#we haven't even met morrigan

[0alix0]

Rook's backgrounds make no sense or gatekeeping is good, actually

It's didn't sit well with me ever since bioware admitted that all 6 background for Rook can be played by any race you choose

Looking back at Origins it's clear why most of the backgrounds were race-specific. Not only it provided a better understanding of the separate cultures (you wouldn't really understand what dwarfs are about if you were able to play as a surface dwarf commoner) it also established the rules of the world (elves are opressed, you can't become a queen/king cuz the nobles will riot, humans colonize them and inforce their religion and rules on everyone, dwarfs are considered weird)

Now, looking at the veilguard, I can't help but ask:

How can a fully grown dalish with vallaslin be a crow? They buy slaves as a way to get more assassins, usually elves, children, so they could easier ruin their psyche. why the hell would a dalish stand for it?

How can a qunari be a Gray Warden? Wardens don't discriminate, sure, but this far, we haven't even heard of a qunari warden. Rook should be a legend, Rook should be questioned at actually being a warden by NPCs, OR sit in some Warden outpost and being studied by their mages, because no one actually knows how Blight and joining might work with Kossith body instead of running around with Varric.

Veiljumpers were organized by dalish, right? Then why in the world would a human be allowed to join? How and why did they change their minds to accept literally anyone, even if it's a potential threat/thief(Morrigan)/zealot/etc..?

How can a dwarf, someone who isn't even connected to the fade be a Veiljumper?

How can a dwarf be a part of the Mourn Watch? A Mortalitasi, an exclusively MAGE order? What can they even do?? Preform a non magical mummifications with herbs and salts like Egyptians did? Sweep the mausoleum? Be some sort of a funeral organizer/lawyer/genealogist? That could've been really interesting if only the game actually bothered to say anything about it. It did not

"Well it's up to your headcanons!" then why make the backgrounds in the first place??? They don't matter anyway!

I mean, obviously it was just a way to promote the game to older fans. Look, the backstories! The thing you've been craving for is back in game! Only they forgot what actually made them so great. The most important part. They mattered, they created a basis for my character. They gave them families, connections. They changed the way my character is perceived (elves in general) and what they can do plotwise (become a monarch/paragon).

I don't fucking care if 3-5 NPCs might have some additional dialogues for me, cuz they don't matter anyway. I don't even know these people, i never met them before, my character did, but I didn't. And now I don't care enough to know. like, i'm playing as a mourn watcher, but before going to Nevarra i barely knew anything about them, and what i know now is still rather surface level shit

Let alone the fact that all the backgrounds are practically the same. You pissed off some influencial people by doing good and was send away. Bravo.

........if this post gets one like I'm writing my own ideas for DA4 protagonist's backgrounds

[crossdressingdeath]

Care to elaborate on the dislike of "what they did with (Morrigan) in DA:I"?

Simple, snarky answer: I play Lavellan.

More complete answer: Morrigan in DAO could be kind of shitty, she didn't have a lot of respect for... anyone and seemed to make decisions solely based on whether or not they were evil (Morrigan bby please leaving everyone in Redcliffe to die isn't pragmatic when we still have to go through Redcliffe), but she was sheltered and still learning how the world worked so it was understandable, even sympathetic in places. Morrigan in DAI has been out in the world for ten years and has only gotten shittier. In general I'm not fond of the way that the recurring DAO characters apparently haven't grown as people in ten years (hardened King Alistair, a character specifically mentioned as being a good king, writing diplomatic letters to someone he met for at most five minutes like the recently-freed-from-heavy-indoctrination nineteen year old he hasn't been for a decade especially irritates me), it's clear that Bioware is more invested in cashing in on nostalgia than they are in developing these characters as characters, but Morrigan? Bioware, I know negative character development is still development but it maybe wasn't the best idea.

Let me put it this way. In Witch Hunt Morrigan steals a book from the Dalish so that she can learn about eluvians. This is kind of shitty behaviour, but it's Morrigan levels of shitty and she does leave the book outside the eluvian, so the Dalish as far as we see have reclaimed that book and the knowledge in it, and also they had it for years and so logically knew the things in that book already. Definitely they had access to it. And it's also important to keep in mind that that book is the only information we can confirm that Morrigan actually has on eluvians in canon; she's never mentioned as finding any other source. And then in DAI she basically calls the Dalish morons the whole way through and claims that she (a human woman with literally zero connection to the Dalish or elves in general beyond maybe having some friends who are elves and also stealing from the Dalish that one time, the Flemeth situation doesn't count because we're given no reason to believe Morrigan ever for a moment even suspected the Mythal thing or that Flemeth wasn't human or to believe that Flemeth passed on any knowledge about the elves, and certainly not anything the Dalish didn't know) has more right to take this ancient elven font of knowledge sacred to a Dalish god than a Dalish elf does. This despite the fact that if you have the arcane knowledge perk you understand the Well better than her literally just by looking at it (she doesn't know the Well will put the drinker under a geas despite all her research, while Quiz only has to look at it and hear the whispers coming from it to figure that out). I've seen it described as humansplaining and... yeah that kind of describes what Morrigan does. If you play Lavellan she's just constantly really shitty to you about you wanting to engage with your own damn culture and claims she knows better because she read one book that you quite possibly also read. It's not entirely to do with her as a character, some of it is DAI's shitty writing and without it her arrogance could've been just a character trait that she could've moved past (let Lavellan and Solas troll her by straight up lying about the inscriptions in the temple and her going along with it because she won't admit that she can't read as much of it as she claims she can, please), but the way it's allowed to stand unchallenged despite by all logic being horseshit really pisses me off. I don't trust Bioware not to double down on the "Oh this human woman understands this totally unrelated culture that she is in no way part of and has barely even studied way better than the people belonging to that culture do and deserves valuable ancient relics of their people more than them" thing, so I very much do not want to see her in any more DA games.

[greenjudy]

Rook notes, part 2

No story or character spoilers, just general observations.

-I am getting used to things. City wanderings. Parrying. Buying weird shit from the vendors. I am settling in. I listen to the banter and I smile.

(I need to smile a little, in the corners, in silence, right now. These are small smiles, OK? But it's like drinking water, taking breaths. We need to do that. Especially when things are bad.)

-While I have enjoyed all the team banter so far, I have indeed encountered some Rook/team dialogue I thought was not great--but not anything bad enough to shear me off from the story. I haven't seen anything yet that has brought me into alignment with the high-profile reviewers who hated it.

I am still feeling pretty sure we are dealing with deep-seated prejudice against certain tones, certain priorities in storytelling.

You know! Is it something a teenaged girl would like?

-I wouldn't miss the story for the world. The power of it comes in at oblique angles, in codex entries, overheard NPC chatter, things scribbled and painted on walls.

-The characters are all growing on me. "Like fungus"? No, like fantastic plants reviving in terraria, growing on me as I care for them. These are interesting people. Some of them could, arguably, be seen as faint echoes of folks we've met before; Bellara reminds me at times of Merrill, for instance. But I don't buy the Neve comparisons with Morrigan. I'm not sure we've ever met a character like Neve before in a Dragon Age game. I haven't even met everyone yet. I'm still in Act 1 farting around in Treviso.

-When I saw the combat in videos, I hated the trailing snowflakes--seemed like too much bling. Doing the combat, it's all signals. Guys, the mage combat in this game is my favorite Dragon Age combat so far.

Rook out, for now.

[fancytrinkets]

veilguard impressions

spoilers ahead. a list of my opinions and impressions as I play this game

basic starting notes after having played for 30+ hours

overall I am having fun playing this game

there are things I like and things I don't like. these are subjective and I don't think everyone is going to share these opinions or agree with me

I am not going to give an overall opinion of how much I liked it until I've finished playing

things I like so far

the way the characters look. I do like the character design style quite a lot

seeing characters from the books and stories: the crows from Tevinter Nights; Felassan from The Masked Empire; Maevaris from the comics and Tevinter Nights

the look of returning characters that I've met so far. I honestly think Dorian looks FANTASTIC. I do wish Morrigan and Isabela looked a little bit older in their face textures, but overall I love the look. (For Morrigan I'm also willing to let it go by imagining she can magic the subtle signs of aging away or something like that)

exploring scenes from Solas' past in the Crossroads

the Portal-style open-the-way-forward puzzles are fun because they're new (not sure how they'll hold up on multiple replay; could become annoying, I imagine)

that Rook has a unique conflict in their backstory, based on faction, and other characters mention and react to it. it feels like a solid way of rethinking the playable origin-story from Origins

the continuity with DA2 in having Varric as the narrator, speaking over beautifully illustrated backgrounds during some transitions

the continuity with Origins in having cutscenes of the antagonists play during transitions

combat related: I like the chained moves being mapped to buttons; I am still getting a feel for them; I imagine it would be harder if I didn't have an xbox elite controller with paddles, mapped to the ABXY buttons in addition to the buttons themselves

combat-related: using the bow is pretty fun. I never like archer builds, but I'm enjoying rogue plus bow a LOT. the smooth transition from blades to bow and back is great

not as much inventory management: I have spent plenty of my gaming life customizing swords while comparing them to every other sword in my inventory. I'm okay letting this stuff get simplified for me

Dorian DOES know Emmerich previously, a fellow necromancer, and I appreciate that!

