#warden in training rosie

[madd-nix]

The Warden's Daughter

This is part of the au where Ingo adopts Rosie in Hisui. Her parents were killed by an alpha, and Ingo managed to save Rosie, then adopted her. Anyway, I've been having thoughts about this au, so like any normal person, I wrote a 2800 word fic and drew this! Enjoy!

Fic below the cut!

Ingo looked down at the small freckled girl lying in the cot. She was asleep in the medical tent in the Pearl Clan settlement. Thanks to him, she was no longer at the receiving end of an alpha Garchomp's attacks. Unfortunately, he had been too late to save her parents.

"She should wake up shortly," Calaba said as she was busy cleaning up her tools and packing away her med kit. "Luckily, she only sustained a few scratches and just one nasty gash on her forehead. Her wounds should heal eventually."

Ingo nodded, but he knew that even if her physical wounds healed, her life would never be the same. Silently, he promised himself he would help find someone who could take care of this young girl.

~~~~~

Ingo woke up about a week later to the sounds of sniffling and stifled crying. He groggily opened his eyes and blinked a few times as his vision adjusted to the darkness. (Luckily for him, that wasn't much of a difficulty due to his natural ability to see well in the dark.) As he looked for the source of the noise, his eyes landed on Rosie, the little girl he had saved.

After lots of discussions with Irida and the other wardens, as well as a few of the clan elders, it was decided that Ingo would take care of her. She had grown to be the most comfortable with him over anyone else, she had no other known family available, and Ingo himself agreed that he could take care of her. And now, here she was, sitting up in her bed across the tent from him, crying.

"Rosie?" Ingo's voice was rough from disuse during the night as well as general tiredness, but he at least managed to keep his volume low. Rosie still jumped a little as she watched him sit up.

"M-Mr. Ingo! I'm sorry!" she whimpered in between sniffles. "Did I wake you?"

"It's alright," Ingo said as he was already making his way over to her. He sat on the edge of her bed. "What's wrong?"

"I... I just had a bad dream," Rosie replied. Being reminded of her dream, a few new tears slipped down her cheeks. She started to hiccup in between sobs and sniffles.

"Do you want a hug?" Ingo held out his arms. Rosie nodded and quickly flung herself at him, burying her face in his chest as she cried. Ingo held her and rubbed her back, wrapping himself around her protectively as he did so.

"It's alright. Everything is okay now. You're safe with me, I promise," he assured her quietly.

It took a little while, but eventually, Rosie's sobs died down and she was able to relax a bit. She leaned against Ingo, now visibly tired out.

"Do you want to try sleeping again?" he asked. She hesitated a moment, then nodded.

"...Can you stay here with me in my bed?" she pleaded, looking up at him. Ingo nodded and wiped at a few of the tear streaks still on her face.

"Of course, if that would help you feel more comfortable."

With that, Ingo helped tuck Rosie in again like he had done earlier that evening, but this time, she scooted over to make room as he got in bed with her. She cuddled up against him and Ingo wrapped his arms and the blanket around her.

"Good night, Rosie."

"Night night, Mr. Ingo..."

~~~~~

Rosie was afraid of pokemon. Ingo realized it a few days later while they were still staying in the settlement. Calaba had insisted she wanted to monitor the four-year-old's injuries to make sure they were healing properly before they left. Ingo normally didn't like to be away from his noble for too long, but he completely agreed with his fellow warden in this situation.

Now, not many pokemon were in the settlement apart from a few curious Bergmite or the partner pokemon of the leader and the wardens who were staying there. But Ingo noticed that Rosie never got too close to the Bergmite around the edges of the settlement and she always hid behind Ingo whenever Irida passed by with her Eevee, or Gaeric with his Glalie, or Calaba with her Bibarel. She even hid inside Ingo's tent whenever he let his Gligar, Tangela, and Machop out for their meals or to let them have some play time outside.

It made sense though, as Ingo thought about it. Her parents had no pokeballs on them and they didn't seem to have any partner pokemon with them, so she didn't grow up around the creatures. And she was recently attacked by an alpha, which would scare anyone. But there was a problem with this situation. Ingo had three pokemon, and he was the warden to Lady Sneasler. Rosie would have to be around pokemon if he was going to be her caretaker.

It was just after they had dinner in their tent that Ingo decided to bring this up to her.

"Rosie, can I ask you something?" he asked as he piled their wooden dishes in a bin so he could take them out to wash later. He could vaguely remember being able to wash things easily indoors before at some point, but the memory was hazy and just a vague fact at best.

"Uh-huh!" She was now wandering over to the dresser, standing on her tiptoes to reach the notepad and pencils Ingo got for her to draw with recently. Ingo walked over and grabbed the desired art tools and handed them to her.

"Rosie, are you afraid of pokemon?" His question made her freeze for a moment. She then looked down as she lifted the notepad up to hide the lower half of her face.

"...Maybe," she mumbled.

"It's okay if you are," Ingo told her. "You're not in any trouble here. I just wanted to know."

Finally, Rosie nodded.

"They're just scary! They're so strong and-and they have powers to hurt people!" Rosie exclaimed. A few tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she hugged her notepad to her chest. Ingo knelt down to be closer to her height.

"I know they can be scary," he said calmly as he used his sleeve to wipe at her tears. "But they can also be great friends and partners. Wild pokemon can be dangerous, yes, but once you catch them and they can agree to be your partner, then you can make a bond for life. A wonderful two-car train. I love my pokemon dearly, and while they are all very strong, they are also very friendly and happy to get to know others that I'm close to because they trust me. And they'd never hurt anyone outside of a regular pokemon battle."

Rosie nodded along, still looking scared and a little doubtful.

"But I also understand if this is a fear you can't get over right now," he added. "But I work really closely with pokemon. I have my own team, and as a warden, I have the noble Lady Sneasler to take care of. I wouldn't want you to be in an uncomfortable living situation though. So... if you would feel better not living around pokemon, I could always help you find another caretaker."

"What?" Rosie's eyes grew wide with horror. "No! Don't leave me! I like you, Mr. Ingo! Please!"

"No, no, I'm not leaving you, I promise!" Ingo assured her quickly. "I was simply suggesting something. I'm sorry if I upset you. I'm very happy being your caretaker and I promise I won't leave you." Rosie nodded and dropped her art supplies so she could hug Ingo as tightly as her little arms would allow. Ingo hugged her back, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"I promise I'll be here for you, Rosie," he said, while trying to keep his voice down since she was so close. "But since I work with so many pokemon, would it be okay if I helped you get over your fear a little? I could introduce you to a few smaller pokemon that might not seem as scary."

There was hesitation, but Rosie nodded.

"Okay. If it means I get to stay with you," she mumbled into his shoulder.

~~~~~

The next week was spent introducing Rosie to various pokemon. First, Irida introduced her Eevee. The small fluffy pokemon was a perfect candidate for this situation since it was rather cute with its big eyes and soft fur. Rosie still hid behind Ingo for a majority of the time spent with the little normal type, but Irida and Ingo did finally manage to convince Rosie to hold out her hand to Eevee. Rosie held tightly on to Ingo as she watched Eevee sniff her hand, then she squeaked a little when it licked her hand. But then Rosie did giggle a bit at the sensation and Eevee's happy cries, so they considered that a success.

Next came Calaba's Bibarel. It was an older, more calm pokemon. For most of the time, Rosie hid close to Ingo again, while Bibarel sat next to Calaba, not really seemingly caring about the small girl. Luckily, Ingo managed to coax Rosie into approaching Bibarel. She stood next to the pokemon and Bibarel sniffed her, but luckily there was no freak out. After a few moments, Rosie returned to the safety of being nestled within Ingo's black coat. But she did wave at Bibarel when Calaba said it was time for them to go have dinner. So, another success.

After that came Ingo's own pokemon. He sent out his Tangela first. His Gligar was plenty friendly, but maybe a little too friendly. And Machop liked to give hugs, especially to children since they were closer to its same size. So, he chose to go with his calmest pokemon first.

Again, Rosie hid behind Ingo. He kept one arm around her as he fed his pokemon some springy mushrooms. Its blue vines happily wrapped around the treat before bringing them close to wherever its mouth was hidden.

"Would you like to try feeding Tangela?" Ingo asked Rosie as he offered her a springy mushroom. She hesitated, then shakily nodded.

Ingo kept an arm around Rosie to offer her more comfort as she slowly approached Tangela. The little vine pokemon watched patiently as she held out the springy mushroom in shaking hands. Tangela was very careful in its movements as it took the mushroom from her, then happily ate it.

"Bravo, Rosie! You did it! And look how happy Tangela is!" Ingo exclaimed proudly. Rosie giggled and hopped a little in excitement.

"I fed a pokemon! I did it!" She then looked at Tangela, then back to Ingo. "Can I pet it?"

"Of course. Just be gentle with its vines, and if it starts to back away or push your hand away, then that means it wants to stop. We all have to respect each other's boundaries."

Rosie nodded, then slowly reached out towards Tangela. The little pokemon knew what she was going to do, so it met her halfway there and gently bumped its head against the palm of her hand. Carefully, she then started to pet it.

"I'm doing it! I'm petting a pokemon!" she gushed. She was smiling widely, which made Ingo smile too.

"Bravo! I'm so proud of you! You've come so far already these past few days!" Ingo exclaimed. Rosie then turned to him and hugged him tightly.

"Thanks for your help, Mr. Ingo!"

He hugged her back and gently pat Tangela as well to thank it for the assistance.

"You're welcome, Rosie."

