#well enough by the sleepy ostwick circle is very.... i would like it

[potatoesandsunshine]

does the harrowing actually work or is it more of a "mages believe it works so it works" thing. like are you actually less likely to get possessed after being harrowed. it's a test you spend your whole apprenticeship being afraid of but even if you pass it i don't know if it has a 'reward'

[chipfics]

Rest Easy

crossposted from Ao3 Characters: Alyssa Trevelyan, Cullen Rutherford About: Relationship fluff with some spicier implications/mentions. Set in a Trevelyan Siblings AU.

Summary: Alyssa has trouble sleeping- but she’s not the only one. 1700 words.

Sleep came scarcer and scarcer each night lately.

Alyssa's quarters in Skyhold were comfortable, spacious, well warmed by the fireplace. Much different from the drafty little cabin she had shared with her brother in Haven. Now he was in the quarters just below hers in the main tower, hopefully sleeping peacefully with no whispers from nightmares or worries of any kind. And hopefully no pains from the mark on his hand. She knew it still bothered him at times.

Alyssa herself had many little things to keep her mind in ill company now.

The Ostwick Circle had fallen suddenly, before the war between the mages and templars had fully begun. The rebellious there had staged a bloody uprising, and it had left Alyssa with little choice but to flee the place entirely or be singled out as one of the rebels by the templars who would not pause to ask any questions.

She had stayed with a Dalish clan after that, until word of the Conclave reached her and she chose to attend.

She had already developed sleep problems by the time she reunited with her brother there for the first time since leaving Ostwick. Most of the dreams that overtook her were full of the smell of the Circle burning, the noise of the fighting, the ache of her feet as she trekked further north to avoid getting her family caught up in the mess that was the spreading mage rebellion.

She still dreamed of that day even now. And now also of Haven burning, of Tristan facing Corypheus down alone and being lost in the blinding white of an avalanche, thought dead for days before a rear patrol found him exhausted and starved in the snow.

By some strange twist of luck she was now settled within the position of Inquisitor as well. So many people whose lives and faith depended on her. Every word she said could be twisted for good or ill now and the anxiety of the notion kept her awake as much as trying to avoid the nightmares.

And so tonight she found herself curled against the arm of a sofa in front of her fireplace, reading through a copy of Hard in Hightown and drinking tea that had long since cooled.

She knew the crime serial almost by heart now. It had been a favorite of hers for quite some time, and it was still an odd thought to realize she was now close friends with its author. Still, even as familiar as the words and imagery were they provided enough distraction to keep her calm. And failing that, she could always dress herself again and take a brisk walk. There were night patrols and it wouldn't be unsafe as long as she stayed within the fortress walls.

She was in fact beginning to consider doing just that when she heard the knock. A few quick, hard raps that didn't match the knock of the runner that usually interrupted her sleep with urgent business of some sort.

Alyssa paused, at first not sure she had really heard it. Several seconds passed, and she heard it again. Real, then. She marked her place and stood, smoothing out her shift and reaching for her nightrobe. She pulled it on and tied the belt then padded across the floor and to the door. She hesitated only a moment before opening it just a crack. Whoever it was, they needed her for something to be there at nearly two in the morning.

It wasn't a runner standing in the darkness of the hallway like she expected.

It was a man, tall and strong, wavy blonde hair mussed and hanging into his face. A five o' clock shadow was on his chin that she would know anywhere.

“Cullen?” She asked incredulously, and opened the door the rest of the way to get a better look.

His hair wasn't combed back the way she was accustomed to seeing, and it gave him a very different air. Disheveled, almost, but still very attractive.

“I'm sorry,” He said quietly by way of greeting, “I know it's late.”

“I wasn't asleep,” Alyssa informed him, “it's all right. Do you need something? Is anything wrong?”

She reached a hand out to grasp one of his. Bare, knuckles scarred and nails cut short. Now that she looked closer he was wearing his nightclothes without so much as a robe or jacket to keep warm on his walk from his own quarters. Alyssa frowned.