Mae having been kicked out of the magisterium and the Lucerni disbanded a year before the present, and Dorian being the magister on the inside for the Shadow Dragons. That played out in a way that was pretty close to what I anticipated based on what we know of Tevinter politics

things I dislike so far

some of the companion conversations feel like they've been workshopped for a generation that's much younger than me — which is fine, but there are some things the characters say to each other that strike me as... well, YOUNG, and not the kind of dialogue I'd write if it were me

I'm also ready for varric to step aside as a character in game. while I appreciate his narration, I'm finding his pep talks and advice to be a little grating. though, depending on how I feel at the end of the game, I might find some fanfic inspiration in this feeling, so I'm actually not salty about it, just noticing my own reaction here

I'm finding I choose characters to accompany me based on who can prime and detonate the specific combat moves; and that feels limiting in a way that I wasn't expecting. I often pick one character who feels relevant to the mission, then default to whomever can prime or detonate for them

I totally missed the "customize your Inquisitor" side panel at the start of the game. disappointed enough at having generic FLavellan show up that I quit my first Rook and am now replaying on story mode to catch up to all the time and plot I lost

things I haven't formed a full opinion about yet

the combat overall. it is VERY different from all previous games, and I'm honestly not even comparing it to previous titles in the series because it is a whole new thing. the dodging and chained moves remind me of Elden Ring, but I find Elden Ring combat is more satisfying for me. the explosions and pacing remind me of the Borderlands franchise, but Borderlands was also more satisfying for me. I don't love it OR hate it. I'm kind of in the middle, I guess. Though, like I said, I'm fond of the bow

the Veil Jumpers. (I chose this background with my first Rook before I quit to replay.) I think I get what the writers were going for. Solas unleashes some new weird shit and the Dalish start checking it out and then recruiting more people to investigate. that feels reasonable to me. also, even though the mood is cheerful, it's clear a LOT of them are dying. I appreciate that because they are running around poking at unstable magic and malfunctioning old relics... but yeah, the cheerful mood and the "can do" vibe feels a little off to me in a way I'm not totally sure how to explain. it's almost like the writers realized the past games had written the Dalish into a really weird corner where they were "stuck in the past" but also uneducated about so much of their own history. and now they are trying to remake them into a newer, more "fun" group of people. it's just... a thing I notice

the choice between Minrathous and Treviso. I haven't seen how this plays out in the endgame yet, but I'm expecting a break or betrayal from Lucanis after choosing to fight with Minrathous instead. (I was planning to romance Neve with my first Rook, so that choice seemed important; I'm going to make the same choice with my remade Rook, as a Shadow Dragon whose home is Minrathous) So... yeah, I'm kind of hoping Lucanis will unleash an unholy mess upon us based on that choice. It feels very Mass Effect, but if the Virmire survivor lived and was changed by the experience of being abandoned by Shepard. I am hoping it goes poorly in the later part of the game, but you know, we'll see...

companion characters. I am reserving judgment until I've finished the game and of course I've spent more time with some than others due to the recruitment timings. at the moment I'm personally most fond of Neve, Davrin, and Taash (though I just met Taash, so will need more time to solidify that opinion. I think she's going to be my remade Rook's romance instead of Neve). I like Lucanis; he doesn't feel like a personal favorite, but I like him. Harding is fine; overall she's a bit too sunshine for my tastes, but I like her well enough. I will probably like Emmerich more as I continue to play. I feel like I just met him. Bellara is the one I'm struggling with most, but I think that's connected to my mixed feelings on the Veil Jumper faction in a way I haven't figure out entirely yet

the story arc overall. I don't have a handle on how I feel about what's happening and so I'm reserving judgment on until it I've completed the game for the first time

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1206: Uncle & Auntie Datin' Time (SSBU X Darkstalkers)

1:45 p.m. at the Local Smash Park.......

Morrigan: (Sighs Happily as She Sits Next Dedede on the Bench Together, Watching the Smash Kids Play Among Themselves in the Distance) Such a nice, glorious day to be out in about. (Lays the Side of her Head Next to her Boyfriend) Just you, me, and those adorable babies of yours running around and about~

Dedede: Yeah, they're a cute bunch alright. 'Specially when they don't try and prank me 24/7.

Morrigan: (Starts Snuggling Up on De's Arm) Awww~ Has my poor, darling king been a victim of those pranking shenanigans of theirs as of late?~

Dedede: ('Sigh') Yeah, but it's been longer than that unfortunately. Years long.

Morrigan: Oh my~

Dedede: Right!? And like, I don't even get it! They're a bunch of other people living in the mansion they can prank, yet for SOME reason, they always end up choosing me as the target. Ain't that some shit?

Morrigan: (Nodded in Agreement) I know and understand your pain completely, my dear. (Rolls her Eyes a Bit) I cannot begin to describe all the times times Lilith would try and prank me growing up. I will give you a hint, however. There's two more 0's ends next to the number 10.

Dedede: (Eyes Widened a Bit Once He Figured Out the Math) Damn. She really pranked you that many times?

Morrigan: ('Sigh') With no hint of predictability what so ever. But we are both much older women now. So I hope my dear sister has the same level of sense and maturity as I do and- (Turns and Glares Towards a Bush in the Mid Distance) NOT try to prank in broad DAYLIGHT!!

Lilith let's out cute sounding 'Eep!' before quickly high-tailing herself out of the bush she was hiding in.

Dedede: (Chuckles Lightly) You ain't gotta worry about a thing, baby girl. (Wrap his Arm Around his Girlfriend) I'll keep ya safe from all the prakin' going on here.

Morrigan: (Heart Begins to Melt Before Happily Hugging Up on Dedede Once More) My hero!~ Such a wonderful king and uncle you are~

Dedede: ('Sighs Relaxingly') I do my best with what I do, mostly on the uncle side. My folks are never gonna believe it if they were here to see me now.

Morrigan: What were your folks were like growing up?

Dedede: Proper, strict, uppity, never had time and patience for BS and foolishness-

Morrigan: (Forms a Teasing Smirk) Kinda like you you?~(Playfully Boops on Dedede's Beak)

Dedede: (Chuckles Ticklishly) Hey, I can let loose every once and a while! Those two had always been uptight and bitter, up until the very end of their lifespan.

Morrigan: The same applies to my parents as well. (Sighs While Rolling her Eyes) There's never been time or day where they haven't been overbearing and bossy towards my sister and I or at the worst, judgemental....

Dedede: (Raises an Eyebrow) Judgemental on what exactly?

Morrigan: Our life choices. They were so hellbent on preparing the both of us to rise in becoming the Queens of the Night that they deem any regular professions and hobbies we any interest in, as worthless and time wasting.

Dedede: (Scoffs While Thinking Back to his Childhood Memories) I can relate to that too! My folks been pestering me on and on in how to be more proper prince going into king-hood and blending into snobby, pompus lifestyle so much that I decided to rebel a lot!....(Grabs his Chin) Which, now that I said it out loud, might possibly been one of the reasons how I ended up a villain in the first place, before coming here.

Morrigan: (Places her Hand into her Cheek) I can't imagine how my life would be like if I didn't have a single ounce of rebellious side within me. I'd probably be the most boring succubus alive.....(Went Back to Hugging Up Dedede Yet Again While Giving Him Puppy Dog Eyes) And I wouldn't have met you either!~

Dedede: (Gives Morrigan a Reassuring Smile) Nah, I'm sure we would've bump into one another in the different lifetime. (Frowning a Bit) Possibly hating each other's guts, while we're both more conniving and evil than we've ever been- You know, on second thought, maybe it's best we have changed for the better.

Morrigan: (Smiles Lovingly at Dedede) I couldn't agree more, my fare darling king~

Dedede looks deep into Morrigan's sincere, love-filled eyes as he smiles back as the two then leans in for the kiss-

'A-Hem'

.......Only for them to stop and turn their heads towards the Smash Kids staring at the both of them. Some of which are smirking.

Morrigan: (Happily Waves at the Kids) Hello, darlings!~ is something the matter?~

Dedede: Yeah, y'all bored or somethin'?