~~~~~

Over time, Rosie slowly started to get over her fear of pokemon. She met each of the other wardens' pokemon, as well as the rest of Ingo's pokemon. She had even been excited to pet Irida's new Glaceon once it evolved. But after over a month in the settlement, Ingo had insisted they head back to the highlands so he could take care of his noble. Irida had agreed with him and was glad that she had advocated for such a kindhearted and responsible man to be Sneasler's warden.

But she was also a little sad to see Rosie go. Everyone was. She was such a sweet little girl, and even though Irida knew she'd see her on visits to the highlands or when the wardens came north to the settlement every three months or so for their usual meetings, she knew she'd miss getting to see the little girl as often. She was at least glad that Rosie was in good hands with Ingo as her caretaker.

The next time Irida saw Rosie, it was three months later. They had had their last warden meeting during Rosie's initial stay with the clan, so after another three months, Ingo and Rosie came traveling back up north along with the other wardens.

Irida had heard from Palina that Ingo and Rosie had finally arrived. She was eager to see them both and hear about how Rosie had acclimated to living with the highlands warden. As she and Palina walked out of Irida's tent, she saw Rosie run off to play with some other children. Ingo, not far away from them, called out to her.

"Rosie, remember not to leave the settlement! And keep your pokeball with you! Don't lose your Hippopotas!"

"I'll be careful, Daddy!"

Irida and Palina both practically snapped their necks towards Ingo before they approached him.

"Did I hear Rosie correctly?" Irida asked.

Ingo turned to them, a little confused for a moment, before the realization hit him.

"Oh, right! A little while ago Rosie decided that she wanted me to be her father, not just her caretaker," he explained. "She said I treated her like a daughter already, and I was happy to call her as such." His normal frown was still there, but the corners of his mouth curled up a little and his eyes squinted in that way they do when people smile. He wasn't as facially expressive as most people, but once Irida got to know Ingo, it became easier for her to tell when he was happy.

"Oh, congratulations!" Palina exclaimed with a little clap. "You're a father!"

"This is great news! We'll have to make part of the meeting into a celebration!" Irida added.

"I don't think a celebration is totally necessary," Ingo argued as his cheeks turned a slight pink.

"No, no, this is something to celebrate!" Irida insisted. "We celebrate whenever someone in our clan has a baby, and we're going to celebrate you becoming a father."

"I appreciate it, both of you," Ingo said as he smiled a little more.

"Of course! Now, let's go get some things prepared for tonight!" Irida then grabbed Palina's hand and rushed off towards her tent to make some plans.

That night, they went over their usual updates rather quickly. Each warden discussed any changes with their nobles or any issues with their Diamond Clan counterparts, Irida went over her updates, then finally, Irida asked Ingo to announce his biggest update.

"As all of you know, I've been watching over Rosie these past few months. But I am no longer doing so as just her caretaker. Rosie asked me to be her father, and I have been happy to take on such an honor."

He was met with applause from everyone. Calaba smiled and nodded approvingly, while Gaeric gave him a hearty pat on the back. Irida and Palina both chuckled a bit as they clapped, while Lian turned to Rosie and declared that he was the first one to officially welcome her as the daughter of a warden to the Pearl Clan. Rosie herself just took this all in with a smile and shy giggles, while Ingo was blushing quite a bit from all the attention.

Then Irida and Palina brought out some small cakes they had hidden away in a storage trunk, and they all just celebrated as Ingo and Rosie shared more stories from the past few months they had been living together in the highlands. Rosie even let her Hippopotas out of its ball so she could introduce her partner to everyone. Ingo had caught it for her so she could learn more about pokemon and have a partner to protect her. The little Hippopotas was extremely friendly, and it was nice to see Rosie so comfortable around pokemon.

By the end of the night, Rosie was cuddled up in Ingo's arms, fast asleep. He recalled her Hippopotas to its pokeball, then carried her back to his tent. Irida waved to Ingo as she watched him leave. He waved back, then turned to Rosie and affectionately planted a kiss on her head. Irida couldn't help but chuckle. Little Rosie truly was Warden Ingo's daughter.

[faerun]

ive been wanting to do a full playthrough of all the dragon age games with my canon girls and get my canon set up all nice and neat before dreadwolf comes out but thats hard because. my canon has morphed so much from what the games ALLOW you to do. i have two wardens. hawke has two love interests simultaneously but her true love is someone you cant even romance. rosie is the closest to inquisition canon but i have extensive ideas about what her post-Inquisition life is like that i just know dreadwolf is gonna mess up. wahhhhh

[cityandking]

kickin my feet, twirlin my hair, ready to hear about girlies: 2, 5, 22, 31, 39, 49 for all three inquisitors

ur so good to me <3 // 50 inquisitor asks

2. How did they decorate and structure Skyhold?

VESPER — mostly sticks to Inquisition heraldry because she doesn't feel any strong connection to the other groups or orders. she's got a couple marcher pieces, but for the most part it's inquisition all the way down. (some of that is vivienne’s advice: even decoration speaks to allegiance, and it's a strong statement that the inquisitor keeps no banner but her own.) (and the bed I can't believe I almost forgot the bed. her one indulgence. she's got this orlesian monstrosity.) she customizes skyhold with a herb garden, infirmary, and mage tower NARAYANI — dalish decoration all the way!! except for the throne; she's got the Ferelden Legacy Throne because it was the most fun option I had unlocked. but yeah she's putting dalish shit up everywhere. customization-wise she's got a herb garden, training ground, and mage tower. ROSIE — decorates with a mix of chantry and orlesian heraldry, because she's the holy leader of southern Thedas and don't you forget it. plus she loves the gilt and gold, and if she's to hold court in the mountains it should look the part of a court, no matter how remote. as for the customizations, she has a Chantry garden (to honor the Maker), a training ground (to hone her soldiers) and a mage tower (because, well. she rescued them, didn’t she? it's only polite to offer them somewhere to study)

5. Who is their favourite follower and adviser?

VESPER — it's hard to choose favorites among the inner circle, but if pressed she'd say dorian and cullen respectively. she clicks with dorian in a way she's never quite clicked with anyone before, and it's strange to find a best friend in the middle of a war but here they are. cullen... grew on her. a lot. (she'd probably trust leliana or josephine more in matters of running the inquisition, but his support is unwavering and their relationship is an unexpected joy in the middle of everything being (sometimes literally) on fire.) NARAYANI — solas and leliana. honorable mention to bull, but rani isn't even friends with most of her followers so it's solas by a mile. same with leliana; rani likes her MUCH more than cullen and josie. they speak the same language, especially when it comes to doing what's sneaky and pragmatic. it's nice to talk to someone who gets that. (she also 100% has a crush on leliana and has ever since she watched in hushed whispers!leliana strangle a man with her legs while chained to a ceiling) ROSIE — loves josie, who is a good ambassador and a good ally and a good advisor. rosie's always agreeing with her perspective on things. of the followers, vivienne is her favorite—rosie respects the hell out of her and values her advice and her level-headed perspective on the dangers of magic, something everyone else seems eager to forget.

22. What is their biggest regret?

VESPER — hasn't managed to forgive herself for going to the templars before the mages and leaving them to their fate. she knew the situation was uncertain but she still went to therinfal. she'd hoped redcliffe would keep them safe for a little longer, but hope isn't the same as knowing. she should have known better. NARAYANI — watching celene die. letting celene die. putting gaspard on the throne to ensure the inquisition could puppet the country through briala and all of that being for nothing when the inquisition folded. she regrets the mess of orlais beginning to end, but isn't sure there was a better path to take to protect her people. (learning in the end that briala had also been one of solas' people was a hell of a blow.) ROSIE — regrets leaving hawke in the fade. such a storied hero; it was a pity. but the wardens needed leadership and hawke was a liability, so it had to happen. (truly, the thing she regrets most isn't leaving hawke so much as seeing varric afterwards. that’s what she remembers at night when she can’t sleep: varric’s face when he asked, where’s hawke?)

31. Did they let Solas kill the mages?

VESPER — no. it's not who she is as a person, and she's intimately familiar with the ruin and regret that anger brings. even if he hates her for it, it isn't right to let solas kill them NARAYANI — yeah! she supports solas rights and solas wrongs. the idiots got what was coming to them. ROSIE — no. the situation was over and there was no need for further bloodshed. besides, it was only a demon.