They were in a relationship- she had no qualms about him being here, even if it wasn't something he had ventured to do before. Cullen was shy in some ways, and very proper most of the time.

...Very improper other times, she recalled, but pushed the thought of his desk under her back from her mind. This wasn't the time.

“I,” Cullen hesitated, “It's not...I mean, there's no work you're needed for.”

He brushed his hair back out of his face. It fell back into place. Alyssa had a brief thought that she wanted to run her fingers through it.

“I couldn't sleep,” Cullen finally said, “And I...started walking, and somehow I ended up here.”

Alyssa pulled him forward. He offered no resistance and she tugged him through the doorway and into her quarters, into the warmer air. She closed the door behind them.

“It's frigid tonight,” She reprimanded softly, “You should have at least put on your boots.”

Cullen responded by drawing her into his arms and bending to bury his nose in her hair, made a brighter orange than normal from the light of the fire. There was the sound of him inhaling deeply and letting out a long sigh.

“You smell nice,” Cullen murmured. Alyssa pulled away and bounced onto her toes, kissing his chin.

“I took a bath after returning from the Graves this evening.” She said, “Come sit down, Cullen.”

She led him to the sofa, where they both sat down. Her book sat forgotten already on the coffee table and Cullen fiddled with his hands, stared absently at the fire.

“Bad dreams again?” asked the Inquisitor. Cullen nodded dumbly.

“I...” He looked up, “You said you weren't asleep? After riding all day yesterday?”

Concern shaded his features and Alyssa squeezed his hands with her own. The smile she gave him was weary.

“I have bad dreams of my own,” She said, “About Ostwick, about Haven...Sometimes it's easier to just do without sleep than...”

“I see,” Cullen said. He laced their fingers. “I am sorry.”

“It's all right,” Alyssa said, “I feel better with you here anyway. Seeing your face always heals me.”

The kiss he gave her in response was warm, tender. It fell more on the corner of her mouth the first time, so he leaned in again after. She smiled, pressed back, and once they had parted again she picked up her book.

“You can read with me, if you want,” She offered.

“A bedtime story?” Cullen's voice was tired but tinted with humor, “Aren't I a bit old for that?”

“I guess you don't want me to do the voices then, do you?” Alyssa quipped back easily. Cullen laughed.

“Lie back,” Alyssa said. Cullen listened, propped himself against the arm of the sofa with a throw pillow. Alyssa leaned back against him and opened the book.

“I'll start from the beginning,” She said.

The next half hour passed calmly. Alyssa read just loud enough for Cullen to hear and he let his hands wander a little, pressed kisses to the side of her neck every so often. His body was chilly to lie against at first, but he warmed up to the temperature of the room quickly enough and soon his hands ceased their aimless journey and settled around Alyssa's waist.

When his breathing started to slow, she closed the book. “Sleepy?” She asked.

“Hmm,” Cullen replied, “Your voice has a soothing effect.”

The book found a place on the coffee table again and Alyssa turned over onto her stomach. She left a trail of light pecks along Cullen's jawline and moved her hands to sift through his hair. It was as soft as it looked, she decided. And she was starting to feel the need to close her eyes as well.

“We can stay here,” She said quietly, “Or sleep in the bed.”

“You want me to spend the night?” Cullen asked groggily, “People will talk.”

“I mean, you're already here.” Alyssa replied, “People already talk. And I don't think you get to talk to me about what's scandalous after taking me against your desk.”

Cullen's eyes snapped open and his face flushed. “That was-” He sputtered, “Listen, you seemed to enjoy it quite well, so-”

Laughter bubbled out of her and Alyssa kissed him silent. “I was teasing you, love.”

Cullen sighed. “The bed,” He said after another moment, then added, “So I can get you out of those clothes later if I have a mind to.”

“Going to work on memorizing all my freckles, I suppose.” Alyssa kissed his nose and stood, happily considering the prospect of Cullen's hands all over her again. Rough, strong, warm hands.