Ness: No, we're having a blast out here so far.

Toon: We're just here to make sure you two are well acquainted with one another.

Jr: And to make sure nothing stupid happens amd that you don't mess anything up down the line

Kids: (Simply Nodded in Agreement) Mmmhmm.

Dedede: (Stares at the Kids For a Brief Second Before Glaring at Them) The hell do you nosy little brats think you are, our chaperones!?

Morrigan: (Lightly Slaps Dedede's Arm While Playfully Pouting at Him) Dedede! Do not be mean to your precious nieces and nephews!~

Popo: Yeah, what Auntie Morrigan said!

Morrigan: Exactl- ('GASPS') (Happily Clasps her Hands Together) You all see as an Auntie!?~

Nana: (Happily Nodded) Yeah. You seemed like pretty nice lady so far.

Ness: And you seemed to treat our Uncle well enough.

Jr: (Rolls his Eyes) Still don't know what you see in him though.

Sage: (Pouts at Junior Beside Her as She Gently Squeezes his Hand) Junior, be nice. (Turns Back Dedede and Morrigan with a Soft Smile) We're very happy to see you two enjoying each other's company.

Ashley: All we ask is that you continue to love and care for our uncle going forward.

Lucas: He's very important to us. (Gives Morrigan a Darkened Looking Glare on his Face) Don't hurt him.

Morrigan: (Genuinely Surprised by Lucas' Glare Along with Dedede) Oh my.

Lucas: (Immediately Turns Back into his Shy, Timid Self) I-I'm sorry! That glare wasn't too harsh, was it?

Ashley: (Gives her Boyfriend a Reassuring Smile While Gently Patting the Top of hus Head, Helping him Feel Better) That was a wonderful glare, dear. There's no need to be sorry~

Dedede: ('Psh') I mean. That is something worth apologize fo-

Ashley: (Immediately Gives Dedede Her Signature Death Glare)

Dedede: I-I-I mean! (Quickltly Gives Lucas a Reassuring and Terrified Smile) It's fine, Lucas. Really. I-I just....didn't think you had it in ya to glare like that is all. It's very impressive looking

Lucas: (Starts Smiling) Thank you!~ Ashley's been teaching me a thing or two to be more assertive and Intimidating as of late.

Ashley: (Smiles Proudly) I believe he's making progress thus far.

Dedede: (Rolls his Eyes a Bit While Scoffibg and Whispering into Morrigan's Ear) Yeah, too much progress if you ask-

Ashley and Lucas both gives Dedede Death Glares, shutting him up completely as he gulps.

Morrigan: (Smiles Softly) There's no need forbyou to worry, children. (Hugs Dedede's Arm) I promise give your uncle the love and respect he most certainly deserves~

Dedede: (Smiles Softly at his Girlfriend) Yeah and I'll do the same for her as well. Now will you leave us be now?

Ness: We will. But first......(Forms a More Mischievous Grin on his Face as He and the Others Pulls Out Cans of Party Streamers In Their Hands)

Dedede: (Eyes Widened in Fear) Oh no-

Dedede and Morrigan immediately gets sprayed with krazy strings in multiple different colors.

Dedede: (Starts Growling With Anger) DAMN, KIDS!

Toon: He's fuming! Scatter!

The kids giggles as quickly made their escape with some running away and Ashley and Sage teleporting their two respective boys away with them.

Dedede: (Groans in Annoyance Before Turning Back Morrigan) You see what I had time deal with everyday?

Morrigan: (Gives Dedede Ankther Reassuring Smile) Don't be too harsh on them, dear. They're only having harmless fun- Ah! (Suddenly Gets Pelted with Three Water Balloons to the Face, Causing her Hair and Clothes to Get Wet)

'Splash' 'Splash' 'Splash'

Morrigan: What in the- (Turns to See her Younger Sister Hiding Behind a Tree Before Turning Back to Dedede) Excuse me, dear, would you excuse me for a minute? (Glares Menacingly at her Sister Hiding) I have a brat of a sister to punish.

Lilith: EEP! (Starts Running Away From the Wrath of her Older Sister, Dropping Off a Bunch of Other Ballons in the Ground) Abort! ABORT!!!

Morrigan: (Starts Chasing her Little Sister to Kingdom Come) LILITH AENSLAND, IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR FAT ARSE BACK HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANT- (Continues Screaming Her Lungs Out)

Dedede: (Let's Out a Wholehearted Laugh as He Watches his Girlfriend Go) You get 'er, girl.

@ma-lemons

@bestpony666

@albion-93

@caleb13frede

@decibelcoatl

@theweebmaster31

@tampire

[msviolacea]

A list of random things, large and small, that I'm loving about Baldur's Gate 3 so far, in no particular order.

No chosen one - at least, not yet. My partner and I have been progressing the story in our multiplayer game, and the setup with the player characters is such that no one is the Great Hero, it's that a whole group of people have experienced X and now have to deal with it. It gives you a lot of options for personal roleplaying, and makes playing with friends a lot easier to build a story around.

PARTY BANTER. Not quite as much as, say, a Dragon Age game, but still. I missed it SO MUCH.

Listen, absolutely no one is lying about the size of this game. Now, we're a little behind where we might otherwise be because we're switching between our individual single player games and the mulitplayer game, but still. We're still in the Hinterlands the Wilderness, and I don't even care because there's so much story and so much to do, and I just want to keep experiencing new things forever.

Seriously though, we haven't even met Druid Bear Daddy yet, because we keep getting distracted by giant side fights that require us to spend an hour or more strategizing to finish them. Which won't be to everyone's taste, but A and I are turn based tactical combat fanatics and we LOVE it. We spent nearly an hour last night just trying to figure out how to launch barrels of wine at a bunch of gnolls so we could explode them from the high ground. It was AWESOME.

Astarion is even more of a delightful asshole loser than I expected. 10/10, would give up my blood any time.

Speaking of Astarion, for the FFXIV folks - maybe it's the white hair and scenery-chewing British accented voice acting, but there are a lot of his facial expressions and mannerisms that give me BIG Emet-Selch vibes.

I did not have any idea exactly how much I needed 5E the Video Game until I had it. The best 5E thing is how spells that are seen as completely useless in the tabletop game are vital here. Grease! Sleep! And holy shit, Cloak of Blades is BROKEN.

Before I started I looked at the Gith and went "wow those are funny looking people, no thank you." And they're still funny looking, but also Lae'zel is my second favorite behind Astarion and is going to occupy the Morrigan position here, which means she's blunt and mean and there's every possibility she's going to do something eventually that many people would consider "betrayal" and I'm probably going to cry when she finally tells me we're friends. Also, after a couple of interactions, I sorta want to play a cracked out run as Astarion and romance her, because that would be a HILARIOUS pairing.

Anyway, I am even more obsessed than expected and my life will be a BG3 life until further notice. Why does work have to happen anyway? Sigh.

[barbex]

sneaking in a bit late for DADWC this week, but happy friday!! how about ❝ i’m right here. i’m always here right in front of you but you never see me! ❞?

Thank you for this @dadrunkwriting prompt! It felt like a zevistair night tonight.

---

Alistair watches Zevran slipping out of the circle of light around the fire. Like the capable assassin he is, nobody notices it. Nobody but him, and only because he is watching him as often as he can. He glances back at their strange group around the fire. Leliana laughs at something Tabris says, Sten cleans the new hatchet he picked off from someone and Morrigan — Morrigan watches him. It startles him, feeling trapped in her gaze.

Of course, the Witch knows how he feels.

She looks over her shoulder, into the darkness where Zevran disappeared, and then back at him. He holds her gaze until his cheeks burn and her expression turns bored. Alistair stands up to escape her and maybe find Zevran. He blinks, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. A few steps away, Zevran's hair shines bright in the moonlight. It's obvious that he wants to be found, he wouldn't be so easy to see otherwise.

Alistair closes the distance and sits down next to Zevran, watching him. He looks different tonight. Alistair realizes with a start that what he has seen of Zevran so far has been nothing but a mask, a projection he put on for the world. Here, next to him, is the real Zevran. His eyes are wet and he looks exhausted. 

"That man we met today," Alistair says, not sure how to finish the question and leaving it hanging.

"Taliesen." Zevran's voice is very quiet. "He was... a friend. Taliesen and Rinna and me, we were a team. We were... friends."

"Lovers?" Alistair blurts out, immediately trying to swallow his tongue, but it's too late.

A smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes spreads on Zevran's face. "Yes, we loved each other."

When the silence stretches longer, Alistair asks, "What happened?"

"I killed her." Zevran's hands clench in his lap. "Taliesen told me that she betrayed us and I believed him. Very stupid of me."