39. To void the assassin contract on Josie, do they take Josephine or Leliana’s advice?

VESPER — took josie's advice. she wouldn't have been able to rest if josie's safety rested on destroying a bit of paperwork. NARAYANI — also took josie's advice. it's josie's life; it's her choice. rani doesn't care one way or another but she's not going to be sloppy about it ROSIE — also took josie's advice, but mostly because elevating a house meant positioning people and favors in such a way that the inquisition, josephine, and her own house could come out on top. it's just good business.

49. What is their least favourite foe to fight?

VESPER — darkspawn. vesper hates darkspawn. going into the deep roads sucks. also bears. NARAYANI — qunari. they're so big and sturdy and hard to bring down, and half of them are quick and clever too which makes sneaking around a nightmare. wyverns also suck. ROSIE — any of the demons, but especially pride. get that shit away from her.

[valiantroyalty]

Anonymous asked:

How would Malleus help Aurora is she has trouble sleeping?

Rose stared at the roof of her canopy bed. There’s no focus, her vision was blurry from lack of sleep. Which was a surprise all in itself, considering all the sleeping spells she’s cursed with. She’s so exhausted yet sleep will not come. Has not come in a few days so whatever sleep she manages is not enough to function properly. There’s dark circles beneath her eyes and she’s been questioned about it.

The blonde turned her head to the clock on the wall. Tick, tock. It’s nearly three in the morning, and Malleus would return shortly from his walk outside, something she’d taken note of since the first time she found him arriving in the dorm room so late. Without thinking, Rose slid out of bed and bare feet padded across to her door to slip from her room. It’s quiet outside in the dorm so she made her way to the common room where, with her luck, the house warden was just returning!

“Hi Mal,” the secret princess greeted with a tired smile on her face. Malleus paused then returned the smile as he faced her, but it quickly faded. He noticed something off. No one hardly was awake in the early morning hours aside from him so he questioned it.

“Hello Rosie, I didn’t expect you to be awake,” the draconian spoke, green orbs trained on her. He made his way over but the two of them met halfway in the dorm room. Up close he got a better look at the dark circles. Rose slept often, much like Silver, but he had noticed her being awake more often than not in days of late. Very odd. “Why are you awake, child of man?”

Rose hesitated at the question then shook her head, long curls following the movement. “I.. I can’t sleep. I haven’t been able to and I’ve no idea why.” Her voice was quiet, a bit slower than normal. “No matter what I do, sleep evades me. I tried everything.” Least the methods she knew of. Warm milk, counting sheep, exercising. The works.

“Hm.” A finger rubbed at his chin as he gazed at his girlfriend. He had trouble sleeping in times past and Lilia always had the answer. Without ruining the surprise, he simply picked up the blonde bridal style which he was rewarded with a gentle laugh. She didn’t speak, instead focused on his features. Rose at first glance had been infatuated by him, as he was a beautiful man. One of the more prettier ones she’s seen if she’s been honest.

Malleus had no trouble carrying her. His destination: his room. It’s closer than hers and he knew no one would check in on him, least this early. Once there he closed the door and set the girl upon his bed. She’s more undressed so he discarded his jacket and shoes before he joined her. Instantly she curled up against his side, and strong arms wrapped around her.

“I have no idea if this will work for you, but it has for me in the past.” The house warden started as fingers tangled within long golden curls. After a few moments he started to sing a fae lullaby the vice house warden sang to him when he was a child. His voice was low, soothing. Rose shifted closer, her head rested against Malleus’ chest. There’s warmth and a sense of ease and to both their surprise, by the time the song ended, Rose was asleep. Mal smiled in triumph, and continued to hold her before he fell into a light slumber himself.

[ocean-in-my-rebel-soul]

From the sensory prompts: 18) Red wine stained lips

For the pairing of your choice?

Here's me noodling around with Gordon Blackwall/Thom Ranier. I'm not sure if this is going in my canon or not, but this is the first real thing I've written for them. Playing a little fast and loose with their story, as it's been a while since I read anything about Warden Blackwall. Anyway. This takes place roughly 9:35 Dragon. Thanks for the prompt!

@dadrunkwriting

===

They're laughing, They're drunk. It's been a great night.

They long ago ran out of whisky, so Gordon brings out another dark bottle of wine. Thom doesn't know from where he gets them, but he doesn't care too much. The only thing that matters is Gordon's smile, his full lips stained red. He can't help but look at them, tear his gaze away, and then look back.

Thom sits in his customary spot at the rough dining table. It's funny to think it's been a year since Gordon took him in, saving him from drinking himself to death in that no-name Orlesian village. A year since they'd first talked about the Grey Wardens, and what it meant to be one. A year of living together, not pursuing joining the order yet. Gordon said that there would be 'the right time' for Thom. There isn't a blight going on, he'd said around a mouthful of stew one night. You can take your time, Thom. Joining is a serious, lifelong commitment. I need to know you're ready for it. Until then, train with me, won't you?

Thom didn't know why Gordon had said that, what he initially saw in him, or why he was letting him take his time in deciding. Truthfully, Thom wasn't sure which way he was leaning regarding the Grey Wardens, but he knew he trusted Gordon, and so he'd stayed.

Tonight, the drink makes him brave. And stupid.

Thom reaches out and catches Gordon's hand.

"What?" Gordon asks, looking at Thom's fingers folded around his wrist.

There are so many answers bubbling in Thom's head, and just as many questions, besides. He doesn't know how to say exactly what he wants. He's never desired another man, anyway; this is new territory for him. How could he possibly put all that he thinks and feels into words?

"You're beautiful," Thom says softly instead.

Gordon grins. His red-brown hair gleams in the firelight of their cabin, and his fair, freckled face is a rosy pink. There are constellations in those freckles--Thom's traced them with his eyes, and now he'd give anything to trace them with his fingers, to press his mouth to them upon Gordon's cheeks.

"You're drunk," Gordon says. "Maker, I'm drunk. Maybe I didn't hear you right."

"I said," Thom says, and his chair shifts as he rises to his feet. He rounds the table to stand in front of Gordon, who's turned to watch him. "I said you're beautiful, Gordon."

"Oh..."

He readies himself for the rejection. Gordon would let him down easy, he was sure, and tomorrow they'd blame it on the drink and wouldn't talk about it again. It would be a simple thing, not necessary to talk about. Their friendship would remain, and that mattered the most.

But Gordon doesn't let him down. He says, in a hushed tone, "You are, too. I've always thought that."

Something flutters in Thom's chest. Gordon is a good six years older than him but he looks almost boyish now, eyes warm with surprise where they study him, his smile open and easy. Thom swallows down the lump in his throat.

Gordon stands. He's a little shorter than Thom, but that never stopped Thom from looking up to him. The fingers of his right hand dip to find Thom's wrist, and his thumb rubs a light circle there.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Thom asks. He turns his hand to lace his fingers with Gordon's own, and tugs lightly, a gentle suggestion. Chuckling, Gordon steps closer until Thom can feel him against his chest, pressed together easily.

"Why didn't you?"

"Nervous."

"Same here. Plus," Gordon adds, "I felt it wouldn't be appropriate. You're living with me to potentially join the Wardens, after all."

"Wouldn't be appropriate, eh?" Thom muses on that for a minute, swaying on his feet. "Would it be appropriate if I kissed you?"

Gordon laughs heartily. "I'd like that."

"Good. I'm glad." Smiling, Thom ducks his head to meet Gordon in a gentle kiss. Gordon's lips are plush, soft, and it's unlike any kiss Thom's had before. Something moves within him, butterflies tickling at his ribs. They pull apart to look at each other with wide eyes, but press together again, and again, and again.

[contreparry]

🍵A surprise birthday tea party for this dadwc?

Absolutely! Here’s some Nathaniel Howe for @dadrunkwriting !

Nathaniel woke as he usually did, as the sun rose over the Waking Sea, the sky streaked with pale orange and blue and a rich, rosy pink. He dressed in the shadows, pulled on clean tunic and armor and strapped a dagger to his waist before fastening his boots and tying his hair back. Just a regular day, like every day before it, with nothing remarkable to differentiate it beyond the pleasant weather. But that was life as a Warden, and Nathaniel Howe was glad he still had a life where he could do some good, especially after everything he did in his father’s name. The routine was good for him. The simplicity suited him. Just another ordinary day in Amaranthine. He ate breakfast, trained in the yard, plotted next month’s expedition into the Deep Roads with Surana, Oghren, and Velanna, rolled his eyes when Sigrun and Anders tried to rope him into building an obstacle course for the damn cat, spoke with Justice about the nature of spirits- it was an ordinary day, but a good one.

That held true until the afternoon, when Nathaniel begged off eating in the hall to meet with his sister and her family. No matter how headstrong and independent, regardless of the fact that she was a full grown woman with a husband and child- well, Delilah was still his baby sister, and he would always have the urge to check in on her.

