularly feel like seeking out either the Templar Commander or the Seeker, and he felt almost protective of Taren, wandering around as an elven apostate mage in this place full of mistrustful humans. Unfortunately, it seemed that avoiding Cassandra wasn’t in the cards, as she came angrily stomping up to them from the Chantry, another lecture ready on her lips. 

“Herald!” She stopped him, irate. “You cannot continue to simply take things from the Chantry without asking.” 

Taren shot Theo a curious look, and stepped slightly off to the side. 

Theo knew already what this was about; the pastries. He’d taken a large pile of them from the kitchens to distribute among some of the hungrier looking village children, and it had been one of the only pleasant experiences he’d had in days. He returned her glare. 

“I didn’t take them for myself,” he protested, “they were for the kids.” And the elven servants, too. But he didn’t expect a shem to understand that bit. 

“There is food enough for everyone in Haven,” Cassandra continued her lecture, finger wagging, “but those were set aside for Josephine’s meeting today. She has important people to entertain, securing aid for our cause.” 

Theo did not appreciate the explanation. To hell with important people. “It’s food, Cassandra! What is a Chantry even for if not helping the hungry?” 

Cassandra was midway through scolding him again when Taren cautiously interrupted. “Josephine? You mean the Antivan ambassador I met when I arrived?”

Cassandra blinked, seeming only now to notice the other elf standing beside him. How like a shem, to ignore the people right in front of her. “Yes.” She said quickly, composing herself, but still huffy. 

Taren made a thoughtful sound and offered her one of his gentle, crooked smiles. “When we were speaking earlier, she told me that she once convinced a baron to donate a large sum of his fortune over a game of Wicked Grace and some sour ale. I’m sure she’ll be fine without, uh, pastries.” He remarked, “she seems a very competent woman.” 

Cassandra stuttered, apparently unsure how to refute this argument without also insulting Josephine. “She is, but -” 

Theo took the opportunity, “- you aren’t implying Josephine’s nobles needed pastries more than children, are you, Cassandra?” 

Cassandra huffed again, shaking her head at Theo. She returned to Taren, looking now slightly offended. “And you are?”

“An emissary from Theo’s clan,” Taren introduced himself cheerily, not dropping that lopsided smile, “Taren Lavellan, I am the clan’s First.” He said it like he assumed she should know what it meant, and Theo could tell from the look on Cassandra’s face that she was embarrassed that she did not. “Tell me, do all visiting diplomats receive pastries upon arrival, or just the important ones?” Theo snorted as Cassandra stuttered again, introducing herself in turn while her face grew red, and quickly excusing herself. 

As she walked away and Theo continued to chuckle, Taren let out a long whistle, and elbowed Theo in the ribs.

“What?” Theo asked, noting that the amusement on Taren’s face was now more directed at him, than at the Seeker. 

“Nothing, da’len.”

“What?” Theo demanded.

“You like that one.” Taren remarked teasingly. 

“She’s a Seeker.” Theo refused the remark, “near as I can tell, that’s like a Templar, only even more high and mighty.” 

Taren nodded in agreement, but he was giving him a look; the kind of look that only Keepers and Firsts can give, that says “I have known you since you were knee high, and you cannot keep your secrets from me - not even the ones you don’t know you are keeping.” 

Theo grumbled something about disliking shems, and changed the subject. “Come on, there’s a tavern.”

“You don’t drink.” 

“I do sometimes.” Theo muttered. He didn’t, not really, but the accusation made him feel young and immature, and he wanted to see Taren’s reaction to Sera. There, finally, would be a person that even Taren would dislike. 

Sera was just as disdainful as he expected her to be, reacting to Taren’s face full of elaborate swirling tattoos and speech that was heavy with the affect of Elvhen. But, she somehow knew already about the argument over pastries, and she laughed - long and loud - while doing an impression of a flustered Cassandra, and Taren joined her. 

“I love her.” Taren commented when she went to the bar for another round of ale. 

“She hates elves.” Theo pointed out in surprise. Taren shrugged. 

“I don’t think she knows any elves.” 