"Why would that be stupid?"

"Crows don't have friends, they don't trust." Zevran's head whips around and he looks at Alistair. "A Crow doesn't love."

"That's nugshit." Alistair crosses his arms and stares back at Zevran. "You deserve love, just like anybody else." His heart beats up in his throat, so loud that Zevran can probably hear it, but he holds Zevran's gaze.

Something softens in his expression. "You really think so, my dear warden? That someone could love me? That I could love someone and it wouldn't end with blood on my hands?"

"Yes." Alistair scrapes all his braveness together and grabs Zevran's hand, probably harder than necessary. "I mean, it doesn't have to be me, even though I’m right here. I’m always here right in front of you, but you never see me. But even if it's Tabris, or Morrigan, or Sten, or someone we haven't met yet, you deserve —"

Soft lips press against his. Zevran brushes his palm against Alistair's cheek and kisses him. It's soft and warm and Alistair just melts. When Zevran lets go of his lips, Alistair nearly topples over, only Zevran's hand on his shoulder holds him upright.

"My dear, my Alistair," Zevran says with a soft voice. "I see you. I very much see you."

"Really? Because I watch you a lot, so much that Morrigan needles me for it and you never..." It dawns on him that Zevran is probably well trained in the art of watching someone inconspicuously, unlike him. "I'm not good at this."

Zevran's thumb strokes over the skin under Alistair's eye, as if he sees an invisible tear there. "Shh. No more of this. You are good and I see you, mio caro. I just didn't dare to dream... that I could touch someone like you..."

Alistair leans into Zevran's hand on his cheek. "Well, you're already touching me, so you can't chicken out now." 

Laughing, Zevran pulls himself closer to Alistair, straddling his lap. "I will not, my dear. I will not."

[surielstea]

Bright Smiles

Based on this request

Pairing: Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader meets Azriel’s family

Warnings: Suggestiveness at the end | fluff

A/N: Not proof read.

"C'mon Az you're sneaking around with her every night." Cassian hums from his seat splayed out on the couch, Nesta's feet in his lap. "Aren't we worthy of meeting her, brother?" Rhys flutters his lashes at the shadow singer as if that was going to convince him. "I don't think anyone deserves her," Azriel grumbled as he sharpened truth-teller with the set you got him during solstice. "Not even me?!" Cassian launches up, startling Nesta and earning him a glare from the female. "Not even you." Azriel simply shakes his head and continues to work on the blade.

"Well now I really have to meet her." Feyre hummed from Rhysand's side, leaning against his shoulder. "You'll all scare her away." The spymaster grumbled, drawing groans from everyone else in the room. "If you haven't scared her then I think we'll be just fine." Rhys scoffs, picking an invisible piece of lint from his jacket. "What does she like to do? Maybe if we catch her in her element it'll be easier for her to take all of us on." Feyre enthusiastically suggests. "You're acting like she's a wild animal." Cassian chuckles. Azriel ignores the Illyrian and casts a glance to his high lady before dwelling over it. Then releasing a long sigh.

"She likes to party." He murmured and Morrigan who was barely listening to the conversation was now fully attentive. "Fuck yeah! I'm in on this girl." The blonde nods with a bright grin. "Me and you both." Cassian has an untamed look in his eyes that made the shadow singer awfully nervous. "So invite her to Rita's, we'll all go tomorrow night?" Feyre offers and a frown forms on his face. "Come on Az, it'll be fun." Cassian's voice fences on a whine and the male knows he can't say no.

Azriel twirls his knife in his hand before sheathing it back into the holster at his thigh. "Fine." He grumbled out. "But if any of you say anything to embarrass me in front of her, I'll have your head. Got it?" He threatens with cold, deathly eyes that would make anybody shiver. "You really like this girl." Nesta hums, casting him a sidelong glance. His jaw feathered. "I do." His head dips. "I'll let her know about Rita's."

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You stood in the full body mirror with a cobalt blue dress on, the material a soft silk with a deep neckline that exposed more than what Azriel would've preferred. It was short too, but not too short to where you'd be paranoid about it all evening.

"You don't have to go," The shadow singer sighs wearily from the doorway as you put in your dangling earrings. "It'll be fun." You flash him a bright smile. He's offered you an escape plan at least a dozen times now, you were starting to get the feeling it was him who wanted to back out. "Besides, I look hot in this dress which is the key to having a good night." You inform and his golden eyes drift from your gaze and all the way down to your heels before raking back up in a leisurely pace.

"You do look good." He nods in agreement. The siphons on his hands glow the same color as your dress and he can't help but smile at the sentiment of it. "Very good." He grabs you by your wrist before pulling you closer, shadows pushing at your back until you're stumbling into his chest. "You sure you're ready?" He asks in a soft tone, the kind of voice that has you falling head over heels. "It's not too soon?" His brows crease. "We've been dating for half a year now." It might have seemed long in human years but in Fae that's still the honeymoon phase.

"I've wanted to meet them since I met you." You shrug. "Anything or anyone you love, I'll love." You explain and he bashfully hides his blush by pressing a kiss to your forehead. "If they make you uncomfortable tell me, we can leave." He says softly before pulling away and you giggle. "You sound like they're going to expose your deepest darkest secrets." You look at him amused. "They might." He shakes his head like he wouldn't put it past them.

"Are you ready though?" You ask, adjusting the siphon on the back of his palm, refitting his glove. He flips his hand and intertwines it with yours in a practiced motion. You smile widely and look up at him only to find him already looking down at you in a way that made it seem like you hung every star in the sky. "Az?" You tilt your head. "Sunshine?" He mocks your curious voice. You lean up and press a soft kiss to his lips. "Anything I should know before they expose you?" You mumble against his mouth and a small smile forms on his lips. "A very long time ago, Cassian and I made a bet on who would be with the most girls." He sighed like it's his most embarrassing moment. "And?" You tilt your head. "And the bet is still ongoing, Nesta is definitely his last. And you're mine." He grumbled, a flush stains your cheeks. "Am I making you lose Shadowsinger?" You press your palms to his abdomen with a cheeky grin, trying to ignore the fact that he just admitted he expected you to be his last. "How am I losing when I get the girl in the end?" His hands snake around your waist and you blush profusely.

"Maybe we'd be better off staying in tonight?" He suggests as his head dips down to your collar bone. "Az." You reprimand, your fingers weaving through his hair. "Love." He hums in reply as you tug at his hair but he just continues attacking at your neck, sucking at a particularly sensitive spot. "Are you trying to mark me?" You scoff. He nods but doesn't relent on the exposed area. "Illyrian pride." You murmur as he detaches and leaves a satisfying purple bite on the column of your throat. "How else will they know you're mine?" He arches a brow and you roll your eyes. "Probably because you'll be looming over my shoulder all night." You playfully smack his shoulder and his eyes glint with delight at the idea.

"Okay, do the weird dark portal thing." You intertwined your hand with his. He shakes his head in disbelief at the comment, before taking a step forward and dragging you with him into another realm entirely. You wrap your arm around his forearm in fear of being stranded in his complete and utter darkness. You look up at him, where even in the shadow realm his wings are darker. A shiver crawls down the length of your spine, his hand squeezes yours tighter and it does wonders in keeping you calm. In the blink of an eye he's pulling the both of you out from the black and into the pleasure hall, shadows still weaving around him as you regain your footing. "I'm going to hurl." You warn and he creased his brows worriedly. "You're alright?" He brings a hand to your cheek and though you were slightly nauseous, the feeling of his fingers intertwined with yours settled any nerves you have. "Mhm." You nod up at him with a gentle smile, his gaze lingers on it before a shadow curls around his ear and his head whips up.

"She's so... bright." An unfamiliar female voice mumbled over the loud music and crowds. You turn to the line of high fae staring at Azriel and you. The shadow singer squeezes my hand tighter and you realize this is Azriel's family. "Hello, I'm Feyre." A gorgeous female in a black dress steps forward, extending her hand to shake. You flush, bowing your head. "My lady—" you begin. "Please," The female places her tattooed hand on your shoulder. "Call me Feyre." She gives you a reassuring smile and you can't help but feel a little safer under her gaze.

"I'm Rhysand." The high lord slides a hand around his mates waist and you give him a smile. "I'm—" you begin. "Y/n, we know." A beautiful blonde grins proudly, glancing at Azriel before looking back to you. "From the day court right?" She arches a brow. "Yes," you pause, "how much have you told them?" You turn to the spy master but he remains silent, only replying with a subtle shrug. "Every time he opens his mouth." A large rugged male chuckles, earning a glare from Azriel.