He walked into his sister’s home as she was placing a cake on the table. The finest tablecloth covered the scarred surface of the table, the daintiest teacups were spread out with a plate of tiny sandwiches and scones and jams and honey with the honeycomb- several tea cups, Nathaniel noted. Mismatched ones, as if Delilah took several sets so she could lay out this spread fit for a noble’s afternoon tea.

“Good! You arrived just in time,” Delilah said primly. “You always were punctual.”

“What is this?” Nathaniel stared at one of the tea sets. Pale porcelain painted with giant golden roses that looked more like cabbages- knowing Delilah, they may very well be cabbages. His sister was always an odd one, stifled by the rules and expectations of nobility. Here, living as a commoner and the wife of a shop keep, Delilah seemed truly happy.

“Birthday tea, you silly goose! You might be a great Warden now, but you’ve still got birthdays!” Delilah insisted, and when there was a heavy knock at the door she grinned, her brown eyes flashing with delight.

“Well? Open it! We can’t have a birthday tea without guests!” she ordered, and as blue and silver bodies surged through the door like a flood and filled the room with laughter and ‘Happy Birthdays,” Nathaniel allowed himself a small, private smile.

Ordinary days were preferable, of course, but a change in routine... he settled at the table, Surana at his right and his sister at his left, and sipped strong black tea with a dollop of honey as Delilah piled sandwiches and sweets on his plate. Perhaps just this once he could accept a change of pace.

[siennadraws]

30 Days DA Challenge

Day 2: Physical Status

Briefly describe your character’s physical appearance. Are they able-bodied or disabled? Are they comfortable with their looks/body, or did they wish their body was different? Do they have any significant scars? How fit are they?

For the Warden: What is their experience of the Taint? The Joining? Does the Taint affect them physically, either during the Blight or after?

For the Inquisitor: What is their experience with the Anchor? If/when they lose their hand, how does that go? How do they handle it afterwards?

Shaera Mahariel

Shaera is very muscular with broad shoulders, above average height for an elf (1.60m or 5ft 3in) and with beige skin. She has deep brown downturned eyes, brown hair in a buzz cut and a square-ish face. Her eyebrows give her a constant worried look, and she has Ghilan'nain's Vallaslin, in black ink with blue-ish undertones. Shaera also has a roman nose and pierced ears.

She's able-bodied and her confidence in her looks, especially her body, dwindles from time to time. The most significant scar she has is the one across her left eye, which she gained from fighting the arch demon, but she has some scars across her body from fighting as a Warden.

The Taint affects her as normally as the other Wardens. She needs to sleep less and eat more and she has more stamina.

Mara Hawke

Mara Hawke is muscular and able-bodied, very tall for a human (1.93m or 6ft 4in) and has rosy beige skin. Her eyes are yellow and almond shaped, and her pupil changes into a square shape after being rescued from the Fade and going back to her human shape, her hair is long and black, often put in a bun, with locks framing her oval face. She has thick eyebrows, and after fleeing Kirkwall, she does a black tattoo under her right eye. Her nose has a barely visible bridge and a wide dorsum, her ears are pierced, with two piercings on her right side.

She's very confident in her looks, and she has a lot of scars. A couple of them are on her face (6 when she flees Kirkwall and 7 when she wakes up after her Mythal's Guardian form dies) but the bulk of them on her arms, from performing blood magic.

Terys Lavellan

Terys is lean and fit, of average height for an elf (1.47m or 4ft 9.8in) with tanned skin with a warm undertone. Her eyes are a cool green and with a monolid and upturned, her hair is brown, with a undercut and a thin braid on her right side and her face is square. Her eyebrows are downturned, giving her an apparent frown and she has Dirthamen's Vallaslin in black. She has a large nose, with a deep bridge and a large bump, her ears are pierced.

She's confident in her looks, and has a lot of scars. She gained 5 scars on her face during the Conclave explosion, besides her other scars, one of her most significant is a fading scar on her chest, that she gained when she was a child, shielding her sister from human raiders.

Terys was able-bodied before the Conclave explosion, but the Anchor gave her chronic pains in her hand. She treated the pain by smoking elfroot. After losing her Anchor hand and her forearm, she got phantom pains, and trained to fight with her single arm. Her sister, the clan healer, and the craftmaster built a wooden prosthetic, that is powered by magic or lyrium, and must be recharged frequently.

×1×

[ladyherenya]

Books read in August

It was not the month I was expecting.

Favourite cover: Both The Black God’s Drums and Bookish and the Beast caught my attention because of their covers.

Reread: Artistic License by Elle Pierson (aka Lucy Parker).

Still reading: Tuyo by Rachel Neumeier and The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty.

Next up: I have so many unread library books. I feel a bit guilty about it.

*

Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection by Marissa Meyer (narrated by Rebecca Soler): Most of these are prequel stories, except for “Something Old, Something”, in which a group of friends gather for a wedding. That was the perfect coda to the series. It’s funny and sweet, and I like that these fairytale retellings do end with a wedding -- after time has passed and the bridal couple are no longer teenagers. As for the other stories, “Glitches” and “Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky” were great, some I enjoyed even though they didn’t take full advantage of their potential to tell us new information, and a couple I didn't care for.

Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner: Very, very compelling. I finished it within a day and immediately reread most of it. It’s a curious blend of things: there’s Onna, a teenager in search of a magical education; and then there’s Tsira, a troll, and Jeckran, an army deserter, eking out a living in the city together. All these characters want a life that isn’t quite what their community expects of, or their families want for, them. Waggoner successfully pulls together their stories as they investigate a series of troll murders. As a murder mystery, it was a bit predictable but that didn’t matter very much.

The Black God’s Drums by P. Djèlí Clark (narrated by Channie Waites): This novella is richly imagined, an alternate-historical fantasy in which New Orleans is an independent state. It’s filled with adventure and some strong personalities -- I particularly enjoyed the thirteen year old protagonist’s attempts to convince an airship captain to take her on as crew. I was unwell when I read some of this, which might be why I don’t feel more strongly about it. (Alternatively, it wasn’t written for me and that’s okay. I’m not sure which it is, and that’s okay too.) The audiobook narrator is excellent.

Beach Read by Emily Henry: January has a summer to write a new novel and sort out the beach house she unexpectedly inherited from her father. When her new neighbour turns out to be a fellow author and former classmate who is also struggling with his current book, they challenge each other to swap genres.  I liked this while I read it but ultimately it wasn’t very memorable. I think I expected a romance about two authors to appeal to me more? I also thought the genre-swapping had the potential to be funnier. Amazon calls this a “laugh-out-loud love story” but, well, humour is subjective.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: A fun, fandom-y and fairly light-hearted contemporary fairytale retelling. Rosie chases a stray dog into what she believes is an empty house -- and discovers she’s trespassing on the current residence of a teenage actor who stars in movies based on some of Rosie’s favourite SF stories. Which is not the only coincidence, but I thought those and the handling of the characters’ issues was satisfyingly consistent with the optimistic and light-hearted tone of the story. A touch of fantasy rather than reality, if you will. I’m curious about the other books in this series.

Nevertheless, She Persisted: A Flash Fiction Project by Tor.com: Eleven SF stories inspired by: She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted. The advantage of flash fiction is that it doesn’t seem like a big risk -- it doesn’t matter if I don’t like a story, because I haven’t invested much time or emotional energy in it. The disadvantage of flash fiction is that each story has so little time in which to make me care.  If these stories had been longer, they also could have expanded upon their theme with greater nuance and variety.

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher (aka Ursula Vernon): An orphaned fourteen year old apprentice baker discovers a murder, is accused and acquitted, and then has to hide when she's nearly murdered herself. There can be something comforting in stories which show people dealing with the world being sad and scary, and this sounded like the sort of thing I'd gobble up -- when it’s by an author whose storytelling I love and trust. I was rather surprised when I found the beginning cold and unappetising. But I persevered, and was glad I did. I enjoyed the defensive baking, and Mona's complicated feelings about having to be a hero.

Shelter by Stephanie Fournet: Growing up, Elise believes that Cole is mean; Cole, focused on protecting his mother and sister from his abusive father, believes he can’t afford to care about anyone else. Slowly they become closer -- until tragedy separates them. Because the story skips straight from the last time they see each to eight years later when they cross paths again, it feels believable that their relationship resumes so quickly and smoothly. Upon reflection, that’s not very realistic (and thus, in my eyes, very satisfying). But nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this (except I didn’t fully agree with Cole’s sister’s criticisms of Cole’s overprotectiveness.)

Wolfskin by W.R. Gingell: Rose, headstrong and adventurous, is delighted to be apprenticed to the warden Akiva. Her story is about growing up, learning about the forest and being warden, and about the mysterious disappearance of other wardens. It is also very fairytale-ish. There are a lot of nods to “Little Red Riding Hood” but the wolf himself arguably has more in common with “Beauty and the Beast”. I spied elements from other tales too. I really like this; Gingell has a knack for writing fairytales which are vivid and original. This was the sort of story I was in the mood for.