For now though, it could wait. She shed her robe and nestled against Cullen snugly in her bed, hummed old lullabies as he curled his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. Soft songs from her childhood, which had the commander snoring softly in only minutes. Alyssa was not far behind him.

The nightmares were not so bad that night. Fewer, less violent. She drifted in and out but after each waking she felt Cullen next to her, resituated closer to him if necessary, and found rest again in moments.

At one point just after dawn she awoke to find him half leaning over her, eyes boring into her face. The fire had died down and the light from the tall windows cast a pale gray about the room. It framed Cullen in a cool, wintry sort of glow. Alyssa smiled blearily at him.

“We'll have to get up soon,” She murmured sleepily.

“We can sleep in an hour,” Cullen replied just as soft. “But I haven't rested so well in years, I'll have you know.”

“Me either,” Alyssa said.

“Perhaps I should stay up here more often?” Cullen bent to kiss her. She lifted a hand to card through his hair, hummed.

“Just stay every night,” She murmured against his lips. He hummed wordlessly in response and kissed her neck.

The day would have to start eventually, but they had time to sleep or fool around a little as they pleased. And Alyssa felt rested in a way she hadn't felt for months now.

[a-gay-bloodmage]

About the Character: Kiora Trevelyan

Tagged by: @red-wardens ((and here’s the post!))

Tagging: @thedisc0panda and @zeesqueere and anyone who sees this! Tag me if you do it so I can see!

———–

― your muse’s name:

Kiora Trevelyan

―  a favorite picture / faceclaim of your muse:

— More under the cut! —

― two headcanons you have for your muse:

Kiora is the closest thing to a demonologist that Southern Thedas has to offer. Her “profession” isn’t approved by the Chantry, of course, but she’s far more knowledgeable about the inner workings of the Fade than most Circle mages, as she’s not only spent far more time asleep and observing the dream world than most, but she wasn’t shy in approaching spirits. Where most mages try to avoid spirits in the Fade—as they may be demons—Kiora wasn’t scared to introduce herself. She’s been possessed a few times, but not only was she able to distract the more hostile demons long enough to exorcise them, but she was often pleasant enough to convince them to leave before they turned her into an abomination. 

She’s well-versed in the world of elfroot. Kiora loves almost nothing more than relaxing with a good elfroot cigar, a cat, and a horror novel. She managed to convince the Templars of the Ostwick Circle to let the mages grow elfroot inside the Tower, lowering the conflict considerably. Mages, when they’re just giggling and sleeping, require a lot less discipline—just more corralling. 

― three things that your muse likes doing in their free time:

Smoking: Kiora loves smoking. Loves it. Despite already being a very calm person, she finds elfroot smoking relaxing, and loves the steady rhythm of inhaling and exhaling and feeling the warm smoke curl around her lungs. Smoking was one of the few things in the Circle she could count on to be non-stressful. Having another person to smoke with only makes it better. 

Cuddling with her cats: Kiora loves her cats! So much! Socks, Duke, Duchess, Spook, Miss Match, and Patches all hold a special place in her heart. Trevelyan castle had no shortage of fluffy, pampered housecats, and the Ostwick Circle had the cutest little mousers. Her magic is infectious, and if she spends enough time with a cat, she can meet up with their spirits in the Fade, granted that they’re sleeping. Whether it be in the waking world or in the Fade, Kiora is always happy to have a sleepy black cat in her arms. 

Reading horror novels: Even if her sweet personality convinces most people that Kiora is simply an innocent girl with an affinity for black and violet, her more Gothic appearance actually does reflect quite a bit of her innermost being. She loves to sit and relax with a good horror novel, enjoying the gory, graphic ones the most. She’s so passive and soft-spoken she just needs to read about a horrific murderer every once in a while...