"You must be Cassian." You guess confidently as you look up, and up, and up at him. "How'd you know?" He creases his brows and you smile cheekily. "Azzie talks about you guys too." You supply and Cassian's eyes light with amusement as a low growl sounds from the male at your side. "Azzie?!" Cassian hollers in laughter and you join him with a giggle, realizing the shadow singer shouldn't have been worried about any of them exposing him, but rather you.

"Shut up." He grits out and even Rhysand has to suppress a snicker. "You're coming with me," Feyre grabs onto your free hand and drags you away from the males. "They clearly need to debrief." She mutters, clasping onto Mor as well before carving a way straight to the bar, people moving every which direction to get out of the high lady's path.

"You're going to have to tell us everything." Mor instructs as she finds three empty stools for you to sit on, Feyre gesturing you to the middle. Right as you sit a bartender with deep brown hair and tattered Illyrian wings places three drinks in front of us like she knew exactly what we wanted, you don't miss the wink she gives Mor, who returns it with a smile. "I don't even know where to begin." You say, thinking of what they'd even want to hear. "You can start with this," Mor places a drink in front of you. "While you tell us about that." She then points to the purple mark Azriel had left on you only moments ago.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"You've got it bad, brother." Rhysand hums, sliding to the side of Azriel, the blue siphoned male still staring at you as Feyre drags you away. "Got what?" The shadow singer creases his brows and looks to Rhys. The high lord looks as if he's about to laugh. "You're love sick." Cassian hums, passing by the two and guiding them to the table in the back they usually sat at.

They settle into the booth, three whiskey glasses and a decanter appear before them, as well as a deck of cards. It was muscle memory at this point for Azriel to shuffle and deal the cards while Rhys poured the drinks. Azriel always won, of course. Cassian got too confused and Rhys just wasn't very smart with his hand. The two Illyrians however had devised a plan to take down their spy master.

"You go first, Azzie." Cassian taunts as soon as he gets his cards. Azriel casts a glare at him and if the general didn't know any better he'd think he was a dead man. "Fuck off," Azriel plays his card. "Only she gets to call me that." He leans back into his seat, shadows swirling around him. "You're whipped." Rhys smiles, playing his round. "I know." Azriel sighs. "It's actually gotten so bad, she's all I think about." The shadow singer murmurs, analyzing Cassian's every move while he takes his turn. "When will she stop being a constant factor in my judgement?" He huffs out, Rhys looks past the crowd to his high lady. "Never." His eyes don't leave Feyre when he speaks. "Trust us brother, every decision you now make will be connected to her." Cassian warns and Azriel sinks deeper into his seat. "Fuck." He grumbled. "Yeah." Rhys smiles, agreeing with the sentiment. Then his eyes go blank, clearly talking with someone else with that power he and his mate share, Azriel notices but he doesn't think anything of it.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"Rhys wants us over there," Feyre gestures to the table in the back, the path to them blocked by the crowd. "How do you know?" You crease your brows, blinking at her curiously. "I can hear him in my head." She shrugs. "Freaks." Mor grumbles, causing a soft snicker to admit from your lips. "This way then," Feyre grabs my hand and ignores Mor's comment, you were unsure if you shouldn't have laughed or if this was simply how they acted with each other.

Feyre tugs me through the crowd, and the same way she led us to the bar everyone parted for her, quick to move out of the way in fear of the protective high lords wrath that would be unleashed if Feyre were to be so much as bumped into.

Once reaching the table, Mor slides into the booth beside the general, Feyre stands behind Rhys, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she watched his cards intently. Before you could even begin to understand the game they were playing shadows wrap around you and pull you straight down onto Azriel's lap. You flush but he only pulls your back into his chest and props his head on your shoulder.

"Someone's awfully clingy." You mumble to him as his fingertips press into the skin of your inner thigh. "Mhm." He nods and you smile, leaning your head back to rest on his collar bone, looking down at his cards. You couldn't tell who was winning, much less how the game even worked— but you didn't care at the moment, not while you were sitting in the lap of the prettiest male you've ever seen, his finger tracing shapes unconsciously. Spelling his name you discerned. Your breath hitched at the realization and you flushed pink, making you grateful for the dim lighting.

You tilt your head to look at his side profile, utterly focused on the cards in his hands. You smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his jaw. "If you win I'll be your prize later." You whisper softly and his eyes flash with something you recognized well. "And if I lose?" He arches a brow. "Don't." You warn against his neck and he adjusts his hips beneath you, allowing you to feel exactly how much he's dedicated to win. You suppress a giggle and lean into him, watching the confusing game and trying to figure out the rules.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Azriel didn't know how it happened. He usually blacked out and let his instincts take over, has played this game a multitude of times to know which strategies work and what tactics to use. But now that you were seated in his lap and he was promised a reward he had no idea where to even begin. He played it cool but gods was your scent distracting, and if you moved your hips against him one more time he might have to take you on the table right here, right now.

"Sunshine," He calls. "Yeah Az?" You look up at him with wide wondering eyes. Fuck, he's so doomed. Can you sit still for me?" He asks. He would have you get off of his lap but unfortunately the imprint of his member would be far too prominent and he feared Cassian would never let him live it down.

"Mhm, sorry." You fight back a small smile before settling back into him. It was odd, to be so distracted. Azriel has trained his entire life to have good discipline and an unbreakable shield. Until you came along with your bright smile and your overwhelming kindness, making him completely awestruck. He's never had the urge to protect something more, and also never had the lack of control to the point where the first time you met him, his shadows mummified you. He apologized a dozen times but every time you waved him off with a polite smile and told him you didn't mind.

He now looked down at you, on his lap, toying with a shadow that weaved between your finger tips as if they were yours to control. He wondered how he even got here, what he did to deserve this moment.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

"Fuck." Cassian groaned tossing down his hand of cards, his distress and Mor's smirk making it clear that he lost. You creased your brows and Rhys slowly folded his own cards down, a frown on Feyre's face at the defeat. "How do you do it?" Cassian looked wide eyed at the spy master, who simply smiled. "We thought she'd distract you." Rhys sighs, the high lord pouting. "My lucky charm."Azriel hums, wrapping his arms tighter around you, making you blush. "The streak continues." Cassian grumbled, reaching for his drink and downing the rest of it.

"If you'll excuse me brothers, and ladies," He nodded to both of them. "I have a prize waiting for me at home." The male kissed your temple and you widened your eyes. "Azriel!" You reprimanded but whatever lecture you were about to give died on your tongue at the sight of his dimples. Your mouth watered. "We have to go." You swallow. His eyes flash with lust. "It was nice meeting you all," you turn to them who were all staring at us knowingly. "I'd like to meet again." You grin, trying to ignore Azriel whose hand on your thigh was slowly shifting higher. "I'm sure we will." Rhys nods and you give them one last smile before Azriel is winnowing us back to your apartment.

"You just couldn't wait could you, Azzie?" You tease.

"I want my prize." He hoists you up onto the kitchen counter and kisses you breathless, not allowing you to reply.

General tag list: @fxckmiup

Comment a “💙” to be added :)

[lumdays]

WAHAHAHHHHWHH ILYYYYY THAMK YOU SO MUCHHH🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 i wish i could interact more and stuff but iM AWKWARD IM SO SORRY AUEGEHGDHH anyways!!!!!mooties appreciation timeeee😽😽

@cheerleaderman since you tagged me first🫶🫶🫶 i really REALLY REALLY adore your art and your ocs and admire how quickly and constantly you manage to put it out, we haven’t talked a lot but you’re super nice and i wish we could interact more but hshhhhhshIM SHY WITH NO PEOPLE AROUND still i think ur super cool and it's always a joy to see you on my dash‼️

@amatsuchan-eiliniel I LOVE YOUR ART AND HOPPER AND YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! YOU'RE A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL PERSON AND I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!!! HOPPER IS SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

from here onwards i think i'm gonna forget a bunch of people but😞😞😞WE BALLLLLL

@boopshoops your art is so😋😋😋😋YYYYUUUMMMMYYYY youre suuuuperrrrr nice and all your projects are sososo cool and creative and fun!!! ALSO YOURE SO FUNNY HEHE🫶🫶 i love seeing your shitposts as much as literally any of your other posts!!! yuu shi's such a queen girlboss gorgeous beautiful lady i fall to my knees everytime i see her TRUST

@starry-night-rose HIHIHI I THINK UR ART IS SUPER CUTE AND YOUR OCS ARE SO MUCH FUN!!! i haven't read through all of them but i LOVE ellis!! (you AND the sona🫶🫶) you're so full of life and girlish whimsy and like pink aura and vibe, i love being around you!!! super happy to be your moot!