If We’re Not Married By Thirty by Anna Bell: Family friends Lydia and Danny made a pact at Lydia’s sister’s wedding to marry each other if they were both still unmarried at thirty. In the ten years since, they’ve lived in different places, dated different people and kept in touch by exchanging emails and silly presents, like Christmas decorations and fridge magnets. Then they run into each other in Spain. I read the first half of this, enjoying its Britishness and the fluffiness, and then started skimming once the story hopped on a train speeding towards Misunderstandings and Miscommunication town. I think Bell’s humour involves embarrassing situations too often for me.

[lvllns]

rosie anon. u know i gotta ask abt beatrice 2 🥺🥺

my girl!!! my love!!! okay some facts for you! (psst also check her tag bc there is More there which is why this is ehhh shortish)

first and most importantly, she has a starkhaven accent. she was moved from circle to circle and landed in the starkhaven circle for 10 years before she eventually ended up at kinloch as a 17 year old. origins happens when she’s 20, so she leaves the tower a spindly, 6’2 tall mage, more bird bones than substance. cold, withdrawn. not mean but she keeps to herself because that’s easiest. she is so used to making friends and then being moved and losing them that it’s just easier to hold herself at a distance.

yeah alistair says no to that. bea is cordial to him, polite, but just. so concerned about losing him that she keeps herself at arm’s length. zevran comes along and great, now beatrice is trying not to befriend him. it doesn’t work. it never works. she is swept up in both of them and slowly starts to let her walls down. yes, she does get two boyfriends because she has two hands and ali/zev/warden is *chef’s kiss*

she becomes an arcane warrior. so this whip thin mage starts hefting swords around. zevran trains her. alistair trains her. sten trains her. she ends up buff as fuck. soft and strong. prefers to swing a two-handed greatsword around as she flings magic to enhance what she does. she can carry alistair around, he’s a few inches taller but she ends up strong enough that it’s little effort. zevran is delighted, naturally.

alistair becomes king because arcane advisor to the king of ferelden and warden-commander beatrice amell has a Delicious ring to it. zevran is his spymaster, of course. they all work in tandem it’s very good really.

ummmm she loves all her companions, origins and awakening. especially fond of anders. least fond of wynne and oghren. mages first, fuck the chantry. saves connor and isolde. let’s jowan go. dark ritual done. bhelen on the throne. brokers peace between the elves and werewolves. makes the killing blow on the archdemon. recruits nathaniel. kills the architect because fuck that dude in particular. my mind is a mess can’t remember any other choices rn. wait one more, allows avernus to continue his research ethically.

she does find a cure for the calling. she steps down as warden-commander, gives it to sigrun, and lives in the palace with her two partners.

[craftedincarhartt]

The Women of City and Guilds of London Art School

City & Guilds of London Art School was founded in 1854. This specialized art college, in the middle of England’s capital city, offers a wide range of courses. Currently, it is the only school in Britain that offers undergrad and postgrad degrees in historic carving. Today, we’ll introduce you to a few of their talented ornamental woodcarvers and architectural stone carvers (in order of appearance).

1.) Silje Loa

Over the past 3 years, Silje Loa has been studying woodcarving at City & Guilds of London Art School. It’s the only school in Britain that offers undergrad and postgrad degrees in historic carving. This rare skill would be drastically understaffed if it weren’t for the dedicated artists hoping to bolster the traditional craft.

Silje’s journey toward woodcarving has been a pilgrimage of her own making. To outsiders, some of her steps may seem random, but each change in course laid a foundation to her current career. From sailing large wooden ships, to studying prehistoric archaeology, to earning a degree in the conservation of pictorial art, her understanding has deepened and her eye has matured.

In these photos, Silje is working on a commission she won to carve a coat of arms for Princess Anne—the first female Prime Warden of the Fishmongers Company in London. Swipe right to see her work in progress.

Silje’s advice to anyone considering trying their hand at the wooden arts:

“If you want to become a carver, get carving. Looking at carvings at museums and in historical buildings is amazing inspiration and can even give you an understanding of how they were made, but really just find a piece of wood, a chisel and begin.” -Woodcarver Silje Loa

2.) Miriam Johnson

Miriam Johnson began her career as a stonemason five years ago. Through the apprenticeship program with the Prince’s Foundation, she was able to travel across the UK working on historic buildings. To continue her training, Miriam enrolled at Bath College. There she learned masonry skills in the classroom and in the real world in a stone masonry company. That experience made her realize she wanted to specialize within the industry on the more artistic and creative side, carving. Bringing her to City & Guilds. In June, Miriam will graduate with a Historic Carving Diploma in Architectural Stone Carving.

“Creating something so permanent in the world is such a satisfying thing to do, and to have the chance, as I often do, to work on historic buildings is such an honour. Things that I have made with my hands will live on long past me. To be part of a trade that is so old, using methods that have not changed that much in hundreds of years is something that is wonderful. I also feel really lucky to have a job that could take me anywhere in the world, there is so much to explore!

It isn’t all rosy though. I can often work in pretty harsh environments, using an angle grinder all day, having to wear masks, goggles, gloves etc. Often I work outside, I’ve worked in snow, and sleet, and rain. Working in awkward places high up on scaffolding, lifting heavy loads, and working long hours.” -Stone Carver Miriam Johnson

3.) Zeinab Harding

Zeinab is currently studying Historical Woodcarving and Gilding. Her interest in wood followed her study of textile design.

Through her studies, she felt the need for greater sustainability. In an effort to combat consumerism, Zeinab researched mediums that had longer lifespans than textiles. She learned that woodcarvings can last twice as long as you or me. Eventually that led her to City and Guilds, happily in her own hometown.

That doesn’t mean she’s stayed put. Zeinab has traveled all over, using crafts as her universal form of communication. She’s taught weaving and block printing to small villages in Samoa and Indonesia. She’s facilitated art workshops in the Amazon. And she spent a summer in Rome, studying floral symbolism in Augustan art.

That time in Italy inspired the piece she’s working on in these photos. Zeinab carved this beautiful panel of Lime wood in the style of the Ara Pacis, a Roman altar from 13 BC.

Zeinab hopes to raise awareness of woodcarving to support the continuation of the craft. She plans to show her carvings in contemporary spaces in an effort to revive the traditional skill as an art form and an important tool in conservation.

“Learning a traditional skill is a continual learning process. The more mistakes you make the more you will learn!” -Woodcarver Zeinab Harding

4.) Sue Aperghis

For 30 years Sue worked as a graphic designer, creating packaging and branding.

“In my career when I first started, I tried to hide the fact I was dyslexic but I came to realize (and I would suggest it to others) that you should embrace the things that you find most challenging, and work hard and smart to get round your difficulties. Maybe try a different angle on how to learn. The most successful things I’ve done in art is when I confront my Demons the most.” -Stone Carver Sue Aperghis

Despite her struggle with dyslexia, typography has always been one of Sue’s main interests. That led her to Letter Cutting in stone, a skill she’s learned over the last 3 years at City and Guilds. She’ll graduate this June.

What a beautiful story of triumph! Confronting her dyslexia and pursuing her passion for typography led Sue to a whole new career. Now she’s picking up the mantel, continuing the traditional craft of stone carvers, with her own insights and vision.

[stitchzin]

Inquisitor Fact Share: Astraea

saw that in the @bee-in-a-beret​ Tumblr, and I am stealing it, hope you don’t mind.

Astraea Lavellan

A picture or description of your Inquisitor (hair colour, eye colour, skin tone, scars etc.):

She has smooth long dark brown hair, is normally styled in a long ponytail that reacher her waist, has rosy skin, and dark brown eyes. She has scars between her fingers thanks to the shooting training and some tiny ones all over her hand for making arrows. She has Mythal Vallaslin in the color grey.

Any info about your Inquisitor (age, gender, sexuality, religion etc.):

Astraea turned twenty-three after the conclave but told no one about it. She is very neutral on religion, is a topic she hates to talk about because of past traumas, but doesn't care for each person’s choice in general. She has nothing against the Maker, just pretty much hates the chantry.

What race is your Inquisitor?:

Dalish Elf.

1 cute fact about your Inquisitor:

She has a white fox that doesn’t is always at her side, during the conclave the fox never got close to the temple following her instruction on guarding her belongings. Once the situation was under control the fox came close to the camp, the first time Cassandra saw her have any face expression, besides neutral, was when the fox arrived with her bag on the mouth and Astraea couldn't stop laughing.

A picture or description of your Inquisitor’s favorite location:

Skyhold’s rooftop. There is nothing but the cold wind and the plants that grow all over the walls in there, for a while she feels in peace. Sometimes Dorian or Varric joins her to drink a bit, but both can’t handle the cold for too long.