― seven people your muse loves / likes:

Sera: Kiora is in love with Sera. So much. She could rattle on for ages about how much she loves her hair and her voice and her energy and her smile and her everything. Her and Sera’s relationship is an “opposites-attract” one to most looking on—what with their polar opposite looks, dress, energy levels, etc—but they’re actually quite similar, and agree on the fact that everybody deserves a chance to live free as themselves. And that nobles are annoying. 

Anders: Kiora has a love for Anders that most non-mages could never even hope to understand. She was terrified of the idea of being free from the Circle at first, as she had no idea how to survive outside thick stone walls, but as soon as she got her first taste of freedom, she couldn’t have been more grateful. No more long nights consoling abused mages and shooing away all the persistent demons that dwelled in the Tower. She longs to meet him one day, to finally be able to thank the man that made it possible for her to breathe fresh air and fall in love. She knows she’d never be able to express her love and gratitude, but she would love to try. 

Cole: Kiora loves Cole and Cole loves Kiora. She all but adopted him as her weird little spirit son the second she saw him, and he immediately grew to like her. She may not be stupid, but her thoughts are quiet and gentle, and he appreciates hearing the memories of a kindhearted stoner than some of the more... intense companions. Her cats love him, and they help ground him to reality when he gets too lost in the loud thoughts of the tavern patrons. Once he becomes more human and starts sleeping, she visits him whenever she can to talk to him in the Fade. Her and Cole are close enough to force Sera to interact with him, and, with enough time, even Sera came around to liking him. Even if he is a little creepy. 

The Iron Bull and Blackwall : Kiora adores Bull and Blackwall the same! They’re so sweet to her, and despite the two of them being so different, they both care for her like a kinda simple, sweet little lesbian daughter. Kiora loves cozying up on Bull’s giant lap, and she loves sitting in the stables and watching/listening to Blackwall whittle. Sometimes, she’ll drink and play cards with Bull and the Chargers, and other times, she’ll paint the toys Blackwall makes. She’s got very delicate hands that are quite good at detailed little hobbies. 

The Warden (Redren): Kiora, when first hearing about the Warden, was utterly terrified of him. An apostate mage who could rip darkspawn apart with a wave of a staff, known for being aggressive and unfeeling, getting into bloody conflicts with Templars, and who maybe killed the King of Ferelden? The eleven-year-old Kiora was utterly terrified of ever meeting such a man. However, as she got older, and especially once she got shipped to the Circle at fourteen, she came to appreciate the Warden more. How was it possible for a mage to stand up for himself like that? When she became Inquisitor, her respect for the Warden doubled. Leading an organization was stressful, it was a wonder he hadn’t gone mad...! 

Dorian: Kiora loves Dorian very much. Of course, learning he was from Tevinter made her nervous—as such a fact makes most in the South nervous—but once she got to know him, she came to really like him. Of course, he can be a little too confrontational for her at times, but for the most part, he’s fun to be around. He’s certainly more flamboyant than her, but they both share a love for eye-catching fashion. As a very empathetic person, she could relate to being a family outcast, and took Dorian in with open and squishy arms. 

Vivienne: She and Vivienne may disagree on Circle politics, but Kiora really enjoys the presence of another Circle-raised mage. They were both well-respected in the Circles, and they’re both willing to agree to disagree. They appreciate fine clothing, intricate magic, and a nice glass of red wine. Not to mention, Kiora’s cats love curling around Vivienne’s waist, and no amount of white clothing can keep those cats from cuddling a mage. 

― a phobia your muse has:

Kiora’s incredibly terrified of being useless. She’s spent her entire mage-existence being used by others, and she’s been so indoctrinated into the fact the usefulness equals the right to exist, and being tossed aside because nobody needs her is a terrifying concept. Mages that weren’t useful were Tranquil. Kiora helps keep her fears at bay by not only throwing herself into situations where she could be used to help, but by making sure that she’s always taking care of her cats and making herself useful to them. Constant reaffirmation is the best way to keep her from doubting herself, whether that be through thanks, smiles, or happy little purrs.