@galacticstationsblog GALLLL YOUR DESIGNS ARE SOOOOO FIREEE AND I LOVE YOUR IDEAS AND YUKI AND VIA AND HAHSHHSHHSHSH you're sooo sweet and i am ALWAYS blown away with how pretty your art is seriously it's🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥FIRE BANGER PEAK (i love ur cats too🫶🫶🫶TELL THEM I SAID HIIII)

@theleechyskrunkly BRO!!!!!! I Do Not See You On My Dash Often Enough. Come Back./LH ANYHOW i love aurinelle and yuiishi and your art and like, you as a whole(because you are me and i am you and im the best/j) YOURE SO FUNNY AND LIKE EVEN IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME I THINK YOURE REALLY NICE AND FUN TO BE AROUND!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING ON THE SAME(similar?) FREAKUENCY AS MEEEE

@nemisisnemi HEYYY NEMIII I LOVE YOUR ART AND YOUR OCS!!!! THEYRE BANGERS🔥🔥🔥🔥 this might be awkward since we haven't interacted a lot but i think you're really really funny and cool!! (and your art is FIRE and like ABSOLUTELY majestic but i think i already said that hrhzhhshsh) I WISH I'D SEE YOU ON MY DASH MORE GHRHRHGRH

@thehollowwriter QUINNN!!!! thank you so much for being one of my very first twst moots and for being my friend despite my awkward ahh introduction😭😭😭😭 you're a really really talenter writer and i'm pretty sure i binge-read all of your works??!? THATS HOW GOOD YOUR WRITING IS LMAO i truly do adore finn and silas and timo and morrigan and your entire cast of ocs

@twistedwonderlandshenanigans V!!! waahhh i love your writing and your ideas and your thoughts and you, your brain is MASSIVE and your heart is too cause you're one of the bestest people i've ever met🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 thank you so much for being my friend, i kinda see you as an older sister figure lol? sorry if that's cringe or you're uncomfortable with the notion but i really admire you and i hope i get to stick by your side for a long while!!!

@distant-velleity KAIII your art is SCRUMPTIOUS your writing is WONDERFUL AND YOU'RE AN AMAZING AMAZING GUY (and the lore is always gut-wrenching but i think i'm starting to get used to it/aff) really you're so creative and skilled i feel like i'm in the presence of a person who was blessed by literally any and every god of art that has ever existed when you're around, you're so much fun to talk to and i am so happy to be your friend🫶🫶🫶don't ever stop being a little bit evil, i think it's like maybe one of the many many best things about you

@elenauaurs 😈😈😈naelenaaaaa YOU🫵ARE AWESOMEEEE🌟⭐️🌟✨️💫💫💫🌠🌠⭐️🌟🌠🌠💫💫💫🌠🌟🌟✨️🌟⭐️💫🌟✨️🌟✨️🌠🌠🌠✨️✨️⭐️✨️🌟⭐️⭐️💫⭐️⭐️🌠🌠⭐️⭐️⭐️ (STAR ATTACK RAAHHHH) ILYYY THANK YOU FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME AND BEING A SWEETHEART AND FOR BEING ALIVE AND FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE BECAUSE YOURE A WONDERFUL PERSON!!!! your art is sO SO SOSO BEAUTIFUL AND YOUR IDEAS AND OCS ARE ALWAYS SO CREATIVE AND CLEVER AND INTERESTING i love hearing your thoughts and just talking with you, thank you for being my friend stargirl🫶🫶

@oya-oya-okay I JUST REALISED WE'RE MOOTS AHHHH OK OK WAITT let me calm down first im calm im calm i think ur art is super super cute and i always thought that you were too!!! like you just seem like a super sweet person and i've always wanted to interact with u more🫶🫶 i really admire you and am a huge fan of your shuu and black butler x twst au!! i also followed your ridoazul art hshdhhdhzuvdhshhshsh your ideas are really funny and cute and your art is awesome!!!

@skriblee-ksk KRISSSS WAHAHHAHHA ok so your art is just so lovely and you ARE TOO!!!! like there's just a really sweet air to it/you that makes me smile each and every time NO FAIL. ALSO I LOVE KIYUU SO MUCH SHES THE SKRUNKLY THE CUTIE THE GIRL EVERRRR GRHHGRHHR (i wanna squeeze hug her SO bad) i love love love seeing your stuff on my dash i rub my hands together like a little gremlin and go smash my thumbs against the reblog and like buttons like i have personal vendettas against em🔥🔥🔥🔥 I WISH WE COULD TALK MORE BUT YOURE REALLY SWEET AND AN AMAZING MOOT ILYYYY

positivity train!

if you see this or are tagged in it, tag a couple of your favorite mutuals/blogs and let them know you appreciate seeing them on your dash!

@h0neysugarfree @blueberrylovv @bequiteanddriveeeeeee @cherri-bomb-bomb @eg0mechan1c @fatrexicisback

[greyvvardenfell]

Zevran Appreciation Week: Day 2

Question of the Day: What is your favorite other relationship with Zevran?

Honestly, I feel like Zev kind of falls out of touch with the rest of the Origins crew when they scatter after the Blight ends. I like the relationship that he and Leliana develop (she says it herself in one of their banters: they have a lot in common with he an assassin and she a bard, and both being non-Fereldans), and I do like that they kind of stay in contact with each other even if the Warden doesn’t romance him by the time Inquisition rolls around, but I don’t think he ever gets that close to anyone besides the Warden.

But in my canon worldstate, my Hawke (Adam) and Fenris actually leave Kirkwall with Zevran after defeating Meredith, and he helps them go on the run as he makes his way back to Amaranthine, where Warden-Commander Reyja Brosca is still waiting for him. Adam, Fenris, and Zev bond as fugitives even in the short time they spend together and eventually Zev introduces Reyja to them as well, after Fenris and Hawke find a safehouse and get settled enough to contact him. All four of them stay friends for many years. I’m planning a fic where they meet my canon Inquisitor, Jakariel Lavellan, and his LIs Dorian and Iron Bull too...

Long story short: Leliana is my favorite canon friendship, my Hawke and Fenris + Zev is my favorite kind-of-canon-but-not-really friendship

[sulky-valkyrie]

Things you said while you thought I was asleep for Alistair/anyone you'd like!

for @dadrunkwriting ~~~ Alistair was dozing lightly, when he felt Morrigan roll over.  "I'm surprised he stayed."

"Why?"  Aedan eased himself up slowly, shifting the other man's arm from his waist to his lap.

"He doesn't like me."

Aedan laughed softly.  "You haven't exactly been nice to him, Mori." 

Her voice was low and amused.  Maker, had she always sounded like that?  Sultry?   Was that the word?  "He called me a witch and said I'd turn him into a frog when we met, if you recall."

A calloused hand stroked his forehead.  "Considering you are a witch and you have threatened to turn people into frogs, that hardly seems fair." 

She moved again, soft curves brushing Alistair's fingers.  He held them still, not wanting to eavesdrop, but also not wanting to interrupt whatever moment was happening above or near him.  "He gave me the idea, and it's hardly my fault for using such a threat, even if that does take more power than its worth."

"So you could do it, but you're lazy?"  Aedan’s fingers were in his hair.  "And this, will it be worth all that power you’re spending?"

"You'll still be alive.  You'll still have him."  The tone was more wistful than bitter.

He could hear Aedan’s frown.  "You could stay, too, Mori.  I never - Mori, I'm sorry I believed you when you said it didn't matter, that you didn't care about me like that."

"Warden Cousland, you owe me nothing.  There is no future for us and there never could be."  Her voice was firm.  The bed dipped as she leaned forward, and then Alistair’s hand wasn't just pressed against warm yielding flesh, but damp curls. Aedan's breath sped up, and the hand on Alistair’s scalp tightened.

"You want to make sure it took?" He asked softly.  "If we're going to for another round, it's only fair that I wake him up."

"Does it really take two Grey Wardens to satisfy a Witch of the Wilds?" she teased back.  "Am I so wanton and shameless?"

"Aren't you?" Aedan murmured softly.  "You come to our bed, ask us for a child so we can survive saving the world?  How is that not wanton or shameless?"  Alistair could hear them exchanging kisses, and she was rocking against his hand, likely without realizing it.

"Shameless would be if I rode you while he slept."

Alistair’s eyes snapped open at that.  "Um," was all he managed to get out before Aedan was leaning down to kiss him too, and he tasted like Morrigan.  Until a few hours ago, that would've infuriated or horrified him.  Probably both.  But now, now it was just another part of the man he loved, and the woman they'd fathered a child with.

"Dire news, your highness," the other man said after he broke off the kiss, eyes twinkling.

Alistair snorted.  "Has the kingdom run out of cheese?"