Who your Inquisitor romanced/would like to romance (can be a picture or another fact):

Info about your Inquisitor’s childhood (was it happy/sad?):

She had a lonely childhood, her parents were promised as a clan alliance, her mother already had two boys with her former mate, who was killed in a shem attack on the clan. Her mother was the clan healer and the father's best hunter, but the brothers, Khoeji and Cor were the ones that trained her. The Khoeji eldest taught her to hunt and Cor, who was second to the keeper, taught the knowledge on herbs. Chantry forces invaded her clan and kidnapped her Cor when she was 14. He escaped from the chantry but never came back, the eldest one kept traveling from time to time searching for clues. The mother became a grey warden two years after the incident. and the father barely spoke to her since the clan is big and he is always busy.

1 random fact about your Inquisitor:

Astraea often eats fruits straight from the tree witch makes Varric give her the nickname Fairy.  

Are they a rogue, mage or warrior? What’s their class?:

Astraea is a Rogue. She is a Tempest specialist just like her older brother.

Who did your Inquisitor choose to rule Orlais?:

She hates politics but used the tools that Vivienne taught her to create a political truce. No one deserved to live but they also did not deserve to die so... whatever. 

Who did they leave in the Fade and why?:

The Warden. She loved Hawke, the stories she told with Varric. It was a selfish decision. There is nothing worse than losing someone and she could not do that to Varric. 

Favorite advisor?:

Leliana. She is smart, charming, practical and has the best spies. Leliana was very delicate while giving the news on her alder brother disappearing, that attitude touched her(especially because Leliana was suffering a lot in Haven). She gives back the favor pulling her out of the darkness later and helping her become Divine.

1 happy fact about your Inquisitor:

Dorian and Varric are the first ones that make her laugh after her brother disappears news giving her a tickles attack. 

Did they save the Chargers?:

Yes. She would never do that to Bull’s true family. 

Do they use a mount? If yes, which one?:

She uses a hart, The Proud of Arlathan, she names it Bnagu. (Don’t ask why)

Did they choose the Mages or Templars?:

Mages. As equal allies, she hates how the chantry deals with things they don’t understand/control so it was a pleasure to help them. But honestly, she wanted to make her brother, wherever he is, proud of her. 

Did they disband the Inquisition or not?:

Yes, she thinks that acting in the shadows is the best way to fight Solas. To do so she needs to breathe while searches for ancient elven magic to reconstruct her left arm. And kiss Cullen a lot as well.

1 sad fact about your Inquisitor:

Her cousin, the new second to the Keeper, died at the conclave. But she remembers that they laughed a lot at dinner before the explosion, which takes a bit of the sadness away.

Favorite dragon:

Hivernal, It was an ICE DRAGON! He was so scary and she loved it.

Opinion of the Qun:

She understands and respects people's choices but, she is scared if they will invade one day. 

Opinion of the Dalish:

She loves it, the simple life is hard but is comforting. There is a place for everyone if you allow. She tries to show the world that they are not salvages, they are simple people that try to hold to the way of life that suits them the best. Even with the complication with the Dalish Clan in the Exalted Plans she understands their precaution, the protection of the clan is very important.

Opinion of the Chantry:

God she hates it, everything. The way they use faith to control people makes her sick, the chant of light is annoying. Bring her memories of those people taking her brother singing that fucking chant of light! Her first days at Haven she walked with fingers at her ears constantly. The “Dawn With Come” moment she holds her fox and runs away to where Solas is, shocking everyone.

1 headcanon for your Inquisitor:

She loves to eat sweets, Josephine tells the servants to hide the candy “or the Inquisitor will eat everything”. It is pretty much a joke all over skyhold.

What did they think of Inquisitor Ameridan?:

Astraea finally found someone that understands what is like to lose everything to the Inquisitor status, Giving him the freedom, makes her feel strong in a way that carried through the other fights on that day. And made her determined to show his history to the world, the true one. 

Any other information you want to share:

At Emprise Du Lion she reunites with her brothers shortly before the temple of Mythal mission.

[amanda-digs-okay]

3 Things OCs Tag

I was tagged by the wonderful @radioactiveblight, thank you darling!! I’ll be doing this for all of my OCs for a chance to form their characters more!!

I’m tagging: @sassylavellen @cullenvhenan @star--nymph @sneakywitch-thief

Gytha Cousland Theirin:

- After the Archdemon was defeated, her and Alistair got married and became the King and Queen of Ferelden. However, you can imagine her surprise when her big brother Fergus greeted her before it was time to walk down the aisle and smiled brightly at her,”Need someone to walk you down the aisle, baby sister?” That was the first time since Fergus left that she had seen him. She was sure he was dead and was over the moon when she saw him again.

- Gytha never saw herself as a mother before she was with Alistair. Before then she thought she was too bitter and full of anger to be a mum. However, once she began her romance with Alistair, she began to see all of the good things in her that he saw in her. So when she got pregnant with Brilwyn, it was like a dream she didn’t even know she had had come true.

- She is much shorter than Alistair, standing at only 5’3”. While she is small, she is very fiesty. Alistair often jokes that Gytha rules with “a tiny iron fist”. Gytha never disagrees, but she isn’t seen as a cruel or wrathful Queen, Alistair brings her back down to earth.

Adam Surana:

- Adam is rather tall for an elf, actually. He’s about the same height as Leliana, so I’d say he’s about 5’8”. He always found it surprising that people always say they thought he’d be shorter.

- He wasn’t actually supposed to be the one to sacrifice himself to the archdemon, it was actually supposed to be Rosalie. However, as her big brother, he’s protected her his whole life, and he couldn’t let her sacrifice herself to the archdemon. So, just when she was about to do it, he literally pushed her out of the way. He hurriedly explained himself and such, and ending up sacrificing himself instead, protecting his little sister one last time.

- He specializes in Spirit Healing magic. It didn’t take him long to decide what kind of magic he wanted to specialize in, because he knew that he wanted to help other people and keep them safe. Adam just...really cares about his mates.

Rosalie Surana:

- Rosalie actually wasn’t romantically involved with anyone during the Blight. She had already decided that she would be the one to sacrifice herself to the archdemon, so she just didn’t want to get involved with anyone. However, when she was about 20, she met Carver Hawke and boy was he something. She had never really had feelings for anyone before so navigating her feelings for Carver was...difficult to say the least.

- She’s actually called “Rosie” by people she’s very close to. This used to be just something that Adam called her, but eventually Leliana and Alistair picked up on it as well. She’s very picky with who calls her Rosie simply because it’s something that she holds close to her heart.

- Rosalie very much fits into the smol elf category. She is short, of average weight, and agile. In sticky situations when she is surrounded by enemies, Alistair or Zevran would quite literally throw her in the air. Sort of an “up and over” technique that seemed to work pretty well for not just her, but the rest of the team.

Marcela Hawke:

- She feels immense guilt for Carver’s death, as well as Leandra’s. She felt like she was constantly one step behind and wasn’t paying close enough attention to her surroundings. She still blames herself for it, every single day of her life she kicks herself over it.

- Following Anders’s actions with the Chantry, she couldn’t seem to let him go. All of her mates in Kirkwall had become family, and Anders was no exception. The two of them ran away together, settling in a cottage in the woods. It wasn’t initially what either of them wanted, but it is now. It feels like home, especially considering their friends know where they are and they exchange letters with them and are sometimes visited by them.

- Marcela routinely checks in with Stroud to make sure Bethany is okay in addition to the letters (not to mention visits that go both ways!) she sends Bethany herself. She knows that being a Grey Warden isn’t particularly ideal for her sister, but she just wants her safe. If she lost Bethany...She’d be crushed, as she’s lost all other blood family that mattered to her.

Brilwyn Theirin Rutherford:

- Brilwyn didn’t like Morrigan at first, like at all. Not only did Morrigan not end on good terms with Gytha (ya know, Brilwyn’s mum...), but Brilwyn also thought that Morrigan had a holier than thou attitude. However, once Morrigan loosened up and made up with Gytha, Brilwyn began to warm up to her.

- Brilwyn’s first crush was actually a soldier in the Ferelden Army. She often watched the soldiers train just so she could catch a glimpse at him. She watched so often that Alistair, her father, actually began to notice and once sat her down to talk about it. They never ended up together, and he died in battle, but she couldn’t bring herself to like anyone for a long time. That is, until she met Cullen, then that idea just went down the drain.

- Despite getting of to a rocky start, her and Cassandra actually end up becoming best friends. Cassandra brings her back down and Brilwyn helps Cassandra loosen up a little. They definitely have an “opposites attract” type of friendship.

[cityandking]

👪 ❌ ✨ 🌱 🔮

For Dai and Minah (rip Dai ♥️♥️♥️)

rip dai 😔✌️ // prompts I'd like to receive

[ 👪 ] what is your muse’s relationship with their parents like? was it always this way?