Taren stayed only a few days, but he was helpful, as promised. He ran countless errands, helping to craft potions and aiding sick villagers while Theo made his frequent escapes out into the forest, and by the time he left he had forged a lasting friendship with Varric and managed to have at least a couple of civil discussions with Solas. Varric sent him off with a signed copy of his Tale of the Champion, and Sera admitted that he was “pretty alright”, which was high praise for a Dalish elf, from her. He had kept his distance from the Templar, and from the Circle mage, Vivienne, but Theo couldn’t blame him for that. And even they, at his parting, offered friendly farewells. 

He was sad to see him go, knowing that Haven would be that much lonelier once he became the only Dalish elf to inhabit it again. 

“If you need anything, anything at all -” Taren offered, hugging him once more as he stood by the village gates. The offer should have been given the other way around, Theo was the one amassing an army, after all. 

“I’ll write, don’t worry. I can do this.” He doubted it, really doubted it, but he still wasn’t ready to reveal all of that uncertainty to his First. 

“I’ll visit again, when I can.” Taren promised, “next time though, I want pastries.” 

----

[BONUS SKYHOLD VISIT]

(Theo technically isn’t in Skyhold yet, but when he gets there Taren visits again, and meets a new fascinating mage...)

“A library? You have your own library?” Taren asked breathlessly, his excitement written all over his face. 

“You absolute bore, yes.” Theo rolled his eyes at the elf. Taren had come to visit Skyhold following the exodus from Haven, and he was dutifully giving him another tour. Taren had already met and appreciated a number of new people, though he looked a little less comfortable in the large fortress than he had seemed at Haven some months before. 

Theo showed him to the library, leading him up the stairs past Solas’ study space. Luckily, Solas was sleeping. Taren looked around wide-eyed and open-mouthed as they entered the large, circular room lined with shelves of ancient texts. “I’m never leaving.” He joked, a grin spreading over his face. 

“Can you even reach the shelves?” Theo joked back. It was nice to see him again, after everything. 

He spotted Dorian, leaning intently over some tome with a look of deep concentration, and figured he should be a gracious host and offer an introduction. 

Dorian introduced himself with his characteristic charm, and Theo saw Taren twitch at the mention of Tevinter. But he was also looking at the mage with an expression of something else; fascination, maybe. Dorian took Taren in with a long look and a coquettish tilt of his head. “You’re related to Theo? This Theo?”

“Not by blood.” Theo answered, “we were clanmates.” 

“I am the clan’s First.” Taren explained, and Theo wasn’t quite sure why he was flaunting the position. 

The reveal got Dorian’s attention. “A First? That’s in line to be a Keeper, right?” He wasn’t aware that Dorian knew anything about how clans functioned, but he was always reading. Taren nodded. “Fascinating!” Dorian was suddenly excited, “so that means you’re a mage, doesn’t it? I’ve never met a Dalish mage, there’s so much I’d love to -” He stopped. Was Dorian blushing? He didn’t know Dorian could blush. “-sorry, I’m being too presumptive. I should let you settle in. But if you wouldn’t mind, perhaps sometime during your stay here you and I might look through some of these texts together? There are some elven ones which I can’t decipher, and to have the insight of a real Dalish mage would be just...incredible.” He offered, sounding shy. Another thing that Theo wasn’t aware Dorian was capable of. 

Taren was stuttering when he answered, his cheeks growing awfully close in colour to that of his hair. “Of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to look through artefacts belonging to our people.” 

Theo led Taren away to the next stop on his tour - the Tavern. Varric had asked about him more than once, and he had been storing up jokes to make once he had the small elf standing next to the Iron Bull since the day he had learned Taren was coming. As soon as they were out of the library, Theo let out a long whistle, and nudged Taren in the shoulder with his elbow. 

“What?” 

“Nothing, little brother.” Theo smirked. 

“What?” Taren demanded. 

“You like him.” Theo remarked, teasingly. 

“He’s from Tevinter.” Taren protested, his cheeks still flush, “do you know how they treat our people there?” 

Theo shrugged. “Supposedly, he wants to change all that.” 

Taren glanced back over his shoulder toward the library, curious. “You trust him?” Hopeful, and more than a little eager. 

Theo nodded, and Taren smiled.