"Far worse."  Aedan turned and wrapped his arms around Morrigan, then pulled her across his lap.  "There's a woman in our bed."

He sat up, hand to his forehead in mock terror.  "Maker, no!  What will the Bannorn say?"

She poked him in the chest.  "They'll ask why it's not Anora."

"Because she's terrifying."  He shrugged and cupped her face as he leaned forward to kiss her.  "Now, did I hear something about another round?"

[foxx-queen]

flemeth, elves and morrigan

so I love flemeth a lot, I find her super interesting as a character with complex motivations and i kind of feel like she fits the trickster archetype more than solas in some ways, and to me it's v fun to think about how she's essential to dragon age as a whole, since she has such a large role in both the history of thedas and the warden and hawkes fates. I actually started with da2 as it was a gift, and I spent the intro with zero idea about what was going on or whether id be able to get into it, when a dragon turned into a milf with a v nice voice, and I was hooked. probs should've realised I was gay then we love hindsight. that being said, there are a few things that have bothered me since she was revealed to be mythal, which come down to a. flemeth containing the spirit of an elven goddess when she human and b. her treatment of morrigan when she's supposed to be the goddess of motherhood. so I've been having some ideas about what could've been done differently and thought I'd share.

the elves :

to start, make flemeth an elf, or half elven. at first I wasn't sure if this would work considering that we're told she possesses the bodies of her daughters, except it seems like that not actually what she does, considering what she says in dai and the fact that we meet one of her other daughters, yavana, in the silent grove. in terms of flemeth's origin, we don't actually know what the truth is. all she ever confirms to the inquisitor when directly asked is that she was married, had a lover, her husband tricked her, killed her lover and imprisoned her, and that mythal came to her then. it's actually entirely possible for the writers to give her elven heritage because a. we've met characters who have one elven parent who don't have elven features (ie. alistair) and b. she's a shapeshifter and could be disguising her elven features so that the dreaded 'witch of the wilds' isn't associated with elves, which could easily cause problems for them. personally, I'd make her a servant from highever who rejected a noble man's advances, and in retaliation the noble had her lover killed and threw her in prison.

give her more ties to the dalish. again this is something I think the writers could still do, because we've had hints of her connection to the dalish already. we know the dalish have their own legends about her, and considering that asha'bellanar means the woman of many years it's not hard to imagine that some of them know more about her nature. merrill even says that she knows a little of the truth behind the name, so it's entirely possible to me that many of the keepers of the clans know more of the truth. in one of the novels (the stolen throne I think?) a dalish clan also takes marric and loghain to flemeth, which again shows us she does have dealings with them. but basically I want to see more of that connection. I want to hear about her helping the dalish, providing safe passage when they need it, sharing mythals knowledge over the centuries she's been interacting with them. stories about her have spread all over thedas, so she could easily have spent time with multiple clans. I would've loved it if mahariel recognized flemeth in dao. same vibes as seeing your teacher outside school when they look like they haven't done their laundry in a month.

give the city elves their own stories about her. this is partly why I'd make her an elven servant, and maybe make her lover elven, because I like the idea of her origin being similar to tabris. among the city elves, she's a legendary figure they whisper about, a woman who slaughtered those humans who wronged her and escaped into the wild. they say that if you can find flemeth, she'll shelter you from any humans who pursue you. I just like the idea of the dalish and the city elves having their own different stories about flemeth, connecting them to mythal and each other. as a side note, the symbol for the city elf origin, a vhenadahl tree, reminds me a lot of mythals vallaslin. the symbol for the dalish elf origin, a leafy mask, can also be found on a shield called mythals blessing.

most of the stories we've heard about her are from the chasind, or fereldan tales, so I think it's entirely possible for them to expand on the dalish stories about her and her connection to them. morrigan being the elven 'expert' in dai might not have been as tonedeaf if she also had elven heritage, or if she'd learned what she knew from the dalish (rather than stealing it) that flemeth interacted with, or if she wanted to share what she discovered with them, as flemeth did.

purely indulgent here, but if you play as lavellan and mess up during the save your clan war table missions, instead of them dying you get a letter from your keeper that asha'bellanar showed up to save them. actually this happened that's why lavellan never grieves during the game it's because their clan is fine. as the first to the keeper, lavellan also recognises flemeth when they meet her.

morrigan

flemeth and the elves / her connection to them could still be included by the writers but everything with morrigan is just you know. my thoughts

i'd make their relationship much better / closer. I wouldn't make flemeth a perfect mother or anything, and I think morrigan could still be mistrustful of people etc if she's learned she can only rely on herself and her mother. the story about the mirror could still be a thing, which again is because I wouldn't make it perfect, but morrigan didn't spend her entire childhood without affection / gifts / love etc. her personal quest wouldn't even need to change that much. you find the black grimoire in the circle tower and give it to her, and she freaks out when she reads it. since it seems like possessing morrigan isn't what flemeth intended, I can see flemeth having written things to mess with the templars who found it to entertain herself. finding this out is maybe even worse for morrigan here, because she does have a good relationship with flemeth and believed flemeth loved her, so the betrayal is worse.

get rid of that stuff about flemeth apparently seducing men and using them and then telling morrigan she expected the same of her. honestly of everything that stuff bothered me the most, and part of it is because it's in line with a lot of the stuff bioware does with female characters who have multiple partners. like the way they write aveline constantly slut shaming isabella in da2. it's the kind of story that would be told about the witches of the wilds to scare people etc but that isn't true. so yeah get rid of it.

I had more thoughts but these are the main ones. like I love flemeth and I can't imagine dragon age without her, but the revelation that she's mythal just put a few things in a different light. tdlr: I'd make flemeth and morrigans relationship much closer, and I'd show a lot more of flemeth's connection to the dalish. telling us that she's been amongst them for centuries and sharing what she knows over time without invalidating the culture they've created would also be nice because i hate the whole 'the dalish were wrong' narrative.

[mxstball]

Lauren and Heidi nodded. Honestly, they all seemed to agree on account of Friede that it was best to let bygons be bygons. Friede had gotten justice, the world was saved, and even though she was back, it was best to treat her like a new individual.

As for Gene's knowledge, Heidi had a feeling that Yukin would tell him everything, but she still felt the need for the two of them to tell him themselves for that formality. After all, even if she wouldn't ever say so out loud, he was sort of a father figure to her -- similar to the extent of Jörmungandr. They wouldn't have things any other way.

That being said, it didn't go past them to hear that something was going on even here. So, before Heidi could even consider transitioning to the favor they had to ask, Lauren spoke out.

"Is something bad happening over here? Do you need our help with anything? I'd be more than willing to help in any way that I can--"

Heidi quickly turned to her sister. "Big sis. You literally just met him and you're already trying to offer your help with something that you don't know? We haven't even asked about the favor, let alone kicked Morrigan's ass--" Is this how Lauren got herself to give her soul to Mona?

Lauren shook her head. "Yeah, I know, but I don't need to know him that much. He's Aesen's dad, so that makes him my dad too in a way -- just like how George is my dad... and you know how much I'd want to help my family--"

"..." Heidi can feel the slight beginnings of a headache coming on. That would implicate Yukin as being her father in a way, and that's not something that she wants to think about right now -- as if Izanami as their adoptive mother and her sister's counterpart wasn't headache-inducing enough.

Lauren turned back to Gene. "But yeah! Is there anything that we can do to help with your and Yukin's issue? We'd be more than willing to!"

Gene nods. "Yes, Yukin told me as much - on both counts. I'm not necessarily going to seek Izanami out unless she wishes for me to visit, and as for Friede... as long as she doesn't go back to her old ways, we won't have any problems."

"Of course, Yukin and I have our own issues that we're dealing with, but it's still good to hear about things like this. I do thank the both of you for letting me know, even if it's only a formality."

[purelyjaebeom]

2019 Selfie Tag

This year felt stagnant for me. Nothing significant happened per say. I met someone great @vipelf814 and I kept my friendships @foggycupcakekitty @kihyunspanda @autumnal-dawn @ultimate-kpop-trash-scenarios and @junghoeseokie and it's things like that I am grateful for. I had ups and downs mentally and emotionally but this year was the best year I've had mentally in a long time. I have to thank all those who have listened to me along the way especially Leen and Morrigan. There are many hopes and dreams that I wish to complete in the new year and I'm happy to do it with those who care for me along side me. I cherish every single one of you even if I don't say it often or sometimes we don't talk I still have you on my heart ❤

To all those I've mentioned you're tagged to do this if you haven't already.