DAI — he doesn't know his mom at all but his relationship with his dad is really good! they pretty much only ever had each other and dai's dad has always been his hero and role model. throughout his training and his posting at the garrison, daichi made a point to keep in touch and write letters, and he's been keeping up with that even through their travels (even though they're more journal entries than proper letters at this point)

MINAH — she had a good relationship with her parents. they had their fights like any family, but they all liked each other and always made a point to support each other as a unified whole, and she was proud to call them her parents. they both passed when she was a teenager, though, so there may be a tinge of rosy nostalgia to her memories

[ ❌ ] is there something your muse struggles with that they might never overcome? what is it? why do they have so much trouble with it?

DAI — being dead he's got a bit of a ~complicated~ relationship with duty and obligation. his sense of responsibility veers close to guilt. a lot of it is a mix of only child and gifted child syndrome, and also probably the trauma of being a kid in a war camp

MINAH — trust issues! she has major trust issues! she had a very very very bad time of things right around the time her parents died and it messed her up reaaaaaaally good. it's been solidly like 10 years since all that happened and she's still very much refusing to deal with any of it so those trust issues sure are sticking around!

[ ✨ ] what aesthetics or symbols do you reference when writing your muse? are these backed up by canon, if your muse comes from a canon? is there any specific relevance to these choices?

DAI — as a cleric of Pelor and oath of the shield paladin, suns and shields feature pretty heavily in his aesthetic. the sky in general, and also light—so, so much light

MINAH — I'm still working her out, and as a warden-to-be there's definitely some grey warden stuff that's probably going to work its way in there, but as an entertainer (and thief) I think masks are going to be a pretty big part of her vibe. also like, ribbons? scraps of fabric and color and pieces of other costumes; things that can be laced and tied and made into pretty clothes but are also torn and ruined things and bindings

[ 🌱 ] what themes are relevant to your muse?

DAI — duty, honor, what it means to be a protector. homecoming and freedom. flight. uhhh hopefully rebirth?

MINAH — we'll see as the campaign goes, but I think trust and masking/unmasking. knowing and being known, that sort of thing. and the heartache of knowing you turned your back on something you can never return to, no matter how hard you try (and trying anyway, even if it's pointless).

[ 🔮 ] what is your muse’s relationship with religion and spirituality? were they raised in a certain religion? have they stuck with the same set of spiritual beliefs all their life, or have they changed over time? are they settled in their spirituality now?

DAI — oh yes my favorite daichi question. dai was raised 100% in the order of Pelor and Selene—his dad was part of a holy army overthrowing a corrupt monarch and he's known members of the religious order since he was a kid. his dad especially was faithful to the order (and its mission and its war), which was a big reason of why daichi joined the order and became a cleric of Pelor in the first place. his travels really shook his faith, and so did his first death, to the degree that he (consciously or not) sought out a different kind of faith and ended up catching the attention of a different god (Tempus, god of war). over the past few months he's really reconciled his faith in the two and reoriented his belief from something innate and expected (as part of the order back home) to something he actively affirms and reaffirms within himself, which he finds to be a truer kind of faith than that of those, say, blindly following the path laid out before them (cough). one thing I can say for sure is that he faced death fully at peace and absolutely certain his sacrifice was the right thing to do in the eyes of himself, his gods and the city at his back.

MINAH — minah was raised staunchly andrastrian and is now staunchly very much opposed to the chantry and its teachings. her parents' deaths pretty much shattered her faith, which was something she was raised in and had never really thought about until her entire world was flipped on its head. that (and her travels) consequently made her far more open-minded about the chantry's usual bullshit about mages and elves and whatnot, so. net win? but yeah no she had a major spiritual change and doesn't believe in the maker and certainly doesn't give a rat's ass about the chantry or the chant or any of the whole institution

[ofexaltationsa]

♟ — for a desperate kiss / ✣ — for a sad kiss / ☁ — for a lonely kiss (Rather, something of a combination of all 3 between Soren/Shaw)

@quiprava | soren & shaw | Kiss meme! | Always accepting if you tell me which muses!

The Keep was too large- defensible as it was, there was more room than Shaw knew what to do with.  More rooms. Shaw could not swallow the nagging feeling that something nefarious was hiding in the places he could not see. Too many times he took point during The Blight and stumbled upon a den of traitorous soldiers playing cards in a storage room or abominations behind a door, looming over the mutilated bodies of young mages hiding under their bunks. He did not trust what he could not see. ( They had been tossed in the Fade too often for Shaw to trust his eyes sometimes, too. )

Shaw’s own room- the first he ever had, so used to barracks and tents that he was- was as impersonal as the night he first slept there. A pair of swords and whatever book he was reading the only sign he used the room at all.  He told himself after they returned from Avernus that he’d move closer to the men, sleep in the barracks if possible, but something stopped him.

The Keep was large and Shaw dealt poorly with solitude and idleness. Unless he slept, the bruiser did not spend time in his room. He spent much time with the men- a hearty three dozen and fine, all told. He found books to further himself. He found his feet guiding him towards- - -

It wasn’t on purpose. It just happened that wherever Soren Amell was, that’s where Shaw wound up. A study, the kitchen, the ramparts, his office. It wasn’t always, but if the man was left idle for long enough- - -

Shaw had planned on moving to the barracks, but the set of double doors across from his own stopped him. He had left the Warden-Commander to face horrors on his own. What if something happened? It was better if- -

It was late. The Keep slept. They did not. Shaw had just gotten done walking the ramparts, was returning to his quarters, saw light coming from under the mage’s doors- -

Shaw was a beast and a savage who never learned to knock.

It somehow ended with Shaw on his knees before Soren, his hands on either side of the mage’s head. ( the hair shorn short, the tips of Shaw’s fingers threading through the longer hair in the center. ) The Warden-Commander sat hunched forward on his bed, eyes shut tight and breath catching with each attempt to draw it in. Not panic, but sorrow and grief.

( Was this what Darkspawn felt? This madness, this compulsion. The way Shaw’s heart pounded in response to Soren’s, the way it called out in rage to match the sorrow bleeding out from the young mage. Whatever it was, it felt unnatural, profane and unholy- - and it was all Shaw knew in the moment. )

Shaw was educated enough- by force, generally, by surviving all that he had- to know that grief killed as many men as a blade, though it took years for the weight to be too much. A wiser man could have spoken to Soren, soothed his raw heart with warm, soft words. If he was Alistair, he’d say something stupid and funny and pull Soren back to himself. If he was just- -

If he was anyone else, it’d be better.

Instead, he was a brute and a savage and any problem he could not decapitate was beyond him to solve. ( A lie, a lie, but a comfort to him in retrospect for what he was about to do. ) Shaw had nothing to calm the tempest in the Hero’s soul. What limited words he had got them to this point.

“Soren.” Coarse and heavy, somehow made one syllable. His hands moved from the sides of the other man’s head to the junction of his shoulders and neck. He could feel the difference in the mage’s build- cords of muscle under the fabric of his shirt. There was no privacy in the Blight- not that Shaw had cared for propriety a nug to begin with. Between the close quarters and frequent disasters that required some amount of field dressing, Shaw remembered Soren going from welp fresh from the Circle to lean from grief and hard travel to adapting and starting to put on muscle.

But he felt different under Shaw’s hands now. Stronger and harder and more powerful. 

Shaw hated it.

It was just them, trapped together in the aftermath of cataclysm.  He was stuck in this prison just as much as Soren, even if they felt like each other’s jailers. The damned maleficar who saved the world and the bloody mouthed dog on his leash. Shaw felt his heart turning inside out at the sight of Soren so broken. ( The recent battles were difficult. It felt like the turmoil would never end. Hadn’t they done enough? Hadn’t Soren? The weight kept on adding to the young mage and no relief was in sight. )

Shaw was angry. Not at Soren for breaking down; but at the rest of it. At the Maker, at Duncan, at Loghain and the Orlesians. Shaw was angry at himself for not being able to do anything and for caring so much about him. He had assumed that if the Blight ended and they lived, they’d part ways, and he tried that. Ran all the way to the Anderfels and then ran all the way back to young Arl Amell’s side.

Clever, upstart mage who Shaw disagreed with so often; the one who drove Morrigan away. Thrown together by fate, both headstrong and convicted and often on opposing sides. Him; the boy Shaw had carried back to camp after an ambush on the way to Lothering. ( Soren had gotten knocked in the head by a mercenary’s pommel and crumpled. When he woke, it was the first time Shaw noticed his mismatched eyes, the warrior looming over the young man for signs of life. “ ’e’s not dead, Alistair,” Shaw had called out to the other warrior, leaving the poor mage disoriented on his bedroll next to the fire. Maker knows how they survived until Wynne joined them. )

The warrior began to shake, grip on the other young man’s shoulders ironclad and locked. Anger threatened to give way to his own grief, his throat tightening up. He wanted to scream. He wanted to shake the mage, throw him against the wall, see if the Arcane Warrior training meant he could finally take a punch properly, snap him out of it by force and pull him back.

He needed to do something.

If Shaw had been prone to looking back on things and marveling, he’d wonder at how easy it was. Retrospection, fortunately or unfortunately enough, was beyond him.