To @nctatnightnight one of my favourite blog and tumblr mom. I love you and thank you for the tag, you too Meg. I hope to get to know you better in the future 💗

[luxmaeastra]

Rhysand admits he is a little thrown by the question - especially this late while they get ready for bed. He pauses from laying his clothes out for the next day and gives a small smile. Though hadn't they said no secrets between them? More importantly, he had said she could ask him whatever she wished. 

"We can talk about Unah if you want. What did you want to know? A quick backstory for context, Morrigan and her grew up in Hewn together and Keir treated her like a second daughter. A daughter he actually gave a shit about. Mor and her are still close I imagine, I haven't asked."

Rhysand shook his head at that. He guessed it had to do Unah's bloodline not her as a person. He let the old anger go - it wasn't his place anymore. Besides she'd achieved everything she said she would. Hewn was slowly getting better - marginally anyway.

He had hoped Morrigan and Unah were still friends. Even if Unah had done the Mating Ceremony of Morrigan's baby sister and Markos. If there had been fallout from that he hadn't heard anything of it.

//For Feyre! I apologize for all the Unah related asks, she's just very awake. I promise I have other muses 😅//

Feyre was removing the pins from her hair when she asked the question, allowing it to fall before she turned from where she sat. It just seemed strange that Unah was so much in their lives and she knew so little about her, sometimes she even felt rude for not being able to engage in a proper conversation with her without having some back story explained to her.

“I mean we don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I just want to know more about her,” she admitted as put the last of the pins away. “I assumed her and Mor were close. Just how they were sometimes, though I feel there is some distance between them. I really want to know how you two met, how you two became close. What was she like back then? I could ask so many questions.���

She gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry for asking this so late, but I find sometimes being in our room is one of the few places I can think. I spend most my time double guessing myself and trying not to put my foot in my mouth, say the wrong thing, look the wrong way.”

[ravencall70]

The Heart of a Crow (excerpt)

"Zev,

I was so pleased to receive your letter so soon after arriving here in Amaranthine. Things here are... unsettling. Vigil's keep was under attack by darkspawn when I arrived and all the Wardens from Orlais are dead or missing.

They're organized Zev and more disturbing is that the one I killed... talked. He was threatening the Keep's seneschal when I stopped him. I don't know what this means but the Wardens who I thought I'd be leading are no longer here.

King Alistair, (and yes, Zev, I know how weird that sounds), arrived shortly after we cleared out the darkspawn. He couldn't stay, but did help me stop a Templar from returning a mage to the Circle.

Yes, another mage is following me around. He's been conscripted into the Grey Warden's, as was Oghren who was here when I arrived. And yeah he still reeks of... well, whatever that stench is, I still haven't figured it out.

I miss you Zev. I wish I was with you in Antiva. I don't like the thought of you on your own against the Crows. And before you mention my risk, you know it's different. I have people watching my back here and you're alone. Sorry, I just worry. Plus, I'm sure the weather there is a damn sight better than the northern coast of Ferelden.

When I'm finished here, I intend to join you. I do not like being away from you. Promise you'll be careful? I love you Zevran.

Avery"

*

My dear Grey Warden,

Talking darkspawn. Braska, I do not like the sound of that but it is a delight to hear from you amor. Truly, your words are like the sweetest breeze across my skin. If I was not busy evading the members of my former order I would be inclined to write you some dreadfully sweet poetry. Alas, the Crows are nothing if not persistent and I do not have the time just yet.

But do not worry about me. I have enlisted some assistance from a friend we met in Denerim. She is most helpful, not to mention useful as a sinfully seductive distraction for my enemies. (As well as the most skilled blade I have ever known.) Besides myself of course.

We managed to neutralize the most recent attempt to put an end to my quest and the guildmaster of Treviso in Antiva. I pray your tenure in Amaranthine is a short and victorious one. I miss having you at my side. Not to mention over me and under me, naked and... Apologies, I got carried away. Be safe my dear warden. Camping in a tent while avoiding the Crows is just not the same without you at my side.

Z."

*

"Zev,

I hope you're safe. Things here are... weird. Not to mention gross, disturbing and... difficult. It is nothing at all like it was before we stopped the Blight. My companions here are... harder to tolerate or even like really than those we once travelled with.

I enjoy talking with Segrun, a female dwarf from the Legion of the Dead. She's like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the others. Oghren hasn't changed much and is going to be a father, though Felsi had to come here to confront him for leaving her or I would never have known. There's also a mad female Dalish mage who if I wasn't desperate for help I might have killed outright. (Don't worry, I won't kill her, though she is the rudest person I've ever met. Yes, even more so than Morrigan.)

I think I mentioned another mage yes? His name is Anders and though pleasant enough, I can't help but think he has a lot of secrets he hides behind deflection and bad jokes. There are two others in my misfit group but I hesitate to mention them. Perhaps next time.

How goes your hunt? You mentioned enlisting the aid of a friend in your last letter. I hope she's as good as you say and trustworthy. I got the impression she might not hesitate to serve up a little payback for how you parted from her the last time you were together.

Dreadfully sweet poetry? Really love, anything you pen would greatly lift my spirits. I cannot convey how dreary things are, though I sense we're nearing the end of the troubles here. When my work is complete, I am coming to join you in Antiva. I am weary of darkspawn and broodmothers (don't ask), and I want nothing more than to hold you in my arms.

Ti amo,

Avery"

*

"My dear Grey Warden,

Broodmothers? If I did not know you as well as I do, I might think you were toying with me. Alas, your tone was enough to convince me you are quite serious and it worries me.

Truly? You wish me to write you a poem? Hmm. Braska, I am interrupted. I will think on it and compose something suitable.

I have returned! Quite exhilarating that was. But you had asked for a poem and this is what I have for you.

When I faltered, my life was forfeit

When I failed, your hand was there

When I shared, you didn't judge me

When I fell, your touch was fair

Am I dreaming, am I deceived

Does he mock me, I cannot say

Then you kissed me, a dance I play

You asked for more, my heart was hard

I looked for tricks, they were not there

I know not this dance, I gave a token

You didn't press, my heart was warming

Can this be real, I think, ti amo

You smile, it's true

Tis a blessing, mi amor

You whisper, I love you, and I am yours.

Sincerely, I do not believe it is my best attempt. Perhaps I should just borrow from those more talented no? I hope your troubles in Amaranthine conclude soon. I wait with bated breath to hear from you again. Isabella and I have defeated the guildmaster here in Seleny and are moving on to Rialto. A pleasant coastal city closer to Antiva city but not too close. I am looking forward to a nice bowl of fish chowder and an indulgent amount of Antivan brandy, though I would much prefer to share these things with you.

Ti amo Avery,

Z."

*

"Zev,

Your poem is beautiful and exactly  what I needed when it arrived. I mentioned there were two others here with me in Amaranthine last time? They are... unconventional, to say the least but are committed to stopping the darkspawn. One is Nathaniel Howe, yes that Howe and no, I am not crazy. I conscripted him and he has earned my trust if not my loyalty. I may even recommend he take over here when this business is done.

The other is a... how do I say this? We ended up in the Fade while looking for a missing Grey Warden. He was dead and when the blood mage we confronted sent us back, a spirit of Justice came with us (entirely by accident), and inhabited the Grey Warden's body. Yes, it is as creepy as it sounds but it didn't seem right to let him just wander off alone. Honestly, I've no idea what to do about him or if I even can do anything.

I am all right Zev, but I admit I get tired of being trapped in the Fade against my will. I hope you are safe and that your beloved fish chowder was delicious. Have another brandy for me, sadly all the Warden's have here is cheap whiskey and even cheaper wine.

Love,

Avery"

*

"Avery,

What do you mean you conscripted a Howe? A spirit of Justice? Your description reminds me of the mortalitasi in Nevarra. I do not like this amor. Also, I get the feeling things are much worse there than you have led me to believe, though I hope that is just my imagination and you are not holding something back.

Isabella has had to disappear for a time and I have left Rialto and am staying in a small village further inland. Things did not go well in Rialto but the fish chowder was just as I remembered it.

Do not worry about me amor, I am safe enough and it seems to me you have more than enough to deal with. I intend to remain here until Isabella returns as it is too dangerous to venture out on my own.

You liked my poem? Truly? Ah, ti amo you flatter me. Perhaps while I am here I shall attempt another one, better this time. Oh, I must go. The farmer has need of me. Keep yourself safe amor, I wish to see you safe and whole when you return to me.

Z."

*

"My Warden,

It has been two months since I last heard from you and I am worried. Isabella has returned to Rialto but we have made no plans as I am not at my best with worry for you. How can I plot my revenge on the Crows if I do not know what may have befallen you?

Please write soon ti amo. I am sending a second letter with this one, addressed to whoever might have answers for me. I hope they will be able to help.

Continued on AO3