Here, another cataclysm.

In one movement, Shaw rose slightly on his knees and pulled Soren to him. One hand moved to the mage’s neck, gripping the back and side with a thumb about splayed across his windpipe right beneath his jaw.

There was nothing tender about the way Shaw kissed his commander. It was brutal, forceful, some dam breaking inside the berserker and the anguish inside him spilling out like poison. Soren did not taste like blood, but of fresh tears, rainwater.

Not one to stop when he started something, Shaw pressed forward, rising more and pulling Soren so he sat upright from his crumpled position on the edge of the bed. Shaw used his hand around Soren’s neck to tilt the mage’s head upward as he took Soren’s bottom lip between his teeth. Standing fully now, Shaw gave the mage’s lip a nip and broke the kiss.

Shaw was not one for propriety or shame or regret.But he recoiled from the mage as if he was burned where he touched him. He ran his hands over his face, then through his hair. He’d very much like something to hit or throw, but nothing was in reach, so he settled for a very loud, frustrated, “Fuck!”

His blood sang, his heart pounded, his lips were sore from the force of it. He wanted to take it back, to have instead used his fists, to have just gone to bed instead of checking on the Commander, to have never agreed to come back to Amaranthine. Too late, now.

“I’m supposed to hate you!” Angry, of course. He had turned back towards Soren, hands balled into fists. Soren, who always had the answers. Soren, who always had the plan. Soren, who fixed Ferelden singlehandedly.

Soren, whose lips were kissed rosy and warm by Shaw not a moment earlier. Soren, who Shaw hated, was supposed to hate- - who Shaw could not leave.

[queenofeden]

a very descriptive profile of your muse

Repost with the information of your muse, including headcanons, etc. if you fail to achieve some of the facts, add some others of your own! when you’re done, tag 15 other people to do the same!

tagged by @silecousland. thank u dear, ur going to spoil me with opportunities to talk abt my daughter lol

idk who to tag so again, if u feel like doing it go for it and tag me back so i can see

NAME: Olympia Cousland

NICKNAME: pup, princess (by varric), ‘pia/olly (very specifically and only by @kingmaking‘s damaris cousland in our sisters au lmao)

AGE: born in 9:09 Dragon (20/21 circa dao, 32 circa dai, 35 as of trespasser)

SPECIES: Human

GENDER: Female

ORIENTATION: Lesbian

INTERESTS, HOBBIES, PASTIMES: reading, fereldan history and politics, swordplay, riding, hunting, dancing, jousting and tournaments

PROFESSION: warden, hero of ferelden, former warden commander of ferelden along with rhoswen mahariel, advisor to inquisitor mahariel (au conditional)

BODY TYPE: lean and muscular but for function and speed rather than show-- she’s a trained swordswoman that wears armor afterall. most similar i’d say to hockey player hilary knight 

EYES: blue-green

HAIR: dark brown, thick, naturally straight, and worn long to her natural waist but most often braided back and usually pinned up for convenience, or simply braided over one shoulder in more casual settings

SKIN: fair, cool and rosy undertoned. freckles and burns easily in the sun

HEIGHT: 5’8″

COMPANIONS: pre-blight, her brother fergus, occasionally anora and cailan although they were significantly older. in her early teens she isolated herself due to depression and internalized homophobia, and didn’t make friends easily or willingly

post-blight, she remains good friends with all of the main party members, most notably rhoswen mahariel, with whom she shares the mantle of hero of ferelden. they are well known for being inseparable. and of course leliana, her wife

ANTAGONISTS: olympia isn’t well known for her... diplomatic personality lol, but she is capable of working with most people without making them hate her explicitly. except for the first warden, he cannot stand her or rhoswen

COLOURS: cobalt/royal blues, hunter green, teal, browns, and creams

SMELLS: sea salt, woodsmoke, cedar, jasmine, leather

FRUITS: fresh crisp apples, blackberries

DRINKS: mulled wine, black coffee

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: red wine, ale occasionally 

SMOKES?: no

DRUGS?: no, she doesn’t even like using medicinal herbs

DRIVER’S LICENSE: olympia is gay she can’t drive

[obscurebooks]

Recommend Books with mysteries that have shocking conclusions. Looking for something that is NOT a plot twist but a unsettling mystery that slowly builds as the book continues. Where the characters are not aware of the mystery in beginning, but the reader notices. Maybe set in the future/dystopian, where characters don't understand why they are in certain situation. Less action more dialogue, with heavy themes and symbolism. Basically looking for something like the anime Darling in the Franxx.

Okay, sooooo let’s see. I’m good with mysteries, but most of them are modern or historical and most realise they’re solving a mystery to begin with. BUT, I have access to awesome databases that can help me narrow some things down for you so, here are some 3-5 star reviewed books that cover dystopian mystery. If you like them, come back and review them for me so we can let others know what you thought!

“The Forever Watch” by David RamirezDuring the thousand-year journey of the spaceship Noah, passengers live in a massive artificial city, purchasing memories of everyday sensations while doing their part to create the next generation of settlers. After telekinetic bureaucrat Hana Dempsey awakens from her nine-month compulsory “breeding duty,” gestating offspring she’ll never meet, she struggles to rejoin society. It’s only after Peace Officer Leon Barrens requests her assistance in solving a string of baffling murders that Hana shakes off her depression and begins to ask uncomfortable questions about Noah’s mission and the human civilization they’ve left behind. Part science fiction mystery, part dystopian thriller, The Forever Watch places well-drawn characters in a circumscribed, yet richly detailed setting and follows their journey from innocence to understanding to agents of their own fates. – Description by Gillian Speace.

“The Man With the Compound Eyes” by Ming-Yi Wu“The English-language debut of an exciting new award-winning voice from Taiwan–a stunning novel that is at once fantasy, reality, and dystopian environmental saga, in which the lives of two people from very different worlds intertwine under the shadow of a man-made catastrophe. On the mythical island of Wayo-Wayo, young Atile'i has just seen his 180th full moon and, following the tradition of his people, is sent out alone into the vast Pacific as a sacrifice to the Sea God. Just when it seems that all hope is lost, he happens upon a new home–a vast island made of trash. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, Alice, a professor of literature, is preparing to commit suicide following the disappearance of her husband and son. But her plans are put on hold when the trash island collides with the Taiwan coast where Alice lives. Her home is destroyed, but meeting Atile'i gives her life new meaning as they set out to solve the mystery of her lost family. Drawing in the narratives of others impacted by the disaster–Alice’s friends and neighbors, environmentalists from abroad, the mysterious man with compound eyes–the novel tells an enthralling, surreal story of the known–and unknown–world around us”–.

“The Dying Game” by Asa Avdic“In the not-too-distant future, a group of carefully chosen people spends 48 hours on a remote Swedish island engaged in what at first seems like an exercise but turns into a high-stakes test of survival and betrayal.It’s 2037, and the world is shockingly different yet terrifyingly the same: there’s been another Cold War, and, at least in the Protectorate of Sweden, loyalty to the all-powerful government is paramount. Anna Francis, recently back from a soul-sucking assignment in remote Kyzyl Kum, is as chilly as a Stockholm winter, a distant mother who leaves her 9-year-old daughter with relatives more often than she sees her. In the well-worn tradition of “just this one last time” that never ends well, she’s approached by the Chairman to participate in the top-secret RAN project, not as an actual member but as a quasi-spy. As if Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None was cross-pollinated with “The Most Dangerous Game,” Anna is charged with observing a small group of hand-selected Swedes for two days on the island of Isola; that is, until she’s meant to fake her own murder and disappear into the walls of the compound to watch how the others respond to the “crime."”

“The Bone Season” by Samantha ShannonPaige Mahoney is a Dreamwalker, a rare type of clairvoyant employed by the Seven Seals, the powerful criminal syndicate that operates within a dystopian 21st-century London controlled by the Scion government. When she’s captured by Scion agents and turned over to the otherworldly Rephaim, Paige – renamed XX-59-40 – ends up in Sheol I, a prison camp where she and her fellow "voyants” will be trained to battle the flesh-eating Emim. Placed under the guardianship of Arcturus, Warden of the Mesarthim, Paige must develop her gifts if she wants to survive, let alone escape. This fast-paced, action-packed fantasy boasts extensive world-building, a complex system of magic, and a well-developed cast of characters. - Description by Gillian Speace.

“Arcadia” by Iain PearsSpanning multiple worlds, this stylistically complex, yet accessible, novel tracks the intersecting lives of several characters. There’s Henry Lytten, a 1960s Oxford scholar; Angela Meersen, a “psychomathematician” from a dystopian future world who has discovered a method of accessing parallel universes; and Jay, a precocious young man from Anterworld, a universe created by Meersen based on Lytten’s writings – an “Arcadia” visited by Rosie Wilson, an otherwise ordinary British teenager who can travel between dimensions. – Description by Gillian Speace.